Glee, the UK’s leading garden and outdoor living trade show, has announced the return of its Glee Roadshow this spring, bringing industry conversation and collaboration to the East of England for the first time.

Taking place on Wednesday 18th March at Gates Garden Centre, Oakham, the one-day event will attract garden retailers from both the immediate region and neighbouring counties, to explore the issues, opportunities and trends shaping garden retail right now, both regionally and nationally.

Designed as a forum for open discussion, shared learning and practical problem-solving, the Glee Roadshow offers attendees a chance to step away from day-to-day trading pressures and take stock of what is happening in the market. From changing consumer behaviour and operational challenges to innovation, growth opportunities and future-proofing strategies, the event will give retailers a genuine ‘temperature check’ on the sector.

The day will focus firmly on the ‘now’, creating space for honest conversations, peer-to-peer insight and meaningful networking. Retailers will be encouraged to share experiences, compare approaches and explore solutions together, with the aim of leaving with tangible takeaways they can apply back in their own businesses.

Matthew Mein, Event Director of Glee and Autumn Fair, said: “The response to last year’s roadshow was incredibly positive. Retailers told us how valuable it was to come together, talk openly about the challenges they’re facing, and hear how others are navigating similar issues. What really stood out was how practical and useful the discussions were, people left with ideas, reassurance and a clearer sense of direction.

“We’re excited to now bring the Roadshow to the East, a region with a hugely diverse and dynamic garden retail landscape. This is about understanding what’s shaping businesses locally, while also identifying the wider themes and opportunities that resonate across the industry as a whole. Above all, we want to provide a platform for thoughtful, informed conversation that genuinely supports retailers as they plan for the months and years ahead.”

Part of Glee’s wider commitment to supporting the garden retail sector year-round, the Roadshow reflects the show’s role as more than a three-day exhibition, acting instead as a catalyst for ongoing dialogue, connection and industry insight.

How to join the Glee Roadshow

Attendance is free, but spaces are limited. The event will run from 11am to 4pm, with early registration encouraged. To register your interest and stay updated, please visit www.gleebirmingham.com/roadshow.

See GTN Xtra's photos from last years Glee Roadshow below:

Empathy by PlantWorks Ltd, the UK’s leading ecology-led gardening brand, is presenting a significant expansion of its product range for 2026, reinforcing its position as a science-first innovator in sustainable plant care. The newly launched products extend Empathy’s proven soil biology expertise into new plant categories, indoor growing, and long-term after-plant care.

Building on more than a decade of research into beneficial soil microorganisms, the 2026 launches are designed to support gardeners from the moment of planting through to ongoing maintenance. At the heart of the range remains rootgrow™ mycorrhizal fungi, a technology recommended “for every time you plant,” now complemented by a broader ecosystem of biofertilisers, liquid feeds, and specialist solutions that work with natural soil biology rather than relying on high chemical inputs.

New After Plant™ biofertilisers and liquid feeds

A major focus for 2026 is the continued development of the After Plant range. New 1 kg granular biofertilisers for Hydrangeas and Tomatoes & Vegetables combine mycorrhizal fungi, beneficial bacteria, and balanced nutrients to enhance root strength, nutrient use efficiency, flowering, and cropping performance. Alongside these, new 1 L liquid feeds for Acer and Olive Trees extend Empathy’s targeted nutrition into high-value plant categories increasingly popular with UK gardeners.

Formulated with seaweed extracts and plant-derived amino acids, these liquid biostimulants are designed as natural follow-on feeds after establishment, supporting resilience, colour, and sustained growth across the season.

The Green Room: a new indoor plant care range

Responding to growing interest in houseplants and indoor gardening, Empathy is launching The Green Room, a dedicated indoor plant care range. This includes new House Plant and Citrus granular biofertilisers, as well as expanded Pump & Feed liquid options for houseplants, orchids, citrus, cacti, and succulents. Designed for ease of use, the range brings Empathy’s soil-first, biology-led philosophy into the home, supporting healthy roots and consistent growth in pots and containers.

Supporting gardeners and garden centres

Commenting on the 2026 launches, Robert Patten, Managing Director of PlantWorks Ltd, said: “Every product we introduce is rooted in the same principle: lead with science and work with biology, not against it. The 2026 range allows gardeners to apply beneficial microbes and balanced nutrition at every stage of plant care, while helping garden centres offer credible, ecology-led solutions that genuinely perform.”

Another week, another exciting development for Corby + Fellas, as the business showcases its fully integrated self-service kiosk.

The solution has been successfully piloted in partnership with Hillier Garden Centres at their Three Legged Cross centre in Dorset, where customers are already benefiting from a swift, intuitive and discreet checkout experience, fully supported by the Hillier team.

Designed to enhance the automated checkout journey, the kiosk incorporates a range of new features to ensure it is reliable, robust and simple to use. Crucially, it integrates seamlessly with the full Corby + Fellas product suite, including its apps and reporting systems - delivering a truly connected, end-to-end retail solution.

This latest innovation reinforces Corby + Fellas’ commitment to forward-thinking technology, built in-house and developed in close collaboration with valued customers.

For more information or to discover how Corby + Fellas can help your garden centre business, contact sales@corbyfellas.com.

You can lock in your hotel stay at SOLEX with the exhibition’s special £100 hotel offer including breakfast, which is exclusively available from 1-31 March only.

It may be cold outside, but summer planning has officially begun – and with it, the excitement is already building for SOLEX – The Summer Outdoor Living Exhibition at the NEC, Birmingham.

To help exhibitors and visitors make the most of the exhibition (and get a head start on those brighter days), SOLEX is delighted to announce that its popular hotel offer returns for the third year running with rooms from only £100 per night including breakfast.

The offer will be available to book from 1–31 March, for stay dates 6–8 July, at the following hotels located within the NEC complex:

• The Genting
• The Moxy
• Hilton Metropole
• Holiday Inn (Birmingham Airport)

A Brand-New and Easy Way To Book — Introducing The SOLEX Hotel Hub 

 This year, the offer will be available through a brand-new Hotel Hub on the SOLEX website, created in conjunction with Helms Briscoe. Designed to make planning simple, the interactive map helps attendees quickly view hotel options, find the best location, and book with ease.

And for those who prefer to stay a little further out, the Hotel Hub also includes off-site accommodation options, giving exhibitors and visitors even more choice when planning their visit. 

Make Tuesday night count

Staying over on Tuesday night is the perfect way to maximise the SOLEX experience — from the SOLEX Awards and Afterparty, to a bright early start on the show floor the next morning. After all, summer will be here before we know it… and it’s always better when everything you need is right on your doorstep! 

So, whether you’re exhibiting, visiting, or networking, staying over is the easiest way to enjoy the show at its best. 

The £100 pp offer will be available from 1–31 March only. 

Book here https://solexexhibition.com/accomodation/

This month’s Horticultural Trades Association’s Market Update shows that garden centre sales grew by 6% last month, compared to January 2025. This is a solid start to the year despite exceptionally wet and cold conditions across much of the UK. As a sector heavily weather-dependent, this has a significant impact alongside the ongoing cost pressures facing environmental horticultural businesses.

Overall sales were also up 8% compared to January 2024. However, average transaction values rose by just 1-2%, which is below the current rate of inflation. This suggests growth was driven primarily by increased footfall rather than higher basket spend, pointing to ongoing consumer caution and tight retail margins.

Fran Barnes, Chief Executive of the Horticultural Trades Association, said: “While the headline data is encouraging, it is important to note that it’s largely driven by an increase in the number of customers rather than an increase in how much each customer spends. With average transaction values rising below inflation, it’s clear customers are shopping carefully and looking for value. Businesses are seeing more people through the doors, but they are also managing tight margins in a highly cost-sensitive environment.

“Environmental horticulture is an industry where over 90% of businesses are SMEs, and they are currently absorbing significant cost increases. The recent increases in the National Living Wage and employer National Insurance contributions, alongside higher business rates and energy-related costs, have added an estimated £134 million in additional costs for our membership, directly affecting investment decisions, recruitment, and pricing strategies for many businesses.

“The mixed performance in gardening categories reflects the impact that weather can have at this time of year. Prolonged cold and heavy rainfall inevitably delay certain purchases, but strong demand for seeds and bulbs suggests consumers are planning ahead and remain engaged with gardening as a longer-term investment in their homes.

“Consumer confidence has edged up again, particularly in relation to personal finances, and that is a welcome signal. However, overall confidence remains negative and perceptions of the wider economy continue to weigh on sentiment. That combination means businesses are trading in a cautiously improving but still fragile environment.

“January is a small month in our trading calendar, so the real test will be the spring season. If weather conditions stabilise and consumer confidence continues to improve, there is clear potential for growth, but cost pressures remain a defining feature of the operating landscape for 2026.”

January’s exceptionally heavy rainfall, as much as +88% above average in some regions due to three named storms, also helped ease short-term pressure on water availability in several regions, reducing immediate supply concerns as the sector prepares for the core gardening season. However, this has also created significant issues for growers where soil is flooded and crops, particularly trees, are difficult to plant. Nurseries are needing to invest in resilience for both deluge and drought.

Overall, the data presents a balanced picture for business: resilient footfall and steady consumer demand, offset by margin pressure and ongoing structural cost headwinds as the industry moves toward its peak trading period.

HTA members can view the full January Market Update on the HTA website.

Broadcaster David Domoney and Blue Diamond Garden Centres Managing Director, Alan Roper, joined together last year to produce a brand-new television programme to be exclusively available on YouTube. 

Titled “Step-by-Step Gardening with David Domoney at Blue Diamond’s Bridgemere Show Gardens”, each episode explains all aspects of garden activities in an easy-to-follow format, with the goal to engage and empower viewers to tackle and enjoy the pursuit of gardening.

With nine successful episodes already released and over three million views, this hugely popular series has become YouTube’s most-watched gardening programme series of 2025 – offering unparalleled exposure for brands in the gardening sector. 

The success of this programme has already attracted leading brands across the garden industry, including Miracle-Gro, Westland, Frank P. Matthews, Taylors Bulb, Hozelock, Fothergill seeds, Regatta Clothing and Woodlodge Pots.

The show positions itself at the heart of a vibrant, inspirational gardening community with 70% of viewers watching Step-by-Step Gardening on a Smart TV demonstrating a crossover appeal from digital to traditional style broadcasting. The series is built on expertise, authenticity, and real-world horticultural practice.

Ofcom’s latest report confirms YouTube is now the UK’s second most-watched TV service. UK viewers spend over 39 minutes a day on YouTube, including over 16 minutes watching on the living-room TV and growing . The shift spans all ages: children 4–15 most often start their TV session on YouTube, 16–34s have grown YouTube-on-TV time to over 21 mins per day, and 55+ have almost doubled their time on YouTube. That’s why we’re prioritising YouTube to reach families and gardeners at scale.

Alan Roper said: “TV gardening has become too abstract, missing the practical advice which is very much needed. Historically, TV gardeners like Thrower, Hamilton and Seabrook captured this essence with practical advice. David Domoney has that same touch, whilst being an engaging personality, with a down-to-earth approach, plus with knowledge and a passion for horticulture. He is the perfect broadcaster to reinvent the step-by-step format to gardening for both new and experienced gardeners.”

The programme is co-owned by Domoney Ltd and Blue Diamond Ltd and produced by Domoney Productions.  Filming takes place at Blue Diamond Garden Centres’ Bridgemere Show Gardens, itself, an RHS Partner Garden. David Domoney has over 300,000 YouTube subscribers, which has significantly accelerated the programme’s viewing figure and is expected to continue growing. Thirteen new episodes are planned over the next year, released monthly, then fortnightly in March, April, May and June. 

David Domoney said: “For years the industry has yearned for a television gardening show that both educates and inspires, and, just as importantly, one that aligns with the times when customers are actively shopping for specific garden plants and products each month.  It makes perfect sense for television and garden retail to come together to deliver this. I am delighted to work with Alan Roper and his team to pioneer a new garden show that offers real gardening for real people, while dovetailing inspiration with the garden industry’s calendar. The step-by-step education and motivation this series provides is already benefiting garden retailers, manufacturers, importers and growers alike.”

The next episode of Step-by-step is transmitting 27th February on YouTube.

Marking 20 years of the Garden Press Event, more than 380 members of the media and the garden press - a record-breaking number - gathered at the Business Design Centre in London today (17 February) to connect with environmental horticulture businesses.

Organised by the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) and GIMA, this one-day, must-attend event featured more than 90 exhibitors, industry speakers, as well as demonstrations and announcements from gardening brands and businesses. Closing off the day was the presentation of the award winners: Best New Product and the Bob Maker Best Stand Award.

Best New Product Award

Voted for by visitors on the day, the coveted Best New Product Award was won by Fothergill’s Seeds with Oh Sow Simple Self-Watering Grow Kits; the all-in-one kits designed to make growing herbs easy, fun and rewarding.

Charlotte Gorringe from Fothergill’s Seeds said: “We’re absolutely delighted with our new product, which is about to hit the shelves. It’s a self-watering grow kit, otherwise known as a mason jar, and is simple for new and existing gardeners to grow on their windowsills. We’ve had such a wonderful reaction from everyone at the Garden Press Event today, including journalists and influencers. We’re really proud of the team as it shows how we’re moving forward and trying to make gardening accessible for everyone.”

The Garden Press Event has served as a springboard for numerous successful companies and products over the last two decades. This year’s anniversary event received the largest number of entries for the New Product Awards - 81 in total.

Bob Maker Best Stand Award

In recognition of exhibitors’ efforts to make their stands interesting and informative for visitors, a special presentation was given to the best overall stand, named after Bob Maker, who was involved with the inaugural event.

For the second-year running, the winner of the Bob Maker Best Stand Award was HSK Exotic Gardens. Exotic plant specialists HSK Exotic Gardens displayed their new Jurassic garden, the first in a range of themed gardens. The judges described the stand as inviting, aspirational, and instantly attention-grabbing; a space that didn’t just showcase plants but transported visitors into an experience. 

Roisin Wilson from HSK Exotic Gardens, said: “We’re so excited and beyond proud to win for the second-year running. I’m really pleased for the whole team who put this together. So many people have commented on it today, particularly the gorgeous seats and table which we made from dead tree ferns.”

Pindstrup Mosebrug A/S – one of the world’s leading producers of growing media for professional growers – has acquired La Mundial de Coco, a Dominican Republic-based supplier of high-quality coco products. The move by Bulrush Horticulture’s parent company expands its renewable raw-material base and strengthens its sourcing capabilities, securing coir supply for Bulrush customers.

Driven by the increasing global demand for growing media, Pindstrup continues to expand and diversify its raw-material foundation. Acquiring La Mundial de Coco – a supplier of renewable coco fibre and coco pith – is a natural next step in Pindstrup’s strategy for growth and in its commitment to supplying more sustainable solutions to its customers.

Pindstrup is among the industry leaders driving the development of more sustainable growing media solutions. The acquisition of La Mundial de Coco, combined with ongoing expansions in wood fibre production, enables new opportunities within growing media based on renewable and circular raw materials.

Pindstrup CEO, René Gjerding says of the acquisition: “I am very thankful that the owner of La Mundial de Coco, Alberto Rosi, and his team have placed their trust in Pindstrup and allowed us to take over this well-run company. The acquisition supports our growth journey as well as the green transition that Pindstrup is fully committed to. Our target for 2028 is to reach 40% non-peat raw materials in our growing media, and we are already at 34%. La Mundial de Coco’s products and the possibilities to grow this business is a significant step in the right direction of setting even more ambitious targets to include more sustainable raw materials in our solutions in the future.”

Unique in the industry, La Mundial de Coco processes the coco husk mechanically and entirely under roof. This ensures high product quality, independence from weather conditions, and full control over product parameters that are key for growers in greenhouses worldwide.

René Gjerding adds: “La Mundial de Coco processes its products in safe and well-controlled conditions – the best set-up we have seen, and one that bears evidence of a strong technological foundation as well as standards and values that are fully aligned with those of Pindstrup. With the existing plant as our base, we are very committed to investing in and further developing La Mundial de Coco.”

La Mundial de Coco founder, Alberto Rosi comments: “La Mundial de Coco is very proud to join the Pindstrup Group – a well-respected player in the industry that we have come to know as a trustworthy company with a dedicated team. I am pleased to know that what we founded 30 years ago will continue to grow in the hands of Pindstrup.”

Completed less than five months after the acquisition of Latvia-based Compaqpeat, the investment in La Mundial de Coco stresses Pindstrup’s determination to strengthen its global operations and secure the resources needed to meet growing market demand with more sustainable solutions.

The acquisition is exciting news for customers of Bulrush Horticulture, who will reap the benefits of a reliable source of coir amidst increased pressure on growing media supply in the market.

Bulrush Horticulture Sales Director, Alex Julien says: “The acquisition of La Mundial de Coco by Pindstrup is a significant step and goes a long way to futureproofing our business. We have been working hard behind the scenes for the past two years, making changes to strengthen our offer, increase capacity and enhance service. The incorporation of a coco products supplier into our parent business is hugely positive for our customers because it actively secures our coir supply and demonstrates that we are thinking long-term. We are extremely excited about what the future holds.”

Find out more

Now is the time to plan order schedules for all substrates. Connect with Bulrush today to learn more about our innovative product portfolio and discover how we can support your journey next season and beyond. Contact your local area manager, call 028 7938 6555 or please visit bulrush.co.uk

Blue Diamond Garden Centres has launched the Gourmet Gardener Seed Collection – a new and exclusive range of vegetable seeds which also includes seed bulbs and seed potatoes, created for gardeners who value flavour as much as growth.

Carefully selected and bred for exceptional taste, the collection offers 100 seed types across herbs, salads, vegetables, peas and beans, including 24 specially flavour-bred varieties. Designed to inspire from the very start, every seed packet is linked to a recipe, with many dishes developed exclusively by Blue Diamond’s Head Chef.

Challenging traditional seed packaging, each pack features a vibrant image of a finished, cooked dish rather than raw produce, offering a glimpse of the culinary potential that lies ahead. Every purchase unlocks easy-to-follow recipes online, available to view or print, guiding growers seamlessly from planting to plating.

A key highlight of the range is its chef-curated content. A proportion of the collection showcases bespoke recipes specially devised by Blue Diamond’s Head Chef, bringing gourmet creativity directly from the garden to the kitchen. From everyday favourites to standout ingredients, the collection also includes essential herbs — a must-have for every home chef.

The Gourmet Gardener Seed Collection encourages customers to grow with confidence, knowing that even the most generous harvest will never be wasted. From carrots to potatoes, strawberries to rhubarb, each visually rich seed pack inspires new and creative ways to enjoy home-grown produce, complete with recipe ideas designed to make every harvest delicious.

The Gourmet Gardener Seed Collection is available in all 52 Blue Diamond Garden Centres, inviting customers to grow with purpose, cook with confidence, and savour the full journey from seed to plate.

Key features include:

• 100 seed types across herbs, salads, veg, peas and beans, including seed bulbs and seed potatoes.
• 24 flavour-bred varieties
• Each pack unlocks a recipe online
• Many exclusive Head Chef–developed recipes
• Cooked recipe imagery on every packet
• Easy-to-follow, printable recipes
• Reassuring customers to grow a generous harvest with confidence.

With the Gourmet Gardener Seed Collection, Blue Diamond redefines what it means to grow your own — because this isn’t just gardening, it’s gourmet gardening. 

To find out more visit bluediamond.gg/the-gourmet-gardener-about

The Horticultural Trades Association celebrated two decades of the Garden Press Event, a milestone anniversary shared with partner GIMA.

Over the last 20 years, the event has grown into the largest of its kind, showcasing environmental horticulture businesses and their innovations to the media. To mark the 20th anniversary of the event, the founders, Richard Jackson and Guy Burtenshaw, joined the HTA, GIMA, and invited guests for a special ribbon-cutting ceremony during a celebratory breakfast reception.

Fran Barnes, Chief Executive of the HTA, commented: “We are delighted to celebrate 20 years of the Garden Press Event, which has grown into a must-attend on media and business calendars.  But while we’re celebrating the growth of this event alongside our partners at GIMA, our focus is firmly on the future.  Showcasing the best innovations, highlighting the HTA’s campaign ‘Your Garden Year’, encouraging the next generation to take part in gardening and horticulture and also demonstrating the value of this sector through our stats and facts document, we are ensuring that gardening remains a vibrant, accessible, and essential part of British life for generations to come.”

‘Your Garden Year’

The central focus for the HTA on their stand at this year’s Garden Press Event was the media showcase of the ‘Your Garden Year’ campaign. Designed as an industry-wide framework to support the nation’s gardening habits, the campaign provides a week-by-week roadmap to help gardeners feel confident in their outdoor spaces year-round.

Neil Grant, Chair of the HTA Retail Committee, along with the HTA team, met with members of the press on the HTA stand to discuss the launch of the Spring phase of the campaign and encourage writers, broadcasters and content creators to get behind the campaign and reflect the themes in their own content calendars for the year.

Neil Grant said: "Together we can keep gardening in the public consciousness all year round, restoring the rhythm of the gardening calendar and growing the market for everyone. While no one can control the weather, the industry can take far greater ownership of something that matters even more: the gardener’s journey.”

The Great Garden Centre Mystery: Inspiring the Next Generation

Expanding its commitment to encourage youth engagement, the HTA is delighted to welcome back Lee Connelly as the ambassador for National Children’s Gardening Week. Lee introduced ‘The Great Garden Centre Mystery’, a brand-new interactive adventure launching for National Children’s Gardening Week. The initiative uses digital code-breaking maps to transform garden centres into places of discovery and story-led exploration for families.

Lee Connelly said: “Garden centres are incredible places for families, and The Great Garden Centre Mystery adds a layer of adventure that gets children excited to explore. Cracking the code together creates shared memories and shows children that gardening is full of curiosity, fun, and magic.”

2026 Industry Stats and Insights

In addition to these major launches, the HTA has released its Environmental Horticulture and Industry Insights 2026 stats booklet. Now established as an annual reference tool for the media, the booklet provides the latest data-driven insights into the sector’s £38 billion economic contribution and its vital role in supporting the UK's environmental goals.

For more details about all the campaigns, visit the HTA website: hta.org.uk

Garden Re-Leaf Day has long been an integral date in the garden retail calendar – a moment when the season truly begins and the industry comes together for a shared purpose. On Friday 20th March 2026, supporters from across the UK will once again unite to create a magical day of activity, colour and community, all while raising vital funds for the Greenfingers Charity.

Each year, Garden Re-Leaf Day brings together suppliers, garden centres, teams and individuals, all passionate about making a difference. From early morning starts to muddy boots and smiling faces, the event perfectly captures the generous spirit of the industry – and this year promises to be no exception.

Returning by popular demand, the much-loved sponsored walks will once again take centre stage. Hundreds of fundraisers are expected to take on the challenge across two inspiring routes, the first being the long-established South Walk, which will once again start and finish at Tring Garden Centre in Hertfordshire, whilst the North Walk continues to find its home in the Holme Valley, beginning and ending at The Pickled Pheasant. Both routes will take in spectacular countryside and, in the north, the beautiful landscape surrounding the Peak District National Park.

Garden centres will also play a starring role, with one of the biggest – if not the biggest ever – contingents expected in 2026. Both Blue Diamond and British Garden Centres have pledged their support, with a wide range of activities planned to keep customers engaged over the Garden Re-Leaf weekend. From plant sales and quizzes to curry nights and creative fundraising events, many more garden centres are set to join in as plans continue to take shape.

But Garden Re-Leaf Day isn’t just for those hosting in-store events. Whether you’re celebrating on your own, with colleagues or as part of a wider team, there are endless ways to get involved. Pull on your boldest floral shirt for a fabulous day of flowers in the office, host a bake sale, organise a car wash, dance party or face-painting session, or organise your own challenge. Whatever you choose, the message is simple: have fun, get involved and fundraise your way.

Since its launch, Garden Re-Leaf Day has raised over £1 million for the Greenfingers Charity, helping to create more than 70 therapeutic gardens in children’s hospices across the UK. In 2025 alone, five new gardens opened their gates, a fitting way to mark the charity’s 25th anniversary and a powerful reminder of what the industry can achieve together.

Pledge your support for Garden Re-Leaf Day 2026 today by visiting:
https://www.greenfingerscharity.org.uk/get-involved/garden-re-leaf-day-2026

The Greenfingers Charity is preparing for a significant year ahead, announcing further details of its hospice garden programme for 2026, following the completion of five new therapeutic gardens across the UK in 2025.

Gardens completed in 2025

During 2025, Greenfingers opened five new bespoke hospice gardens, each carefully designed to support children with life-limiting conditions, their families and the professionals who care for them. New gardens were completed at The Nook (East Anglia), Chestnut Tree House (Arundel), Hope House (Shropshire), Acorns (Walsall) and Bluebell Wood (Sheffield).

These gardens are already being used as vital outdoor environments where children can experience nature safely, feeling fresh air, colour, texture and seasonal change, often for those whose medical needs limit their access to the outdoors. For families, the gardens provide rare opportunities to be together away from clinical spaces, while hospice staff benefit from restorative areas that support wellbeing.

New Greenfingers gardens planned for 2026

Building on this momentum, Greenfingers is now progressing three new garden projects for 2026. Each will be delivered as a bespoke, highly specialist space, shaped around the specific needs of its hospice community.

Naomi House and Jack’s Place, Winchester

The new garden planned for Naomi House and Jack’s Place will be Greenfingers’ 75th garden, marking an important milestone in the charity’s work across the UK. Designed by Helen Elks Smith, with early design stages already underway, the project will transform existing lawned areas into a welcoming, inclusive outdoor space for children, siblings, parents and hospice staff alike. Carefully shaped to support both play and quiet reflection, the garden will give families a place to step outside together, to breathe, connect and create precious memories away from the pressures of indoor care.

This garden will also be the focus of Greenfingers’ 2026 Kilimanjaro fundraising challenge, with trekkers taking on the climb to help fund the creation of this very space. Their efforts will play a direct role in bringing this garden to life, turning extraordinary personal challenges into a lasting legacy for the children and families who will use it for years to come.

Little Havens, Essex

The 2026 project at Little Havens will see Greenfingers return to the hospice to deliver a major refresh and redevelopment of the existing Grow Your Own garden. The new design will focus on improving accessibility and sensory engagement, enabling children with complex needs to interact safely with planting, textures and the natural environment.

Designed to support everyday hospice life, the garden will provide space for play, therapy and rest, while offering families precious opportunities to spend time outdoors together in a setting that feels calm, supportive and human.

Haven House, Woodford Green

At Haven House, Greenfingers will deliver a thoughtfully designed memorial and reflection garden within the hospice grounds. The project will be delivered by Baylis Landscapes, with the space carefully shaped to provide families with a calm, dignified outdoor environment where they can pause, reflect and remember.

A central feature of the garden will be a Corten steel memorial tree, supplied by Caltef Designs, alongside screened seating, connected pathways and sensitive planting. Together, these elements will create a space that offers privacy, comfort and a sense of peace, supporting families through some of the most emotionally challenging moments of their lives.

Neil Sewell, Operations Director at Greenfingers, said: “Every unique Greenfingers garden starts with listening to the hospice teams, to families, and to what children need most in that moment. These are not decorative spaces; they are places where children can experience fresh air, colour and a sense of freedom, sometimes for the only time. As we move into 2026, we’re incredibly proud of what we’ve delivered so far, and deeply aware of how vital continued support is to help us create more of these life-changing gardens.”

Looking ahead – creating gardens that change lives

As Greenfingers looks towards 2026, its focus is firmly on turning ambition into action – creating highly specialist hospice gardens that meet complex needs and change daily life for children and families. These spaces take months of careful design, sensitive construction and long-term commitment to deliver, and they simply cannot happen without continued fundraising and support. Every penny raised plays a vital role, helping to transform bare or underused spaces into safe, welcoming gardens where children can experience the outdoors, families can spend precious time together, and memories can be made when they matter most.

To find out more about the Greenfingers Charity, discover how to support its work, or get involved through fundraising, partnerships or volunteering, visit www.greenfingerscharity.org.uk.

Hillmount, Northern Ireland’s leading family-owned garden lifestyle centre, has handed over a blooming marvellous donation of £3,306.92 to Cancer Fund for Children.

Throughout December, families visiting Hillmount’s Santa’s Grotto in Bangor, Belfast and Carrick, generously contributed to the collection, helping to raise vital funds to support local children and young people impacted by cancer.

The total includes additional contributions made directly by Hillmount, reflecting the Mercer family’s continued commitment to supporting local charities.

Speaking about the donation, Robin Mercer of Hillmount said: “It’s extremely important as a family that we support local charities throughout the year and at Christmas we decided to return our efforts into supporting Cancer Fund for Children, following a number of years supporting a variety of other charities in December.

“We are very grateful to our customers who generously donated during their visits to Santa’s Grotto in Hillmount Bangor, Belfast and Carrick, as their donations enabled us to grow our own personal donation.”

Elaine Bullock, Partnership & Philanthropy Executive at Cancer Fund for Children, said: “We were so pleased to be Hillmount's chosen charity partner at Christmas as proceeds raised from Santa's Grotto will help us continue to ensure no child faces cancer alone."

Visit www.hillmount.co.uk and follow the garden centre on social media for opening times, offers and event information.

"I’m thrilled to present our latest collections, designed to help our customers fully enjoy their outdoor spaces," said George Summerscales, Furniture Buyer, ahead of the Klondyke Group's Outdoor Living Showcase Event at their Polmont centre this week.

"We are particularly excited to launch Garden Thyme, our fresh new garden furniture brand. We have created Garden Thyme to make outdoor living feel effortless and enjoyable, whether you’re hosting friends, enjoying family meals outside or simply soaking up a sunny afternoon, the range offers the perfect mix of comfort and style.

"My top picks for 2026 have to be our Santiago collection, which transports you to a sun-soaked Mediterranean courtyard, complete with the scents of fresh herbs and blooming bougainvillea. I’m also a big fan of our Palermo collection, whose beautiful woven design combines comfort with versatility, and comes in sizes that fit perfectly into any outdoor space.”

The showcase event launches the 2026 outdoor living ranges to our 22 centres and is attended by our Furniture Team members. It provides an opportunity for teams to see, touch, and experience the new collections firsthand.

With more of us choosing to make the most of our gardens as places to unwind, entertain and dine, the 2026 range has something for every outdoor moment. The collection features modular, dining, bistro and lounge sets, alongside gazebos, BBQs and pizza ovens, plus innovative heating and lighting solutions to help you enjoy your space long after the sun goes down.

Our suppliers play a crucial role in the success of the showcase, offering expert insights, key details, and benefits of our ranges. This ensures our teams can provide customers with the best advice, helping them select the right products for their lifestyle and outdoor space.

“The showcase is the perfect platform for our teams to fully familiarise themselves with the ranges and engage with our suppliers to get answers to any product-related questions. By the end of the day, everyone is excited to return to their centres and share their knowledge and inspiration with customers,” said George.

British Garden Centres is working in collaboration with Disney and Pixar’s “Hoppers” to get families gardening this spring. The collaboration will inspire young gardeners through hands-on outdoor activities and wildlife-friendly planting.

Disney and Pixar's “Hoppers” follows Mabel, an animal lover who seizes an opportunity to use a new technology and uncover mysteries within the animal world that are beyond anything she could have imagined.

To bring this nature-themed adventure to life, British Garden Centres is promoting its exclusive Gardeners' Grove mini children's tools range alongside the film in-store. The campaign includes in-store displays, social media content, Family Card offers, and email promotions across British Garden Centres locations nationwide. The retailer is also sharing expert content on “Hoppers” inspired plants and advice on attracting wildlife to gardens.

Activity trail events will also take place at selected centres (Brigg, Bridgnorth, Woodthorpe, Braintree, Hayes, Arcadia, Tarporley, Heighley Gate, Rugby, Thatcham) on March 7th and 8th, and March 28th and 29th during the Easter school holidays. Young visitors can hunt for eight “Hoppers” animal characters hidden throughout the garden centre and spell out a key phrase to submit online to win a prize. It's a treasure hunt that teaches children about plants and wildlife, ideal for families looking for school holiday activities.

Lucy Hewitt, Marketing Projects and Campaigns Manager at British Garden Centres, said: “Teaming up with Disney and Pixar for this campaign is a fantastic opportunity to combine storytelling with the joy of gardening. We're passionate about helping children discover the magic of nature, and ‘Hoppers’ captures that sense of wonder beautifully. By encouraging families to garden together and create wildlife-friendly spaces, we hope to nurture the next generation's love of the outdoors."

For more information about the collaboration and upcoming activity trail events, visit www.britishgardencentres.com  or follow British Garden Centres on social media.

In Disney and Pixar’s all-new animated comedy adventure “Hoppers,” animal lover Mabel (voice of Piper Curda) seizes an opportunity to use a new technology to ‘hop’ her consciousness into a life-like robotic beaver and communicate directly with animals. As she uncovers mysteries in the animal world beyond anything she could have imagined, Mabel befriends charismatic beaver King George (voice of Bobby Moynihan) and must rally the entire animal kingdom to face a major, imminent human-threat: smooth-talking local mayor Jerry Generazzo (voice of Jon Hamm). The all-star voice ensemble also features Kathy Najimy, Dave Franco and Meryl Streep. “Hoppers” is directed by Daniel Chong and produced by Nicole Paradis Grindle, with an original score by Mark Mothersbaugh. The film opens exclusively in cinemas on March 6, 2026.

Social Media

Instagram:  @DisneyStudiosUK;

Facebook:  @WaltDisneyStudiosUK; 

TikTok:  @DisneyUK; 

X:  @Disney_UK; 

YouTube: @DisneyUK; 

Hashtag: #Hoppers #Pixar

British Garden Centres (BGC) is the UK’s largest family-owned garden centre group with 75 centres around the country. The group is owned and led by the Stubbs family, who also own and operate Woodthorpe Leisure Park in Lincolnshire.

BGC was launched in 1990 with the opening of Woodthorpe Garden Centre by brothers Charles and Robert Stubbs. Since 2018, it has expanded rapidly with the acquisition of 50 garden centres, allowing it to grow from its heartland to the business it is now, with 75 garden centres spread from Carmarthen to Ramsgate, Wimborne to East Durham.

The group has a team of over 3,500 colleagues working across the garden centres, restaurants, growing nurseries, distribution centres, Woodthorpe Leisure Park, and Woody’s Restaurant & Bar.

Social Media

Facebook: British Garden Centres
Twitter: @BGCentres
Instagram: @BritishGardenCentres
Website: www.britishgardencentres.com

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Robert Kitt has announced his retirement from LeisureGrow, where he has served as Area Sales Manager for the past 20 years.

Robert joined LeisureGrow in 2005 and quickly established himself as a driven and highly effective sales professional. Over the course of his tenure, he played a pivotal role in expanding regional market share, strengthening key partnerships with garden centres, and consistently delivering year-on-year revenue growth across his territory. His strategic approach to account management and his deep understanding of customer needs have left a lasting impact on both colleagues and clients.

“Robert’s contribution to the business over the past 20 years has been exceptional,” said Jody Grimmer – Managing Director. “His professionalism, integrity, and commitment to excellence have helped shape our sales culture and strengthen our presence in the market. He will be greatly missed, both personally and professionally.”

Beyond his commercial achievements, Robert has been a central figure in the company’s culture. Known for his quick wit and infectious sense of humour, he has a unique ability to lift spirits and bring laughter to any room — whether during team meetings, trade shows, or long days on the road visiting customers. His positive energy has helped foster a strong sense of camaraderie across the business.

Robert is also widely regarded as one of the in-house Grillstream barbecue experts. A familiar sight at company events and product demonstrations, he could often be found at the grill, expertly cooking and sharing his passion for outdoor living. His enthusiasm for barbecuing not only showcased the company’s products in action but also brought colleagues together, reinforcing the community spirit that defines LeisureGrow.

Throughout his career, Robert demonstrated resilience in the face of evolving market conditions, adaptability in response to industry change, and an unwavering commitment to delivering value.

As Robert steps into retirement, he leaves behind a strong legacy of performance, professionalism, partnership — and plenty of laughter! The company extends its sincere thanks for his dedication and wishes him every success and happiness in the years ahead.

Stanway Garden Centre in Essex, part of British Garden Centres, hosted The Rt Hon Dame Priti Patel MP alongside Amy Stubbs, Managing Director of British Garden Centres. The meeting was to discuss the escalating costs, placing a significant strain on businesses across the horticultural sector.

The meeting addressed critical challenges facing the industry, including the impact of the Autumn 2024 Budget measures and the increase in National Insurance Contributions.

A key discussion point was the urgent need for political support on the UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) agreement. Amy highlighted how supply chain costs have significantly increased since Brexit, with some businesses absorbing up to 25% higher costs. With half of the £1.2bn worth of plants and trees sold annually in the UK imported from the EU, the proposed SPS agreement would eliminate the need for plant health certification and physical checks at the border, reducing the administrative burdens and delays currently affecting the industry.

The meeting also explored the transition to peat-free growing media. While British Garden Centres fully supports a peat-free future, Amy emphasised the importance of a properly supported and realistic transition timeline. Professional growers are facing peat-free growing media costs up to 37% higher than traditional alternatives, and Amy highlighted how the sector needs government support for investment, clear guidance, and a level playing field that includes imported plants.

Amy Stubbs, Managing Director of British Garden Centres, said: "It was invaluable to meet with Priti Patel and discuss the very real pressures facing our industry. As a family-run business rooted in local communities, we see every day how rising costs and regulatory challenges affect growers, suppliers, and garden centres across the country.

"By working closely with government and industry partners like the HTA, we can help shape a future where horticulture continues to flourish, supporting local jobs, strengthening our economy, and encouraging more people to discover the many benefits of gardening.”

Priti Patel MP commented: “I was delighted to visit Stanway Garden Centre and to speak directly with Amy, their Managing Director, about the real pressures their business is facing. Garden centres like this are a cornerstone of our local economy, providing jobs and serving families across our community, yet they are being hit hard by Labour’s damaging policies.

“It is deeply worrying to hear how rising employment costs, higher business rates and escalating energy prices are placing unsustainable pressure on businesses in the horticultural sector. Many of these businesses are already operating on tight margins, and Labour’s policies are making it even harder for them to plan for the future.

“Local businesses are the backbone of our economy, and they deserve a government that supports them rather than penalises them. Only the Conservatives have a clear and credible plan to back businesses, protect jobs and deliver the growth that communities like Witham depend on.”

Samantha Smith, Policy and Public Affairs Manager at the Horticultural Trades Association (of which British Garden Centres is a member), said: "Showing politicians, like Priti Patel, what HTA members do in their local areas is a valuable opportunity for everyone involved. Site visits really help bring the sector's story to life; they highlight the challenges facing the industry, whether that's rising business costs, workforce pressures, or regulatory compliance.

"It's particularly rewarding to see MPs recognising the value of the business they are visiting, and understanding the positive impacts the wider environmental horticulture sector brings, whether that's its economic contribution, health and wellbeing benefits, role in tackling climate change, or ability to bring local communities together. We encourage HTA members to host their local politicians, which we can help to facilitate."

This dedicated performance Houseplant Compost – the latest addition to Durstons’ game-changing peat-free range – brings out the best in indoor plants, thanks to its market-leading formulation and optimal nutrient profile. Think lusher leaves, bigger blooms and less frequent watering!

As with other products in the Durstons Advanced peat-free collection, which outperformed competitor products across the board in growing trials, this brand-new launch from Durston Graden Products is set to transform indoor gardening and give your beloved houseplants a boost.

Its unique formulation, complete with 14 essential nutrients, creates the ideal conditions for houseplants to thrive, supporting healthy growth and vitality. The exceptional quality and structure of this performance compost provides great aeration for strong roots, whilst its effective moisture control means you won’t have to wield a watering can quite so often to meet your plants’ watering needs.

Perfect for re-potting or giving new houseplants the right start, Durstons Advanced Houseplant Compostis easy to use and delivers premium performance at an affordable price, so maintaining your prized indoor jungle doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg.

What you can expect with Durstons Houseplant Compost:

• 14 essential nutrients – easily absorbed and accessible to plants
• Highly-effective moisture retention – reducing the need for frequent watering
• 70% bigger plants *
• 50% more blooms *
• Premium peat-free formulation – greener growing without compromise on performance
• Responsible packaging – made from 30% recycled plastic and can be recycled at most garden centres

Pick up a bag of Durstons Advanced Houseplant Compost today and see the Durstons difference!

Find out more
Retailers interested in strengthening their peat-free offer and supporting gardeners through the transition can find out more about Durstons’ award-winning range and point-of-sale support at www.durstongardenproducts.co.uk or by calling 01458 442688.

* based on results of independent growing trials

With two months of the charity year still to go, a Bradford-based garden centre group has smashed its fundraising target and extended its commitment to a local children’s hospice.

In April 2025, the teams at Yorkshire Garden Centres’ sites in West and North Yorkshire pledged to raise £30,000 for Martin House Children’s Hospice, the Wetherby-based independent charity that cares for babies, children and young people with life-shortening conditions from West, North and East Yorkshire.

Through a series of fundraising events, stock donations, collection boxes at the tills and the ‘Pennies’ initiative where customers donate when they pay, the teams at Tong, Tingley, Otley, Bingley, York, Scarborough and Pennine Garden Centres have exceeded expectations and have raised over £75,000 for the charity in just 10 months.

Yorkshire Garden Centres’ group people and culture manager, Steph Harrison, said: “We’re delighted to announce that we are extending our fundraising for Martin House to June 2027, and have set a new target of £150,000. The partnership has been a huge success with our team and our customers, as they know the impact Martin House has on so many Yorkshire families and we’re very excited to see what a longer partnership can do. 

“Every year Martin House cares for more than 500 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 £12 million a year to provide this level of care, the majority of which comes from voluntary donations and fundraising. Thanks to the support of our colleagues and our generous customers who have used our ‘Pennies’ initiative to donate over £60,000 at the checkout, we have smashed our initial fundraising target, and we are looking forward to raising even more money for this very deserving cause.”

Hannah Finan is the charity’s partnership manager: “We are so grateful to the team at Yorkshire Garden Centres and their wonderful customers for pledging to raise £150,000 for Martin House. This year, we will open the Martin House Education Centre, as we lead the way in providing expert training and education in children’s palliative care to healthcare professionals around our region and beyond.

“£150,000 will fund our education team for a year, helping us to increase understanding and knowledge of excellent palliative care for children and young people with life-shortening conditions. Thank you so much for your generosity.”

Mrs Harrison concluded: “Martin House was our first Charity of the Year when we acquired Tong Garden Centre in 2015. In the last decade, we have raised over £140,000 for local charities through our Charity of the Year initiative and have donated £12,500 to community groups through our Kindness Pot which supports projects suggested by our team. This level of giving puts us in the top 1% of Just Giving supporters, which is an amazing statistic to celebrate.”

The Yorkshire Garden Centres team has planned a series of events, including a Yorkshire Day Spinathon at all sites, a Dragon Boat race and a sponsored walk of the Yorkshire Three Peaks to raise the additional funds. To contribute to Yorkshire Garden Centres’ fundraising, please visit https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/ygcgroup

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.

The Prosper Buying Group has announced the appointment of Simon Bourne (Retail Director, Perrywood Garden Centres) as its new Chairman, succeeding Terry Head (Retail & Marketing Director, Stewarts Garden Centres), who steps down after six successful years in the Chairman role.  

During his tenure, Terry has welcomed new members into the group and has worked closely with fellow members and supplier partners to secure strong commercial terms and enhance the group’s collective buying power.  

Simon comments, “Terry has been a brilliant Chairman and has played a key role in strengthening Prosper’s membership and supplier relationships. On behalf of everyone in the Group, I’d like to thank him for his leadership and commitment over the past six years.”  

Looking ahead, Simon will focus on building on the strong foundations already in place — continuing to grow membership, strengthening supplier partnerships and ensuring Prosper delivers maximum value to its members.  

“Prosper is in a strong position, and I’m looking forward to continuing the excellent work already underway and driving the group forward,” Simon added.  

The Prosper Group contains nine companies: 

• Aylett Nurseries,  
• Cowell’s Garden Centre,  
• Chessington Garden Centre, 
• Henry Street Garden Centre, 
• Knights Garden Centres,  
• Perrywood Garden Centres,  
• Stewarts Garden Centres, 
• St. Peters Garden Centre, 
• Stratford Garden Centre & Warwick Garden Centre   

Together they have 15 garden centres with a joint turnover of £95m.

Following the on-going success of the Garden Centre Association’s innovative Westland Horticulture-sponsored Rising Stars initiative it has this year relaunched its hospitality section.

Coordinated by Costas Constantinou of Kosko, it has been created to highlight and develop talented individuals in garden centre restaurants and cafés and to recognise the important industry role hospitality plays.

Peter Burks, Chief Executive of the GCA, said: “After a few years away, we’re delighted to reintroduce this bespoke training programme, brought together by Costas. It includes activities with companies that are true market leaders with specialist training teams who will deliver something genuinely unique for our Rising Stars, supporting their development and future careers within our sector. We would like to thank our sponsors Brakes, Gratte Brothers and Beanworks for helping make this happen by getting behind the Academy.

“Our existing Rising Stars programme, sponsored by Westland Horticulture, has gone from strength-to-strength and remains a significant benefit to GCA members wishing to develop their staff. It is also an important tool for garden centres wishing to celebrate and acknowledge those staff that give their all and are eager to learn more. The benefits to the individuals taking part are huge and the programme is a big boost to career progression.

“For most garden centres, certainly in recent years, the percentage of hospitality staff is at an all-time high. We felt that it was right to develop a Rising Stars section that ‘caters’ specifically for their needs. So, we have re-launched a separate hospitality programme with the aim of developing individuals within our industry.

“We’re grateful to Costas, who has more than 40 years of hospitality leadership, for sharing our vision and acknowledging the need to develop the talented individuals within our sector.”

A brief outline of the programme includes (where two dates are given this gives the opportunity to split the delegates as the venue cannot cope with large numbers):

Beanworks Coffee Roastery – March 17 & 18 
Delegates will gain first‑hand experience of premium coffee roasting before taking part in an in‑depth Barista Masterclass.

Brakes Innovation & Market Insight – May 12 & 13
A rare opportunity to spend a full day with the world’s largest foodservice supplier.

Rational UK – June 3
A day with the world’s most popular combination‑oven manufacturer.

Corby & Fellas EPOS at Ruxley Manor – June 29
A practical session exploring Corby & Fellas’ industry‑leading EPOS system in a live environment. Followed by a behind‑the‑scenes tour of the award‑winning Ruxley Manor Garden Centre restaurant.

Unox UK – July 15
An exclusive chance to access one of the most advanced hospitality equipment manufacturers. 

Gratte Brothers – August 12
The morning session provides a step‑by‑step guide to planning a kitchen redevelopment or upgrade. Gratte’s experts also deliver a Service & Maintenance Masterclass. In the afternoon, Costas leads a workshop on running a profitable, successful garden centre restaurant.

Insight6 Customer Experience – September 16
The morning offers an introduction to customer experience strategy delivered by Mel Evans, a recognised garden centre specialist with more than 30 years’ industry experience. In the afternoon, delegates tour Pugh’s Garden Village award‑winning Orange Tree Restaurant & Café – GCA’s 2022 & 2023 hospitality winners.

Costas Constantinou of Kosko adds: “We are committed to ensuring every attendee receives thorough, ground‑up training, with no assumptions about existing knowledge or skill levels.

“We’re now inviting applications from member garden centres who would like to put candidates forward. Application forms are available to GCA member garden centres through the members’ section of the GCA website. The closing date for applications is February 28, 2026.”

Hillier and Street Trees for Living, a charity based in Lewisham, have announced a new partnership focused on planting and caring for street trees across South London and beyond. The collaboration combines Hillier’s horticultural experience with Street Trees for Living’s community-led approach, creating a hands-on, people-powered model for greener, healthier neighbourhoods.

Street Trees for Living works closely with residents, schools, and community groups to plant and look after street trees. Volunteers, known as “tree guardians,” take responsibility for the trees in their streets, helping them thrive while learning practical skills and connecting with their neighbourhood. By working with Hillier, Street Trees for Living links this care with expert guidance on species selection, planting techniques, and long-term tree health. Together, they are creating a shared culture of stewardship that strengthens communities and the natural environment alike. Street Trees for Living will ensure, wherever possible, to use trees specified from Hillier, reflecting their values of sustainable growing practices and their professionalism in responsibly sourcing from an industry-leading, sustainable, and bio-secure British-grown tree nursery.

Hillier contributes over 160 years of experience growing high quality trees in the UK under strict standards of provenance, sustainability, and biosecurity. Through the partnership, Hillier and Street Trees for Living offer training, workshops, CPD sessions, and opportunities to visit Hillier’s nurseries, helping volunteers and guardians gain confidence and knowledge while nurturing their local trees.

Key benefits of the partnership include:

• More high-quality, sustainably grown street trees in local neighbourhoods
• Hands-on learning through workshops, planting demonstrations, and nursery visits
• Long-term guidance and on-site support to ensure trees flourish.

This collaboration is part of Hillier’s wider commitment to supporting community led greening initiatives across the UK. Each partnership reflects the unique needs and character of the communities involved.

Sophie McGeevor, Chair of Trustees, Street Trees for Living said: "We are thrilled to partner with Hillier, an organisation that shares our deep commitment to community stewardship and environmental responsibility. The quality of Hillier’s stock directly supports the success of our street trees and our 95% survival rate. By leveraging Hillier's trusted expertise and technical support, we'll provide valuable training and upskilling opportunities for our volunteers and guardians, strengthening our commitment to tree equity across the community."

For more information on Hillier Nurseries, visit www.hillier.co.uk. To find out more about Street Trees for Living, visit: https://www.streettreesforliving.org/

Iconic British brand, Range Rover, will be the headline sponsor of the world-famous RHS Chelsea Flower Show and RHS Charity Gala Preview, supporting the UK’s gardening charity in celebrating one of the nation’s favourite pastimes and inspiring millions of people to garden for health, happiness and the environment. 

The partnership brings together one of Britian’s best-loved cultural events with Range Rover as it enters a new era of electrification, alongside its leading British design and innovation. The Show will provide a worldwide platform to celebrate Range Rover’s latest innovations in electric vehicles.

RHS Chelsea Flower Show is the charity’s biggest fundraiser supporting RHS work to engage millions of people across the UK with gardening and growing plants, to mitigate the climate and biodiversity crisis and improve the health and happiness of the nation.

As part of the partnership, Range Rover will create a garden installation at RHS Chelsea reflecting its modern luxury design principles - a calm, architectural space that showcases elegant simplicity, quality and a forward-looking approach to sustainable innovation.

Clare Matterson, RHS Director General, said: “It’s exciting bringing together two great British brands, Range Rover and the RHS, on an international platform, showcasing innovation, sustainable gardening, cutting-edge design and world-class horticultural excellence.

“Through RHS Chelsea we raise funds to work with children in schools; patients and NHS workers in hospitals and with communities across the UK. The funds also help us to conduct vital science research to support people to garden more sustainably and grow plants for wildlife and to mitigate impacts of climate change.  We’re very grateful that our headline sponsor helps us to further this work and celebrate one of Britain’s greatest and simplest loves, gardening.”

Martin Limpert, Managing Director, Range Rover, said: “RHS Chelsea Flower Show is a global stage for cultural leadership, craftsmanship and design excellence - qualities central to Range Rover. Our partnership reflects a shared commitment to purposeful leadership and modern British creativity, and offers the ideal platform to present a quietly confident expression of what defines Range Rover today and in its electric future.”

RHS Chelsea Flower Show (19-23 May 2026, 8am-8pm) marks the start of the gardening season and returns to the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea for a show packed with inspirational gardens and stunning plant displays.

The Responsible Sourcing Scheme (RSS) has officially launched its new website, unveiled at the Garden Press Event on Tuesday 17 February 2026.

The refreshed platform, available at www.responsiblesourcing.org.uk, has been designed to offer clearer navigation, improved transparency and expanded background information about how the

scheme operates across the growing media supply chain.

While the RSS supports manufacturers, retailers and growers, the new website has also been developed with amateur gardeners and wider stakeholders in mind, making it easier for anyone with an interest in growing media to understand how products are assessed and what responsible sourcing means in practice.

The RSS is the industry-led certification scheme for growing media, independently audited and built around seven environmental and social criteria: energy use, water use, social compliance, habitat and biodiversity, pollution, renewability and resource use efficiency. The scheme enables manufacturers to assess and improve the responsible sourcing profile of their products, while providing retailers and consumers with greater clarity.

A key feature of the new website is the publication of audited products. Once manufacturers have completed the independent audit process, their products and responsibility ratings will be listed on the site. This allows consumers and professional users to view and compare product ratings, improving transparency and supporting informed purchasing decisions.

The new website provides:

• Clear explanations of how the scheme works and how products are assessed
• Accessible information for amateur gardeners and industry professionals
• Publication of audited products and their responsibility ratings
• Updated Scheme Rules and governance information
• Guidance on certification and use of the RSS logo

Commenting on the launch, Steve Harper, Chair of the RSS, said: “The Responsible Sourcing Scheme continues to evolve to reflect the needs of both the industry and consumers. The new website improves transparency, explains the assessment process more clearly, and makes it easier for gardeners to understand and compare responsibly sourced products. It represents an important step forward in strengthening trust and openness across the sector.”

The launch reflects the scheme’s ongoing commitment to transparency, continuous improvement and clear communication throughout the growing media industry.

For further information, visit: www.responsiblesourcing.org.uk

Taking place on Thursday 23rd April 2026 at the Dobbies Garden Centre in Milton Keynes, the event will bring selected GIMA members face-to-face with the retailer’s buying team through a series of structured one-to-one meetings designed to identify innovation, explore future ranging opportunities and build stronger supplier–retailer relationships.

The announcement follows a packed Buyer Connect agenda in 2025, which saw members connect with major retail names including Blue Diamond, Hilliers, Wickes, Walmart, B&Q and Robert Dyas. As the programme continues to gather pace, Buyer Connect has become an increasingly important route for suppliers seeking direct engagement with decision-makers and meaningful commercial conversations.

With roots dating back to 1865, Dobbies remains one of the UK’s most recognisable garden centre brands, combining plant expertise with an expanding year-round garden living offer. Recent investment across its estate, including store refurbishments and refreshed category development, reflects a retailer focused on evolution and future growth.

With significant scale and opportunity across the whole of the UK, the Dobbies team is now actively seeking innovation for 2027, with a particular focus on: garden décor, landscaping, garden storage & sheds, outdoor lighting and dropship – all garden categories.

The team is especially interested in new-to-market products, genuine innovation and new technology, as well as opportunities for hot spots and promotional activity. Both stocked and dropship product ranges will be considered, making this an invaluable opportunity for members looking to establish or grow their presence within Dobbies’ UK-wide store network.

The upcoming Buyer Connect sessions will directly support this direction, enabling the buying team to explore commercially relevant propositions as forward planning for 2027 accelerates.

Tony Kersey, GIMA Membership Ambassador, said: “The continued expansion of the Buyer Connect programme demonstrates the appetite from both retailers and suppliers for more direct, productive conversations. Following a strong series of successful sessions last year, welcoming Dobbies represents another significant opportunity for our members to showcase innovation and explore how their products could fit within a forward-thinking retail strategy.”

How to be involved

Participation is open to both GIMA members and non-members, with successful applicants receiving a dedicated 25-minute meeting with the Dobbies buying team. Suppliers operating across multiple categories may be offered additional sessions, while attendance is limited to two representatives per company.

The event is free of charge for members, while non-members will be charged £180 + VAT, with applications required by Friday 13th March 2026. Interested companies should submit their application forms to info@gima.org.uk. All meetings are subject to buyer approval, with confirmed appointment times shared closer to the event.

JdC Garden Trends has established itself as the only B2B event— a true open-air trend observatory—for the garden distribution sector in France. 1,200 French and European purchasing decision-makers (garden centres, DIY retail, food retail, marketplaces, landscapers, local authorities) meet 365 manufacturers around “jardiner” over three days, at Parc Chanot – Marseille, from March 24 to 26, 2026. From now on,the show will open on Day 1 (Tuesday) at 11:00 a.m., encouraging even more interaction between exhibitors and buyers.

NEW : Plants at the heart of the product ecosystem

Launched in 2023, the plant-focused momentum is accelerating, with a growing number of producers expected in 2026.

The show’s offering is expanding with a brand-new area : the “Green Zone” . Here are a few names revealed in preview : 

This plant hub showcases outdoor and indoor plants to meet buyers’ needs more broadly. With a redesigned format, it becomes a central pillar around which all manufactured product families are articulated : watering, containers, potting soils, furniture, decor, and more.

SAVE THE DATE – 24 to 26 MARCH 2026 – Parc Chanot – MARSEILLE.

For more information : www.jdcgardentrends.com

The Association of Professional Landscapers (APL) and BBC Gardeners’ World Live are delighted to be celebrating ten years of ‘APL Avenue’ at the NEC Birmingham this year (18-21 June). This creative collaboration was devised a decade ago to showcase ambitious design, quality workmanship, and professional partnerships between highly skilled garden designers and landscapers. Since then, more than forty member companies and individuals have been selected to create gardens for BBC Gardeners’ World Live, many of them scooping top awards along the way.

Introducing this year’s APL Avenue gardens 

The Umbrellas Garden by Dave Hodson Gardens from Usk, Monmouthshire

This colourful garden by Dave Hodson Gardens is inspired by the French New Wave film, 'The Umbrellas of Cherbourg’ (1964), a bitter-sweet romance directed by Jacques Demy and starring a young Catherine Deneuve. The Umbrellas Garden reflects the film’s vibrant aesthetic, with bold colour incorporated into the hard landscaping, in canopies of strung umbrellas, and with jewel coloured planting that pops amongst a canvas of grasses. The inclusion of spiky plants hints that the course of true love is rarely smooth. 

The Constant Companion by TJ Kennedy Garden and Landscape Design from Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire 

The Constant Companion by TJ Kennedy Garden and Landscape Design celebrates the relationship between human and garden, man and nature. This interactive garden features visual and audio elements that will connect visitors with simple but essential gardening tasks. Framed viewpoints highlight different aspects  - one wild, one productive and one contemporary, each with its own characteristics.

The Mill Ruins by Gunns & Roses Ltd from Spalding, Lincolnshire, designed by David Gisbourne from 3DG in Bury, Greater Manchester

The Mill Ruins by Gunns & Roses Ltd and David Gisbourne is inspired by the sites of old Lancashire mills. Once the powerhouses of the Industrial Revolution, the only remaining evidence that the mills ever existed are a few brick walls, old doorways, and the occasional heavily corroded remains of metalwork, poking out as nature reclaims the land. An imposing Corten steel moon gate stands at the garden’s entrance, with further Corten and reclaimed brick features providing a reminder of its industrial roots. Ninety per cent of the planting varieties in this evocative garden are native to the UK.

Phil Tremayne, APL General Manager, said: “Over the past ten years, APL Avenue has become one of the most important platforms for the Association of Professional Landscapers. The concept was to provide visitors with show gardens that were not just inspirational but, more importantly, achievable, packed with loads of take-home ideas. Beyond its public profile, APL Avenue has been instrumental in strengthening the APL community itself. It has created opportunities for some members to build their first-ever show gardens, providing a springboard on the show circuit. The Avenue’s ongoing success reflects APL’s commitment to championing excellence and ensuring the long-term credibility and growth of the professional landscaping sector. After ten years of APL Avenue, we will be developing a brand-new initiative for BBC Gardeners’ World Live in 2027 for its exciting new home at the Packington Estate.”

As well as marking APL Avenue’s tenth anniversary at BBC Gardeners’ World Live this year, Association members will be creating a stylish lifestyle garden at the BBC Gardeners’ World Spring Fair at Beaulieu, Hampshire (1-3 May) and an apprentices’ garden at the BBC Gardeners’ World Autumn Fair at Audley End House and Gardens, Saffron Walden (11-13 September). APL experts will also be on hand to share design and landscaping advice with visitors at all three events.

Lucy Ashworth, Event Director at Immediate Live, organisers of BBC Gardeners’ World events, said: “We’ve had a long, supportive relationship with the Association of Professional Landscapers. Its members and officers are excellent ambassadors for quality and professionalism and we share their values. APL Avenue is always a popular highlight at BBC Gardeners’ World Live with stunning gardens that wow visitors. It’s wonderful to be celebrating a decade of APL Avenue and we’re looking forward to many more years of collaboration across all our events.”  

AIPH invites members of the global horticultural community to experience the diversity, innovation, and resilience of Australian ornamental horticulture through a dedicated programme of professional visits and local tours during the AIPH Meeting Sydney 2026.

On 11th and 12th March 2026, the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) and Host Partner Greenlife Industry Australia will take delegates beyond the conference setting to explore horticultural production, landscape stewardship, and industry leadership across the Sydney region and beyond.

These professional visits form an integral part of the AIPH Meeting programme. Together, they provide delegates with practical context and real-world insight into the themes discussed during the conferences, including climate pressure, resource constraints, biosecurity, and changing markets.

On Wednesday 11th, delegates will explore nurseries and gardens in the South-West Sydney area which showcase the diversity and innovation of Australian horticulture. Stops include:

• Tim’s Garden Centre: a local institution known for its friendly expertise and an exclusive range of plants. It is famous for introducing the fast-growing “Goodbye Neighbours” Lilly Pilly hedge to local gardeners.
• Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan: Australia’s largest botanic garden dedicated to native flora, spanning 416 hectares of rolling hills, lakes, and themed gardens. This stop highlights the garden’s scientific and conservation work.
• Andreasens Green: one of Australia’s leading wholesale nurseries with over 135 Acres, Andreasens is a family-owned business that supplies to trade customers in the commercial and residential landscape sectors.

The second day of tours, Thursday 12th, will take participants into the Blue Mountains, providing insight into horticultural practice within a distinctive landscape shaped by environmental stewardship, biodiversity, and regional expertise. Stops include:

• Oasis Horticulture: one of the largest producers and distributors of bedding plants in Australia, with a selection of more than 600 varieties of flowers, vegetables, and herbs.
• Echo Point: overlooking the Three Sisters rock formations in the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains. From this lookout, delegates can admire the vast Jamison Valley with its dramatic sandstone cliffs and dense eucalyptus forests that create the region’s characteristic blue haze.
• Blue Mountains Botanic Garden at Mount Tomah: Australia’s premier cool-climate botanic garden. Delegates can explore curated collections of native and exotic cool-climate plants, surrounded by pristine wilderness and panoramic views.

Through these professional visits and local tours, delegates will see first-hand how Australian businesses and institutions are responding to environmental and market pressures in practice. Beyond observation, the programme is designed to facilitate direct exchange between international delegates, Australian growers, and the AIPH team — creating space for practical discussion, peer learning, and relationship-building that continues beyond the conference setting.

For more information and to register, visit the AIPH Website.

Tubex, a Magnera brand, has announced a significant growth in the use of its Tree Shelter Collection & Recycling Programme. The first of its kind scheme saw a 39 percent increase in the number of shelters returned and recycled in 2025 compared to previous year, with the Programme now close to a milestone of two million shelters collected and recycled.

At the end of the 2025, 1,982 dumpy sacks of collected tree guards had been returned to Tubex, up from 1,421 in 2024.  

Once collected, the tree shelters are sorted, washed and reprocessed back into raw material, at an impressive yield of 95.6 percent – meaning that 95.6 percent of the collected shelter material can be used to manufacture new product.

For Pete Stevens, Business Development Manager at Tubex, the 2025 figures reinforce the long-term success of the Programme and its national hub network.

“Last year, we announced that since the start of the Collection & Recycling Programme in 2022, we had recycled more than 1 million tree shelters.  With these figures, we are now approaching the 2 million milestone – a testament to the collective endeavour of the forestry sector to collect used shelters at end of life.”

Polypropylene (PP) shelters containing recycled material that are recycled at end of use are still the lowest environmental impact option (Independent LCA study here: https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/10130156/) and represent a circular use of materials which is a key pillar of sustainability. 

With a growing network of 24 recycling hubs nationwide, Tubex has collaborated with its distributors and various forestry organisations to create accessible and convenient free drop-off points for legacy tree shelters.

Hub partners include Yorkshire Dales Millenium Trust, Forest Working Plastics Group, Tilhill, Maydencroft, British Hardwood Tree Nursery, Ashlea Landscaping and Green-Tech among others. 

For more information visit - https://tubex.com/sustainability/tree-shelter-collection-recycling-programme/

Leading specialist in battery-powered outdoor power equipment, EGO Power+, is launching ‘AURA-R2’, its next-generation, wire-free robotic mower range available from March this year. 

A unique entry to the domestic market, AURA-R2 features PATH IQTM intelligent navigation, EGO’s proprietary fusion navigation stack of three technologies that work together. The first, RTK GPS, provides absolute accuracy using satellite data and correction signals, VSLAM enables the mower to visually map and localise itself based on what it sees through its binocular camera and VIO enables the mower to track real-time movements using motion sensors for enhanced safety. Together, this fusion allows the AURA-R2 to operate with precision and reliability, moving in planned patterns, even in complex environments. 

Equipped with AI vision for obstacle avoidance, the AURA-R2 is also capable of distinguishing between static and dynamic objects and adjusting its working plan accordingly, making it an ideal solution for families with small children or households with pets. The addition of built-in lights ensures effective obstacle detection even in low-light or night-time conditions, while a 180-degree front bumper adds an extra layer of protection in tight spaces.

Andrew Frohock, IoT Product Manager for EGO Power+, said: “The AURA-R2 range represents a major step forward in robotic mowing. By combining wire-free installation, our PATH IQTM navigation, advanced safety systems and deep user customisation, we are proud to be introducing such a high-precision, fully autonomous mowing solution that adapts effortlessly to the needs of modern gardens.

“AURA-R2 is designed to give customers their time back, whether that’s for other jobs in the garden or simply enjoying the weekend, while also improving lawn quality. And with regular mowing and mulching, it helps keep the lawn looking consistently neat and healthy. Designed with the user in mind, homeowners can manage their mowing schedule from anywhere and at any time, via the EGO Connect app. Users can also adjust mowing direction, cutting height, mowing modes, and customise lighting and voice settings to make it their trusted helper.”

The machine houses a simple screen interface to display battery level, mowing progress and connection status, with all controls being handled via the EGO Connect App. Security features include a user-defined PIN, GPS tracking, geofencing alerts and remote lock functionality to help deter theft and provide peace of mind.

The mower can receive its GPS positioning data either via a local RTK antenna installed on the property for precise navigation, or through EGO’s network RTK service, which removes the need for on-site antenna hardware and is ideal for users wanting to quickly self-install. However, this service is not available in all regions at launch. Once the RTK GPS is configured, users can map up to 40 mowing zones on their lawn.

Designed for domestic users with medium to large-sized lawns, the AURA-R2 range includes three models –the RMR1500E, the RMR3000E and the RMR6000E – and covers lawns of 1,500, 3,000 and 6,000 square metres respectively. Engineered to handle real-world garden challenges, the cutting height is electronically adjustable from 20–90mm in precise 5mm steps, while the advanced system of the PATH IQTM intelligent navigation allows the AURA-R2 to maintain an efficient working path across slopes with inclines of up to 50%.

To encourage turf health and appearance, grass clippings are finely mulched and returned to the lawn. All three models are IP66 rated, making them weather-resistant and easy to clean with a pressure washer, while a dedicated rain sensor allows the mower to automatically park during wet conditions.

With prices starting from £1,799, all AURA-R2 models feature fast charging and efficient coverage, capable of mowing up to 3,000m² within 24 hours.

To learn more visit: https://www.egorobotmowers.eu/en-gb

Following on from Griffon Corporations announcement last week that "as result of these actions, beginning with Griffon’s second quarter 2026 reporting, AMES UK will be reported as discontinued operations" GTN Xtra has now learned they will be ceasing operations in the UK as from March 31st 2026.

GTN Xtra has asked both AMES UK and Griffon Corporation for comment.

Rumours started to abound yesterday after staff were given notice of a consultation period for potential redundancy.

Today several retailers and buying groups learned of the planned closure of the business.

The annual Hillier Garden Centre Awards took place on 11th February 2026, offering an opportunity to reflect on the past year’s successes and challenges within the horticultural industry, while also celebrating the outstanding contributions of suppliers and staff across various categories.

The event highlighted the dedication, passion, and hard work of individuals and teams that make Hillier a renowned name in this industry.

The awards evening recognised achievements across a wide spectrum, from external suppliers across various categories to individual Hillier Garden Centres, including the coveted Garden Centre of the Year, and special recognition awards for individual members of staff. It was a momentous occasion celebrating both internal teams and Hillier’s extensive network of suppliers.

The awards coincided with the company’s Supplier Showcase at Newbury Racecourse. More than 70 suppliers attended the event, presenting their latest 2026 product lines to the Hillier Garden Centre teams. Over 400 Hillier team members visited the event to prepare for the upcoming season, marking an important opportunity for professional development and collaboration. Brands represented included Burgon & Ball, Fothergills, Gardena, Woodlodge, Smart Garden, David Austin, Evergreen, Westland and many more!

Greeting guests to the awards evening, George Hillier, Chairman of Hillier Nurseries and Garden Centres reflected on the successes of the past 12 months: “It was great to get together and celebrate another year in the gardening world, and what a year 2025 was! It started with a spring that felt almost too good to be true - wall-to-wall sunshine and highs of 21.3°C in March - and our teams did a brilliant job of making the most of it. But as spring turned to summer, the heat and challenging conditions tested us. From protecting plants to managing increased demand, every single one of our team delivered, and I couldn’t be prouder.

“I also want to thank our suppliers, whose support and clear communication throughout the year were invaluable, and the team at our support centre who worked tirelessly to make things happen behind the scenes.

“What excites me most is seeing how our centres continue to be more than just places to shop. They are spaces of joy, inspiration, and connection for our customers, and that’s thanks to our teams who understand what motivates every customer and deliver experiences that go above and beyond. In a world where sustainability, community, and wellbeing matter more than ever, we have a real opportunity to lead.”

Carl Milton, Director of Retail, said: “It has been a pleasure to welcome so many valued suppliers to the Hillier Supplier Showcase - my first since joining the business six months ago and a fantastic way for me to meet more of the wonderful people within this incredible industry. The Supplier Showcase and Hillier Garden Centre Awards provide an important opportunity to recognise both the dedication of our internal teams and the strength of our supplier partnerships.

“The success our teams have achieved over the past year is the result of strong collaboration, shared expertise and a collective commitment to quality. Our suppliers play a vital role in enabling us to deliver the range, innovation and service our customers expect. Equally, the people across our nurseries, garden centres and support teams, and their passion for our customers, have been central to making the last 12 months so successful. It’s easy to reflect on the numbers, but the real story of Hillier is not just what we sell - it’s what we create for our customers. Garden centres are community hubs, places to unwind and reconnect, and our customers recognise Hillier as one of those spaces thanks to the kindness and friendliness of our staff.

“As our centres continue to evolve as destinations within their local communities, it is these trusted partnerships that position both Hillier and the wider sector for a resilient and exciting future.”

The awards culminated with George Hillier asking Adam Dunnett, Director of Amenity to join the stage to celebrate the company’s recent International Grower of the Year awards including the coveted Gold Rose Award. Adam said ‘We have an incredible team across Hillier, with every department - from marketing and L&D to sales - working together to achieve these awards. A special thanks goes to Phil Hall, Martin Hillier, Charles Carr and Jo Fell. This group of growers is world-class and delivers outstanding results every single day. I couldn’t be prouder to be standing here with them and celebrating this success.’

The 2026 Awards Winners List

• Home and Leisure Supplier of the Year 2025- Woodlodge Products Ltd
• Home and Leisure Shop of the Year 2025 – Hillier Garden Centre Lechlade
• Garden Shop Supplier of the Year 2025 – Smart Garden Products Ltd
• Garden Shop of the Year 2025 – Hillier Garden Centre Aldermaston
• Horticulture Supplier of the Year 2025 – David Austin Roses
• Plant Area of the Year 2025 – Hillier Garden Centre Ruislip
• Restaurant Supplier of the Year 2025 – Beanworks
• Restaurant of the Year 2025 – Mulberry & Thyme Eastbourne
• Coffee Shop of the Year 2025 – Mulberry & Thyme Hemel Hempstead
• Gardening Club Champions 2025 – Hillier Garden Centre Syon Park
• Brentry Nursery & Warehouse Special Recognition Award – Claire Coates &      Tracy Doyle
• Garden Centre Special Recognition Award – David Green, Hampton in Arden
• Hillier Support Centre Special Recognition Award – Matt Jarvis
• Garden Centre of the Year 2025 - Hillier Garden Centre Botley

Warrington based Bents Garden & Home has won a major national award after being named winner of the Garden Centre Association’s (GCA) Worrall Cup, recognising the UK garden centre judged to have the strongest marketing campaign in 2025.

The award was presented for Bents’ creative and highly successful marketing of its immersive light trail, Alice in the Hidden Gardens, which attracted visitors from across the region and beyond. Inspired by the classic tale, the event provided a magical evening experience and proved a highlight of the year.

The Worrall Cup is one of the GCA’s most respected accolades, celebrating excellence in creativity, innovation and customer engagement. Adding to its success at the recent GCA Awards, Bents was also named as one of only ten Garden Centres of Excellence in the UK, placing it among the very best garden centres in the country.

The recognition follows further national acclaim in December, when Bents was awarded Best Christmas in the UK (Destination Garden Centre), reflecting its reputation for creating memorable seasonal experiences.

Said Matthew Bent, Managing Director at Bents Garden & Home: “Winning the Worrall Cup for our Alice in the Hidden Gardens campaign is a fantastic achievement and a real testament to the creativity and hard work of our team. We’re incredibly proud to bring something so special to our local community and to see it recognised on a national stage.”

The awards cap an outstanding year for Bents, reinforcing its position as a much-loved local destination and one of the UK’s leading garden centres.

Following the recent announcement of Alwyn Williams as Chairman, LOFA has announced that he will now be joined by Andrew Hutchison, Finance Director at Pacific Lifestyle, who has been elected as Vice Chairman.

Alwyn, Sales & Customer Operations Manager at Zest Outdoor Living, brings over 31 years of experience in the outdoor living industry. At Zest — a fifth-generation British company renowned for its sustainable wooden garden products — he has played a key role in championing environmentally responsible design and driving innovation across the sector.

Andrew adds significant financial and commercial expertise, gained over 16 years at Pacific Lifestyle. The Yorkshire-based brand has more than 50 years of heritage in home and outdoor living design, with a strong reputation for quality and market insight.

Together, Alwyn and Andrew combine deep industry knowledge, strategic leadership, and commercial strength. Their partnership will help guide the association as it continues to represent and support the UK’s dynamic garden and home living community.

Gina Hinde, General Manager of LOFA, said: “We are delighted that Andrew will be joining Alwyn in this leadership role. Their combined experience, industry understanding and collaborative approach will further strengthen the association and help drive future growth across the sector.”

Seed Revolution is on a mission to make gardening exciting to a whole new generation.

Founded by 27-year-old Gloucestershire entrepreneur Max Mancroft, Seed Revolution is shaking up a tired seed industry by turning seeds from a commodity into a movement.

Whether its growing wildflowers or organic vegetables, Max believes that growing should be simple, joyful and accessible to everyone.

From gardens and allotments to balconies, patios and windowsills, Seed Revolution helps people boost biodiversity and support bees and pollinators wherever they live.

The company made its first trade show appearance at Spring Fair.

The brand connects with eco-conscious consumers, food lovers who want to grow their own, and a fast-growing community of under-40s rediscovering gardening.

Research shows that gardening took off with people aged 18-34 during the Covid lockdowns and 83% of young people describe it as ‘cool’.

This engaging new brand with attitude is perfect for retailers, supermarkets, garden centres and gifting companies looking to tap into new customers.

With dozens of native British wildflowers to choose from, simply rip open your chosen packet of seeds, scatter them where you like and watch them grow.

Max, who grew up in the Gloucestershire countryside, worked in corporate finance in London before setting up Seed Revolution in a quest to save Britain’s natural beauty. The company’s non-executive directors include Mark Murphy, a former International Product Director for Tesco.

Seed Revolution also has an exclusive organic vegetable seed partnership with celebrity chef Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall’s River Cottage with 19 varieties to choose from.

Max said: “Nature is in crisis but we know people – especially younger people – want to grow. The problem is that the seed industry is still stuck in the 1950s, a vast yet stagnant multi-billion-pound industry dominated by legacy brands, with almost no consumer-facing innovation.

“We’re on a mission to change that and to disrupt the market one seed packet at a time.

“We’re making seeds exciting and ridiculously easy for a whole new generation of growers. We’re doing this with branding that cuts through, playful, vibrant packets made for the Instagram shelf not the back of the shed, and a set price of £2.99 across the range.

“Since the 1930s we have lost 97% of our wildflower meadows in this country and it’s time to do something about it.

“We’re offering a diverse range of seeds for different soils and situations, emphasizing native British species like poppies, cornflowers and daisies. Our movement, though, is not just focused on ecological restoration through simple actions.

“We’re also redefining seeds as gifts of potential – helping people connect with nature through small packages that hold the promise of growth, enjoyment and connection.

“Gifting is a £7 billion market in the UK alone – and yet seeds barely feature, with only 1% of people currently considering them a gifting category.

“We know that 78% of consumers say they prefer meaningful, experience-based gifts. Seeds offer exactly that and, when positioned emotionally, they carry enormous margin-uplift potential.”

All its seeds RRP at just £2.99 and come with shelf-ready packaging, clip strips and FSDUs available to bring a colourful, exciting look to stockists.

https://seedrevolution.co.uk/

GTN January 2026 - Christmas Awards Finalists & Sustainability Directory. In this Issue: Gardening for Good - Interview with Dr Richard Claxton, GTN’s Greatest Christmas Awards – The Finalists and Customer Vote Top 50 by Regions, Adapt or Die, a new, exclusive series from international experts including John Stanley, Spring Fair Preview – Christmas exclusives, GTN’s Sustainability Directory for 2026, GIMA’s sustainability champions  , Spotlight on sustainability from the Harrogate Christmas & Gift Fair, Get ready for Garden Re-Leaf Day on March 20th 2026, Gold Medal Standards – GTN Planteria , Picture your Future - HTA Viewpoint.