Over 5,000 Garden centre customers across the UK have already voted for their Greatest Garden Centre Team at Christmas, with thousands more expected to vote in the run up to the closing date of 22nd December 2025.  They are voting on-line, in-store and by post, all exuding high praise on the teams they believe are The Greatest at spreading joy this Christmas.

On-line votes are being added every hour and it is getting very close at the top. It may well be that the in-store votes could change things when they get sent into the GTN offices.

As of today, 3rd December 2025 in A-Z order these are the Top 50 Greatest Christmas Garden Centre Teams as voted for by garden centre customers:

Albrighton BGC

Arcadia

Astbury Meadow Klondyke

Aylsham Garden Centre

Bents

Birkacre

Blofield Garden Centre at Norwich Camping & Leisure

Botany Bay Garden Centre

Bow Garden and Aquatic Centre

Bridgnorth BGC

Brockworth BGC

Burford House BGC

Cambridge Home & Garden

Chacewater Garden Centre

Charlecote BGC

Chessington Garden Centre

Chilton BGC

Conkers Garden Centre

Dobbies Ashford

Fakenham Garden Centre

Fron Goch

Garden King

Glendoick Garden Centre

Gloucester BGC

Haddenham Garden Centre

Harrogate BGC

Hayes BGC

Henry Street Garden Centre

Hillmount Bangor

Keydell Nurseries

Kirktown Garden Centre

Langlands BGC

Longacres Bagshot

Meadow Croft

Monkton Elm

Munros

Newquay Garden Centre

Newton Regis BGC

Old Railway Line

Old Well Garden Centre

Owl Lane Farm Nurseries

Perrywood Sudbury

Perrywood Tiptree

Ransoms Jersey

Rugby BGC

Snowdonia Nurseries

Summerhill Garden Centre

Trevena Cross Nurseries

Trevisker Garden Centre

Trioscape Garden Centre

Wolseley Bridge BGC

Wolvercroft Garden Centre

And here is the current list of all 118 centres that are being voted for on-line:

3 Shires Blue Diamond, Albrighton BGC, Alton, Arcadia, Astbury Meadow Klondyke, Aylsham Garden Centre , Bents, Berkely Park Klondyke, Bicester Blue Diamond, Birkacre, Blackdown Blue Diamond, Blofield Garden Centre at Norwich Camping & Leisure, Bold Heath BGC, Botany Bay Garden Centre, Bow Garden and Aquatic Centre , Braintree BGC, Bridgnorth BGC, Brockworth BGC, Bromsgrove BGC, Brookside Klondyke, Burford House BGC, Burnside Klondyke, Cambridge Home & Garden, Cardiff Blue Diamond, Caulders Dumfries, Chacewater Garden Centre, Charlecote BGC, Chessington Garden Centre, Chiltern View Garden Centre, Chilton BGC, Chipperfield BGC, Conkers Garden Centre, Daleside Klondyke, Dobbies Ashford, East Durham BGC, Elm Farm Florist and Nursery Billericay, Enfield BGC, Fakenham Garden Centre, Fron Goch, Garden King, Gardenwise Klondyke, Garforth Klondyke, Garsons Titchfield, Glendoick Garden Centre, Gloucester BGC, Haddenham Garden Centre, Harrogate BGC, Hartwell Nurseries, Hatton BGC, Havant BGC, Hayes BGC, Hemel BGC, Henry Street Garden Centre, High Legh Klondyke, Hillmount Bangor, Hillmount Belfast , Hillmount Carrickfergus, Hillmount Newtownards, Hockley Market Garden Centre, Holt Garden Centre, Keydell Nurseries, Kirktown Garden Centre, Lady Green Klondyke, Langlands BGC, Leyland BGC, Livingston Klondyke, Longacres Bagshot, Louth BGC, Mayfield Klondyke, Meadow Croft, Monkton Elm, Moulton Nurseries Garden Centre & Coffee Shop, Munros, Newquay Garden Centre, Newstead Nurseries, Newton Regis BGC, Northampton BGC, Notcutts Oxford, Notcutts Peterborough, Notcutts Rivendell, Old Railway Line, Old Well Garden Centre, Oswaldtwistle Mills, Otter Nurseries Ottery St Mary, Owl Lane Farm Nurseries, Parker’s Garden Centre, Pennells Lincoln, Perrywood Buckhatch, Perrywood Sudbury, Perrywood Tiptree, Plant Perfections Garden centre, Plants Galore Garden centre, Poplar Nurseries, Ransoms Jersey, Rowena Leicester, Rugby BGC, Sapcote Garden Centre, Snowdonia Nurseries, Southwood Garden Centre , Squires Badshot Lea, Squires Twickenham, Srtikes Stokesley, Stringers Klondyke, Summerhill Garden Centre, Thatcham BGC, Toad Hall Garden Centre, Trelawney Blue Diamond, Trevena Cross Nurseries, Trevisker Garden Centre, Trioscape Garden Centre , Trowell Garden Centre, Upcountry Stone Cross Garden Centre , Whitegates Nursery, Wilmslow Klondyke, Wolseley Bridge BGC, Wolvercroft Garden Centre, Woodbank Garden Centre, Woodthorpe BGC

GTN’s team of intrepid Christmas Award judges are still out and about visiting the record number of teams that have been nominated.  With over 150 teams nominated, they are doing their best to get to as many as possible and this is the list of centres the judges will be visiting over the coming three weeks:

Albrighton BGC, Azure, Barton Grange Blue Diamond, Baytree, Bents, Birkacre Garden Centre, Blackdown Blue Diamond, Blofield Garden Centre at Norwich Camping & Leisure, Bosworths Burton Latimer, Bow Garden and Aquatic Centre , Braintree BGC, Bridgemere Blue Diamond, Brigg BGC, Brimsmore Gardens, Brockworth BGC, Burford House BGC, Byrkley Park Klondyke, Cadbury Blue Diamond, Cambridge Home & Garden, California Lodge, Castle Gardens, Caulders Cupar, Caulders Kirkintilloch, Caulders Linlithgow, Charlecote BGC, Chepstow, Chessington Garden Centre, Codsell & Wergs, Conkers Garden Centre, Cooks, Coolings Main Road, Coolings Rushmore Hill, Daleside Klondyke, Deans York YGC, Derby Blue Diamond, Dobbies Beaconsfield, Dobbies Bury, Dobbies Chesterfield, Dobbies Edinburgh, Duchy of Cornwall Nursery, Fairways Ashbourne, Fakenham Garden Centre, Fron Goch, Garsons Esher, Garsons Titchfield, Gates Oakham, Gates Stapleton, Glendoick Garden Centre, Gloucester BGC, Gouldings Garden Centre & Valley View, Haddenham Garden Centre, Harrogate BGC, Haskins Snowhill, Haskins West End, Hayes BGC, Heighley Gate BGC, Henry Street Garden Centre, Holt Garden Centre, Howdens Klondyke, Jacksons Boutique, Keydell Nurseries, Kirktown Stonehaven, Knights Betchworth, Langlands BGC, Longacres Bagshot, Mackenzie & Cruickshank, Mains of Drum, Milbrook Staplehurst, Monkton Elm, Morris of Usk, Mortonhall Klondyke, Moss & Moor, Munros Nurseries, Newquay Garden Centre, Notcutts Brampton, Notcutts Oxford, Notcutts Rivendell, Notcutts Solihull, Oakington Garden Centre, Old Railway Line, Old Well Garden Centre, Osterley BGC, Parker’s Garden Centre, Pengelly Garden Centre, Perrywood Sudbury, Perrywood Tiptree, Planters Garden King, Planters Tamworth, Playhatch BGC, Polhill, Polmont Klondyke, Poplar Nurseries, Poundbury Gardens, Pugh's Radyr, Pugh's Wenvoe, Raemoir Garden Centre, Raglan, Ransoms Jersey, Rosebank, Rowena Leicester, Rutland Garden Nursery, Ruxley Manor, Silverbirch, Simpsons, Skylark Garden Centre, Snowdonia Nurseries, Southwood Garden Centre, Squires Badshot Lea, Squires Milford, Squires Reigate, Squires Twickenham, St Peters Garden Centre, Stewarts Christchurch, Stringers Doncaster Klondyke, Summerhill Garden Centre, Sunshine Garden Centre, The Garden Society, Thetford Garden Centre, Trentham Blue Diamond, Trevisker (Cornwall), Trioscape Garden Centre, Trowell, Van Hage Great Amwell Blue Diamond, Webbs of Wychbold, Wentworth Garden Centre, Winnersh BGC, Woodthorpe BGC.

You can see some of the photo tours from centres already visited elsewhere in this issue of GTN Xtra. More will be added as the judging continues so watch this space.

With 2 1/2 weeks still to go for customers to vote there is plenty of opportunity for more centres to join in and feel the warmth of their customers votes, and their comments as to why they are The Greatest at Christmas.

As a key part of our Greatest Christmas Awards, customers are already having the final say on just who are The Greatest Garden Centre Christmas teams in 2025.  Voting is live on-line and in store from now until 22^nd December and the first 10 centres to register on-line votes are:

To ask your customers to vote for you and your team, all you need to do is print off the posters, there are four different designs to choose from, that can be accessed via this link: GTN Greatest Christmas Awards Voting Materials, display them in store, add a link to your social media pages or website where you can put the voting link or the QR code as below and let the voting begin.

You can also let your customers vote in-store by printing off the voting postcards and collecting them in-store before sending them in to us for counting before Christmas. This is a great way for your team to see just what customers really like about your Christmas, as they can read through the positive comments and take a big pat on the back too.

It’s as simple as that.  Voting is open now and will remain open until 4:00pm on December 22nd.

As last year, awards will be made on a regional basis as well as overall and will also take size of garden centre and team into account too, so every vote will count!

Here is the link to the on-line voting page: GTN Greatest Christmas Awards 2025 On-Line Voting Link

Here are links to the posters, postcards and "Post your Votes here" artwork - just click on the images below: 

Here is a link to the Voting QR code:

GTN Greatest Christmas Awards Voting QR code

If you have any questions please contact: trevor@pottingshedpress.co.uk or call 07973 504214.

BBC Radio 4's You and Yours programme today featured a story about garden centre Christmas retailing with a visit to Astbury Meadow Garden Centre and an interview with Jonathan Stobart from Smart Garden Products.

The programme can be listened to via this link: 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/live/bbc_radio_fourfm?partner=uk.co.bbc&origin=share-mobile

starting at about 12:28pm.

Sipcam Home & Garden is proud to announce exciting developments for its patio care partner range, Block Blitz®, as the brand continues to innovate in outdoor cleaning solutions. Block Blitz® has worked in partnership with Sipcam Home & Garden to develop new products that not only clean but also protect and restore outdoor spaces. 

Already trusted by retailers nationwide, Block Blitz® has built its reputation on delivering unique, high-performing outdoor cleaners. Now, the range is expanding with two new powerful additions designed to meet the growing demand for multi-functional, easy-to-use products: 

The New Moss & Weed Solution 

Block Blitz® Go Moss is a ready-to-use acetic acid formulation designed to control weeds and moss on hard surfaces and areas not intended to bear vegetation. Ideal for patios, paths, and driveways, Go Moss offers fast, visible results with minimal effort. Available as a 1 litre spray bottle and 5 litre jerry can spray, Go Moss not only kills moss fast, but it also kills weeds. This quick and easy glyphosate-free solution is a fantastic addition to the Block Blitz® range, ideal for those who want to handle unwanted outdoor surface growth at the same time! 

3 in 1 Multi Surface Powerful Powder 

Block Blitz® Gravel & Stone Cleaner & Restorer is the new three-in-one cleaner specifically formulated for gravel, chippings, stones, cobbles, pebbles, and all aggregates. This product helps maintain clean surfaces while restoring the natural beauty of decorative ground coverings. Made from a powerful mineral and plant-based powder, the cleaner is mixed with water and sprayed onto outdoor surfaces in need of a clean. Each 675g pouch pack contains three pouches of powder, each treating 10 sqm for cleaning and upto 20 sqm for protecting. As a rain activated product, Block Blitz® Gravel & Stone Cleaner & Restorer is easy to use and will return great looking gravel areas whatever the weather! 

The Block Blitz® Evolution Continues 

These new launches join the existing Block Blitz® line up, including the Original Eco Cleaner, Patio Cleaner & Black Spot Stain Remover, and Go Weed, reinforcing the brand’s position as the ultimate patio care range. 

To complement the expanded range, Block Blitz® has undergone a packaging and point of sale refresh, refining its branding and colourways to ensure strong shelf presence and clear category positioning in-store. The updated look is designed to help garden centres merchandise with confidence, making it easier than ever for customers to find the right solution for their outdoor needs. This includes the option to utilise the Block Blitz® gondola end point of sale kit which has been created to maximise visibility on the shop floor. 

Contact the Sipcam Home & Garden team today (enquiries@sipcamhg.co.uk) to explore the full Block Blitz® range, discover the new additions, and see how this evolving brand can drive category sales and deliver results for your customers. 

The Leisure and Outdoor Furniture Association raised £12,500 for Greenfingers at the LOFA Charity Christmas Lunch, which took place on Friday (28 November) at The Dorchester Hotel, London.

The event was attended by Jim Carter, acclaimed actor and beloved star of stage and screen – best known for his iconic portrayal of butler Mr Carson in the global hit series Downton Abbey – and his wife, fellow actor Imelda Staunton.

As a patrons of Greenfingers Charity, Jim and Imelda have long championed the charity’s work, inspired by their own lifelong love of gardening. Greenfingers Charity creates therapeutic gardens for children and families in hospices across the UK, offering a space for relaxation, reflection, and precious moments together.

The LOFA Charity Christmas Lunch brought together members of the garden and leisure industry for a festive celebration with purpose. All proceeds from the lunch go directly to Greenfingers Charity, and it was announced that £12,500 was raised.

Gina Hinde, General Manager at LOFA, said: “It was a very successful event and it was wonderful to raise so much money for Greenfingers. We were thrilled and honoured that Jim and Imelda joined us."

A further cheque for £5,000 from LOFA and British Garden Centres was also presented to Greenfingers Charity at the event.

www.greenfingerscharity.org.uk

See GTN Xtra's gallery of photos from the Charity Christmas lunch below

The team at Yorkshire Garden Centres has collaborated with its managed print supplier to celebrate National Tree Week with a childcare provider in Wakefield.

Yorkshire Garden Centres, owner of Tong, Tingley, Bingley, Otley and Pennine Garden Centres, plus Dean’s York and Scarborough, has partnered with Oyster to provide the Nurtured Childcare group of nurseries with fruit trees to celebrate National Tree Week.

On 25th November, Oyster’s northern director, Phil Birkhead, joined the children at Nurtured Childcare Wakefield for a tree planting ceremony.

Yorkshire Garden Centres’ group people and culture manager, Steph Harrison said: “We’re delighted to partner with Oyster to celebrate National Tree Week while supporting children in their early education around sustainability. Our team matched Oyster's donation, and together we supplied 24 fruit trees, planters and compost free of charge to help children connect with where their food comes from. This is a great example of businesses coming together to make tangible differences in our local communities.”

“We’re proud to work with the team at Yorkshire Garden Centres to deliver this initiative. Nurtured Childcare is a group of nurseries that encourage children to engage with nature through learning and outdoor play. The tree ceremonies included a talk about the importance of trees before the children helped to plant the trees,” said Mr Birkhead.

Nurtured Childcare Group’s Forest School lead, Carina Culliney, said: “The children were extremely excited about the tree ceremonies and to learn about trees. We’re incredibly grateful to Yorkshire Garden Centres and Oyster for helping to bring the children’s learning to life.”

National Tree Week 2025 finishes on November 30th, 2025. Organised by The Tree Council, the event marks the start of the tree-planting season and encourages public participation in tree-related activities and celebrations. 

Community Garden Project, Transition Town Wellington, in Somerset, has won the first-ever RHS Award for Sustainable Gardening, made possible, in part, by funding from Blue Diamond Garden Centres.

Over 12 months ago, Blue Diamond Garden Centres launched a nationwide community garden competition with the aim to bring the joy of the great outdoors to the heart of communities across the UK by supporting local groups in creating or revitalising community gardens.

Blue Diamond offered £10,000 worth of plants and garden care products—shared equally among five winning community gardens. Each project also received six hours of expert horticultural advice to help them get off to a flourishing start.

Transition Town Wellington was one of the winners and over the past year, Blue Diamond has followed their journey to see how the financial support and practical help and guidance from Blue Diamond,  has helped to transform the garden and enrich the community in that area.

The transformation has been remarkable and on 31 October 2025 at the RHS Britain in Bloom national finals in Brighton, Transition Town Wellington was awarded the first-ever RHS Award for Sustainable Gardening.

Terry Porter, Britain the Bloom Judge (SW), said: “I was amazed at how much Wellington had moved on since I last visited - a vast improvement and the strength of the community groups was impressive. Fox’s Field in particular, is an outstanding achievement: the herb garden, flower garden, picnic area and the vegetable bales, what a great use of resources!”

Anita Roy (Chair) of Transition Town Wellington, Somerset says; “Without the funding from Blue Diamond and others, our group would not be able to function.

Their money has enabled us to buy tools and trees, plants and compost, to host events and publicise our work throughout our community with maps, guidebooks and posters. It has helped us to highlight the positive steps that people can take to help tackle the climate and ecological crises that we all face, in a way that is good for everyone’s physical health and mental wellbeing.

Transition Town Wellington is entirely reliant on grants and on individual donations. We could not survive without funding from supporters like Blue Diamond, and that funding has helped to make a massive, material difference to our lives and our town, inspiring others and spreading a hopeful – and urgent – message about how we all can live more sustainably on this beautiful, fragile, unique and precious planet.

Transition Town Wellington’s impact has had no small part to play in the council’s acquisition of what is now a 6.5-acre green corridor, protected for the community and its wildlife for 150 years! We work in close partnership with our wonderful Town Council to maintain and nurture all our green spaces for the future.”

Sarah Galvin, RHS Head of National Community Programmes, said: "The RHS' commitment to celebrating sustainability in community gardening is vital – by virtue of growing, gardeners are on the front line in creating greener places to live and building climate resilience. Championing groups that put environmental stewardship, climate awareness, and wildlife-friendly practices at the heart of their work highlights these benefits and provides a blueprint for others who can also reap huge rewards with some small changes.”

Jill Kerr, Group Relationship Manager for Blue Diamond Garden Centres says: "Congratulations to Transition Town Wellington’s Community Garden Project on winning the first-ever RHS Award for Sustainable Gardening! This achievement highlights the power of community, innovation, and care for the environment. At Blue Diamond Garden Centres, we’re proud to have supported this inspiring project along with other community projects throughout the UK, which all make a real difference in local communities and the wider world of sustainable gardening."

Read the full story here.

https://www.bluediamond.gg/community-garden-competition

BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine has revealed the winner of its annual Gardens of the Year Competition in its December issue, with Simon Richard’s garden in Folkestone, Kent topping the judge’s votes.

Simon beat hundreds of entrants to win over expert judges including: TV presenter and Gardeners’ World Magazine columnist, Alan Titchmarsh; Garden designer and BBC Gardeners’ World presenter, Arit Anderson; Garden designer and author, Ann-Marie Powell; BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Content Director, Kevin Smith, and last year’s winning gardeners. 

Simon inherited a very traditional garden with a large central lawn and mature trees, with a sweet summer house with a Kent tiled roof, a pergola, and an apple and pear arch – features that gave him a great foundation to build on. The biggest transformation was digging up about two-thirds of the lawn and creating a gravel garden, inspired by Beth Chatto. Over time, he filled the space with a mix of self-seeding plants and deliberate plantings. 

On being announced the winner, Simon said: “'I was completely thrilled to be make it to the final six, which to me was like winning anyway. To be the overall Judges’ Choice is wonderful and slightly surreal. Being recognised for doing something I absolutely love is really very special. Thank you, Gardeners’ World Magazine!”

TV presenter and BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine regular Alan Titchmarsh said: "This is a classic example of good hard and soft working together, with some lovely planting. It’s not over complicated and the pond is lovely too.’

Garden designer, writer and BBC Gardeners’ World presenter Arit Anderson said: "I really like this garden. He had a goal and cracked on with it, absolutely nailing his vision, from a brown lawn in June into a gorgeous gravel garden and largely done with plants. The use of grasses – how they work with the light and screen the house, plus the relaxed and subtle use of materials is just lovely."

Garden designer, presenter and author Ann-Marie Powell said: "This is lovely! He’s really used the dynamic of the uplift and worked with nature, creating an evolving ecology for all seasons. The birds will love the seedheads in winter and self-seeders create more plants."

BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Content Director Kevin Smith said: "I love how he’s been so climate conscious and had worked with that. The planting is beautiful, with great height, structure and texture. It’s a garden that’s all about plants."

As winner of the Judge’s Choice Award 2025, Simon wins a seven-night Italian holiday for two worth £7,000, staying at Hotel Palazzo Belmonte on the Cilento coast, south of Naples, courtesy of Long Travel.

All six finalists in this year’s competition had their gardens professionally shot by leading garden photographer Jason Ingram and will feature in BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine in 2025/26. The finalists are:

• Francis O'Kane and Barry Hopkins, Stockwell, London
• Kamal Hussain (Kaan), Saltaire, Yorkshire
• Kate Marshall-Evans, Avonwick, Devon
• Paul and Sian Everden, North Walsham, Norfolk
• Sheila Averbuch, Pencaitland, Edinburgh
• Simon Richards, Folkestone, Kent

They now also enter the People’s Choice Award, which is open to the public for voting from 20 November until midday on 18 December 2025. For full details of all the gardens and the prize – a 7-night holiday for up to six people in the award-winning Riverside Cabins in rural Shropshire worth £3,000 – and to vote for your favourite garden, see GardenersWorld.com/peoples-choice. Look out for the winner of the People’s Choice award in the March 2026 issue of BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine.

Hillier Trees and The Tree Musketeers have announced the launch of a new collaboration dedicated to planting, protecting, and promoting trees in urban communities.

With over 160 years of horticultural experience, Hillier is one of the UK’s leading tree nurseries, supplying high quality trees to the landscaping industry, local authorities, and private estates. Combining traditional knowledge with cutting edge research, Hillier grows trees that thrive in a variety of environments, making it a natural partner for a grassroots organisation committed to bringing more trees into local communities.

The Tree Musketeers is a community led nursery based on the Hackney Marshes. They involve residents and volunteers in growing, planting, and maintaining trees, often in places where they might not otherwise be planted. Working closely with tree officers, park staff, local community groups, and volunteers, the group ensures that trees not only get planted but are nurtured long term.

This summer, Adam Dunnett of Hillier and Marcelo White of The Tree Musketeers met at the Hackney nursery to explore how the two organisations could work together. Their shared passion for horticulture, education, and sustainability has inspired a partnership that unites industry expertise with meaningful community impact.

Adam Dunnett, Production & Amenity Director at Hillier Trees, said: “When I visited the community tree nursery this summer, I was blown away by the work The Tree Musketeers have been delivering over many years in their community. Trees grown with real passion and planted and maintained by the community for the community.

"Hillier Nurseries are delighted to be able to help support The Tree Musketeers team with training and advice from our skilled growers, helping the group’s volunteers produce even more and better trees and inspiring the next generation of volunteers to continue the great work already delivered. Groups like The Tree Musketeers are a vital piece of our tree planting jigsaw who need our support to create greener communities and help find the impacts of climate change.”

As part of the collaboration, teams from Hillier and The Tree Musketeers will work together at Hackney Marshes and at Hillier's tree nurseries. Hillier teams will volunteer alongside The Tree Musketeers to support local planting initiatives and gain insight into community led engagement and urban tree care. In return, volunteers from The Tree Musketeers will visit Hillier’s nurseries to learn from the production teams about propagation, tree care, and sustainable growing techniques. This two-way exchange of skills and experience will strengthen both organisations, combining Hillier’s horticultural knowledge with the creativity, enthusiasm, and local impact of The Tree Musketeers.

The partnership officially launched on Wednesday 26th November 2025, during National Tree Planting Week, with a ceremonial tree planting event bringing together teams from both organisations to mark the beginning of an inspiring partnership for seasons ahead.

The trees planted during the event were selected from Hillier’s climate resilient tree trials, developed over recent years as part of a wider research programme exploring the future range of commercially viable, UK grown trees capable of thriving in a changing climate. With The Urban Plant Lab, Hillier will be delivering a report in 2026 in which key urban tree species will be rated by future climate resilience. These findings will help shape the future nursery production, ensuring a reliable supply of resilient, UK grown trees that can flourish in our streets, parks, and housing developments, helping to create more successful and sustainable green spaces for generations to come.

Neerdog is now available in five Blue Diamond Garden Centres, bringing its nature inspired style to the shelves. Each product is named after a flower – Cosmos, Lantana, Erysimum, and Hollyhock – linking the brand to the gardening world and the outdoor spaces dog parents love most. 

The Neerdog Go-B-Bold range of dog collars, leads, harnesses and coats offer retro inspired patterns with high quality modern style. The Go-B-Bold Lantana and Hollyhock styles can be found on Neerdog’s striking free standing display unit which makes the brand easy to spot on the shop floor.

Sales Director Lauren Bentley said: “We’re so excited to be stocked in Blue Diamond Garden Centres. With the Go-B-Bold range, we wanted to create kit that’s inclusive and comfortable, something dog parents can use whether they’re out hiking or out at their local park or coffee shop. 

“The patterns were inspired by moments in nature and seeing them come to life on the shop floor has been extra special for us. 

“Over the last decade, we’ve noticed dog parents becoming much more thoughtful about the kit they buy and the brands they connect with, and I think that’s why Neerdog is really resonating with people.”

www.neerdog.com

The Greenfingers Charity - dedicated to creating therapeutic gardens for life-limited children and their families in children’s hospices across the country - is delighted to announce the appointment of six new Garden Ambassadors, marking an exciting milestone for its expanding national programme.

These Garden Ambassadors will play an important role in the long-term care and development of Greenfingers gardens. Working closely with the charity, hospice teams and volunteers, each ambassador will support ongoing maintenance, help coordinate corporate volunteering days and provide regular updates to ensure every garden remains uplifting, accessible and beautifully nurtured throughout the year.

The newly confirmed Garden Ambassadors are Alex Valk, Penny Veel, Marion Cooper, Lisa White and garden designers Phil Hirst and Jo Charlton.

The ambassadors have already spent time getting to know their hospice garden and meeting the staff and volunteers who use and care for these spaces, laying the foundations for a collaborative and meaningful partnership.

Neil Sewell, Operations Director of Greenfingers Charity, said: “We’re delighted to welcome our first group of Garden Ambassadors to the Greenfingers family. Each brings unique experience, enthusiasm and a real passion for supporting children’s hospice communities. Their commitment will make a lasting difference to the gardens we create, helping ensure they continue to flourish and provide comfort for the families who rely on them.”

A 25-year legacy of therapeutic gardens

For more than 25 years, Greenfingers Charity has designed and created nearly 70 inspiring gardens in children’s hospices across the UK. These outdoor spaces offer respite, comfort and connection, places for families to make memories, find quiet moments of reflection, or simply enjoy nature together.

The new Garden Ambassador programme ensures these gardens receive dedicated, ongoing support long after their initial creation. The charity expects more ambassadors to join in 2026 and beyond, strengthening the network of gardeners helping these cherished spaces continue to thrive.

The role is ideally suited to experienced, self-employed gardeners with practical maintenance skills and strong plant knowledge. Applicants must hold a full driving licence, have their own transport, public liability insurance and a DBS certificate.

The Greenfingers Charity encourages anyone interested in future Garden Ambassador opportunities to get in touch to learn more about joining the programme.

Find out more

To learn more about the work of the Greenfingers Charity please visit www.greenfingerscharity.org.uk.  You can also join in the conversation by joining Greenfingers on social media - https://www.facebook.com/Greenfingerscharity/, @GreenfingersCha on Twitter, and @Greenfingerscharity on Instagram and LinkedIn. 

The Garden Media Guild (GMG) has announced the winners of its 2025 Awards, celebrating exceptional talent and achievement across garden writing, photography, digital communication and broadcasting. The Awards remain the most respected accolades in the gardening media calendar, recognising both established names and emerging voices who are shaping how the public engages with plants, gardens and the natural world.

This year’s entries reflected a sector brimming with creativity, technical expertise and environmental awareness. From compelling long-form journalism to inventive social storytelling and powerful visual work, the 2025 winners embody the very best of contemporary garden media.

Outstanding Contribution Award (sponsored by Westland) Award: Arit Anderson

Peter Seabrook Practical Book of the Year – The Greenhouse Book: Tom Brown

The judges said: “The judging panel were delighted with the high standard, diversity and range of books submitted to this category, but agreed that this winner would be a solid addition to any gardening library.  The winning book has uniqueness, style and is well researched with accurate information on a subject that many gardeners want to know more about and yet do not know where to start.”

Gardening Book of the Year (sponsored by Stihl) – The Kindest Garden: Marian Boswall

The judges said: “The judges agreed that even within this very strong field, the winner stood out with its useful and sensitive approach to regenerative gardening. This book is well-laid out, logical, and manages to link garden design with science through the use of good photography and clear diagrams. It is both informative and moving: a work that merits a place on any gardener's bookshelf.”

Garden Publication of the Year (sponsored by Stiga): The Garden

The judges said: “The judges found it challenging to select a shortlist - all entrants are excellent publications, some targeted at very specific audiences. Although the scores were close, the winner stood out for the variety of articles and fresh appeal of every issue.  It clearly understands the variable level of expertise of its readers, from novice to true expert and its content covers everything from vegetables to choice ornamentals; plant problems, gardens to visit and more. Even those without a garden of their own would find this magazine inspiring.”

Roy Lancaster Feature Writer of the Year: James Armitage

The judges said: “With a distinctive and personable style, the winner is a leader in this very experienced and talented pool of writers. Not only is there rock-solid botanical information, but their turn of phrase and superb story telling entice the reader in from the very first sentence. Every detail, every phrase and every ounce of information are shared with warmth and passion, making reading this work a distinctive and incredibly enjoyable experience.”

Practical Journalist of the Year (sponsored by the HTA): Lucy Chamberlain

The judges said: “The judges were really impressed with the amount and variety of entries for  the practical journalist of the year. Learning and education were important and some of the most impressive articles were ones that gave lots of how, why, tricks and tips for readers to make informed decisions. The star of the Practical Journalist of 2025 shone just a little brighter. The articles were clear, concise, no waffle and beautifully presented with supporting images. The reader could grasp the information with ease. It was informative and educational with a pinch of humour. You just wanted to get into the garden and start putting all that information into practice.”

Gardening Columnist of the Year (sponsored by Charles Dowding): Charlotte Harris

The judges said: “This year's entries were a joy to read -all submissions, especially the finalists, offered fascinating insights, advice and opinions gathered from their own skills and experiences. However, the winner pipped them all to the post with a series of columns that shared their knowledge of design in an accessible way, inspiring readers and giving examples of what can work where, backed up by examples, sketches and images of real life successes. An exquisite series of articles.”

Digital Gardening Writer of the Year (sponsored by Thompson & Morgan): James Alexander-Sinclair

The judges said: “With so many good entrants, the judges’ task was difficult but they felt that the winner of this category had researched their pieces especially well, giving us an insight into the historical facts with plenty of horticultural interest. This deep dive into the history has meant there are some obscure subjects written in a quirky manner and good humour.  The winner writes well for the readership of the platform.”

Beth Chatto Environmental Award (sponsored by Beth Chatto Educational trust): Angela Youngman for the Water Efficient Gardener

The judges said: “This entry was both innovative and accessible, with beautiful illustrations, holding the gardener in mind, having a beautiful balance of climate extremes and ecological practice.”

Gordan Rae Photographer of the Year: Annaïck Guitteny

The judges said: “With a range of images that display a thoughtful understanding of the subject, the winner of the Gordon Rae Photographer of the Year emerged from an extremely strong field. A gentle, soft light pervades many of these photographs, with a subtle use of colour, to create evocative images of plants and gardens in all seasons. You can imagine yourself standing in the garden, watching as the horticultural beauty reveals itself around you.”

Features Photographer of the Year (sponsored by Roses UK): Marianne Majerus

The judges said: “All entries on the shortlist were of superb quality, composition and technique. The winner was a photographer who had flawless technical execution in all three features, who captured an incredible amount of wow-factor light, and who covered a great variety of garden aspects. In one example, the winner followed the story of the garden through the seasons, which speaks to her consistent skill - and also physical tenacity on a freezing winter morning - as a visual story-teller.”

Portfolio Photographer of the Year: Marina Walker

The judges said: “The winner communicated the value of a garden in a historical and contemporary context, finding quiet and renewal within cityscape and ruin. The theme was well-chosen and explored with depth and sensitivity. A consistent approach provided energy and warmth, story and character in beautiful, considered, quite original ways. The texture of historic walls, the scale of surrounding offices, the stillness of a visitor and a modern pool provide contrast yet harmony.”

Alan Titchmarsh New Talent of the Year (sponsored by Johnsons Lawn Seed): Andrew Jackson

The judges said: “This year’s winner of the Alan Titchmarsh New Talent of the Year award impressed the judges with socially minded plans to bring real change and create opportunity. They turn complex horticultural issues into engaging, practical solutions, presenting well-researched information with clarity and purpose. Their imaginative, constructive approach is pursued with integrity and flair, and has the potential to improve living environments for thousands across the country, benefitting both gardeners and the wider horticultural industry.”

Gardening TV or Video Documentary Feature of the Year (sponsored by British Garden Centres): Monty Don’s British Gardens

The judges said: “The winner is a natural presenter with real authority, leading viewers through a wide-ranging exploration of remarkable and often little-seen British gardens. The ambition and scale of the series stand out, as does the winner’s easy rapport with garden owners, encouraging them to share why these spaces matter both creatively and historically. A very worthy winner.”

Gardening TV or Video Short Film of the Year: Charles Dowding – No Dig Potato Harvest

The judges said: “The winner is passionate and inspiring, offering plenty of detailed practical advice, telling the viewers everything they need to know about every stage of the planting and growing of a particular vegetable,including storage, and then how to replant the area with a different vegetable, showing what is possible even in a small space.”

Radio Broadcast or Podcast of the Year (sponsored by Plantgrow): Hortweek Podcast – The End of Peat (Episode 2)

The judges said: “This winner showcases excellent journalism. The broadcast addressed a tricky horticultural issue and was in the true sense a professional, topical documentary. It was unafraid of airing a wide range of views, even those currently considered unfashionable. The panel felt the broadcast dug deep - challenging lazy assumptions, but also offering potential solutions.”

Individual Social Media Influencer of the Year (sponsored by RocketGro): Simon Akeroyd (@simonakeroydgardenwriter)

The judges said: “There was an exceptionally high standard of entries in this category, making it difficult to narrow them down to a shortlist and, finally, a single winner - a creator who has built and nurtured a thriving community by showing up consistently on two platforms, sharing expert gardening knowledge in an accessible but accurate way. With a relaxed, simple filming style and a strong, still growing connection with the audience, this winner truly stands out.”

Brand Social Media Influencer of the Year (sponsored by the Garden Press Event): Hayloft (@hayloftplants)

The judges said: “This account captures simplicity and originality at the same time as offering accurate horticulture information. The judges were impressed with the imagination in the creation of posts. There is a fun factor, and you do forget that it is a business that is being showcased but find yourself Googling to buy their plants! We all found the account very engaging.”

Commenting on the Awards, GMG Co-Chair Kimberley Hornby George said: “I am thrilled to congratulate this year’s winners, who illustrate the depth, innovation and sheer passion of garden media today. The standard of entries was exceptionally high and across every category we saw fresh ideas, engaging storytelling and a genuine commitment to helping gardens, gardeners and nature. These winning works will inspire both current professionals and the next generation of garden communicators.”

She added: “The Awards are a wonderful reminder of how vital good communication is, not only in sharing knowledge, but in fostering a deeper connection with the environment. Thank you to our judges, our members and everyone who entered. Your work helps elevate gardening media and ensures the stories of plants, people and places are shared in meaningful and creative ways.”

Find out more

The Garden Media Guild is the UK’s professional association for communicators in the gardening and horticultural sectors. Originally founded in 1991 as the Garden Writers’ Guild, the organisation broadened its scope to encompass all forms of garden-media communication — from photography, videography, broadcasting and social media to editing, illustrating, lecturing and public relations. Its aims are to raise the quality of garden media across all formats, keep members informed about developments in horticulture and support professional development and education.

With industry frustration mounting over continued uncertainty surrounding the peat ban, Durstons is urging retailers to get ahead of the curve and help gardeners grow confidently with peat-free compost now, before the switch becomes mandatory.

The Government’s recent reference to legislating against peat sales in its Carbon Budget & Growth Delivery Plan was met with disappointment from the trade. While the written commitment to a ban was welcomed, the open-ended timeframe of “when Parliamentary time allows” has done little to reassure an industry that’s been in limbo for years.

Sales Director, Dan Durston, said: “The goalposts keep being moved, so the latest vague timeline is no big surprise, but we need to lead the charge.  The Government has finally put its commitment in writing, so we know a ban is coming. The timing may be uncertain, but that shouldn’t be an excuse to bury our heads in the sand.”

Momentum matters

Many major retailers have already gone 100% peat free, with commercial growers following suit as they transition to selling only peat-free plants.  However, regional demand still varies, creating a challenge for independents who want to move forward but face loyal customers reluctant to let go of peat.

Durstons believes the answer lies in consistency and quality, together providing retailers with a dependable peat-free range they can confidently recommend. “If anything, the delay has given us time to invest in R&D and refine our formulations,” says Dan. “Our latest peat-free Advanced range, which sits alongside our Everyday and Traditional offerings, is one example of how Durstons peat-free has consistently beaten competitor products and professional-grade mixes in independent growing trials, delivering bigger, healthier plants and increased blooms.

“Not all peat-free products deliver great results, and that can put gardeners off,” he adds. “But when the ban arrives, there won’t be a choice, compost will simply need to perform. Now’s the time for retailers to make peat-free their core range and build customer confidence for the future.”

Packaging with purpose

Following a major rebrand, Durstons’ refreshed packaging ensures real shelf standout, combining bold designs with clear, informative labelling that helps shoppers choose the right product at a glance.

With proven results, trusted performance, and strong retail appeal, Durstons is helping retailers and gardeners alike make the move to peat-free confidently and ahead of the curve.

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.

Spring Fair 2026 is set to ignite a new era of creativity and collaboration with the return of The Licensing Lab, a dynamic destination connecting the worlds of licensing and retail. 

Taking place from 1-4 February 2026 at the NEC Birmingham, The Licensing Lab, which launched at last year’s show, returns bigger and better bringing together a vibrant mix of brand owners, designers, agents, and suppliers to showcase the power of licensed products in driving innovation, storytelling and retail success.

Yvette Marshall, Account Manager at Spring Fair says, “From The Traitors merch flying off shelves to must-have Liberty collaborations, licensing is everywhere, and it’s shaping what buyers want next. The global licensing market is worth over US $369.6 billion and growing fast. Retailers are looking for creativity, collaborations, and crossover ranges that connect with audiences. That’s why Spring Fair 2026 is growing the Licensing Lab – a central hub uniting licensors, licensees, designers and agents to explore how creativity drives commercial growth. Whether you create, own or represent IP, the Licensing Lab puts your business at the centre of the licensing conversation.”

Buyers can expect to discover Aardman, the world famous, four times Academy Award® winning animation studio, creators of Wallace & Gromit, Shaun the Sheep, Chicken Run and Morph; British clothing and homeware brand Joules; Pink Pig; Emma Lawrence Designs, Tantau Studio, as well as Fabacus and Products of Change.

Celebrating its 52nd birthday, discover all things Bagpuss with Threewise Entertainment, Bagpuss’s global heritage licensing partner and legacy production studio. Michael Ford, Ceo and Creative Director of Threewise Entertainment says, “The team at ‘Bagpuss & Co.’ are delighted to be making our Spring Fair debut as part of the Licensing Lab 2026. ‘Family Fandom’ is proving a fantastic way for retailers to repair relationships between consumers and the high street, and heritage brands like Bagpuss are founded on these themes of renewal and repair. Together we’re putting new twists on nostalgia licensing and reawakening retro for the whole family.”

Announcing its full line-up soon, confirmed speakers on the Licensing Lab stage include Andrew Xeni, CEO of Fabacus; Michael Ford, Ceo and Creative Director of Threewise Entertainment; Emma Lawrence, Founder of Emma Lawrence Designs; and Helena Mansell-Stopher, CEO of Products of Change.

Curated as part of Spring Fair’s visionary new Retail Alchemists creative direction, The Licensing Lab celebrates the growing role of licensing in shaping retail. The Lab offers a 360-degree platform connecting exhibitors with over 4,000 registered buyers interested in licensing, as well as Spring Fair’s broader audience of 38,000 lifestyle, gift, home, fashion and garden buyers. This unique combination brings brands face-to-face with decision-makers from major retailers, distributors, department stores, and chains, opening up powerful new opportunities for partnerships and product placement.

Designed to inspire and connect, The Licensing Lab is curated around four key participant groups:

• Brand Owners and Licensors, showcasing their IP through live product displays and meetings with major license buyers.
• Licensing Agents, who will have the opportunity to present their client portfolios, meet new designers, and forge retail collaborations.
• Designers and Publishers, gaining valuable exposure to retailers and licensees eager for fresh creative talent.
• Manufacturers and IP Owners, showcasing licensed product ranges and taking direct orders from the trade.

As the UK’s leading retail marketplace, Spring Fair provides the ideal stage for licensing to thrive, where storytelling meets shelf space, and creativity meets commercial opportunity. The NEC’s central location, with its direct rail and airport access, puts brands within easy reach of 75% of the UK population, ensuring unparalleled convenience and reach.

Jackson Szabo, Portfolio Director at Spring Fair, adds, “Licensing has never been more important to the retail sector. The Licensing Lab will create a dynamic space for the industry to come together, share ideas and celebrate the potential of great partnerships. It’s about connecting creativity with commerce and helping brands bring their stories to life in retail.”

For buyers, The Licensing Lab will be a must-visit hub of inspiration, a place to discover new collaborations, explore exciting IP opportunities, and uncover the next big, licensed ranges set to captivate consumers in 2026 and beyond.

Registration is now open to join the UK’s most inspiring retail showcase. Discover, connect, and transform your retail journey at www.springfair.com.

Save the date for Christmas Greatness:  GTN's Greatest Christmas Awards for 2025 will be announced and presented during Glee at Spring Fair on Monday 2nd February 2026.

Now that Glee has returned to Spring Fair for February 2026, the area will provide the ideal place for garden centre folk to gather at lunchtime on Monday 2nd February 2026 to hear the announcements of this years winners in the judged and voted for categories.

Save the date now, register to visit Spring Fair and we look forward to seeing you all at lunchtime in Glee at Spring Fair on Monday 2nd February 2026.

As we go to press there are now only a couple of Christmas awards sponsorship packages available.  they are a great way to build awareness, get centres to try you product and spread you message along with all the great feelings The Greatest Christmas Awards bring.  For details please contact Alan Burdon: alan@pottingshedpress.co.uk

The Horticultural Trades Association would like to congratulate the winners of the 2025 WorldSkills UK National Finals in Landscaping and Horticulture, both of which are supported by the HTA’s Association of Professional Landscapers (APL).

As a competition organising partner, the APL designs the skills component to meet the needs of employers and ensure the competition remains an essential way to raise standards in apprenticeship and training programmes, attracting more young people into Landscaping and Environmental Horticulture in the UK.

From 25 to 28 November 2025, hundreds of competitors showcased their talents in over 40 skill areas at the WorldSkills UK National Finals, held across various venues in South Wales. The two competitions supported by the APL are Construction and Infrastructure: Landscaping, and Foundation Skills: Horticulture.

Phil Tremayne, APL General Manager, said: “Congratulations to the winner of the Landscaping competition: Archie Matthews, and to our Foundation Skills, Horticulture winner: Junior Rozhon. This year’s events across South Wales showcased the incredible expertise, creativity, and resilience of these young professionals. All the finalists should be proud of their performance and the skills and abilities they’ve demonstrated.

“The APL is proud to support these competitions, which emphasise the importance of skills development in our sector, but it wouldn’t be possible without our sponsors: J A Jones, Landscape Plus, Bradstone, Composite Prime and Pugh’s Garden Village in Cardiff.

“We now look ahead to the 2026 competition, where the APL will continue to nurture the next generation of landscaping and horticultural talent.”

The Landscaping WorldSkills UK Final, supported by the APL, was held at Bridgend College in Pencoed between Tuesday, 25 November and Thursday, 27 November. It is an individual competition where finalists have 16 and a half hours to build the same garden to the same specifications. It is judged against criteria set by the APL to determine who has created the highest quality garden. The judges also consider health and safety, as well as the competitors' work processes. For the planting section of the challenge, finalists are provided with a selection of plants to work with, but it is up to them to be creative and truly stand out.

Ben Blackledge, Chief Executive of WorldSkills UK, said: “Congratulations to all those who participated in the WorldSkills UK national finals in Landscape Gardening.  We are grateful for the HTA’s ongoing support, which enables us to help apprentices and learners develop their skills to the highest level.  Our finalists are the new generation of high-flyers that will give UK employers a competitive edge.”

The Foundation Skills: Horticulture WorldSkills UK Final, supported by the APL, was held at Cardiff and Vale City Centre Campus in Cardiff on Friday, 28 November. This competition is to showcase the skills of students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) or additional learning needs (ALN). Finalists have two and a half hours to plant up seven planters – three identical ones for indoor arrangements, three of differing sizes for outdoor arrangements and one cone-shaped hanging basket. Competitors are encouraged to create their own eye-catching designs using the plants provided. Once planted, the next phase of the competition is to merchandise their arrangements. There is a planogram to follow, but also plenty of space and props to create an attractive display. They are judged on accessibility, creativity, adherence to the given theme, as well as Health and Safety and work processes.

The Association of Professional Landscapers is the specialist group within the HTA for landscapers and garden designer members and has an esteemed reputation for quality and landscaping excellence. To learn more about the APL, visit landscaper.org.uk

For more information about WorldSkills UK, a world-class skills network focused on raising standards, championing future skills and empowering young people from all backgrounds, visit worldskillsuk.org.

Construction and Infrastructure: Landscaping

(In partnership with: J A Jones, Landscape Plus, Bradstone, Composite Prime)

Winners

Gold: Archie Matthews from Myerscough College

Silver: Luke Donald from College of Agriculture, Food & Rural Enterprise (CAFRE)

Bronze: Cameron Gilbert from College of Agriculture, Food & Rural Enterprise (CAFRE)

Finalists

• Archie Matthews - Myerscough College
• Cameron Gilbert - College of Agriculture, Food & Rural Enterprise (CAFRE)
• David Thomas - Bridgend College
• Johnny Stout - Myerscough College           
• Kieran Ashby - Myerscough College
• Luke Donald - College of Agriculture, Food & Rural Enterprise (CAFRE)
• Rhyslando Logan - College of Agriculture, Food & Rural Enterprise (CAFRE)
• Tiernan Kelly - College of Agriculture, Food & Rural Enterprise (CAFRE)

Foundation Skills: Horticulture

(In partnership with: Pugh’s Garden Village, Cardiff)

WinnersGold: Junior Rozhon from Pembrokeshire College

Silver: Matthew Duncombe from Pembrokeshire College

Bronze: Aimee-Leigh Phillips from Riverside College

Finalists

• Aimee-Leigh Phillips – Riverside College
• Alex Horton – NPTC Group of Colleges
• Celyn Sollis – Pembrokeshire College
• Dylan Jones – NPTC Group of Colleges
• James Armstrong – New College Lanarkshire (NCLAN)
• Junior Rozhon – Pembrokeshire College
• Matthew Duncombe – Pembrokeshire College
• Russell Reeves – Elidyr Communities Trust

with all the news direct to your e-mail inbox.  The best news service every weekend and all the breaking news as it happens.

Subscribe for free using this link

Squire’s Garden Centres has appointed Matt Tanner as its new Group Health, Safety & Facilities Manager, overseeing this vital function across the company’s 17 garden centres, Group Office and nursery locations.

Matt has been part of the Squire’s family for over 20 years, having first joined the business in 2002 as a weekend team member. Since then, he has progressed through a variety of roles including Centre Manager positions at Chertsey and, most recently, Wokingham, gaining extensive operational experience and a deep understanding of the company’s values, people and culture.

In his new role, Matt will be responsible for leading and developing Squire’s health, safety and facilities management across all locations. He holds a Level 3 Health & Safety qualification and IOSH certification and will further strengthen his expertise undertaking the NEBOSH Diploma.

Sarah Squire, Chairman of Squire’s Garden Centres, comments: “We are delighted to appoint Matt to this important Group role. His extensive experience across our centres and his dedication to ensuring a safe, welcoming environment for both colleagues and customers make him exceptionally well suited to the position. Nothing is more important than keeping our colleagues and our customers safe. Matt’s knowledge of our business and commitment to continuous improvement will be invaluable as we continue to develop and uphold the highest standards of safety and compliance across all our sites.”

Over the past two weeks, the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) Policy and Public Affairs team has engaged with policymakers across the devolved nations, all with one common aim - the growth of Environmental Horticulture throughout the UK.

The HTA represents the entire sector, with more than 1,400 UK member businesses, including growers, retailers, suppliers, manufacturers, designers, and landscapers. Meanwhile, the Environmental Horticulture industry as a whole delivers £38 billion to the UK economy and supports the employment of 722,000 people.

The HTA’s Policy and Public Affairs team work hard to actively advocate the industry’s contributions to the economy, environment, health and wellbeing, and to campaign with Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs), Members of the Senedd (MSs), Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) and Members of Parliament in Westminster.

In Scotland

This month, the team visited the Scottish Parliament to launch the HTA’s new Scottish Environmental Horticulture Manifesto and to take part in a discussion about the sector's opportunities and challenges.

During a session at Holyrood's Gardening and Horticulture Cross-Party Group, Rural Affairs Minister Jim Fairlie MSP, the Deputy Leader of the Opposition Rachael Hamilton MSP and representatives from businesses and charities across the sector discussed the potential for a £5.1 billion boost to Scotland’s economy by 2030, with the proper support for the horticulture industry.

Rural Affairs Minister Jim Fairlie MSP, said:

“The horticultural sector is an important contributor to our economy, brings immense enjoyment to so many, and I am grateful to the Horticultural Trades Association for inviting me to discuss their proposals. I welcome their regular engagement with the Scottish Government, which has highlighted opportunities for us to work with the sector towards shared goals across a wide range of policy areas.”

The Environmental Horticulture sector in Scotland already supports nearly 60,000 jobs and contributes £2.6 billion to Scotland’s GDP. For more information about ‘The Scottish Environmental Horticulture Manifesto: Priorities for a future Scottish Government from the HTA’, visit: hta.org.uk/scotland.

In Wales

The HTA represents more than 80 member businesses across Wales and last year produced a manifesto for the nation: ‘Environmental Horticulture Growth Strategy. A vision for Wales’, which includes aims and outcomes for developing green economic growth, supporting local businesses, increasing Welsh horticultural production and protecting biosecurity.

As part of the HTA's advocacy and campaigning across all four nations, the Policy and Public Affairs team regularly attends Domestic Advisory Group (DAG) meetings to ensure that members' challenges relating to borders and trade remain a priority. Last week, the DAG meeting was hosted at the Synned in Cardiff.

Discussions covered a range of issues from the EU confirming its mandate to negotiate an SPS trade agreement with the UK, to youth mobility. Cabinet Office minister Nick Thomas-Symonds MP, and Mark Drakeford were amongst those calling for a stronger and closer partnership with the EU.

For more details about the Welsh ‘Environmental Horticulture Growth Strategy: A vision for Wales, visit: hta.org.uk/policy/wales

In Northern Ireland

With a growing number of member businesses in Northern Ireland, the HTA recently visited members and policymakers in the region.

There was a productive meeting with officials from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), during which the team discussed the EU-UK reset, the operation of the Windsor Framework, the Northern Ireland Plant Health Label Scheme (NIPHL), plant health risks, and forestry and green spaces.

With more than 22,000 people employed in the Horticultural industry in Northern Ireland, the team also met with the NI Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) and the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE), where some of the top topics included the cost of business, trade, skills, education and future careers in horticulture.

Samantha Smith, Public Affairs Manager at the HTA, said:

“We are delighted to be working closely with policymakers in Northern Ireland to highlight the opportunities and challenges facing Environmental Horticulture businesses in the area. Trade with GB and the cost of business remain our top priorities. The HTA will continue to work with members and policymakers to secure the best possible SPS trade agreement for plants and easements to border barriers as quickly as possible.”   

In England

The HTA’s engagement across the four nations finished with a well-attended Plants in Parliament event last week. More than 100 MPs, Peers and their teams from across the political spectrum came together to hear how the UK’s Environmental Horticulture sector can grow by 45% to reach £51.2 billion by 2030 with the right government support, reinforcing the environmental horticultural industry’s role as a key driver of productivity, sustainability and wellbeing.

The HTA has been working closely with Treasury ministers in recent months to raise awareness of how rising costs, labour shortages, and policy uncertainty are impacting horticultural businesses. The association has called on the Government to pause proposed changes to Business and Agricultural Property Relief, allowing for full consultation and impact assessment; a point which has been echoed by many MPs, peers, and the EFRA Select Committee.

Fran Barnes, Chief Executive of the HTA, said:

“Environmental Horticulture isn’t just about gardens and green spaces, it’s about jobs, skills and solutions. If the Government truly wants to deliver green growth, this is the moment to prove it.”

A diverse group of UK companies is set to exhibit at IPM Essen, organised and supported by the Commercial Horticultural Association (CHA).

IPM Essen 27-30 January 2026 is the world’s leading trade fair for horticulture, which showcases innovative products and services across plants, technology, floristry and garden features. The event attracts over 40,000 visitors and 1,400 exhibitors from 45 countries.

“The CHA has taken a UK group to IPM Essen for many years and the event has proven to be an excellent meeting place for our companies to catch up with existing customers, as well as to meet new contacts from around the world” commented David McAlister, Event Manager, CHA.

The UK group includes:

World renowned breeders and growers, David Austin Roses and Raymond Evison Clematis/The Guernsey Clematis will be exhibiting once more. 

Raymond Evison Clematis/The Guernsey Clematis will have two new clematis introductions: Clematis Eliza™ EviGsy158(PBR), the eighth introduction from their recent breeding programme. The ninth introduction, also being exhibited at IPM is Clematis Queens Nurse™ EviGsy159(PBR). These two new clematis have the improved Guernsey genetic flower power, long-lasting blooms and reliable repeat flowering from base to tip and are easy to grow and maintain.

David Austin Roses was founded in 1961 by David C.H. Austin, a visionary plantsman. The company set out to unite the beauty and fragrance of Old Roses with the resilience and diversity of modern hybrids. The result was the English Rose, admired for its charm, fragrance and enduring performance. From its Shropshire nursery, the Austin family continues this legacy, blending tradition with innovation to create roses that inspire gardens worldwide.

Regular exhibitors Pinnacle Plants will be exhibiting young plant and tissue culture as well as showcasing their breeders’ agency, promoting new genetics.

Brand new additions to the group this year are Fothergill’s, a heritage company supplying seeds and plants and NP Structures who supply plastic greenhouse constructions.

On the growing accessories side, PPC Labels will be there with their plant labels and tags, point of sale material and packaging, alongside Tyne Moulds and Machinery Co with their horticultural labels, tree ties and sundries for the wholesale market.

Another regular exhibitor in the UK group, Air-Pot® will show their Air-Pot 7 containers, the latest iteration of the original and the most advanced reusable air-pruning system. Made of recycled plastic, they come in a range of sizes, for growing anything - from seed to the largest trees. With a guarantee of fantastic roots, faster growth and bigger yields, Air-Pot containers are used all over the world, in all climates, for all species of plant. 

Garden Centre Design Consultancy – C Long Design Studios are specialist consultants to the garden centre sector, offering a range of services including site development, strategy, master planning, planning applications and negotiations, retail and interior design, architecture, project management and retail/business consultancy. The company’s teams work on projects throughout the EU, UK and USA ranging from feasibility studies to full site development.

For more information on the UK group, please contact Susan Fairley email susan@gardenex.com

For more information on IPM Essen, please visit https://www.ipm-essen.de/world-trade-fair/

The Show Your Colours Garden Centre, introduced last year, will return in an expanded form at IPM 2026. In addition to the unique presentation of concept tables in a garden centre setting complete with POS materials, daily demonstrations will take place in which special pot/plant combinations are created to boost sales.

The Show Your Colours Garden Centre can be found at the BIZZ Holland stand (hall 8, stand numbers A31 & A21). Fourteen renowned brands are participating in this year’s presentation: Addenda, Amigra, Boomkamp, Cammeraat Potcultuur BV, Colour Your Season, Decorum, Duif International, Floriworld, Fruithof BV, Koetsier Vaste Planten/Vips, Magical Hydrangea, R. Moerings Waterplantenkwekerij, Van Oploo Tuinplanten & Select, and Vreugdenhil Young Plants.

Show Your Colours Garden Centre

In the Show Your Colours Garden Centre, brand recognition is strengthened through consistent branding and strong visual communication. This makes it easier for customers to connect with the brands. Visitors to the Show Your Colours Garden Centre will gain plenty of inspiration for special campaigns and practical support for sharing plant characteristics and care tips with their own customers. In addition, daily demonstrations will be given by Judith de Frankrijker. From her mobile counter, she will create inspiring and surprising pot/plant combinations.

IPM Essen

IPM Essen, the leading trade fair for horticulture and the key meeting place for the green sector, will take place from 27 to 30 January 2026. Exhibitors from around the world will present their innovative products and services in the fields of plants, technology, floristry, and garden design. The Dutch tree and ornamental plant nursery sector is traditionally strongly represented at this important event. No fewer than 40 companies from the various nursery regions of the Netherlands will present themselves together in the BIZZ Holland stand in the “Netherlands” hall, hall 8, located directly at the “Ost” entrance of the vast exhibition complex in Essen, Germany.

Complete range

A wide range of Dutch nursery products will be presented at the BIZZ Holland stand, from avenue trees, ornamental shrubs, conifers, roses, and perennials to propagation material and various services.

Politicians and personalities from the garden industry came together at a Parliamentary Reception to debate the important role that horticulture plays in the modern-day world.

The reception at the House of Lords was organised by the All-Party Parliamentary Gardening & Horticulture Group and sponsored by Westland Horticulture, the HTA, the RHS and the British Association of Landscaper Industries.

One of the main themes of the event was the need to encourage closer collaboration between industry and government to unlock horticulture’s full potential.

In his address to the reception, Boyd Douglas-Davis said: “Environmental horticulture is a subject that transcends party lines, and I am grateful for the opportunity to speak to such a distinguished and diverse audience.

Whilst gardens have existed since the start of time, the world of Environmental Horticulture is a much newer phenomenon. Ninety‑eight years ago, the very first National Garden Scheme garden opened its gates and welcomed the public in, beginning a tradition of community engagement. Seventy years ago, the first garden centre — Stewarts Garden Centre — opened its doors, changing how the public accessed plants and gardening knowledge. And I am delighted to offer congratulations to Martin Stewart, who is here with his daughter Amy, as part of that proud legacy.

“Most recently, just five years ago, the nation discovered an all‑time high interest in Environmental Horticulture and all that it entails. These milestones remind us that our sector is rooted in history, yet constantly evolving to meet the needs of the present and future. The Environmental Horticulture Group was created to raise awareness of the vital role our sector plays in the health of our environment, our communities, and our economy. Our purpose is to encourage closer collaboration between industry and government, so that together we can unlock horticulture’s full potential.”

Boyd added that the Environmental Horticulture Group launched its Mission Green Growth report with three clear recommendations: 

• Recognition of horticulture as green infrastructure – essential to climate resilience and public health.
• Investment in skills and training – to equip the next generation with expertise in science, technology, and horticultural excellence.

• Support for innovation and collaboration — ensuring industry and government work hand‑in‑hand to deliver sustainable growth.

He said: “Your engagement and support will be crucial in helping us deliver the benefits that horticulture can bring to the nation. Together, we can ensure that future generations inherit not only a greener country, but a stronger and more resilient one.”

Life peer Baroness Fookes (pictured right) told the reception: “Health and wellbeing aspects of horticulture are well established. Need to be better seen as careers for young people. Challenging for small enterprises in the industry to get government help and interest, but that is changing as they have come together in recent years.”

Emma Hardy MP commented: “Gardening and horticulture is key to helping government achieve net zero ambitions. Gardens are playing an important role. Pressure on water system is skyrocketing. Water security is a key concern, and is part of the governments Environmental Improvement Plan reducing water demand to make better use of this valuable resource. Promote water recycling and reuse through grey-water.

“Undertaken a review of building regulations and committed to increasing sustainable drainage systems to make communities more resilient to climate change.

“Urgent repair of leaks in the existing supply system and deliver new supply infrastructure.  We have invested £104 billion in nine new reservoir projects to more successfully manage dry weather. We have founded an Independent Water Commission with one water regulator.”

TV gardener Adam Frost shared his experience in gardening, working in parks, then going to train with Geoff Hamilton, who he credited as ‘setting his moral compass’, who embraced peat-free and measures to prevent despoliation of the environment long before any others. 

Adam urged decision makers to sit in a garden designed for wellbeing, and experience the power of horticulture and how it can help power the planet. Horticulture nails every part of that, and should be taken more seriously, he said.

Glee is set to return to Spring Fair in February 2026 for the first time in six years, taking advantage of Spring Fair’s unparalleled scale, cross-category audience and influential position in the early retail calendar. 

Hosted within the UK’s most comprehensive sourcing event, the Glee at Spring Fair concession show will strengthen Spring Fair’s garden and outdoor offering bringing the very best in garden, outdoor living, decorative accessories and leisure to the NEC Birmingham - this time with a refreshed and carefully curated format designed to meet the evolving needs of the garden retail sector.

The decision to bring Glee back to Spring Fair follows a period of exceptional growth for both events. Spring Fair continues to stand as the UK’s most comprehensive retail marketplace, drawing thousands of buyers across Home, Gift, Fashion, Greetings, Beauty, and Lifestyle. Its unmatched scale and cross-category reach make it the ideal platform to elevate the garden and outdoor sector, offering suppliers access to new audiences and buyers the convenience of sourcing complementary ranges under one roof.

With Glee’s September edition achieving record success in 2025, its return to Spring Fair strategically extends the show’s influence into the early buying season. It also responds directly to retailer and supplier demand for a complementary spring touchpoint. Spring Fair is the natural home for this edition, offering the scale, reach and cross-category audience needed to maximise the opportunity for the entire garden retail sector. Together, the two events create a strengthened annual sourcing cycle, September for forward planning and February for in-season agility, supporting retailers throughout the year.

Supporting the garden & outdoor living retail buying cycle

Glee at Spring Fair 2026 will serve as a vital early-season touchpoint within the UK’s most established retail event. Retailers and buyers will benefit from the opportunity to finalise pre-season orders, plug last-minute gaps, and respond to early trading patterns, all while exploring Spring Fair’s 16 curated destinations and over 1 million products.

The timing allows buyers to:

• Complete spring and summer ranges
• Top up core and seasonal stock ahead of peak footfall
• Explore cross-category opportunities across décor, gift, lifestyle, and fashion
• Connect with both established garden suppliers and emerging design-led brands showcased throughout Spring Fair
• By hosting Glee within Spring Fair’s expansive footprint, the concession becomes part of a seamless, discovery-driven visitor journey, one that reflects the evolving ways retailers buy across multiple categories.

Benefits for exhibitors

For garden and outdoor living exhibitors, Glee at Spring Fair offers exposure far beyond the traditional garden-centre channel. Spring Fair’s broad and diverse audience, from department stores and independents to lifestyle retailers, gift shops, online platforms, and fashion buyers, creates fresh commercial opportunities and new routes to market.

Suppliers will benefit from:

• A centralised, high-traffic garden and outdoor hub within the wider show
• Access to thousands of buyers seeking newness across home, décor, lifestyle, and gifting
• Visibility alongside complementary categories that drive cross-purchase behaviour
• Spring Fair’s elevated visitor experience, curated design, and new feature zones introduced for 2026
• This integration positions garden retail firmly within the wider retail ecosystem, reflecting the sector’s growing presence in lifestyle and home merchandising.

Jackson Szabo, Portfolio Director at Spring & Autumn Fair, said: “Welcoming Glee back to Spring Fair strengthens what we offer our visitors and exhibitors at precisely the moment they need it most. Spring Fair’s scale, its cross-category audience and its reputation as the UK’s definitive buying event create the perfect platform for Glee’s early-season edition. This move gives garden and outdoor brands unrivalled visibility, while offering retailers a richer, more connected sourcing experience across more product categories than ever before. It’s an exciting development for 2026 and one that reflects the momentum driving both shows forward.”

Matthew Mein, Event Director of Glee, said: “Bringing Glee back to Spring Fair is an exciting step forward for both events and for the garden retail community. It strengthens Glee’s position at the heart of the industry and offers a dynamic new platform for growth at a key moment in the buying year. The combination of Glee’s specialist focus and Spring Fair’s extensive reach creates a powerful opportunity for exhibitors and buyers alike and we can’t wait to see the results in 2026.”

Trade associations confirm support

Supporting Glee at Spring Fair will be the Garden Industry Manufacturers’ Association (GIMA), with whom Glee enjoys a long-standing partnership. GIMA’s popular Business Village, which achieved record-breaking success in 2025 with more exhibitors and Meet the Buyer meetings than ever before, will once again feature at Glee at Spring Fair, providing a dynamic platform for networking, relationship-building, and new business development.

Vicky Nuttall, GIMA Director, commented: “GIMA is pleased to support the return of Glee at Spring Fair. The return of an early-season edition reflects the growing importance of garden retail within the wider marketplace and provides our members with a valuable opportunity to engage buyers at a key point in the season. Following the success of GIMA’s Business Village at Glee 2025, we’re looking forward to continuing that momentum in February, helping suppliers and retailers strengthen relationships, explore new partnerships, and drive commercial growth.”

The Garden Centre Association (GCA) have also confirmed their support of the move. Peter Burks, GCA Chief Executive, said: “It’s great to hear that Glee will have a presence at the Spring Fair next year. It’s an ideal time to ensure spring orders are in place and aligned with the upcoming season and weather forecasts, while also planning ahead for the rest of the year. It will be a great opportunity for us to catch up with both members and prospective members before the season gets fully underway.”

Find out more

Glee at Spring Fair 2026 will be held from 1st – 4th February at the NEC Birmingham, as part of the UK’s leading home, gift and lifestyle event.

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

In response to today’s Budget speech from the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) Chief Executive, Fran Barnes, commented:

“Whilst today’s budget did contain some announcements which will have some benefits to our members and wider business, it is disappointing that the Chancellor missed an opportunity to deliver a pro-business and pro-growth budget that could have mitigated the challenges created by last year’s Autumn Statement. Businesses are still grappling with a perfect storm of rising costs. We hoped today’s announcements would give our sector and our customers the confidence and certainty they so critically need.

“With no bold action to reverse or review inheritance tax changes, combined with rising costs and the Employment Rights Bill, the future looks very challenging for many family-owned businesses. While allowing the transfer of allowances between spouses is a welcome step, it is a minor adjustment on an Inheritance Tax policy with such a massive impact on our members, yielding minimal fiscal gain for the government. Additionally, the expected hikes in minimum and living wages continue to put further pressure on wage costs and increase reticence to recruit.

“As a sector proudly operating across the four nations of the United Kingdom, we welcome the efforts to boost regional spending, and the Windsor Framework support is welcome. The confirmation of SPS agreement ambitions, the reduction in costs for SMEs wanting to take on apprentices, the permanently lower rates for retail and hospitality, and the absence of anticipated changes to Landfill Tax are all positive announcements that we had been asking for. However, these feel like small steps when a giant boost in confidence is needed.

“SMEs are the driving force of the economy, and many are family-owned businesses.  It is vital that they can operate in conditions which support their growth and give certainty if we want the UK economy to grow.

“We will now look at the full details of the Budget to understand the breadth of impacts and opportunities for horticulture. We need to see burdens removed and fair policies implemented, so that our members can continue to contribute to the UK’s health and wealth.”

Garden centres are being asked to submit their marketing campaigns for the Garden Centre Association’s annual Worrall Cup competition.

The member garden centre judged as having the best marketing initiative will be presented with the cup during the industry body’s 60th anniversary year Annual Conference in January 2026.

Peter Burks, GCA Chief Executive, says: “Our member garden centres showcase fantastic marketing creativity all year round and the annual Worrall Cup celebrates the very best of that flair.

“This award is a chance for our members to gain recognition for both originality and commercial success. If you believe you’ve got what it takes to claim the cup this year, make sure to submit your entry to us by Friday, January 9, 2026.

“All submissions will be reviewed by an independent panel of marketing experts. As the award is judged separately from the annual inspection, every entry has an equal opportunity to shine. The panel will meet in January to evaluate each submission and select the winner.”

Members are asked to submit an entry by completing a short form. Please email laura@gca.org.uk to receive full details.  

The submission of supporting material, such as photographs, print examples and web links, is encouraged. An additional sheet of written details is acceptable along with the entry form, if required. Entries can be sent electronically via laura@gca.org.uk or by post.

Peter continues: “Our Annual Conference takes place at Carden Park Chester from January 25 until 28, 2026 and the winner will be announced during our Annual Dinner and Awards Ceremony on the Tuesday evening, January 27.”

There is a dedicated email for any queries members, and those wishing to book for the event, may have: conference@gca.org.uk.

Peter adds: “To find out more and to book tickets for our GCA Annual Conference 2026, please visit our conference pages in the members’ section of our website or go directly to https://gca.digitickets.co.uk/. If non-members are interested in joining us to attend the event, please email info@gca.org.uk.”

An international speaker on workforce burnout, anxiety and stress is taking to the stage on the Tuesday of the Garden Centre Association’s (GCA) 2026 Conference at Carden Park Chester (January 27, 2026).

Kat Thorne, who is a teacher and consultant, is presenting to delegates at the GCA’s 60th anniversary year event on ‘one small habit change’ that can boost resilience and wellbeing.

Ben Harrison, GCA Chairman Elect and Operations Director of Haskins Garden Centres, says: “Presenter of Positive Habits Podcast and Founder of The Morning Game Changer, Kat will be talking about the greatest global pandemic of all time – burnout, anxiety and stress.

“These are at an all-time high worldwide but are particularly prevalent in the UK. In The Mental State of the World 2023 Report, the UK scored second worst out of 71 countries. As people-focused businesses, our teams are our most important asset. The better able individuals are to look after themselves, the better they perform in all areas of life. 

“Kat is a positive habits expert and her life story of workaholism, breakdown and burnout inspire global audiences to change. After losing everything in 2016, she had no choice but to start again – with one small habit change. She is going to share with all those that attend our 2026 Annual Conference her experiences and tips, so we can all benefit.”

A former Global Commercial Director & CEO, Kat now works with organisations, leaders and individuals around the world to create one small positive habit change that results in increased wellbeing and resilience.

GCA CEO, Peter Burks concludes: “I’m sure our delegates will really appreciate hearing about Kat’s one small positive habit change and that her presentation will inspire them. Increased wellbeing and resilience allow us all to have healthier, happier work and home lives. They also help boost performance in the workplace too. For every £1 invested in wellbeing, there is a £5 return, according to Deloitte in 2022.

“To find out more and to book tickets, please visit the conference pages in the members’ section of our website or go directly to https://gca.digitickets.co.uk/. For any further queries, please contact the dedicated conference email: conference@gca.org.uk. If non-members are interested in joining us to attend the event, please email info@gca.org.uk.”

Blue Diamond Blackdown - GTN's Greatest Christmas Awards 2025 judges visit, 22nd October 2025

See the gallery of photos below

Ransoms Jersey - GTN's Greatest Christmas Awards 2025 judges visit, 20th October 2025.

See the gallery of photos below

Summerhill Garden Centre- GTN's Greatest Christmas Awards 2025 judges visit, 22nd October 2025.

See the gallery of photos below