The Greenfingers Charity marked a major milestone with a magnificent celebration at Coombe Abbey Hotel on 26th June, as 300 guests gathered to honour the charity’s 25th Anniversary at its inaugural Floral Ball: an unforgettable evening of celebration, recognition, and FUNdraising.

Hosted by TV personality Chris Clarkson, the evening was filled with heartfelt speeches, star-studded entertainment, and generous fundraising efforts in support of the charity’s mission to create magical gardens for children in hospices across the UK.

Boyd Douglas-Davies and Richard Jackson delivered poignant speeches reflecting on the charity’s incredible journey over the past quarter-century. Boyd paid tribute to Richard for being awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours for services to hospices, and acknowledged key early supporters of the charity: Caroline Owen, John Little, Neil Gow, Kimberley George, and Seamus Geoghegan.

In a moving moment, Richard Jackson presented Boyd Douglas-Davies with the President’s Award in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Greenfingers, including raising over £1 million through Garden Re-Leaf Day since 2012.

One of the evening's most significant highlights was the announcement of the Silver Anniversary Appeal total. Launched in 2022, the appeal had aimed to raise £2,000,025 by the time of the ball. The final figure exceeded expectations, reaching a remarkable £2,168,025.

Guests were also given an exclusive first look at the brand-new Greenfingers Charity film, “Adding Life to Shortened Lives,” filmed at Chestnut Tree Hospice, thanks to Phil Wright of Wright OBara, the powerful and emotive short film captures the impact of Greenfingers’ gardens on life-limited children and their families. The film serves as a poignant reminder of the charity’s mission and legacy as it enters its next chapter.

Awards were presented to generous supporters of the Ball, including Platinum Partners, Silver Supporters, and Sterling Ambassadors.

Fundraising took centre stage throughout the evening, kicking off with a Champagne Auction, sponsored by Westland and brought to life thanks to the persuasive skills of Bob Marley.  A live auction, led brilliantly by Guy Topping, raised over £40,000; a silent auction, powered by A Star Experience, raised a fantastic £9,500; raffle featuring over 100 prizes further boosted the evening’s success.

Guests were treated to dazzling entertainment, including performances by the London Show Choir during the fizz reception. which was sponsored by Vitax.  Later in the evening, guests danced the night away with a vibrant performance by Fake Tan, the UK’s ultimate party band, before ending the night with a joyful Silent Disco.

The event was made visually stunning thanks to breathtaking floral arrangements by APAC which were later raffled.  Elegant tree ferns dressed the marquee courtesy of HSK.  A spectacular entrance garden was arranged by Tom Cook, using hundreds of stunning plants kindly sponsored by British Garden Centres. A photo-ready Instagram wall, a stunning living wall, was sponsored by Wonderwall and British Garden Centres, became one of the most popular backdrops of the night.

The night was also proudly supported by a host of generous sponsors, including Evergreen Garden Care, Meadow View Stone, MorePeople, National Garden Gift Cards, Blue Diamond, STV, Corby & Fellas, New Leaf Plants, Simon & Caroline Quinton Smith, Hornby George PR, Woodmansterne and Baker & Taylor.  All of whom played a vital role in making the celebration a resounding success.

Reflecting on the evening’s success, Linda Petrons, Director of Fundraising & Communications at Greenfingers Charity, said: “The Floral Ball was far more than just a celebration.  It was a deeply moving tribute to 25 years of kindness, collaboration and tireless commitment. We are incredibly thankful to everyone who has played a part in our journey so far, and the generosity shown on the night was a powerful reminder of the passion and purpose that drives our supporters and the horticultural industry alike.

"With a growing list of hospices waiting for our support, we are excited and determined to build on this momentum — and can’t wait to see what we can achieve together in the next 25 years.”

Greenfingers Chairman Boyd Douglas-Davies added: "The evening was such a great success due to the hardworking team at Greenfingers led by Linda Petrons. For 18 months she has been working on the plans for this event and without her huge input it would not have been anywhere near as successful. Thank you Linda."

The 25th Anniversary Floral Ball was a true celebration of community, dedication, and the magic that Greenfingers Charity brings to life for children and families every day.

See GTN Xtra's photos from the evening below

GTN June/July 2025 - SOLEX Preview Issue.

In this issue: New online garden centre - GTN exclusive, Kaemingk showroom visit for Spring Summer 2026, Industry-wide help for peat-free growing advice, RHS Chelsea Flower Show inspiration and winners, GTN’s SOLEX 2025 Preview, Exhibitor plan and listing, Welcome to SOLEX 2025, Afterparty, awards and events, Bramblecrest at 25, Pages of SOLEX exhibitor news, HEX Living luxury, GIMA golf day 2025, GARDENA makes watering easy, Westland’s Rising Stars, Introducing the Greatest Food & Drink Awards at Glee, Food @ Glee, Catering investments at Monkton Elm, Planteria - Roses of Success, EHG Viewpoint - It's good to talk, HTA Viewpoint - Spring achievements, GIMA Viewpoint - Breaking records.

Following the outstanding success of Zest’s outdoor entertaining collection during the 2024/25 season, the timber garden furniture and outdoor leisure specialist is returning to Solex to unveil a host of additional ‘al fresco’ products (stand number #650) to extend the range.  

The new products add to the original modular concept, enabling consumers to customise their own outdoor cooking and dining areas.  With infinitely flexible options to suit all lifestyles and space availabilities, Zest’s enhanced range is being marketed as ‘Your Outdoor Kitchen; Your Way’ and appeals to a diverse and younger audience as well as its traditional admirers.

Zest’s new products include additions to its stunningly successful Terraza Outdoor Kitchen as well as a coordinating garden BBQ shelter and a great new corner pergola, ideal for any garden.  The new products are aimed squarely at the developing garden leisure market amongst younger consumers.

As Zest’s Head of Commercial Development, Simon Davison explained, “Over the last year, we’ve enjoyed massive success with our innovative on-trend products all focused on creating a nature-inspired outdoor room for entertaining, cooking and dining, and relaxing. Now, in our 20th anniversary year, we are launching even more products to extend and complement our existing Terraza Outdoor Kitchen concept, including a new Terraza Outdoor Kitchen Island Set and additional modular outdoor kitchen units.”

There is imagery and video to support stockists in engaging consumers.  As in previous years, Zest will be promoting the complete cooking and entertaining collection in high circulation national consumer magazines in its Spring and Summer consumer campaign as well as in digital media to build brand 

awareness, create desire, and signpost customers to stockists, and online retailers.  Zest’s outdoor entertaining products are made from sustainable slow-grown softwood sourced from PEFC certified (PEFC/16-37-1490) forests.  

For further information about Zest’s outdoor leisure products, visit http://www.zestoutdoorliving.co.uk/solex-2025 or email sales@zestoutdoorliving.co.uk

As the hot summer continues Honeyfield’s resident wild bird expert Simon Smethurst, who is head of sales at Honeyfield’s, is sharing tips for your wild bird-loving customers on how the provision of plenty of water sources, as well as food, should attract even more birds to the garden.

Water is vital for survival but is also critical for feather quality. Regular bathing is essential to all species of bird, especially during the breeding season when parent birds are more likely to foul their feathers with chick faeces and general soiling at the nest site.

“Very few bird feeders also supply fresh water said Simon. “This means your customers must ensure they provide water for them. Birds very quickly learn where water sources are within their territories. Some of these sites are found whilst on their normal feeding routines, and some are learned from following the behaviour of other species. Providing several water sources is a great way of attracting even more wild birds into the garden.”

Different bird species have their own preferences when it comes to taking a drink. Some may be blatant and drink from an open bird bath while others are very secretive and prefer to drink under cover.

Simon suggests providing 4-5 open water sources in the garden and offers the following tips for your customers:

·      Bird bath in open view from the house (Pigeons, Jackdaws, Starlings, Sparrows). 

·      Water tray attached to the feeding station (Tits, Finches, Nuthatch). 

·      Ceramic flower pot tray on the roof of a shed (attracts the widest variety overall including the local Sparrowhawk).

·      Plastic flower pot trays under bushes and behind the greenhouse (Blackbird, Thrushes, Robin, Dunnock, Wren).

·      Keeping water stations clean and regularly topped up.

·      Baby sterilising fluids are ideal for cleaning bird drinking stations!

“If birds are unable to locate water in neighbouring gardens where they actually might be feeding, they very quickly learn where to find water elsewhere,” said Simon. “The result is that your customers will have more visiting birds. Water is not only the source of life, it also brings in the birds!”

Honeyfield’s offers an exceptional range of wild bird feeds designed to support wildlife throughout the changing seasons. From high-energy sunflower hearts and nutritious seed mixes to suet treats and mealworms, there’s a feed for every species and dietary requirement. The range is competitively priced for consumers to be able to feed the best, while retailers can benefit from good margin structures and introductory stocking incentives.

To find out more about the Honeyfield’s range visit: https://www.honeyfieldswildbird.co.uk/

Sipcam Home & Garden are welcoming Andy Harding, Araminta Baylis, and Mike Mills to its growing sales team, bolstering coverage across the south of England.

With their extensive experience and passion for the industry, the new sales agents will be focusing on expanding the reach of Sipcam Home & Garden’s innovative portfolio, including the popular ecofective® brand and the Block Blitz range. 

This development comes just 6 months after the appointment of Alan Jones as Retail Channel Manager, who will be working closely with the new team members within the garden centre sector. With the focus on supporting growth in garden retailers, together they will aim to increase Sipcam Home & Garden stockists in this channel and provide extra support and value for Garden Centre customers. 

Supported by Sipcam Oxon, an international specialist in crop protection, Sipcam Home & Garden have an unrivalled network from which to utilise new technology and expertise. Whilst supported by a large group, there is still the character of a small business offering flexibility to serve customers in bringing unique home and garden solutions to the gardening and pet market. 

Andy, Araminta, and Mike bring a wealth of expertise in garden retail, and their knowledge will support stockists in showcasing the best in sustainable and effective home and garden care solutions. Their appointment reinforces Sipcam Home & Garden’s commitment to providing retailers with top-tier support and driving growth across the sector.

Alan Jones said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Andy, Araminta, and Mike to the team. Their insight and dedication will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen our relationships with retailers and bring innovative, eco-conscious solutions to more gardeners.”

With continuous innovation across Sipcam’s product categories, the sales team will be getting to work immediately, helping to support recent launches in the Sipcam Home & Garden portfolio. This includes working with brands such as Fito, GET OFF, retail partner Block Blitz and flagship brand ecofective®, 2023 & 2024 winner of the GIMA Sword of Excellence, with Organic Superfood Ideal for Peat-Free Compost and Slug Stoppa, respectively.

Speak to the team today (enquiries@sipcamhg.co.uk) to see who your local sales representative is. For more information about Sipcam Home & Garden’s innovative range of garden care products please visit https://www.sipcamhg.co.uk/

Meadow View Stone is seeing exceptional momentum in the garden centre sector, with their standout Glee 2024 product launches rapidly turning into bestsellers. Less than a year on, the response from the trade has been decisive- with strong reorder rates proving that demand isn’t just hype.

Flexi-Fix Edging, the game-changing garden border solution, has taken the market by storm. With a reorder rate of 95% within just 60 days, garden centres are recognising its retail potential. Lightweight and simple to install, Flexi-Fix has become a fast favourite for DIY gardeners and professionals alike.

Eco-consciousness is also showing its staying power. Eco Sparkle, Meadow View’s sustainable decorative aggregate, is more than ticking the green credentials box; it’s ticking tills too, with an impressive 72% reorder rate. As the demand for environmentally responsible landscaping products continues to grow, Eco Sparkle’s appeal is only set to increase.

It is not just function and sustainability that are drawing interest. Aesthetic impact matters more than ever and Persian Pink has carved out its place in the market with a 43% reorder rate. It’s clear there’s a healthy appetite for colour-led garden design.

But Meadow View Stone isn’t just innovating with its product line. The brand is leading the way in garden retail tech too. Its new Augmented Reality (AR) feature is now live on the website, allowing garden centres and consumers to digitally place products in real-world settings, helping drive confidence, engagement and ultimately, sales.

With a forward-thinking approach and a finger firmly on the pulse of consumer trends, Meadow View Stone is giving garden centres the tools and the products to thrive.

The Garden Centre Association is seeking potential sponsors both big and small for its annual conference taking place from January 25-28 next year.

The GCA wants to hear from businesses with horticultural industry relevance that would like to be associated with the event, which takes place at Carden Park Hotel near Chester.

Peter Burks, Chief Executive of the GCA, who is organising this year’s conference with Chairman Elect and Operations Director at Haskins Garden Centres, Ben Harrison, says: “We have lots of opportunities available this year but in essence we are looking for overall sponsors, dinner and reception sponsors, award sponsors and lots of other secondary sponsors.

“We’ve already booked a wide range of key industry relevant expert speakers, as well as two exciting major celebrity speakers, who both have universal appeal and one of which is a national treasure! It’s all very hush, hush at the moment, but they will be revealed in the autumn with huge fanfares, so watch this space. We anticipate we will sell all our delegate spaces very fast once they have been revealed.

“The sponsorship deals we have up for grabs include everything from the pens and bags we giveaway to all delegates to the coffee/tea breaks, which are, as you’d imagine, very popular and, of course, all the awards.

“Sponsors will have access to delegates who are key decision makers from the nation’s leading garden centres, including owners, directors and managers, in a relaxed and friendly environment, over breaks, meals, in the auditorium or during our Associate Event.

“We would love to hear from firms that are interested in sponsoring any of the activities, sessions, giveaways and awards at our conference and would like to discuss the various packages we can offer. Please email me to find out more via peter@gca.org.uk.”

More than 400 delegates are expected to attend the annual GCA Conference across the two days.

Peter adds: “As always, our conference will provide attendees with pertinent information on key aspects of the garden centre industry to assist members in achieving their business goals.”

The GCA represents more than 200 garden centres nationwide.

Alex Dickson of Bonnyrigg, Midlothian, will next month celebrate an incredible 49 years’ service at Dobbies.

Starting on 5 July 1976, Alex’s first job at the Edinburgh store was sweeping the floor and he’s since worked across several departments becoming one of the store’s most beloved and enduring figures. From building greenhouses, driving forklifts and tractors, working as a horti sales assistant, handyman and even a stint working for the company in Surrey, he’s been one of the garden centre’s longest serving colleagues.  

Born in Newtongrange, the 65-year-old has four children ranging from 40 to 10 years old. A keen gardener himself, Alex’s gardening knowledge is just one of the reasons colleagues and customers love Alex so much. Learning on the job, Alex grew his own bedding plants at home, is an expert at growing roses and dahlias and every type of vegetable, and at one point had 152 varieties of potatoes in his garden.

One of Alex most important roles in his almost 50 years’ service at Dobbies has been building Santa’s Grotto. He’s been involved in creating 46 Santa’s Grottos and has even been Santa on occasion.

Alex said: “There is never a dull day working at Dobbies. I love being surrounded by plants every day, it brings me so much joy and is definitely one of the reasons I’ve stayed so long. I have seen many spring and summer seasons with Dobbies and this year has been one of my favourites yet, the sunshine brings out the best in not only the plants but also the customers.”

Alex is a very familiar face around the store and has a number of loyal customers who ask for his advice every time they visit.

John Gillespie, who has known Alex since he taught at the school Alex attended said, “Alex is an asset to the store. It’s such an achievement to be there for so long, he and Dobbies are obviously a match made in heaven.”

This year, Dobbies’ is celebrating 160 years of helping British gardeners to grow. Dobbies was founded as a local seed merchant in 1865 and now has stores in every nation across the UK.

With a growing team and fresh energy, Pleydell Smithyman – specialists in design and business consultancy for garden centres, farm shops, and rural enterprises –have unveiled a brand-new website to reflect their evolving vision.

Paul Pleydell said, “Over the past few years we have been developing our team and services, to ensure that it is even stronger and more experienced than ever before. We are really proud of our work, and we would like everyone to fully understand what we do”.

Pleydell Smithyman’s multidisciplinary team brings together business strategists, designers, planners, architects, landscape architects, project managers, and hands-on retail and catering experts. Their new website offers an easy way to explore what they do and showcases a range of projects that highlight the team’s skills and experience.

Paul added “The website is just one of many ways we are engaging more with our client base, and we feel it aligns with our core values. Our strapline is‘strategy, creativity and delivery,’ which we are proud to say we do. But underlying this is our commitment to the client and working with owners to help make them even better—and, essentially, make them more money!”

You can visit the new website at www.pleydellsmithyman.co.uk

GCA Inspector Peter Walker, who will be presenting to members in Midlands, Wales & West on Thursday, July 24 at Pughs Wenvoe, Wales.

The Garden Centre Association has revealed the dates for its summer regional award meetings when members find out who has come top in its 2025 annual inspections.

Members are encouraged to attend with their teams and this year those in the Midlands and West also have the chance to travel by coach and visit centres on route.

Peter Burks, CEO at the GCA, explains: “Another round of our annual inspections is ending and early feedback is already looking very positive. We’re now inviting our members to attend the regional meeting for their area, where they’ll be able to hear the feedback in full and where our inspectors will be highlighting best practice and new ideas, as well as announcing all the category winners.

“New this year is the chance for members from the Midlands and West to travel to their meeting via coach. This is the first region to try this out and if it works well, we will look at rolling it out across all areas in 2026.”

The South region will meet at Coolings in Kent on Tuesday, July 8 with inspector Alyson Haywood.

The North regional meeting will follow on Wednesday, July 16 at Moss & Moor in Yorkshire again with Alyson presenting her findings.

The East meeting will also take place on Thursday, July 17 with inspector Colin Farquahar at British Garden Centres, Northampton.

Members in Midlands, Wales & West will meet on Thursday, July 24 at Pughs Wenvoe, Wales with Peter Walker as the presiding inspector and the option of arriving by coach and touring other centres on the way.

A coach in the Midlands will pick at Planters Garden Centre, Tamworth at 8am, and then at St Peters Garden Centre, before travelling on to Old Railway Garden Centre and Pugh’s Radyr, arriving at Pugh’s Wenvoe at 3pm. During the trip, there will also be a chance to have a look around St Peters, Old Railway and Pugh’s Cardiff. After the award presentations end at 6.30pm, the coach will take attendees back to the centres where they got on.

The coach from the West will pick up at Monkton Elm Garden Centre in Taunton, Somerset at 9am and then Sanders Garden World before travelling on to Pugh’s Radyr and arriving at Pugh’s Wenvoe at 3pm. There will be a chance to look around each of the stop off and pick up centres on the way too. Again, after the award presentations end at 6.30pm, the coach will take attendees back to the centres where they were picked up.

Helen Lloyd, Director at Stratford Garden Centre, who is also GCA Co-Chair for the Midlands, Wales & West, along with Nicola Pugh from Pugh’s, says: “Our Area Meetings are a great chance for garden centres and their teams to hear and see examples of good retail practice from across the area.

“Given the distance from the Midlands and the West, we thought it would be a wonderful opportunity to make a day of it and visit some great garden centres along the way. We have organised two coaches, one from the Midlands and one from the West, and have put together a full day’s itinerary so members and their teams can enjoy, learn and interact with other each. The cost of the coach is £22 per person, invoiced by the GCA.

“Please could you RSVP to me helen@stratfordgardencentre.co.uk confirming numbers attending, any special dietary requests and if you would like to join us for the day on the coach, including your pick up/drop off point, no later than June 30.”

The GCA represents more than 200 garden centres nationwide. Through sharing information and its inspection programme the GCA helps members to achieve high standards in customer service, plant quality and reliability.

Peter adds: “Many GCA members have said that the unique annual inspections and constructive feedback sessions are one of the biggest benefits of membership. It is a fantastic motivational and management tool and really keeps staff on their toes, making sure they are always doing their absolute best.

“Garden centres receive no advance warning about when their inspection will take place and they do not have the option to turn away the inspector. It is all about making sure they are offering a consistently excellent service and improving their customer service standards, which is what all GCA garden centres must do to remain members.

“The results of the inspections form the basis for many GCA awards, including Destination Garden Centre of the Year, Garden Centre of the Year, Area Winners, Highly Commended and Most Improved Garden Centre. The top 10 centres will receive a Garden Centre of Excellence Award and all centres scoring 75% or above receive the Highly Commended certificate.”

For further information, please visit www.gca.org.uk.

Goulding’s Garden Centre has supported a ‘Big Build’ project in Glasgow for the BBC DIY SOS team, with the show scheduled to be aired later this year or early 2026.

After being contacted back in early May, Goulding’s were delighted to help support the well-deserved local family with a large selection of plants and compost, hand selected in the store by TV gardening star Ashley Edwards. 

Goulding’s general manager Gordon Shute was invited to the  show’s ‘release day’, where the family were welcomed back into their newly transformed home. 

Gordon, who got the chance to meet the family and all the DIY SOS team, said: “If you get a bit emotional watching the TV show at home, then being involved on the day is a completely different emotional journey. Not a dry eye on site.”

Following the publiciation of  the UK’s Trade Strategy this week, Jennifer Pheasey, Director of Public Affairs, from the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA), commented:

“UK environmental horticulture relies on global supply chains, importing nearly £800 million worth of plants and plant material. However, due to trade barriers, exports have plummeted to just £30 million. The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) welcomes the ambitious Trade Strategy published today and is pleased to have had the opportunity to contribute to its development. Our sector contributes £36 billion to the UK's GDP, with the potential to grow to £51 billion by 2030, provided the right conditions are met, including unlocking the barriers to trade.

“The recent announcement of a new UK-EU trade reset, which prioritises a shared ambition for an SPS agreement inclusive of plants and plant products, cannot be delivered soon enough. This has the potential to remove barriers to exports and imports, and fundamentally save the industry from the damage, costs, and lost business it is experiencing today. UK horticulture remains a vibrant and innovative sector, with global interest and demand for our sector knowledge and products. As the majority of businesses in our industry are SMEs (Small Medium Enterprises), we look forward to being part of this partnership to grow UK exports and support SMEs as outlined in today’s strategy.

“The sooner the UK can progress this trade strategy, the sooner businesses can benefit. The HTA strongly supports the swift and effective implementation of a Single Trade Window, as well as steps to ease and streamline the compliance burdens associated with cross-border trade. Furthermore, we seek closer engagement with the new international agri, nature and climate attaches. As the original green sector, environmental horticulture is ideally placed to meet net-zero, environmental and biodiversity ambitions, as well as deliver economic growth.”

Kent & Stowe, renowned for its high-quality gardening tools that help gardeners achieve extraordinary results, is excited to launch a range of enticing autumn promotions designed to support garden centre retailers in driving footfall and increasing basket spend.

With the summer solstice behind us, consumers will soon be turning their attention to preparing their gardens for next year and now is the perfect time for garden centres to stock up and get ready for this seasonal push. 

Stainless Steel Hand Tools – 2 for £14

From classic hand forks and trowels to bulb planters and daisy grubbers, stainless steel hand tools are a staple in every gardener’s kit. This offer is designed to drive consumer consideration of a wider variety of tools, all crafted to make a wide range of gardening tasks easier. 

Bulb Planting Essentials – From £5.99 RRP
Bulb planting is a key autumn task. Help customers prepare for a spectacular spring with Kent & Stowe’s top-performing bulb planters.

• Hand Bulb Planter – £5.99 RRP
• Long-Handled Bulb Planter – £34.99 RRP

Gloves 
With a portfolio of glove offers available priced from £2.99, Kent & Stowe offers the glove to drive autumn sales. The highlight is the Sure&Grip glove on an FSDU pre-mechanised tower. Sure&Grip combines guaranteed protection, grip and dexterity, all for £7.99.

Fabric & Frost Protection – 50% Extra Free

With colder nights on the horizon, shoppers will be looking for effective ways to protect their beloved plants. FrostStop’s premium plant protection fleece now comes with 50% extra free, offering added value to consumers and increased margin potential for retailers. In addition, as consumers use the winter months to make weeding easier for the following spring, WeedStop Ultimate Path & Patio Weed Fabric is also on promotion for 50% extra free. 

Make the Most of the Season with Kent & Stowe

These limited-time offers are designed to help garden centres capitalise on the seasonal shift and keep customers inspired through autumn. Stocking up on Kent & Stowe's reliable, high-quality tools ensures you’re prepared for increased demand – and better able to drive sales across key gardening categories.

In common with all Westland products, Kent & Stowe tools and accessories can be ordered 24/7 via Westland Live, and frequent top-ups are easy as part of a Westland weekly delivery. To benefit from the in-store POS and display units contact your Westland Account Manager.

Chestnut Nursery, Poole’s ‘plant paradise’ for shoppers, is celebrating a phenomenal 150% rise in salessince the site was transformed by a state-of-the-art redevelopment in 2019.

‘The little garden centre with a big heart’, run by the charity Plants and Minds, supports adults experiencing severe and enduring mental health conditions. Over the past six years, the number of people on Chestnut’s horticultural therapy programme who have progressed into paid work has increased by 300%.

Widely acclaimed for its outstanding range of top-quality plants, inspirational displays and expert horticultural advice, Chestnut offers more than 50 voluntary work placements to its service users, known as Team Members. People who suffer with mental illness are supported in a caring, pressure-free, professional work environment.

Chestnut Nursery first took root at the old Poole Council nursery next to Poole Park in 2001. The site benefitted from a major redevelopment in 2019 and record figures released today demonstrate the life-changing impact of this ambitious horticultural project.

Re-opened in June 2019, the transformation, with help from many local companies, saw the creation of an iconic, flagship 200 square metre store clad in gabion cages of Purbeck stone and powered by renewable energy technology – along with more than 740 square metres of retail area and nursery.

Sowing the seeds of success

Andy Verreck, Nursery Manager at Chestnut, said the new facilities had transformed the future of a project that was previously financially unviable.

Andy said: “None of this would have been possible without our supporters, who range from large charitable trusts to individual donors, business and suppliers, as well as the many support services that refer people to us. A huge thank you to our many customers, both trade and retail: their loyalty has ensured the continued success of the nursery.”

However, Andy pointed out that ongoing support remains vital, because Chestnut is facing rising overhead costs, while its sister nursery, Cherry Tree in Bournemouth, needs investment in infrastructure and new facilities.

He added: “The redevelopment has enabled Chestnut to support our Team Members by delivering first-class training in professional horticulture and providing retail experience, while breaking down social isolation and engaging in a meaningful way with the wider community. The incredible achievements announced today are a direct result of our Team Members gaining valuable work experience and confidence at the nursery.

“The benefits of therapeutic horticulture are vast, from meaningful occupation to keeping individuals out of intensive mental health care. We’ve witnessed complete rehabilitation and subsequent progression into paid employment – a fantastic achievement!” Andy explained.

To mark the six-year anniversary of new store opening, the Charity is holding a special thank you event on Monday 7 July. People across multiple sectors have been invited to the closed event where the Charity will showcase its flagship operation.

No judgement, just support

Ahead of the event, Team Members praised the safe haven provided by Chestnut, citing the project’s ability to break isolation, create new social circles, work with plants, provide structure to the day and develop new skills in a friendly, safe environment.

One Team Member said: “If I didn’t have Chestnut I would not be where I am mentally. The nursery gives me routine, structure and an opportunity to gain qualifications for paid work. I would not be alive if I was not here.”

Another said: “At first, Chestnut was the only place I could manage to go to outside my house. The nursery is a restorative, tranquil oasis which soothes nerves, provides comfort and is a place for conversation with lovely people. It has done me so much good.”

A third summed-up: “When I was at home every day, I was lonely, bored and my attitude was negative. Attending Chestnut gave me a reason to get out of bed. I now have a place to go to which supports my mental health and gives structure to my week. If you are having a bad day there’s no judgement, just support. I’ve been given the chance to rebuild my life”. 

Team Members are referred to Chestnut via services including Community Mental Health Teams (CMHT), Steps 2 Wellbeing, Access Wellbeing Hubs and GPs. During 2024, a total of 25 referrals were received, 22 of which were accepted.

Crocus welcomed Dr Al Pinkerton, MP for Surrey Heath, to its nursery and head office to discuss three main sections of the horticultural industry –  retail and online retail, wholesale nurseries and the landscaping industry.  

Guests representing local businesses were Simon Edwards, Managing Director of North Hill Nurseries; Bill Godfrey, Director of W Godfrey & Sons; Lynda Simmons, Head of ESG & Green Solutions at Nurture Group.

Discussions covered the impacts of the BTOM, what is needed to come out of the upcoming SPS negotiations to help businesses, the Inheritance Tax burden along with other cost burdens such as the National Insurance and Minimum Wage threshold changes, the Packaging Levy, the additional costs of peat free production and skills shortages and recruitment difficulties in the sector.

In a joints statement, Sarah Mackenzie, Plant Procurement, Controller Crocus.co.uk, and John Hiorns, Associate Director Crocus.co.uk, said:

“The opportunity to share our experiences of importing plants from the EU was valuable, including how the additional stress of prolonged travel times, extra handling and mixing of plants puts on them can actually make them more vulnerable to pests and diseases, thereby having the opposite effect of one of the very aims of the BTOM. The industry of paperwork and actions required by the BTOM has led to some eye-watering costs being incurred by everyone involved in the import process.  For example, in the first year of BCP operation our Agents report Port Exam fees of over £186,000.00 for just 1 of the ports they process applications for; and we understand 1 haulier over a 3 week period this May experienced an average of 9.5 hours of waiting time per truck at Sevington, adding an extra €800.00 per truck.  At Crocus we are achieving around 85% UK supply, around half of which is coming from our own production, however over the last year we have averaged almost 1 import consignment per working day costing us over £1000,000.00 in the various fees excluding haulage.  

“Our discussions also included what would be the definition of a high risk plant as currently all plants for planting are classified as high risk plants, for which we are seeing around a 30% inspection rate being achieved.  However, some are higher risk than others, such as olive trees which are key hosts of Xylella.  We understand the Import Threats Hierarchy is being kept under review.  Biosecurity is of course an integral part of all our businesses which is where accreditation schemes such as Plant Healthy could help support this work.  

“The current permission for UK plant passport labels to be applied at source in the EU before the plants travel allows smooth transfer and retention of full traceability and identity information through the supply chain in just 1 process.  With the expectation of plant passports still being required after the SPS negotiations are agreed we would like to see this permission included as a standard practice.  All plants received by businesses are checked thoroughly on arrival and only once these checks are complete they can move on to the next stage in their journey and it is at this point the passport labels become valid.  The cost to businesses of adding an extra process in to remove a label only to replace it with another similar label would be significant - both financial in terms of labour and materials but also environmental as yet more plastic has to be used and disposed of and could be one of the biggest single import cost increases yet for affected businesses.  Work is ongoing for alternatives to plastic labels but more needs to be done to reduce their cost and increase availability.

“Even with all the efforts and work ongoing by legitimate UK businesses plants and plant material is still finding its way into the UK by the back door.  Non-UK-based companies are able to sell and send plants mail order through the post either through their own websites or marketplaces which arrive without all the checks and assurances that UK businesses undergo and pay for.  This includes items such as seeds included in parcels as gifts directly from other countries outside the EU even though they were bought from a business purporting to be in the UK.  As part of the SPS negotiations in return for relaxing and simplifying the imports/exports process with the EU for legitimate businesses we would like to see rules tightened up on this front, particularly for marketplaces to make them more accountable for this kind of behaviour as it undermines all the hard work undertaken by the rest of the industry.

“Additional cost burdens to our businesses which are hampering growth and investment in this sector include the new National Insurance and Minimum Wage thresholds from 6^th April 2025.  These changes were brought in at such speed that businesses did not have adequate time to prepare and disproportionately affect SME’s in lower paid industries, such as Horticulture and other land-based sectors.  The minimum wage in particular has a cascade effect as differentiation needs to be maintained through the rest of the pay structure so any rise in the minimum wage does not just affect those at that level.  

“The accelerated move to peat-free production has also increased costs, not only of raw materials but also of ongoing inputs as these mediums typically require more frequent watering and feeding during the life of the crop to maintain plant performance and can still give more variable results than peat-based mediums leading to reduced saleability and higher finished plant prices. 

“The Extended Producer Responsibility for Packaging (EPR) levy, for which the costs are now finally becoming known as we are due to pay our first fees this autumn, adds another significant cost of doing business.  We all have a responsibility to look after our environment and this has always been important for those who work closely with it.  However, the new rules are felt to be particularly confusing and difficult to follow, even for those who have been working in waste management and sustainability for many years.  

“Surrey Heath is historically a strong area for Nurseries and Horticulture due to the favourable soils and climate and supported many small nurseries.  Production is now containerised rather than in the ground, but a dwindling number of these nurseries remain today.  The skills and knowledge that have been handed down over the generations and are an invaluable resource.  The new Inheritance Tax rules are now placing an unsustainable burden on land-based businesses with the risks that businesses are already choosing not to invest due to this impending burden.  The method of calculation of how many businesses would be affected was called into question, as for example if the effects were based on the number of Land Holding Units in the country, this could be misleading as many businesses may hold more than 1 perhaps resulting from when neighbouring businesses have previously merged.  Again, this disproportionately affects SME’s as if these smaller nurseries are unable to continue, we not only lose valuable production capacity at a time when demand for UK-grown plants is increasing, but we also crucially lose that accumulated knowledge to the detriment of us all.  Surrey Heath has a high cost of living and so sadly the land is more valuable for housing than security of production.  

“The high cost of living in this area also makes it difficult to recruit trained horticulturalists and to develop the next generation.  Despite a growing awareness of the environment and biodiversity and its benefits to our health and wellbeing as well as mitigating climate change amongst the younger generations, Horticulture is not seen as a desirable career choice given the relatively low pay and physical nature of the job outside in all weathers.  Apprenticeships are available, though it can be difficult to secure college places within a sensible distance.  The benefits of environmental horticulture are wide ranging and we would like to see more of this filtering into the curriculum in schools and colleges along with more funding made available for further education to help support and train future horticulturalists.

“We would particularly like to thank Dr Al Pinkerton and our guests for their time and positive contributions to these discussions.”

Autumn Fair, the UK’s largest B2B retail trade show for Home, Gift & Fashion of the season taking place at the NEC Birmingham from 7–10 September 2025, has unveiled a stellar line-up of first-time exhibitors, each bringing fresh energy, creativity, and innovation to the UK’s leading marketplace for home, gift, fashion, and lifestyle.

This year’s show will welcome a 25% increase in new exhibitors from last year highlighting a significant surge in fresh talent and entrepreneurial spirit across the show floor. Retailers can expect a diverse array set to inspire with bold design, sustainable thinking, and irresistible gifting opportunities, all perfectly timed for the festive season and beyond.

New Business Pavilions

Supporting emerging talent is a hallmark of Autumn Fair, and the New Business Pavilions continue to go from strength to strength, with a 44% increase in the number of exhibitors from last year. These dedicated spaces offer a vibrant platform for first-time exhibitors and small businesses, providing buyers with a brilliant discovery zone packed with fresh and original ideas. Located across the show’s key sectors Home, Gift, and Fashion they feature exciting new brands including The Tipsy Candle Company, TA Pop UP Frames, Tarro Skincare, Danla, Emrsensitivity, Little Paws Big Memories, Soussans, Zoe Doodler, Daphne Designs, Charlotte Race Cars, EMF Publishing, Baby Bambinos, Naturally Nepal, Soak and Sleep, The Artistic Wanderer, Jasper & Co, Nudie Jewellery, and La-Hood.

Soraya Gadelrab, Event Director, Autumn Fair says, “This year’s show is already breaking records, with a significant percentage of new-to-show brands and exclusive exhibitors. We know how important it is for our visitors to discover exciting new brands and products, so we’re delighted to be able to present a fresh line-up of new brands and the continued growth of our popular New Business Pavilions. Don’t miss these game-changing debuts - join us at Autumn Fair 2025, where the future of retail is being written, one brilliant brand at a time.”

To further support new exhibitors and help buyers easily discover new products, Autumn Fair’s Community Development Team will be facilitating guided tours that connect buyers with the latest brands and innovations. These curated introductions aim to bring the two communities together, making it easier than ever for retailers to uncover what’s new at the show.

Heritage Meets Innovation:

Joining the show for the first time, Bedeck brings over 70 years of homeware expertise, showcasing its expansive portfolio of house and licensed brands, including the anticipated launch of its Land & Shore collection.

Hedgeroe Home offers an interiors lover’s dream, with beautifully crafted furniture, lighting, and home accessories

Atolia Designs presents a refined collection of sustainably sourced wooden tableware, soft furnishings, and festive décor, all debuting just in time for Christmas.

Tiny Treehouses introduces a whimsical twist to plant lovers’ décor with its intricate miniature treehouse kits, a build-it-yourself concept designed to delight and inspire creativity. Lars Wijers from Tiny Treehouses says, “Autumn Fair marks our first step into the UK wholesale market, and we’re thrilled to be introducing our products to retailers for the very first time. We’ll be showcasing our bestselling designs alongside exciting new launches, all crafted to spark curiosity and creativity.”

Manhattan Portage, the iconic New York lifestyle brand, is set to relaunch in the UK, showcasing its signature messenger and urban utility bags; bold, functional, and perfect for style-savvy commuters and creatives. Achante Nicholson says, “We’re excited to be first-time exhibitors at Autumn Fair 2025 and will be using the show to re-launch Manhattan Portage bags in the UK with a bold new collection. While the brand has had previous exposure in the UK, this marks a new chapter, with a refreshed product range and focused retail strategy tailored to the UK market.”

Emotive Art, Meaningful Wellness, and Sustainable Stories:

Self-taught artist Ben Goymour brings emotional depth to Autumn Fair, unveiling a new range of limited edition and framed prints rooted in his powerful personal journey from military life to artistic success.

In wellness, the Areca Plus Card™ makes its UK trade debut. A pocket-sized EMF protection sticker backed by scientific research, offering tech-weary consumers a chance to recharge and reset. Founders, Magalie and Jean-Marc Degioanni say, “We’re excited to debut at Autumn Fair with the Areca Plus Card™ – a compact wellness sticker designed to help protect against the effects of EMFs from mobile phones, Wi-Fi, laptops, and smart meters.”

Tarro Skincare, a British farm-to-face brand, blends tradition and nature with tallow-based balms and botanical skincare crafted from locally-sourced ingredients making it the perfect discovery for clean beauty buyers.

Adhock, a Devon-based sustainable homeware brand, presents its upcycled wine bottle candles and reed diffusers, with a meaningful pledge: 10% of proceeds go to UK wetland conservation via the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust.

The Tipsy Candle Co will delight scent seekers with their mindful, cocktail-inspired luxury soy candles offering a sensory journey with every flame.

Fresh Fun for Families and Kids:

The indie game scene thrives at Autumn Fair with first-time exhibitors like Worgan Games, known for its irresistibly fun and silly family games, and WHIZ KID GAMES, bringing its eco-friendly, educational Go Genius series - complete with exclusive show offers. Founder and former MD of The Lagoon GroupHeather Watherston shared her excitement: “It is great to be coming back to Autumn Fair - it is one of my favourite shows as everyone is singularly focused on Christmas and our Go Genius games make great gifts. The games have vibrant eye-catching graphics and really engaging gameplay. Children love playing them and adults love buying them as they keep children “unplugged” and learning while they play!”

Race Masters enters the toy space with FlexiTrack, a no-batteries-required, gravity-powered racetrack made in the UK and designed to spark imagination and independent play.

For little fashionistas, Baby Bambino’s makes its show debut with its award-winning, affordable and stylish clothing for babies and children, backed by celebrity fans and a loyal community of modern parents. Founder, Priscilla Karsan says, “We’re thrilled to be exhibiting at Autumn Fair 2025. This is a huge moment for us as we continue to grow our visibility in the retail sector and connect with buyers who are looking for something fresh, exciting, and genuinely relatable for today’s parents.”

Playful Gifting & Feel-Good Finds:

Quirky and heartfelt, Bewilderbeest brings humour and artistry together with illustrated cards, coasters, and prints that promise to make visitors laugh out loud.

Izzoo, a charming new brand of animal-inspired enamel pins, bookmarks and accessories, turns cute into collectible with delightful designs celebrating every creature big and small.

Top Fashions, with generations of expertise, shares its vibrant cultural collection of homeware, cookware, and festive goods rooted in Indian tradition.

EMF Publishing invites gift and book retailers to explore its growing collection of keepsake journals, memory books, and mindful colouring, each title crafted to inspire, reflect and connect.

Autumn Fair is the definitive platform for sourcing new products, discovering next-season trends, and forging meaningful retail partnerships. The arrival of these passionate new exhibitors promises a dynamic and diverse offering across the show floor - from luxury homeware to wellness must-haves, meaningful gifts to imaginative play.

Whether restocking for Q4, discovering new ranges, or forging new supplier relationships, Autumn Fair remains the essential event for the retail trade calendar - bringing together over 800 leading brands and 12,000+ retail buyers for four days of high-impact product discovery ahead of the busiest season in retail.

For more information visit www.autumnfair.com  

Autumn Fair

7th - 10th September 2025, NEC Birmingham

The UK sales team from sustainable plant pot innovator elho welcomed members of the Prosper Buying Group to its cutting-edge headquarters in Tilburg, the Netherlands, for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of one of Europe’s most sustainable and circular distribution centres, production facilities and offices. 

The visit offered an in-depth look at elho’s approach to sustainable innovation, product design, and environmentally responsible production – all of which take place on-site at the B Corp brand’s forward-thinking facility.

Throughout the day, Prosper members were given a comprehensive tour of elho’s fully integrated production line, gaining first-hand insight into how the business maintains complete oversight of product development – from concept and design through to production and distribution. The facility, widely recognised as one of Europe’s most circular distribution centres, underscores elho’s leadership in sustainable practices within the horticultural industry.

Key highlights from the visit included:

• Attendees toured elho’s purpose-built, energy-efficient warehouse, powered in part by an on-site wind turbine and solar-activated lighting. The facility also features advanced injection moulding technology designed for sustainable production. Guests observed the transformation of recycled plastic granules into 100% recycled and recyclable plant pots, underscoring elho’s circular manufacturing approach.
• The visit included a guided walkthrough of elho’s product showroom, where guests explored the full product portfolio and gained early insight into upcoming innovations.
• Guests had the opportunity to meet key team members across the business – from product designers and warehouse staff to members of the leadership team – providing valuable perspective on the people and purpose behind the brand.

As a respected collective of independent garden centres, including St Peter’s Garden Centre, Aylett Nurseries and Stewarts Garden Centre, Prosper Buying Group regularly facilitates supplier visits that offer its members valuable commercial insights and opportunities to strengthen supply chain relationships. The visit to elho served to reinforce shared values around sustainability, innovation, and transparency.

William Blake, Managing Director at St Peter’s Garden Centre, said: “Last week's visit was so inspirational! We spent a good day in the elho showroom, getting a better understanding of the business, its values, priorities, and plans. Understanding what goes into the products, how environmentally conscious the business is, and how the items are manufactured was really helpful. Spending time with the Prosper principals and visiting centres in the Netherlands was also incredibly powerful.”

David Nicholson, Sales Manager for the UK and ROW at elho, added: “It was fantastic to welcome Prosper Buying Group members to elho and show them around our state-of-the-art facilities and production line. These in-person visits are a valuable way for us to connect with customers and demonstrate that we stand behind the sustainability messaging and promises we make. The experience was widely enjoyed, and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive – we’ll definitely look to do more of these visits in future.”

The visit concluded with a collaborative discussion around circularity in retail and future opportunities for aligning sustainability strategies between supplier and retailer. Both sides left feeling energised and aligned in their mission to create a more sustainable future for the garden retail industry.

elho welcomes the opportunity to host more of its customers at its headquarters, offering a first-hand look at its sustainability-led operations, comprehensive product portfolio, and climate forward facilities.

If you’re interested in arranging a visit, contact your local sales agent.

Among the headline returns to Glee 2025 is Handy, the force behind the beloved garden machinery Webb and Webb Eco brands. With a clear strategy and fresh energy, Handy is making a confident comeback to Glee after taking a break from the event — and they’re doing so with purpose.

“We are returning to Glee in 2025 to proudly showcase our own brands Webb and Webb Eco, two standout brands that represent the best of traditional quality and sustainable innovation,” says Mark Moseley, Sales & Marketing Director at Handy. “With an exciting line-up of new product launches planned for 2026, this felt like the perfect moment to re-engage with the garden retail community and put our flagship brands back in the spotlight.”

Much has changed since Handy’s last Glee appearance. The business has evolved its offer to reflect shifting market needs, with a strengthened brand portfolio and a sharp focus on customer-centric support.

“Webb has continued to build its reputation for reliable, high-performance tools, while Webb Eco has been developed as a forward-thinking range that meets growing demand for sustainable, battery-powered garden solutions,” Mark explains. “Our POS refresh reflects a more modern, unified brand experience – ensuring that what the customer sees on the shop floor matches the quality and innovation behind the product.”

At Glee this September, Handy’s goals are as ambitious as they are aligned with retail success. “We want to showcase the strength and direction of the Webb and Webb Eco brands, preview our 2026 product range with retail-ready messaging, and demonstrate how our updated POS and promotional assets can increase footfall, boost customer confidence, and support stronger retail margins. We are here to connect, collaborate, and create long-term value for our partners.”

For visitors seeking the latest in cordless technology and ergonomic tool design, Handy’s stand will be one to watch. The 2026 Webb and Webb Eco ranges feature significant advancements across performance, innovation, and usability – all underpinned by a retail presentation approach that’s been fine-tuned to drive consumer engagement in store.

“Glee aligns perfectly with our strategy to build high-performing brands, support retail partners, and deliver future-ready products. Our new POS approach is a key part of that – giving stockists everything they need to present Webb and Webb Eco professionally, increase conversions, and protect strong margin levels. Glee allows us to tell that story in person.”

The decision to return wasn’t made in isolation. Handy’s renewed commitment has been shaped by listening to its retail partners – many of whom were calling for more complete, end-to-end support.

“Retailers told us they wanted more than just great products. They wanted better in-store storytelling, more efficient merchandising, and trusted supplier relationships that protect their profit,” Mark shares. “That feedback directly shaped our POS update and how we support retailers – and it’s why we are back at Glee: to show how Webb supports its customers not just with tools, but with smart, margin-friendly solutions.”

As the countdown to Glee continues, there’s genuine anticipation within the Handy team. “We’re looking forward to meeting new retailers face-to-face, hearing what’s working for them, and sharing how we can help grow their categories. Personally, there’s a real buzz to being part of an industry-leading show – where people, products and possibilities come together under one roof.”

Don’t miss the Handy team and their Webb brand at Glee 2025. Find them in Hall 9, 9B51-D50

Find out more

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

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

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Members of the Horticultural Trades Association attended this year’s European Nurserystock Association (ENA) summer meeting in the Czech Republic with renewed optimism, following the recent announcement outlining a new Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) trade agreement between the UK and Europe.

Sally Cullimore, the HTA’s Technical and Trade Policy Manager, and Guy Massey from Joseph Rochford Gardens - the HTA’s representative for ENA - addressed the key areas of interest to European supply chains during the programme of meetings on Tuesday 24 and Wednesday 25 June.

Delegates from across Europe also heard how a new SPS agreement is expected to reduce trade barriers and support a smoother flow of plant material between the UK and EU member states, while maintaining biosecurity and plant health.

Sally Cullimore, Technical and Trade Policy Manager at the HTA, said:

“The ENA annual summer meeting is an excellent opportunity for the HTA to represent UK horticultural growers and connect with sister organisations across Europe. We discuss many common topics, such as trade, skills, and sustainability, learning from others, and building meaningful, beneficial relationships. We hope this leads to collaborative efforts like those recently seen to ensure that plant trade is included in the EU-UK Reset announcements. I look forward to strengthening friendships and representing the UK’s trade association.”

Guy Massey, Production Manager at Joseph Rochford Gardens, added:

“As the HTA’s nominated representative for ENA, I continue to find immense value in representing the UK industry, sharing best practice, and learning from international colleagues.

“There is renewed optimism following the recent announcement outlining a new SPS trade agreement between the UK and Europe. It marks a significant and very welcome step forward; however, much of the detail is still to be finalised. The HTA, working with ENA, offers a valuable platform for communication with our European counterparts and can play a role in helping both parties advise and reach clarity on how the agreement will operate in practice.

“Interest in the UK as a significant horticultural market and sector remains strong. I remain committed to enhancing our collaborative efforts across Europe, particularly in key areas such as the role of peat in horticulture, attracting and retaining skilled workforces, inspiring the next generation, and developing digital workflows. These are shared priorities across all member countries. I’d like to thank the ENA team for continuing to deliver such a dynamic and engaging programme of meetings and events.”

Outdoor living is becoming an expression of modern lifestyle and is opening up new opportunities for the trade and industry. spoga+gafa 2025 demonstrated how strongly the significance of the outdoor section is changing and how it will influence the market in future.

After three intensive and successful trade fair days, the leading global trade fair for garden lifestyle & BBQs is drawing a positive balance. With around 26,000 trade visitors from over 100 countries as well as more than 1,600 exhibitors from home and abroad, spoga+gafa confirms its position as the leading platform of the garden industry. The top visitor nations included Germany, the Netherlands, Great Britain, Italy, France, Poland as well as the USA, Australia and Canada. This is a very remarkable result in the light of the economic uncertainty and geopolitical challenges, which can also be evaluated as being a positive signal for the new schedule.

The trade fair focused on key themes that are currently moving the garden industry: the wish for emotional relevance, strategic orientation and market-relevant innovations. "In a year that is currently still characterised by economic restraint, spoga+gafa underlined the key role it plays as an international industry meeting point," stated Oliver Frese, Chief Operating Officer of Koelnmesse. "This success not only underpins the international relevance of the event, but also stands for a visible transformation that we will consistently shape with spoga+gafa over the coming years. Progress is not possible without change," said Frese summing it up in a nutshell.

New concept for 2026 reinforces sustainability

With a revised concept for 2026, spoga+gafa is ensuring itself a sustainable position close to the market. It is hereby reacting to the frequently expressed expectations of the industry for a clearer structure, stronger target group orientation and a targeted reaction to new leisure time and consumer habits.

New theme world: Own Hall for Outdoor Adventure

The "Outdoor Adventure" section will enhance the established theme sections "Living", "Creation & Care" and "BBQs" with an own hall, from 2026 onwards. Here adventure, activities and outdoor lifestyle will meet product innovation and community building. The idea behind this: The outdoor section will become an experiential area for exercise, balance and adventure. As such spoga+gafa is selectively expanding its target groups to include outdoor distributors, content creators as well as brands, who want to stage the Outdoor Adventure theme emotionally and tell a different story.

New alignment in the furniture section

The outdoor furniture section will be restructured in the course of the concept. Curated exhibition space exclusively for outdoor furniture manufacturers, who convince with sustainable production, short delivery routes and high design quality, will arise in Hall 9. This focus on origin, quality and style not only strengthens the European market, but also creates an unmistakable profile on the international trade fair scene.

Garden Sourcing Hub and Flavour Market provide new accents

Other product sections are also being realigned: For instance, the theme Asia-Sourcing will in future be bundled in an own hall under the name "Garden Sourcing Hub" specifically for international buyers.  Furthermore, every two years the "Flavour Market" will create a stronger interlinking in the BBQ Hall between BBQ technology, culinary offers and cross-selling potentials from 2026 onwards.

The next spoga+gafa is scheduled to take place in Cologne from Monday, 22 June to Wednesday, 24 June 2026. This will be the standard schedule in even years in future. In uneven years the trade fair will continue to start on a Tuesday. This flexibility in the schedule guarantees a high international participation, optimal travel planning and the best possible scheduling with regards to rival trade fairs.

Koelnmesse – Global Inspiration for Living, Contract and Public Spaces
Koelnmesse is the world’s top trade fair organiser for the areas of Living, Contract and Public Spaces. Alongside the new trade fair duo imm cologne and interior design days cologne (idd cologne), other formats hosted at the trade fair hub of Cologne such as ORGATEC, interzum, FSB, spoga+gafa and aquanale are among the most internationally renowned and established industry gatherings. These fairs comprehensively represent the interior and design segment, the furniture and interior construction industries' supplying sections, the kitchen world, all topics for the modern working world, garden lifestyle as well as modern work environments, the garden lifestyle, public spaces, sports and leisure facilities, along with saunas, pools and wellness centres. To complement the events in Cologne, Koelnmesse is constantly strategically expanding its portfolio in key growth markets around the globe. Its foreign trade fairs include La Feria De Diseño Medellín - powered by imm cologne in Colombia, the shows of the ORGATEC brand family with ORGATEC TOKYO in Japan, ORGATEC India in Mumbai and ORGATEC WORKSPACE Saudi Arabia in Riyadh, as well as the trade fairs of the interzum brand family: interzum guangzhou in China, interzum bogota in Colombia, interzum jakarta in Indonesia and interzum forum italy in Bergamo. The “Living, Contract and Public Spaces” portfolio also includes the FSB Sports Show Riyadh in Saudi Arabia.
Further information on all trade fairs from the Living, Contract & Public Spaces portfolio: https://www.spogagafa.com/trade-fair/spoga-gafa/industry-trade-fairs/

As demand grows for environmentally responsible products, Seedball is encouraging garden centres and horticultural retailers to future-proof their shelves with ethical, high-impact alternatives.

With 97% of the UK’s wildflower meadows lost since the 1930s and biodiversity continuing to decline, Seedball, the original innovator of the seed ball, offers a simple, scalable way for retailers to champion native wildflowers and respond to consumer calls for sustainability-led gardening.

A growing retail opportunity for sustainable stockists

As environmental awareness continues to shape purchasing behaviour, retailers are under increasing pressure to diversify their ranges with products that are ethical, eco-conscious, and impactful. Seedball helps garden centres and stockists meet these expectations with products that are:

• 100% UK-made – supporting local supply chains and reducing environmental footprint
• Plastic-free – with recyclable, eye-catching packaging that boosts shelf appeal
• Scientifically backed – created by conservationists to maximise ecological impact
• Customer-friendly – with themed collections tailored to habitat types, wildlife needs, and growing conditions

Seedball offers a distinctive proposition for forward-thinking retailers looking to tap into the rewilding movement and provide tangible eco-solutions. Seasonal mixes, POS displays, and themed collections - from shaded garden blends to hedgehog-friendly varieties - create engaging touchpoints for shoppers and add value to every square foot of shelf space.

Why choose Seedball

• Native focus: Every mix supports local ecosystems and pollinators.
• Sustainable credentials: UK-grown seeds, ethical sourcing, and plastic-free presentation.
• Merchandising ready: Compact, attractive tins and displays designed for maximum visual impact.
• Informative packaging: Clear planting guidance and pollinator facts to drive engagement and repeat purchase.

Seedball’s mission is simple: to restore native wildflower habitats, one patch at a time. Its unique seed balls - developed by conservation scientists and made in the UK - are a mess-free and dig-free way for customers to sow wildflowers that support bees, butterflies, and other native pollinators.

Each seedball contains a mix of carefully selected UK native species, such as red campion, yarrow, and oxeye daisy, encased in a protective layer of clay and chilli to naturally deter pests and optimise germination. Designed for ease of use, Seedball products empower even novice gardeners to contribute to biodiversity, whether in gardens, planters, or balconies.

To learn more about Seedball’s trade range and join a growing network of retailers supporting sustainable gardening, visit: www.seedballtrade.co.uk

Peter and Guy Topping, the current generation at the helm of The Barton Grange Group, are preparing to retire from the horticultural industry.

In planning for the future, they are in exclusive discussions with Blue Diamond—the UK’s largest garden centre group—regarding the potential sale of Barton Grange Garden Centre. The aim is to ensure Barton Grange continues to be recognised as one of the world’s leading garden centres for many years to come.

While discussions are ongoing, and they include the Company’s wholesale plant nursery (Garden Centre Plants Ltd.), it remains very much business as usual. Neither party will be making any further comment at this stage.

Please note that these discussions do not involve The Flower Bowl or Barton Grange Marina, both of which remain central to the family’s long-term plans.

Yesterday, Tuesday 24th June, Barton Grange posted this message to their valued customers:

Dobbies Garden Centre in Hungerford has celebrated a relaunch, as part of the garden centre’s nationwide store refurbishment programme. This is the third in the group's extensive programme of investment across its store estate.

Dobbies Hungerford now features a new collection of plants and gardening products, following close collaboration with both new and existing suppliers to enhance the store’s ranges. This includes new ranges of compost and a bespoke aggregates shop, and the store has also added a small gift shop area stocking home, gift and spa products. In addition, a new fashion offering has been introduced featuring Klass Clothing and Regatta.

The store’s refurbishment includes an expanded coffee shop, now with 88 covers and serving new hot options including toasties and baked potatoes, plus a refreshed front of store area and entrance.

General Manager, Mike Scott, said: “We’re really proud of our refurbished store and can’t wait for customers to see the work that’s been done. Gardening is really popular in Hungerford, so we’ve made the changes with our local garden fans in mind. The refurbishment has been a brilliant team effort from colleagues and partners.”

The Hungerford refurbishment follows Brighton which relaunched at the end of April and Cadnam in May. 

With a strong commitment to offering the best possible customer experience, the focus of the refurbishment plans is around improving the overall fabric of the stores, freeing up space for larger and new ranges and generally improving the ease of shopping. 

David Robinson, CEO of Dobbies, said: “Our refurbishment programme is well underway and it’s great to see our third store now complete. The Hungerford store has really moved on and we’re looking forward to seeing the response from new and loyal customers. 

“Initial feedback from our Brighton and Cadnam stores has been really positive with customers enjoying the localised approach we are taking for each store. Our fourth refurbishment is now underway, and we look forward to sharing more news on this soon.”

Pictured: General Manager Mike Scott (middle) with Operations Manager Laurentina Wilkinson (right) and colleagues from Dobbies Hungerford.

Inverness-based Simpsons has acquired Christies Garden Centre in Fochabers, Moray. The new acquisition establishes a group of Simpsons centres across the North-East corridor from Inverness to Aberdeenshire. The site will become the third centre in the Simpsons portfolio following the acquisition of Happy Plant in Mintlaw, Aberdeenshire, in 2020.

Christies' 48 employees will transfer to Simpsons.

Plans include updates to the centre's layout, enhanced offerings and ranges, along with a refreshed restaurant offering. Overall creating a warm, welcoming space designed to continue making the customer experience a memorable one.

The acquisition is a hugely positive move and is testament to the strength of the gardening industry at this time.

Andrew Simpson, managing director of Simpsons Garden Centre, spoke of the acquisition of Christies.

He said: "This is an exciting time for Simpsons as we welcome this fabulous site into our family, not only strengthening the Simpsons brand but continuing to integrate with the local community and driving the centre's growth.

“Christies is a long-established business that has been part of the Fochabers and Moray community since 1820. We are excited at the prospect of continuing the Christies work and building on their achievements.

“We plan to thoughtfully refresh the garden centre over time and intend to expand the range of plants, garden and furniture products on offer, with continued emphasis on quality that keen gardeners expect.

“The restaurant, which is a focal meeting point for the local community, will continue to serve delicious quality food, and we aim to refresh the menu offering, continuing with the focus on quality local ingredients over the coming months.

“We look forward to welcoming the current Christies team to the Simpsons fold, and I wish Christine the very best on her retirement.

Christine Christie, Director and General Manager at Christies Garden Centre, added:

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time caring for the Garden Centre and working with excellent staff over the years. Since opening the restaurant in 2006, we have built long-standing relationships with our regular customers, and I will certainly miss the banter. All of our visitors to the Garden Centre and Restaurant have made this job worthwhile.

“Since the first seed was sown in 1820, Christies Forestry has flourished to become one of the largest, privately owned, growers of forest trees in the UK and is now in its 7th generation of Nurserymen with Ronald Christie as Chairman, his son Neal, the Managing Director and Neal’s sons have now joined the business and are working their way up through the ranks.

“So, it's goodbye to Christies Garden Centre, but Christies (Fochabers) Limited will hopefully continue for generations to come.

“I am delighted to hand over the Garden Centre to Andrew and his team, and I look forward to seeing the changes they will be making. I would also like to congratulate Andrew on his 25th Anniversary at Simpsons Inverness.”

Pictured (L to R): Ronald Christie, Christine Christie, Andrew Simpson and Neal Christie.

There are celebrations in the air as Henry Bell & Co marks its 200th anniversary. Established in Grantham, Lincolnshire, back in 1825, first as a grain mill, then a supplier of seeds and fertilisers, and a trader of cereals and pulses for local farmers, it has grown to become a market leader in the animal and pet food industry. 

With an enviable reputation for its manufacturing expertise and powerful portfolio of brands, Henry Bell has had the same family at the helm for four generations.

Today’s managing director, Thomas Lee, is the great-grandson of Rothwell Lee, who bought the business in 1927.

“Sometimes, it’s good to sit back and look how far you’ve come,” said Thomas. “In our case, it’s been two whole centuries of evolution! Growing and thriving in this sector is a remarkable achievement and something we are immensely proud of. We are backed by a knowledgeable, experienced and enthusiastic team, and have embraced emerging technology and continued to nurture and refine our skills.

“Quality underpins every part of our business. It is the cornerstone of our success and the foundation on which all our products are made. We have hit this major milestone running and we’re as passionate and committed as ever to making a big difference and delivering the very best to our customers.”

Introducing micronisation and state-of-the-art computer systems has seen Henry Bell & Co become a major producer of micronised cereals, pulses, sugar beet and maize for the UK and overseas markets. 

In addition to own-label manufacturing capabilities and growing export activity, Henry Bell is recognised as a force to be reckoned with in the wild bird, dried pet food and horse feed sectors. Its popular brands include the Henry Bell Wild Bird Care Collection, which was launched in 2019 with 200 feed and hardware lines, EquiGlo Horse Feeds featuring Quick Soak 10 Minute Beet and Cooked Full Fat Linseed, Mr Johnson’s small animal feeds and Dog Gone Fishin’ natural fish treats, which are made in the company’s factory in Cornwall. 

The gardening sector is awash with promises of great stock availability and fast fulfilment, but not all brands are able to keep up with demand. You’ll find no such broken promises with RocketGro, as the game-changing peat-free brand has safeguarded supply and maintained stock levels to help retailers maximise opportunities this season. 

Despite significantly bolstering the number of garden centres it serves, British growing media producer RocketGro has a proven track record of rapid, reliable fulfilment and excellent stock availability, with full-load deliveries reaching customers within a week of being ordered.

It’s been a record year for RocketGro so far, as the appetite for its products soars, but thanks to a firm focus on operational efficiency, the Somerset peat-free producer has been able to maintain stock levels across all lines, with nothing going out of stock.

Ideally placed to help you expand your range or top up orders, RocketGro offers a comprehensive range of peat-free, coir-free, Soil Association-approved organic composts, mulch, and liquid plant feed, all made in Britain using renewable green energy, and ready to dispatch swiftly to meet the needs of garden centres across the UK.

An impressive 99% client retention rate from 2024 to 2025 is testament to RocketGro’s track record, as garden centres praise the performance of its range and quality of service.

RocketGro’s Multi-Purpose 50-litre compost is now the number-one bestselling compost in hundreds of garden centres, whilst its flagship Magic Mulch has secured a firm fanbase, which includes the head gardener at the iconic River Cottage culinary organisation, for which RocketGro is exclusive compost provider. Browse RocketGro’s range of composts, soil improving, soil conditioning and natural fertiliser products today to see how they can enhance your offer and boost your sales.

Toby Thomas, Managing Director at RocketGro said: “We are having an exceptional year so far and are delighted that our focus on stock availability and distribution times have helped strengthen the position of our customers this season, arming them with the products they need when they need them, so that they are able to capitalise on the spikes in demand the good weather can bring.

“We remain committed to helping gardeners achieve showstopping results, whilst supporting the environment, and have plenty of stock bagged and ready to go for any garden centres who want to supplement their standard growing media offer with stand-out peat-free, organic lines.”

For more about the RocketGro operation, take a look at the brand’s recent appearance in the first of the Peat-free Partnership’s new ‘Hort Shorts’ series, which puts the spotlight on peat-free success stories from within the industry.

Find out more

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

Altico Garden Products celebrates the ongoing success of its Virtue Water Feature range, now entering its second year. With five times as much stock than in 2024, the collection has consistently sold out, cementing its position as the top choice in water feature's for UK garden centres.  

High Demand for Timeless Design

Virtue Water Features have seen exceptional sales, praised for their elegant aesthetics and durability. Crafted from glazed ceramic and heat-fired for resilience, these premium designs offer a refined, aged finish that enhances outdoor spaces.  

Strong spring trading, an expanded range, and increased stock have driven 2025 sales growth, with garden enthusiasts seeking standout handcrafted designs. 

Anticipating continued strong demand for 2026, Altico has placed substantial forward orders and begun stockpiling in production to ensure robust availability and uninterrupted supply for the 2026 season.

Looking Ahead

Altico continues to innovate, with preparations for the 2026 Virtue collection well underway. Alongside increased production, the expanded new range will feature fresh, exciting designs—some with unexpected twists that will redefine garden water features.  

The next evolution of Virtue Water Features will be unveiled at Glee Birmingham in September 2025, offering an exclusive preview of the expanded range.