Dobbies Garden Centres Limited has just announced the Restructuring Plan, launched in September 2024, has been approved by the Court of Session in Scotland.

The approval of the Restructuring Plan means Dobbies will exit the leases of 10 loss making sites. An agreement was reached with landlords for an eleventh site, in Antrim, to remain open. 

Furthermore, and as part of the discussions with landlords over temporary rent reductions, two additional sites will move to other garden centre operators.

This, alongside other strategic initiatives, will enable Dobbies to return to sustainable profitability, unlock access to future investment and deliver a strong and well capitalised platform for the business going forwards. 

Having successfully secured approval of the Restructuring Plan, focus is now on accelerating a return to sustainable profitability, working constructively with suppliers, and on providing excellent products and experiences for customers and local communities.

Dobbies would like to thank all of its colleagues, partners and suppliers for their commitment and hard work as they have navigated this process.  

A Dobbies spokesperson said: “We’re pleased to have worked constructively with landlords on the Restructuring Plan. The approval of the Restructuring Plan means we can now be focused on the future, building a strong platform for a return to sustainable profitability in our stores across the UK. Thank you to all our colleagues, customers and suppliers who supported us during this process.”

Garsons Garden Centre Esher (Destination Garden Centre), Castle Gardens (Garden Centre) and Pughs Wenvoe (Local Garden Centre) have been announced as the national winners of the Garden Centre Association’s Gisela Graham-sponsored annual Christmas competition.

The garden centres were judged to have the best festive displays in the country by the organisation and will receive their awards at its annual conference in January 2025.

Garsons took the top spot nationally in the Destination Garden Centre category for the third year running.

GCA CEO, Peter Burks says: “What a wonderful start to the Christmas countdown this competition is. I’d like to say a massive thank you to all the brilliant members who shone in our Christmas display competition this year and to also thank our wonderful sponsor, Gisela Graham.

“Well done to the team at Garsons Garden Centre, Esher in Surrey, who took the top spot nationally in the Destination Garden Centre (DGC) category for the third year running. Also, congratulations to Castle Gardens in Dorset, who were national winners in the Garden Centre (GC) section once again this year. Pughs Garden Village Wenvoe are our first winners in our new Local Garden Centre category and their displays were excellent.

“Garsons won last year and the year before and are consistently good performers in this area. While Castle Gardens are part of the Gardens Group and its three garden centres in the Westcountry are consistently high scorers in their categories for Christmas. All these centres and our other runners up are well worth a visit this December for members who would like some great ideas for best practice in this area in 2025.

“The standard was off the scale this year, with amazing displays and superb retail practices. I’m very much looking forward to hearing what our Inspector Phil McCann has to say when he presents his findings, and the ideas and images, from his visits at our annual conference in the Reading in January. He will be giving tips to all garden centre delegates – sharing good practice and helping them further develop their displays and Christmas offerings for 2025.”

Castle Gardens are consistently high scorers in their categories for Christmas.

In the DGC category, Gates Garden Centre came second and in third place was Barton Grange Garden Centre.

Second place in the GC category was Pugh’s Garden Village Radyr and The Old Railway Line Garden Centre came third.

In the LGC section, Brimsmore Gardens in Somerset came second and third place was awarded to Poundbury Gardens in Dorset, both are part of the Gardens Group, which includes the overall GC winner Castle Gardens.

Peter continues: “All the entrants were judged on general ambience, creativity, stock range, flow and tidiness. Customer service was also taken into consideration. Everyone who entered created some fabulous displays this year and really showed some flair. Those I saw on my travels were very impressive and had a real ‘wow factor’.”

Regional winners:

South

DGC

1. Garsons Garden Centre Esher  

2. Ruxley Manor Garden Centre

3. Haskins Garden Centre, Ferndown

GC

1. Ransoms Garden Centre  

2. Garsons Garden Centre Titchfield 

3. Squires Garden Centre, Hersham

LGC

1.  Knights Garden Centre Betchworth

2. Millbrook Garden Company, Staplehurst – Garden Centre

3. Squires Garden Centre, Reigate

North

DGC

1. Barton Grange Garden Centre

2. Bents Garden Centre

3. Hayes Garden World

GC 

1. Fron Goch Garden Centre

2. Creative Gardens Donaghadee 

3. British Garden Centres Arcadia

LGC

1. British Garden Centres Harrogate

Midlands, Wales and West

DGC

1. Gates Garden Centre 

2. Webbs of Wychbold

GC

1. Castle Gardens  

2. Pughs Garden Village Radyr

3. Old Railway Line Garden Centre

LGC 

1. Pugh’s Garden Village Wenvoe

2. Brimsmore Gardens  

3. Poundbury Gardens

East

DGC

1. Perrywood Tiptree Garden Centre

2. Brigg Garden Centre

GC

1. Haddenham Garden Centre

2. Sunshine Garden Centre

3. Bell Plantation

LGC

1. Parkers Garden Company

The GCA’s next annual conference will be held at the De Vere Wokefield Estate, Reading, from January 26 until 29, 2025, and places can be booked via the member area on the GCA website www.gca.org.uk.

The GCA members conference pages on the body’s website have full details. There is also a dedicated email for any queries members, and those wishing to book for the event, may have: conference@gca.org.uk.

After the success of last year's Christmas Customer vote we’ve formally added back in in-store voting on paper voting slips to allow even more customers to share their appreciation of the magical Christmas retailing experiences that are created by garden centres across the UK.

As of Sunday night, here's a list of the centres we've recievd on-line votes for so far:

Albrighton BGC, Alton Garden Centre, Arcadia Garden Centre, Bents, Birchencliffe BGC, Birkacre, Blue Diamond Chenies, Bold Heath BGC, Bolton BGC, Bornville BGC, Bosworths Burton Latimer, Bournville BGC, Bow Garden and Aquatic Centre, Braintree BGC, Bressingham BGC, Bridgenorth BGC, Brigg BGC, Brimsmore, Brockworth BGC, Bromsgrove BGC, Burford House BGC, California Lodge, Carr Gate BGC, Chacewater, Chapel BGC, Charlbury BGC, Charlcote BGC, Charlecote BGC, Chilton BGC, Chipperfield BGC, Codsall & Wergs, Crawley BGC, Dobbies Boston, Dundonald Nursery, East Durham BGC, Ellerker Lodge, Garden King, Goulds, Harrogate BGC, Hilliers Syon, Hillmount Ards, Hillmount Bangor, Hillmount Belfast, Hillmount Cheshire, Hillside, Hitchin BGC, Holt, Horncastle BGC, Hornsea BGC, Irton BGC, Jacksdale, Keydell, Lanchester Garden Centre, Langlands BGC, Leeds BGC, Lewes BGC, Leyland BGC, Louth BGC, Mirfield BGC, Munro 's Nurseries, Newquay Garden Centre, Newton Regis BGC, Notcutts Oxford, Old Railway Line, Ongar BGC, Osterley  BGC, Oxford Garden Centre, Peacock Plant Nurseries, Perrywood Sudbury, Perrywood Tiptree, Planters Bretby, Pugh’s Radyr, Pugh’s Wenvoe, Pulborough BGC, Pyle Garden Centre, Ramsgate BGC, Roxton BGC, Ruxley Manor, Sheffield BGC, Shipley Park BGC, Snowdonia Nurseries, Southwood Garden Centre, Sprowston BGC, Stanway BGC, Summerhill, Tansley Barn BGC, The Woodworks Garden Centre & Cafe, Tring BGC, Trioscape, Trowell, Upminster BGC, White Elm Garden Centre, Winnersh BGC, Wolseley Bridge BGC, Woodthorpe BGC.

To join in all you have to do is download the poster and voting forms artwork using this dropbox link: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/t5s9zttkagu53jn06c90j/AAxUet5HFIAZOSLQxBzztdY?rlkey=c20kg3edpvc9g99dc7jrk3jrp&dl=0

Or download by clicking on the images below

Your customers can then vote on-line by scanning the QR code on the posters or by completing a voting slip and posting it in a voting box in-store that you will collect and send to the GTN Offices as the voting closes on Sunday 22^nd December 2024.

Direct Voting link: https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/GTN/5acq9vfvy60 

Of course you can also include the voting link and QR Code in your social media and website.

As last year we will have regional winners in the customer vote as well as an overall customer voting winner.  Last year’s overall winner was the team at Busy Bee on the Isle of Wight.

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

If you are collecting votes in-store, please can you e-mail trevor@pottingshedpress.co.uk tso that we can warn the postman of a huge influx of post over the coming weeks.

Voting is free, but we are partnering with The Greenfingers Charity so that voters can, if they wish, make a Christmas donation to help build more magical gardens in Children's Hospices across the country.

Our team of judges are really getting into the Christmas spirit as they visit a record entry of 120 garden centres that have teams nominated in this year’s Greatest Christmas Awards.

Here’s the Greatest Christmas 2024 judging visit list.

• Alton
• Azure
• Barton Grange
• Baytree
• Blue Diamond Derby
• Blue Diamond Melbicks
• Blue Diamond Newbridge
• Blue Diamond Sanders
• Beckworth Emporium
• Bents
• BGC Albrighton
• BGC Arcadia
• BGC Bournville
• BGC Braintree
• BGC Bridgenorth
• BGC Brigg
• BGC Brockworth
• BGC Burford House
• BGC Charlecote
• BGC Harrogate
• BGC Hemel
• BGC Horncastle
• BGC Hornsea
• BGC Irton
• BGC Ramsgate
• BGC Shipley
• BGC Studley
• BGC Tarporley
• BGC Tring
• BGC Winnerash
• BGC Wolseley Bridge
• BGC Woodthorpe
• Birkacre Garden Centre
• Bosworths
• Bow Garden & Aquatic Centre
• Brimsmore Gardens
• Busy Bee
• California Lodge Garden Centre
• Cambridge Home & Garden
• Castle Gardens
• Caulders Cumbernauld
• Caulders Erskine
• Cherry Lane Podington
• Chessington
• Cooks
• Coolings Main Road
• Coolings Rushmore Hill
• Downtown
• Duchy of Cornwall Nursery
• Ellerker Lodge Garden Centre
• Fairways Ashbourne Garden Centre
• Fakenham Garden Centre
• Fron Goch
• Garsons Esher
• Garsons Titchfield
• Gates
• Glendoick Garden Centre
• Gouldings Garden Centre
• Gouldings Valley View
• Groves Bridport
• Haskins Ferndown
• Haskins Snowhill
• Hillmount Ards
• Hillmount Bangor
• Hillmount Belfast
• Holt Garden Centre
• Jacksons Boutique
• Keydell
• Klodyke Houghton Hall
• Klondyke Garden Wise
• Klondyke Astbury Meadow
• Klondyke High Legh
• Klondyke Lady Green
• Klondyke Mortonhall
• Klondyke Stokesley
• Mackenzie & Cruickshank
• Meadowcroft
• Merryhatton
• Monkton Elm
• Munros Nurseries
• Newquay Garden Centre
• Nocutts Woodford Park
• Norwich Camping & Leisure
• Notcutts Brampton
• Notcutts Oxford
• Notcutts Rivendell
• Notcutts Solihull
• Old Railway Line
• Pengelly Garden Centre
• Perrywood, Sudbury
• Perrywood, Tiptree
• Planters Bretby
• Planters Brookfields
• Planters Garden King
• Planters Pacific
• Planters Tamworth
• Polhill
• Poundbury Gardens
• Pugh's Radyr
• Pugh's Wenvoe
• Raemoir Garden Centre
• Rosebank
• Rutland Garden Nursery
• Ruxley
• Silverbirch
• Skylark Garden Centre
• Snowdonia Nurseries
• Southwood Garden Centre       
• Squires Badshot Lea
• Squires Hersham
• St Peters Garden Centre
• Summerhill
• The Grange Garden Centre
• Thetford Garden Centre
• Thetford Garden Centre
• Thurrock Garden Centre
• Trowell
• Webbs of Wychbold
• Wentworth Garden Centre
• Woodlands Garden Centre, Ash

And here’s the list of Categories the judges will be looking to find are The Greatest Christmas Teams:

1. The Greatest Christmas Houseplant Team - Sponsored by Stars for Europe
2. The Greatest Outdoor Plant and Christmas Tree Team
3. The Greatest Gardening as a Christmas Gift Sales Team - Sponsored by Fandango Fire Tools
4. The Greatest Christmas Gifts Team – Sponsored by Museums and Galleries
5. The Greatest Garden Centre Christmas Promotions Team -Sponsored by Glee
6. The Greatest Christmas BBQ and Outdoor Leisure Team – The SOLEX Sizzle - Sponsored by LOFA
7. The Greatest Festive RetailFood Team
8. The Greatest Christmas Wild Bird Care & Pet Team - Sponsored by Marriages – WHM Pet Group
9. The Greatest Garden Centre Grotto Team - Sponsored by Smart Garden Products – Three Kings
10. The Greatest Group Small Garden Centre Christmas Team - Sponsored by Woodmansterne
11. The Greatest Group Large Garden Centre Christmas Team
12. The Greatest Small Garden Centre Christmas Team - Sponsored by Tildenet
13. The Greatest Mid-Sized Garden Centre Christmas Team – Sponsored by Kaemingk
14. The Greatest Large Garden Centre Christmas Team – Sponsored by MorePeople
15. The Greatest Giant Garden Centre Christmas Team - Sponsored by Kaemingk

After all those visits and plenty of mince pies the judges will be meeting in early January to decide the winners of the categories who will be announced on The Stage at Spring Fair, Hall 2 at the NEC on Monday 3^rd February 2025, 5:00pm.  We look forward to seeing as many nominated teams and GTN readers there as possible.

Following a period of exponential growth, British Garden Centres has strengthened its nursery team to increase its plant growth and production facilities nationwide.

The UK’s largest family-run garden centre group, with 65 stores across the country, has taken on experts in their field as the business continues its move towards more British plants in-store. Headed up by Scott Morahan, British Garden Centres currently has three nursery sites, Woodthorpe, Temple, and Water End.

James Jackson has joined as Nursery Manager for the newly acquired Langlands Nursery, renamed Water End Nursery. James is an experienced nursery manager having worked for Tillage Nursery and will be overseeing the transformation of the site to produce quality plants for our garden centres in the future.

Emily Wheeler has also joined as Nursery Grower for Water End Nursery. With a strong background in plant science having worked as a Horticultural Technician and Research Assistant, Emily’s technical and plant knowledge will be a real asset to the British Garden Centres plant team.

Henry Nicholson also joined following a seasonal contract at Temple, but when the British Garden Centres team realised how passionate he was about plants and transferring his amenity horticulture skills to production, they seized the chance to get him permanently into the nursery.

These new recruits join Gareth Noble and Tom Westwell who were recruited for Temple Nursery in 2023 when the group acquired the former Hawkesmill site in Warwickshire. Both Gareth and Tom are former Hawkesmill employees and have a strong background and knowledge in production horticulture and will run the operational activity at the nursery permanently moving forward.

Scott Morahan, Group Nursery Manager at British Garden Centres said: “As a family-run business, we're proud to support British horticulture and create opportunities for talented individuals. By strengthening our nursery team with experienced professionals like James, Emily, Henry, Gareth, and Tom, British Garden Centres is poised for continued growth and innovation. We're excited to bring even more beautiful, high-quality British plants to our customers.”

Hearty's Food Hall at Tong Garden Centre has introduced a new butchery department in partnership with Yorkshire-based Bennett's Butchers.

Bennett's founder, Phil Bennett, has been in the butchery trade since he was 12 and is excited by the opportunity at Tong Garden Centre: "This is our first retail partnership outside our own butchers' shops, and we're delighted to be working with the Hearty's team who share our passion for provenance and excellence. We're looking forward to getting to know the customers and being able to advise them about cuts of meat, recipe ideas and cooking instructions."

Yorkshire Garden Centres' Commercial Director, Sharon McNair, said of the change: "We're very excited to team up with Bennett's Butchers within Hearty's at Tong. Phil and the team have a great reputation in the area, and we're looking forward to delighting our customers with great value, high-quality local produce and the return of the popular multibuys."

Bennett's Butchers was established in 2001 and has a thriving online business plus shops in Morley, Pontefract, Castleford and Horbury. The Tong butchery is managed by Adrian Thorp, a nose-to-tail carcass butcher who's worked with Bennett's for over 25 years.

Tong Garden Centre occupies a 19-acre site in Tong village. It is one of Yorkshire's biggest independent garden centres, with 11,600m2 of retail space and parking for up to 700 cars. It is part of the Yorkshire Garden Centres (YGC) family that also owns Tingley, Otley and Bingley Garden Centres plus Dean's in York and Scarborough.

BHETA has held another of its popular face-to-face Meet The Buyer days, this time with garden centre group, Dobbies. The event which was entitled an ‘Innovation Day’ attracted 56 attendees representing 42 suppliers, who met with six Dobbies buyers across a wide selection of categories.

Dobbies was keen to see both new and existing suppliers to develop ranges and extend the offer for the garden centre group’s loyal customer base.  It briefed the event to include sectors such as home décor, outdoor living, tableware, cookshop, utility and small domestic appliances – as well as gardening. 

Commercial Director, Andy Hannan commented, “Today's been brilliant. It's the first time we've done this type of event and it's been really a good opportunity for the buying team to reiterate we open for business and open to new ideas.  We’ve seen some cool products coming through in new categories and some existing, as well as some exciting premium products.  My team is really buzzing.

“Sometimes as a retailer, you've got your current supplier base and you've got your current ranges, and you sort of know what you know.  But trying to get to newness can be a real struggle.  So, getting this sort of speed dating approach is beneficial. We’d definitely do it again.” 

Suppliers attending the event were equally enthusiastic.  Clive Rubin, Managing Director at Out of the Blue Studios Limited said, “BHETA’s Meet the Buyer events are a great way of cutting the red tape and showcasing your goods to the right people, at the right time and place.”  Steve Richardson, UK Sales Director at Portmeirion Group added, “Today’s Meet the Buyer for Dobbies worked really well.. We haven't dealt with Dobbies this year and I know there’s been some changes within the buying team, so it's been a massive benefit to meet their buyers again, sit in front of them show them and show what we've got.”

Another enthusiast was Guy Weaver, Chief Executive at A365 Limited: “Dobbies is a new customer for us with tremendous potential, and this event was a fantastic opportunity to connect with key buyers and showcase our products. For a small company like ours. These events provide an invaluable chance to engage with decision-makers who might otherwise be hard to reach.”  Louise Hickling, Head of Sales for Polti UK added, “It was fantastic to meet the buyers in that setting. These events are incredibly valuable because they often connect us with companies we might not initially consider as obvious trading partners. But as retailers like Dobbies diversify, BHETA Meet The Buyer events open up great opportunities.”

BHETA’s DIY & Gardening sector manager, Steve Edwards commented, “It was great to see such commercial excitement from both Dobbies and its existing and potential suppliers.  BHETA’s Meet The Buyer events are a real must for companies interested in cementing current relationships and expanding into different categories or channels to market.”

More details of BHETA’s events programme, which includes webinars, Meet The Buyer events and networking forums with leading retailers can be found on the BHETA website www.bheta.co.uk

National family-owned garden centre group, Notcutts, has been recognised at the Pet Industry Federation (PIF) Awards for its high quality and diversity of pet and wildlife products in store and online.

Notcutts was presented with the award for ‘Best Garden Centre Pet Department’ at the annual PIF Awards ceremony, hosted in early November in Stoke on Trent.

Judges praised Notcutts for their creative displays and extensive range of pet supplies, food, accessories and healthcare products. The team were recognised for their “exceptional customer service” and “commitment to animal welfare” by promoting responsible pet ownership. Judges were also impressed by Notcutts’ wildlife focus beyond domestic pets, offering a “significant range” of products for wild birds, insects and hedgehogs to promote ecological awareness and encourage customers to welcome wildlife into their gardens.

The award was judged by an independent panel and mystery shopping in store. Notcutts was among five other finalists for the award category.

Duncan Kazakevics, Category Head for Pet and Wild Bird at Notcutts, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be recognised for ‘Best Garden Centre Pet Department’ at the Pet Industry Federation Awards in November. Congratulations to all our Pet Teams for demonstrating exceptional customer service, knowledgeable assistance and education on animal care.

“Across our garden centres and website, we are proud to offer an extensive range of pet products alongside resources and guidance to support customers to make informed decisions about pet care and animal welfare.”

The PIF Awards are hosted annually to recognise and celebrate excellence within the pet industry, highlighting exceptional talent, diversity and remarkable individuals and businesses who uphold the highest standards of quality. For more information visit www.petfederation.co.uk/pif-awards.

For more information about Notcutts and their award-winning pet and wildlife range, visit www.notcutts.co.uk/pets-wildlife 

Andrew Baker, managing director of Zest, ran his 15th charity marathon in Valencia, clocking a time of 3.08.33.

The Valencia marathon was Andrew’s latest fund-raising initiative in support of Zest’s 2024 chosen charity, North East Wales Mind. Andrew Baker is fundraising for North East Wales Mind.  

The event was also special because it supported the aftermath of the region’s severe flooding in November, which made headlines around the world.  As Andrew explained, “The severe weather catastrophe had put the whole event in doubt, but after prioritising support for the affected communities, the organisers delivered a powerful message: “There is no greater finish line than being together. VALENCIA RUNS 4 VALENCIA”, providing a much-needed morale boost and fundraiser for the victims of the disaster.”

Andrew continued, “I had planned to participate in a European marathon this autumn, and Valencia stood out as the perfect choice. Classified as a World Athletics Platinum Event, it’s known for its flat, fast course with excellent  potential for personal bests. I also logged more than 550 miles in training including participation in the Warrington 10k and the Tatton Park Half Marathon.”

Andrew completed his first marathon in 2012 and committed to running as potential fundraiser for Zest’s chosen charities as a result.  Over the last 14 years, Zest employees have raised over £150,000 for a variety of charities alongside colleagues in the P&A Group.  These include Dementia UK, British Heart Foundation, Macmillan Cancer Support, Hope House, and Tŷ Gobaith Children’s Hospices, Cancer Research UK, Action for Children, Alzheimer’s Society, Alder Hey Children’s Hospital and Meningitis Now.

Commenting on this enthusiasm for the sport, Andrew said, “Taking up running is tough at first, but once you push through the initial challenges, the benefits are truly life changing.  It’s more than just exercise—it’s a gift to yourself - as well as supporting others and allowing us to raise awareness of mental health issues.”

North East Wales Mind helps people in Flintshire and Wrexham recover from mental health problems and stay emotionally healthy. In addition to telephone counselling and emotional support, the charity offers a range of online services and activities. Their phone lines are open 10am til 4pm each weekday.

Zest was established in 2005 to bring high quality, sustainable timber garden products to garden centres, online retailers, builders’ merchants, and major purchasing groups across the UK. 

For further information about Zest’s timber Outdoor Entertaining range, GYO, decorative and furniture products, visit www.zestoutdoorliving.co.uk.

Two walled gardens dating back to the 1700s, a collection of Chelsea-inspired celebrity gardens in a shopping centre and a landscape that inspired Jane Austen are among the 15 beautiful and unique gardens which will become Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Partner Gardens in 2025.

RHS members can now visit over 230 spectacular gardens across the globe, along with the five iconic RHS Gardens in the UK.

RHS Partner Gardens Partner Gardens & Affiliated Societies Manager, Prunella Murray, says, “We are hugely proud of our Partner Gardens which are all brilliantly unique and provide RHS Members with 231 opportunities to absorb themselves in stunning gardens free of charge. The new gardens enhance the variety and quality of gardens in the scheme and include some unusual locations that one might not normally visit.”

The RHS membership scheme provides unlimited entry into RHS Gardens throughout the year, and the opportunity to visit Partner Gardens for free at selected times of the year. Partner Gardens are spread across the British Isles and overseas, including Barbados, France, Japan and South Africa.

The newest RHS Partner Gardens are:

Holkham Walled Garden, Norfolk

Holkham Estate is an enchanting Walled Garden dating back to the late 1700s which contains a spectacular stand of Georgian and Victorian greenhouses and vineries, a formal ornamental garden, an established vineyard, a working kitchen garden, an exotic garden with a large lawn and a spectacular cutting garden with a beautiful array of blooms.

Springfields Festival Gardens, Lincolnshire

Springfields Outlet Shopping is stylish blend of retail and leisure set in 25 acres with award-winning gardens. The Gardens, which were established in 1966, are home to a Stephen Newby stainless steel sculpture collection including a water pyramid fountain, pillow planters and a specially commissioned 15’ ‘Kaleidoscope Wheel’ situated in the canal.

Moors Meadow, Hertfordshire

Moors Meadow is an intriguing and eclectic garden set in a seven-acre organic hillside site with views over the beautiful Kyre Valley. It is rich with unusual and exotic plants displayed in herbaceous borders, a grass garden, a rhododendron glade, a fernery, a cottage-style garden, herb garden and a highly productive kitchen garden. Assorted paths wind through the garden to add a sense of surprise and secrecy.

Ashridge House Gardens, Hertfordshire

Designed by Humphry Repton in 1813, Ashridge House, once a royal residence for Henry VIII, boasts 190 acres of Grade II gardens with breathtaking views. The naturalised spring bulbs among impressive trees provide a place to wander and unwind in spring, and there is a cosy, dog-friendly café.

Himalayan Garden and Sculpture Park, North Yorkshire

An award-winning garden set in 45 acres in the heart of the North Yorkshire countryside, the Himalayan Garden offers the north's largest collection of rhododendrons, as well as azaleas, magnolias, 90 striking contemporary sculptures, a woodland playground and garden tearoom serving freshly prepared food.

Chawton House, Hampshire

An enchanting and tranquil garden, and the setting for the ‘Great House’ referred to in Jane Austen’s letters, which comprises a wilderness, walled garden, terraces and sweeping views. Carpets of snowdrops and daffodils, spring blossom, summer florals, autumn colours and festive lights give this garden, which also celebrates and promotes women’s writing, year-round interest, which is particularly poignant in 2025 – the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth.

Staunton Country Park, Hampshire

Created by Sir George Staunton in the early 1800s, this 222-acre listed regency landscape boasts follies, an ornamental lake, Chinese planting, Champion trees and the National Plant Collection of Lardizabalaceae, all surrounded by beautiful woodland and meadows.

West Green House Gardens, Hampshire

A sylvan landscape encircles four walled gardens with a collection of follies, topiaries, a nymphaeum and a lake. In its ten acres, it highlights naturalised fritillaries, 10,000 tulips every year, a potager and massed dahlias.

Doddington Place, Kent

With historic importance and recognition as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), Doddington Place comprises a woodland garden, sunken garden, large rock garden, clipped cloud yew hedges, specimen trees and herbaceous borders surrounded by wooded countryside.

Luton Hoo Walled Garden, Bedfordshire

A unique Capability Brown-designed Walled Garden, surrounded by its original 18th-century octagonal wall and supported by a selection of rare service buildings. The garden is the focus of a dynamic volunteer project and continues to be revived, repaired and re-imagined for the enjoyment of everyone.

Canonteign Falls, Devon

This historic, privately owned estate in the heart of Devon offers 90 acres of parkland with beautiful waterfalls nestled in ancient woodland. Rocky cliffs give way to idyllic meadows and tranquil lakes, each offering a unique habitat for flora and fauna. The Victorian Fern Garden was awarded Plant Heritage National Plant Collection status in 2022, and the paved labyrinth adds further interest to any visit.

Plas Cadnant Hidden Gardens, Wales

Alongside the Menai Strait, on the Isle of Anglesey, lies Plas Cadnant Hidden Garden, a spot which has been meticulously developed since 1996 and is fast becoming a plant paradise featuring many unusual plants and a huge variety of hydrangeas.

Abbotsford Gardens, Scotland

In the early 19th century Sir Walter Scott created the three walled gardens, set within a naturalistic wooded landscape beside the River Tweed. For the past 200 years, vegetables, herbs and fruit have been grown here, and are now complemented by herbaceous borders, spring-flowering shrubs and a profusion of beautiful roses.

Outside the UK, RHS Members have two new gardens to visit on trips to France or Italy.

Eyrignac Jardins, France

Situated high in the Dordogne and close to Sarlat, these magnificent French-style gardens feature three hundred sculpted plants superbly hand-clipped by gardeners in the tradition of times gone by. These are situated alongside fountains, reflective waters and flower beds.

Villa della Pergola, Italy

An Anglo-Mediterranean park on the Riviera, Villa della Pergola was created in 1875 and owned by British families (McMurdo, Hamilton-Dalrymple and Hanbury). It was saved from building speculators in 2006 and restored by Paolo Pejrone, and now houses thousands of species, rare plants and renowned Wisteria and Agapanthus collections. It was awarded The Most Beautiful Park in Italy in 2022.

Details of all RHS Partner Gardens can be found at www.rhs.org.uk/partner-gardens. Garden lovers can become RHS members at www.rhs.org.uk/join.

Tong and Tingley Garden Centres are to host festive-themed play sessions to raise money for their charity of the year.

The Grass Hoppers team at both centres have launched ‘Not So Merry Christmas' playtime parties as part of its fundraising campaign for Yorkshire Children's Charity.

The parties are at Tong Garden Centre at 4.30 pm on 12th December and at the same time at Tingley on 19th December. Tickets cost £16.95 and include an hour and three quarters' play time, a meet and greet with The Mean Green One and his elves, access to the disco room, food and a toy of the child's choice.

"Further to the success of last year's Christmas parties when we raised £2,000 for Yorkshire Air Ambulance, we're very excited to repeat these unique party sessions as part of our family festive programme this year. Not only do children get to experience great play with a unique meet and greet with Hooper's grumpy friend, ‘The Mean Green One', but they're also helping us to reach our fundraising target of £20,000 for this year. Children can expect party dancing, cheeky surprises, and a whole lot of festive mischief to keep everyone grinning," said Caroline Ellis, Yorkshire Garden Centres' Group Play Manager.

"Thanks to generous donations from our suppliers, 100% of the proceeds of the ‘Not So Merry Christmas' parties will go to Yorkshire Children's Charity." 
 

Booking is online at https://bit.ly/NotSoMerryChristmas.

Other festive activities at Tong and Tingley Garden Centres include Santa's Grotto, an ice rink for family skating at Tingley, Breakfast with Santa, Festive Afternoon Teas, seasonal menus, special offers and late-night opening.

Tong and Tingley Garden Centres are members of the Yorkshire Garden Centres family that includes Otley and Bingley Garden Centres plus Dean's York and Scarborough.

Through a series of fund-raising events and collection boxes at the tills, Yorkshire Garden Centres hope to raise funds for the independent charity that aims to transform childhoods and improve the lives of thousands of disadvantaged children in Yorkshire.

Spring Fair has announced the re-launch of The Summerhouse destination, now reimagined as The Summer House: Home, Gift & Lifestyle Edit, creating a uniquely inspiring and immersive environment for discerning buyers and interior designers.

The 2025 Spring Fair, taking place on the 2nd – 5th February at NEC Birmingham, will unveil this beautiful, curated space featuring high-end furnishings, décor, and gifts, with a host of new members including Portmeirion and Bedeck.

Marking The Summerhouse’s 35th anniversary, this updated approach will provide immediate clarity on the sectors represented. The Summer House Edit will be better aligned with its intended audience - those seeking well-designed, high-quality products across home decor, occasional furniture, gifts, and lifestyle categories.

In response to buyer feedback for greater cohesion, The Summer House Edit now stands as a thoroughly holistic overview of the show and market, showcasing every category and encompassing brands and licensing. It represents the future of home and lifestyle retail, blending tradition with contemporary designs in a relevant and inspiring way.

Focused on timeless heritage brands, The Summer House Edit is thoughtfully designed to offer a calm, and inspiring sensory space where buyers can browse beautiful products and fully immerse themselves in the shopping experience. With creativity and design excellence at its heart, the focus is on handpicked brands that have enduring appeal and a longstanding commitment to craftsmanship and authenticity.

A notable addition to the edit is tableware, highlighting the growing demand for ceramics and table dressing that evoke emotional connections and showcase aspirational living. Whether found in a beautiful boutique, lifestyle store, garden centre or in an interior design scheme, the table dressing is a buyers’ voyeuristic look into what it looks and feels like to sit at a dressed table in any giving setting.

The Summer House Edit is delighted to introduce Portmeirion, returning after a hiatus with beautiful, progressive ranges like Minerals and Sophie Conran. Alongside them, Captivate will showcase ceramics licenses from Yvonne Ellen, Maxwell Williams, and long-term favourite Mary Berry. There’s also beautiful stemware from DRH Collection.

Established exhibitors include My Gifts Trade who bring a sophisticated take on ceramics with Tokyo Design, Casa Fina, and Costa Nova, offering Dutch and Portuguese designs and manufacturing at their best. To bring this all together and interweave these themes, DM Brands offer Rader for their first Spring Fair in The Summer House Edit and Ulster Weavers are elevated as they expand from kitchen into home textiles. Alongside them, newcomers and industry goliath Bedeck will present three anticipated collections for their debut.

Adding further soft influence and showing for the first time are Sofia Toscano of Italy, and Portuguese brand Torres Novas who continue the theme of heritage and quality-made textile designs.

Malini, well-established as the seasonal trend-oriented go to for cushions and throws, return with their new collections, joined in the mix by Bronte by Moon, Ian Mankin and John Spencer. Bringing a true holistic and European lifestyle feel, Bloomingville DK, Edelman NL, Gry & Sif DK and Wikholm Form Sweden deliver a wonderful series of aesthetically perfect stands that warrant viable kerb appeal.

Long-term returning favourites include The Libra Company, Casa Verde / Terrace and Garden, Hot Tomato, Morgan Wright/Raine & Humble, Bronte by Abraham Moon and consumer favourites Garden Trading.

To mark the occasion as a newer member of The Summer House Edit, Gallery Direct will present their biggest footprint yet with four island stands covering everything and anything interiors. Hug Rug combine cutting edge technology and traditional milling techniques to sustainable mats and runners with a distinct edge. Weaver Green and The Braided Rug company both joining on the sustainable credential front.

Discover pockets of beautiful floral and fragrance from Inis Energy of the Sea, Blooms by Samuel Baker, and the exquisite and iconic Chive miniature ceramics, while Stoneglow candles and Made by Zen both offer contemporary candles, diffusers and fragrances in the most beautiful packaging designed to give your store that extra pop. Interesting and quirky products from Nila Parmar and Ankole demonstrate the breadth of opportunity for buyers.

Spring Fair x Interior Design

Interior Designers account for 20% of residential projects, and interior design agencies and individuals represent a significant portion of the Spring Fair audience. A new theme of The Summer House Edit will be its support for interior designers, catering to both residential and hospitality projects. Exhibitors like Gallery Direct, Art Marketing, PR Home, Mindy Brownes Interiors, Pacific Lifestyle, Deluxe HomeArt, Present Time brands, and returning design favourite RV Astley, have the expert capabilities to aid Interior Designers, both at individual and agency level for projects.

Watch out for further announcements on Spring Fair x Interior Design running throughout the paired and adjacent Home, Living & Décor sector.

Curated Displays and Capsules

To showcase the exceptional quality and creativity of its members, three curated displays will be strategically positioned throughout Spring Fair each showcasing a selection of products from exhibitors within The Summer House Edit. These mini capsules are designed to give visitors a taste of what The Summer House Edit has to offer, drawing attention to the exceptional quality and creativity of the products featured and encouraging visitors to explore the full Summerhouse Edit experience in its dedicated area.

Spring Fair Event Director Soraya Gadelrab says, “As we approach the 75th Anniversary of Spring Fair, and the 35th edition of The Summerhouse, we have a prime opportunity to revamp its concept, reintroduce it to the market and enhance engagement from both visitors and exhibitors. The Summer House Edit reflects Spring Fair’s commitment to bringing premium products and memorable experiences to our visitors. We are delighted to celebrate the 75th edition of Spring Fair with some of the founding members of The Summerhouse, including The Libra Company, and many very long-standing members like Hot Tomato, and Biggie Best. These timeless, contemporary and design-led members deliver utmost continuity in this must attend destination. The re-launch marks a new era at Spring Fair, where elegance, quality, and the art of beautiful living converge in a space tailored to inspire and elevate the buyer experience.”

Spring Fair’s Home destination features an impressive roster of over 250 exhibitors, showcasing the latest in homeware, soft furnishing, statement décor, and houseware textiles, with renowned brands Coach House, Treelocate, Hill Interiors, Richmond Interiors, Kaemingk, Ulster Weavers, Aquarelle Home, Dutch Imports & Daughters, Lows of Dundee, McGowan & Rutherford, Nordic Style, Present Time, Quirky Barn, Trampoline, and many more showcasing their latest collections.

As Spring Fair marks its 75th anniversary, the 2025 edition is set to be the most highly anticipated in its history, featuring over 1,200 exhibitors and celebrating this milestone with exclusive new product showcases and special experiences.

For more information on The Summer House Edit and to join the 75th-anniversary celebration at Spring Fair 2025, visit www.springfair.com.

To register to attend visit https://www.springfair.com/visitor-registration.

As the UK's leading retail trade event for 75 years, Spring Fair brings together home, gift and fashion buyers and suppliers of all sizes from across the industry to create new business opportunities. An essential meeting place for retail, Spring Fair's seven decades of expertise offers an entire community of retailers a place for unmatched innovation and inspiration.

Spring Fair 2025 promises an immersive experience packed with events and features designed to inspire buyers and exhibitors alike. A snapshot of what’s on at the show, taking place from 2nd – 5th February 2025 at NEC Birmingham, has been revealed including:

• Over 1,200 exhibitors already confirmed, with over 90% of the show sold
• Unmissable buying destinations dedicated to Home, Gift, Fashion, and Everyday categories
• More than 1 million products
• Over 400 new brands
• 100+ international brands
• Five special product pavilions
• Curated and exciting collaborations with partners including the Giftware Association, the Greeting Card Association, and Llewellyn-Bowen Design
• 4 days of free insights, inspiration and catwalk shows across three content stages including the new Licensing Lab in partnership with Fabacus
• Activations galore across the show floor including happy hours and ambience clinics, sampling sessions, giant birthday cards, awards ceremonies, and a time capsule experience taking us back in time to key events, people and products in the show’s history.

The show also has a new aroma. Spring Fair’s exclusive signature fragrance, Heritage 75, created to commemorate the show’s 75th anniversary will float through the aisles. The scent, crafted in collaboration with fragrance experts Quintessence Fragrances and home fragrance experts Sebnini, will bring a multisensory dimension to the event. Heritage 75 captures the spirit of the show, blending tradition and modernity, and reflecting the excitement of the anniversary while symbolising 75 years of heritage. With scent-scaping proven to elevate brand interactions, boost dwell times, and drive sales, this immersive fragrance experience will engage visitors like never before with experts on hand to show them how easy it is to re-create themselves.

Unmissable Product Destinations

Save time by sourcing all your collections at once. Explore these diverse product destinations offering the biggest and broadest array of high-quality products under one roof. 

• Gift - The destination that keeps on giving: a treasure-trove of unique, personalised and licensed gifts.
• Greetings, Party & Celebration - Occasional products to remember! Find an exciting display of cards, wrapping paper, balloons and partyware collections here.
• Beauty & Wellbeing - Energise your collections with products that lavish the senses and relax the mind. Discover sought-after wellness products that pamper, groom and spritz.
• Kids, Toys & Play - Ignite your playful side with this array of must-have toys, gadgets and games that bring big imaginations to life.
• Home, Living & Décor - Elevate the art of living in this inspirational destination. Find your next best-seller amongst stylish textiles, interior accessories, décor and furniture collections.
• The Summer House Edit - A newly curated collection of home, gift and lifestyle brands renowned for their craftsmanship, creativity and enduring quality. This thoughtful destination provides an inspiring environment to discover timeless products and collections built to stand the test of time.
• Christmas, Festive & Floral - From wreaths and foliage to themed décor, this destination has a wide range of products to suit every occasion. Explore a festive wonderland, discover floral décor for every season and so much more.
• Housewares - Bringing the best products to the table with kitchenware, dining utensils and must-have culinary collections.
• Everyday - The destination that showcases a wide variety of brands to buyers looking for high volume and high value products. Discover best-selling essentials like homeware, electrical items, pet supplies and everyday affordable products.
• MODA x Pure – The ultimate fashion destination. Pure is joining Moda at Spring Fair to create a combined, new fashion destination. Get the best of both shows now under one roof with hundreds of trend-led UK-based and international fashion brands, as well as inspirational catwalk shows.
• Clothing & Footwear - From designer labels to boutique brands and high-street fashion, find the clothing and footwear collections that will be trending next season.
• Jewellery & Watch - Uncover hidden gems! Shop for luxury, staple and statement jewellery and watches in this stylish sector.
• Fashion Accessories - Discover accessories that elevate your edits. Curate your bag, scarf and hair accessory collections with the latest seasonal must-haves and trending finishing touches.

Plus, one ticket gives you access to two shows. Spring Fair’s co-located show, Source Home & Gift is the only international sourcing platform of its kind. Source unites global manufacturers who pride themselves on responsible manufacturing and sustainable production, with key retailers, brands and contractors who care about how great products are made. Sign up to Spring Fair and enjoy free entrance to Source Home & Gift. Register at Source Home & Gift Feb 2025

Five Inspiring Product Pavilions

Find the latest products and newest exhibitors in the industry with dedicated pavilions located within their destination areas.

The New Business Pavilions are exclusive stand areas dedicated to first-time suppliers and small businesses. These five dedicated pavilions, situated across the show, give buyers a chance to meet emerging and growing brands in Gift, Greetings Beauty & Wellbeing, Home, Living & Decor and Moda Fashion destinations.

The Cardgains Village, situated at heart of the Greetings, Party & Celebration destination, showcases the latest range of brand-new greetings cards and gift designs. This year’s stand will feature several of the association's members including UK Greetings, Sarunds, Words 'n' Wishes, IC & G, Jacksons, Woodmansterne, Rainbow Designs, The Gifted Stationary Company, Smart Toys and many other must-see brands.

Providing a launchpad for Greeting Card Association members who have never exhibited before, the GCA Debut Pavilion creates an opportunity for start-up gift card businesses to showcase their products to the industry.

#SBS Village - In collaboration with TV Dragon and business owner Theo Paphitis, the Small Business Sunday Village creates a space for emerging businesses to exhibit at Spring Fair. 12 deserving winners are handpicked for their business models and product offerings, giving you the opportunity to discover more new products and partnerships.

The Gift of the Year Showcase profiles The Gift Of The Year winners, a respected industry accolade that recognises the best new products across the gift industry each year. This showcase puts the most prestigious products in gifting front and centre, giving buyers a chance to discover this year’s esteemed winners.

Gift Of The Year Pavilion is a launchpad for The Giftware Association members who haven’t previously exhibited at the show, to offer an opportunity for new giftware brands to present their products.

Elevate Your Show Experience

Explore the exciting content areas, buyer experiences and products, designed to inspire, engage and lead you to incredible products. Learning from industry experts is vital so don’t miss seminars and trend forecasts from industry leaders like Google and more. Look out for upcoming speaker announcements.

Apply to Speak at Spring Fair

There’s also a chance to get involved too! Be part of retail history and take centre stage at the UK's largest home, fashion and gift trade show. If you would like to be a live speaker, share your expertise, build valuable connections and help shape the future of retail apply at https://www.springfair.com/news/apply-speak-spring-fair-2025 with an overview of the topic you would like to cover by 31st December 2024.

Masterclass Studio  

Get hands-on with the year’s most pressing challenges in retail through panel discussions and practical workshops. With sessions tailored to real-world issues retailers are facing this year, gain practical skills, participate in Q&As, and have the chance for one-to-one guidance with experts after each talk. The Masterclass Studio is all about providing the tools and confidence to tackle your next business steps.

Inspiring Retail Stage

Step into the future of retail with daily catwalk shows, high-profile keynote speakers, and trend talks designed to spark new ideas and strategic thinking. This stage is your go-to for visionary insights, whether hearing from industry leaders or catching up on the latest trends. Each session is crafted to inspire ambitious thinking and equip you with actionable insights to scale and future-proof your business. 

Licensing Lab 

Spring Fair is bringing the licensing industry together with the launch of the Licensing Lab in partnership with Fabacus and Licensing International. Dedicated to networking, knowledge sharing and driving growth for licensors, licensees, retailers and service providers, the Lab will feature an exhibition space, a vibrant networking lounge designed by Llewelyn-Bowen Design, as well as seminars led by industry experts.

Cultural Enterprise Day

On Tuesday 4th February, Spring Fair will host the Cultural Enterprise Day in partnership with the Association of Cultural Enterprises (ACE).

This special day will highlight the crucial role of retail within museums, galleries, and heritage sites while celebrating the expert buyers and merchandisers to carefully select unique, story-driven products for these extraordinary institutions. Bringing 45 new cultural enterprise organisations to the show and offering tailored resources to enhance their sourcing experience, visitors will benefit from guided tours, sector-focused educational sessions, and exclusive goody bags.

Cafés & Connections

When you’re walking every aisle of the show, it’s important to have a place to unwind. Make sure to locate the Christmas Café, Moda Café and Summerhouse Café’s dotted around the Spring Fair halls for a chance to take a break and network. Relationships are key to successful buying so make the most of your networking experience with Spring Fair’s Happy Hours and other exciting events.

Buyers Lounge

Engage your senses at the Spring Fair Buyers Lounge. All buyers have access to a basic buyer’s benefit package which can save them over £30 per day. The Buyers Lounge offers a sanctuary designed to inspire and provide a moment of calm to reflect and plan orders away from the bustle of the show floor. Curated around the five senses, the lounge invites you to indulge your taste buds with complimentary tea, coffee and delicious sample sessions from exhibitors. Ambient music and comfortable seating create a relaxed atmosphere for meaningful conversations and creative thinking, while the space itself is visually striking and enhanced by our exclusive signature scent.  

Buyers can also take advantage of daily buyers’ tours, and a complimentary consultancy from Stephen Spencer + Associates. They’ll guide you in creating your own ambient retail experiences or speak with expert perfumers from Quintessence Fragrance about how to develop captivating scents in home fragrance.

Ambience Clinic

Stephen Spencer + Associates’ Ambience Clinic invites all visitors to meet with an expert to explore ways to maximise revenue from your visitor experience. Discover how to design ambient retail experiences that drive results and leave with actionable strategies to boost productivity and enhance your return on investment.

Greeting Card Association Lounge

A series of exciting events and activations will honour the industry’s vibrant spirit and the show’s 75th anniversary. In collaboration with partners including the Greeting Card Association, Cardgains, The Art File, Paper Salad, and N Smith, both visitors and exhibitors are invited to join in the celebrations.

Spring Fair and the GCA are taking the #Cardmitment campaign to the next level with a giant 75th birthday card at the show’s entrance. Visit the GCA Lounge in Hall 3 to join the #cardmitment campaign and help spread some love around the show. Write and send cards from the postbox to anyone exhibiting at Spring Fair. The simple act of sending a card can have a positive, impact on those around us and #cardmitment reminds everyone about the joy and importance of sending cards. The GCA Lounge also serves as a lively space for networking and festivities.

The Summer House Café

The Summer House Café, located within the stylish The Summer House Edit destination, offers a space for networking, planning and inspiration. With a new revamped design, it’s the perfect space for home, gift & lifestyle buyers to quickly recharge and catch up on orders.

MODA x Pure Café

Take a stylish break at the Moda x Pure Café, a fashion-inspired coffee bar designed for relaxation and inspiration. Featuring pop-up activations that you can bring back to your store, this space is more than a café, it’s a hands-on look at how in-store experiences can breathe new life into the high street. Perfect for a quick recharge and a creative spark.

Christmas Café

Perfectly situated in the Christmas, Floral & Seasonal destination, the Christmas Café offers buyers a chance to enjoy some festive fun and sip on a holiday-inspired drink from the Starbucks pop-up.

Celebrate Spring Fair’s 75th Anniversary

Join in the festivities marking 75 years of retail excellence. In honour of this exciting milestone event, Spring Fair is hosting several fun events including Happy Hours with a roaming drinks trolley, a Spring Fair 75th Birthday Party, Awards, a 75th anniversary networking festival, and so much more throughout the show to ensure it’s an event to remember! More details to be announced soon.

Spring Fair Looks Back in Time

Don’t miss the special time capsule experience, looking back at Spring Fair’s 75-year history and the products and people that have been influential over that time.

New Product & Heritage Showcase & Awards

Going back to the future, Spring Fair will host a new awards ceremony, celebrating the history and heritage of the show as well as looking ahead to the best new products on the show floor destined to go down in history as must-have bestsellers. More details on when and where to be announced.

75th Birthday Festival

Open to all exhibitors and visitors on Tuesday 4th February from 7pm, Spring Fair is planning a takeover of Temple Street in Birmingham for a night of networking. The show has partnered with bars including The Trocadero, The Botanist, The Cocktail Club, The Head of Steam, and Revolucion de Cuba Birmingham.

Don’t miss your chance to celebrate the past, present, and future of retail. Register now for an unforgettable experience at Spring Fair 2025 and discover what’s next in home, gift, and fashion. To register to attend visit https://www.springfair.com/visitor-registration.

For more information about Spring Fair and the 75th-anniversary celebrations, visit www.springfair.com.

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The Association of Professional Landscapers (APL) has announced a dynamic hosting partnership to host the 30th Anniversary APL Awards 2025. APL General Manager Phil Tremayne will be joined by Peter Donegan on Friday, 14 March 2025, at The Brewery, 52 Chiswell Street, London, EC1Y 4SA.

Peter Donegan, MSGD, an internationally acclaimed garden designer, project manager, consultant, and speaker, was recently named among the Top 100 UK Garden Designers and the Top 70 UK TV Garden Presenters in 2024. Alongside Phil Tremayne, Peter Donegan will bring his expertise and charisma to the APL stage, to ensure an engaging and memorable ceremony.

Commenting on the event, Phil Tremayne said: “The APL Awards are a highlight of the landscaping year and the highlight of mine, co-hosting this year with my old friend Peter Donegan should make for an excellent day. The awards are a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the talent, dedication, and creativity of our members. I’m really looking forward to it.”

Peter Donegan added: “What a humbling honour to host one of the world’s greatest landscape associations 30th anniversary awards alongside one of horticulture’s finest gentlemen, Phil Tremayne.”

The awards will also feature speaker and multi-award-winning garden designer Pip Probert, who will share her expertise and dedication to inspire attendees. 

The APL Awards 2025 will celebrate remarkable achievements in landscape design and recognise talented professionals whose creativity and skill transform gardens across the country. 

Tickets for this event are selling fast, so secure your place now hta.org.uk/hta-current-events/apl-awards/visitor-booking-form 

Get ready to immerse yourself in gardening innovation at the Garden Press Event 2025. Hosted by the Horticultural Trades Association and GIMA, this unique, one-day event is a key exhibition for the gardening media.

Whether you’re seeking inspiration, breaking stories, or the next big trend in gardening, this event is designed for press, media professionals, and influencers. Put the date in your diary as registration is now open.

Speaking ahead of the event, Fran Barnes, HTA CEO said: “The Garden Press Event stands out as an important date in the horticultural calendar, marking the start of a new gardening season. It offers an exceptional platform for industry professionals and media to connect, exchange ideas, and spark creativity. As a hub for inspiration and innovation, we’re looking forward to welcoming journalists and influencers to discover the very best advancements and industry stories for 2025."

Vicky Nuttall, GIMA Director, adds: “The Garden Press Event offers a unique chance for brands to showcase their latest products directly to the media and highlights the ingenuity and expertise within our sector. We’re excited to see the range of new ideas, products, and stories that will be shared this year.”

The Garden Press Event has consistently proven to be a launch pad for numerous successful companies and products. Whether you're into sustainable solutions, traditional craftsmanship, or high-tech gardening gear, this event is packed with stories on every stand.

This event is exclusively for verified journalists, influencers, bloggers, vloggers, and members of the media. Entry is free, but registration is required.

Register Now

Secure your spot here: https://www.gardenpressevent.co.uk/visitor-registration

For more details about the event and entry requirements, visit www.gardenpressevent.co.uk.

Hornby George PR founder and director Kimberley Hornby George  has been appointed Co-Chair of the Garden Media Guild (GMG), sharing the role Alexandra Campbell.

Kim O’Brien was elected as the new Vice-Chair.

Kimberley said: “I am absolutely thrilled and deeply honoured to have received the vote of confidence from GMG members. The committee is fantastic to work with, and I am looking forward to making a positive impact on the organisation. Collaborating closely with Alexandra, the GMG committee and our members will be a rewarding experience, and I’m excited about the journey ahead. It’s a privilege to be part of such a brilliant organisation that I’ve long admired – truly a pinch-me moment!”

Kimberley’s tenure as Co-Chair has taken immediate effect and will last for a minimum of two years. Alexandra, who is already one year into her term as Co-Chair, previously worked alongside Mike Palmer. Together, Kimberley and Alexandra are brimming with ideas to propel the Guild forward in the months and years to come.

Alexandra says: “I am thrilled to be working alongside Kimberley. She has already made an outstanding contribution to the Garden Media Guild in her role as Vice-Chair, and I have every confidence that as Co-Chair, she will continue to drive positive change for the Guild and its members.”

This new appointment follows closely on the heels of the highly successful GMG Awards, held at The Savoy in London in late November. Often referred to as the ‘Oscars of the garden industry’, the GMG Awards celebrate the passion, expertise, and knowledge across the garden media sector. From photography to authorship, social media campaigns, and publications, this year’s winners reflect an exciting blend of established and emerging talent.  For a full list of the winners visit the website.

In response to the rapid growth of the Young People in Horticulture Association (YPHA), the organisation has announced the formation of a new Operations Team. 

Comprising six dedicated Officers, the team will work alongside the current committee to streamline communications, boost event planning, and enhance member wellbeing. With each officer bringing valuable hands-on experience, this dynamic expansion will help propel the YPHA forward as it continues to thrive and unite the next generation of horticultural leaders.

Beth Anderson, Events & Communication Support Officer.

Beth brings experience from her role in plant health in the Northwest, leading an inspiring team of STEM ambassadors. Outside of work, Beth is involved in community gardening projects across Manchester, fostering green spaces and local engagement. In her new role with YPHA, Beth will use her social media strategy and event experience to expand membership and help deliver impactful events. Beth commented, "I'm excited to be a part of such a special group that's become an essential part of the industry for the under 35s."

Ellie Marrian, Events Support Officer.

Ellie looks after the 2.5-acre kitchen garden at the renowned Doddington Hall in Lincolnshire. Ellie will work with the ops team to help coordinate, organise, and facilitate the wonderful events the YPHA does. Ellie commented, "I'm absolutely delighted to have been chosen to help support YPHA in such an exciting way. I look forward to working with the rest of the operations team and meeting many of our members at future events!" 

Holly Garrod, Policy and Safeguarding Officer.

As Project Coordinator for Robin Tacchi Plants in Norfolk, Holly's continued work with youth organisations identified a need within the YPHA team. Holly commented, "I'm delighted to have been selected to represent the YPHA. The YPHA has already provided me with some superb opportunities to grow and develop; I'm delighted to know I'll now be able to offer that back to members in aiding to futureproof our growing association." 

Olivia Blackburn, Administration Officer.

Olivia is the Office and Stock Process Manager at Coles Nurseries in Leicester. Outside of work, she is currently participating in the first YPHA Launch Success Challenge and is also the Discord Coordinator for Nurseries. She will manage the YPHA inbox and provide wider support to the team as needed. Olivia commented, "I'm very proud to join the ops team and help to further our mission of uniting people under 35 working in horticulture."

Tom Buckle, Member Wellbeing and Committee Support Officer.

Tom is a Plant Area Manager at Squires Garden Centres. He will work closely with our mental health first aiders and our charity partner, Perennial, to offer wellbeing support to our members. Tom commented, "After almost 14 years in horticulture and as a member of St John Ambulance, joining the new operations team at YPHA is an exciting opportunity."

There are several ways you can help the YPHA continue connecting with and supporting those who will be the future of horticulture.

We have a brand-new set of merchandise available for purchase through our website, including a fantastic mug and a really comfortable beanie hat, perfect for keeping you warm this winter.

We have our 'Sowing Stories' initiative, which aims to connect horticulturists of all ages through the gift of gardening books. There is still time to secure a surprise book of your own - either a vintage treasure or a newer author-signed title - delivered and wrapped before Christmas. All you need to do is pledge a minimum of £10 before Tuesday 10 December. 

There are also opportunities to sponsor us for 2025. Be it a Key Partner or a Supporter, the YPHA appreciates anything you can give to help us continue offering such fantastic experiences for under 35s working in horticulture. Email us an 'Expression of Interest' to admin@ypha.org.uk by Monday 02 December.

Visit www.ypha.org.uk to learn more about our work and about our new operations team and committee.

D. J. Squire & Co., Ltd (Squire’s Garden Centres) has announced that its subsidiary, Barnsfold Nurseries Ltd (Barnsfold), has acquired the business and certain assets of Liss Forest Nursery Ltd (Liss Forest). The new business will be known as Barnsfold Liss.

Liss Forest is a hugely respected grower of hardy plants, based in Liss, Hampshire. The merged business will offer a high-quality range of hardy plants from Liss and bedding plants from Barnsfold to the garden centre sector and beyond.

The expert nursery team at Liss Forest will join the newly merged business, as will Liss Forest’s highly experienced Sales Manager, Mark Warner.  Vincent Catt, Managing Director of Liss Forest, will also join the team for a significant transitional period. The hardy plants business will be operated from the existing Liss Forest site at Blackmoor Nursery in Hampshire, where Mark and Vincent will be based.  The merger has no impact on existing customers of Liss Forest, which will be serviced as before, with the ability to gain access to the extensive range of bedding plants grown by Barnsfold.

Sarah Squire, Chairman of Squire’s Garden Centres, comments: “We are delighted to welcome the Liss Forest team to our group.  We know the business well, having been a customer for many decades and there are many shared values between our family businesses. I have  the greatest respect for the Liss Forest team and all they have achieved over the decades, and very importantly, the dedication and outstanding service to the horticultural industry given by Peter Catt and his son Vincent.

“We have been working with Vincent Catt for some time to plan for the future of both businesses and this has only further cemented my admiration for Vincent and the business he and his father have nurtured with such care and passion.

”I have also had the privilege of meeting their expert team of growers who look after the extensive range of quality core hardy nursery stock at Liss. I am genuinely excited for what lies ahead.

“Squire’s is committed to maintaining Barnsfold Liss as a substantial supplier to the whole garden centre sector and beyond, as well as remaining a strategic supplier to our own garden centres”.

Vincent Catt, Managing Director of Liss Forest Nursery, added: “I am very pleased to have secured the future of our family business through the merger with Barnsfold.  We have worked with Squire’s over many years and know that it shares our values and way of doing business.  I am looking forward to playing my part in developing the combined business further.”

Above: The Barnsfold Liss team; Ollie Turner - General Manager, Barnsfold Nurseries (second from left), Sarah Squire – Chairman, Squire’s Garden Centres and Vincent Catt – Managing Director, Liss Forest Nursery (fourth from left) with the Liss Forest team.

Melcourt Industries Ltd, the UK’s leading supplier of peat-free garden and landscape products, has announced the appointment of Nikki Burton as Managing Director from 1st January 2025. Andy Chalmers, current Managing Director, will retire on 31 December 2024 after over 45 years in the bark and compost industry.

Nikki Burton joined Melcourt during October 2023 and comes with a wealth of knowledge and experience in business operations and is already making an impact as the company continues to invest and grow. Andy Chalmers will continue to play a key role for the business as company Chairman.

For further information, please contact:

Andy Chalmers – andy@melcourt.co.uk

Nikki Burton – nikki.burton@melcourt.co.uk

01666 502711

As part of The Gardens Group’s continuing commitment to providing a welcoming, inclusive and supportive space to work for all employees, its management team has recently undertaken training programmes including The Inclusive Leader and Leading with Purpose. 

Delivered by Sara Burks, founder of Adaptis, which is an Institute of Leadership recognised training provider, the thought-provoking courses were attended by 17 managers and supervisors from Castle Gardens in Sherborne, Brimsmore Gardens in Yeovil and Poundbury near Dorchester.

As well as providing the most up to date approach to leadership with a focus on inclusivity, the programme covered four modules from identifying what a high performing team looks like to creating an inclusive culture.  Exploring ideas on creating a psychologically safe and inclusive environment when goal setting and evaluating performance, the managers and supervisors further developed their skills in celebrating and championing the individuality of their team members.

Mike Burks, managing director of The Gardens Group, explains: “We have always believed that everyone should have the opportunity to bring their skills and experience to the table.

"Training programmes like this help us ensure that anyone in a position of responsibility can create the most encouraging environment for people to thrive.

"We know that gardening can be a force for good when it comes to mental health and wellbeing, so it is only right that all those working within our garden centres feel safe, supported and valued as they go about their various roles.”

Pictured: Managers and supervisors from Brimsmore Gardens in Yeovil with their Institute of Leadership certificates.

Corby + Fellas has implemented its WinRetail system at Threaplands Garden Centre in Moray, Scotland.

Threaplands proudly supplies the people of Moray and beyond with the finest quality Scottish grown plants. 

The garden centre boasts freshly made meals in its table service restaurant. All the team is passionate about gardening, the environment, food and most importantly, exceptional customer service.

Corby + Fellas’ is looking forward to a successful future working with Ben and the team.

Pictured: Ben Laing, MD of Threaplands, with C+F Head of technical Matt Chrisostomou.

The pedalling prowess of tenacious team members at WHM Pet Group has raised £1,400 for Barnardo’s, with a 200-mile cycle ride from Essex to Yorkshire.

Three of WHM Pet Group’s team signed up for the whole ride as a part of the pet food manufacturer’s heritage party last month, celebrating 200 years of family, food and farming, and the relaunch of WHM Pet Group's pet food brand Marriage’s.

The cyclists rode from Broomfield Mill in Essex where the family business was founded in 1824, to Yorkshire, where WHM Pet Group now has headquarters in Holme Upon Spalding Moor, East Yorkshire. 

There were eight legs to the challenge, running over three days. The riders raised a total of £600 via sponsorship and WHM Pet Group matched it and more, to present a total of £1401.00 for Barnardo’s, a charity that works hard for children and young people to be safe, happy, healthy and hopeful.

“We are proud of our team for raising such an impressive amount for Barnardo’s and are delighted to have been able to add to their total,” said Sam Marriage, Managing Director of WHM Pet Group. “Barnardo’s has been changing childhoods and changing lives for over 150 years and it seems very fitting that as we celebrate the business successfully passing through the generations, we are able to show our support for future generations.”

WHM Pet Group supply retailers and farmers with premium quality wild bird, indoor bird, small animal, racing pigeon, pig, poultry and ruminant feeds. 

For further information visit: https://www.marriages.co.uk/

Sipcam Home & Garden proudly secured the prestigious GIMA Sword of Excellence for the second consecutive year, with ecofective Slug Stoppa taking home the crown.

In addition to winning the Garden Care category and the Sword of Excellence, Sipcam Home & Garden was also recognised as the ‘Sustainability Category Champion’ in the Garden Care category for their Organic Superfood Concentrated Liquid Feeds.

Adding to this success, Slug Stoppa made waves at Glee Birmingham’s New Product Showcase in September 2024, winning the ‘Growing Materials’ category and achieving the ultimate accolade of ‘Overall Best New Product’. These achievements highlight Sipcam’s dedication to innovation and sustainable garden care solutions.

True innovation

Slug Stoppa is a new eco way to shield edible and non-edible plants from slugs and snails, without hurting them whilst also containing nutrients to enhance and promote plant growth. Not only this, but the pouch packaging has also up to 55% less plastic than a conventional plastic spray bottle. This new packaging consumes less energy throughout its entire lifecycle and less plastic material used also results in less waste to collect, sort, and recycle. The GIMA judging panel commended Slug Stoppa stating “The choice was simple. True innovation, and a dual-purpose product.”

Using a brand-new formula, Slug Stoppa is a spray that creates an invisible barrier onto plants. The barrier makes the plant significantly less palatable for slugs and snails, so they move away to feed elsewhere. When sprayed onto plants the pesticide-free, child & pet safe, ready-to-use spray gives the plant an ability to withstand slugs or snails whilst ensuring they are all unharmed and that natural predators such as hedgehogs, amphibians butterflies, bees and birds are safe to feed in the garden. 

Meeting consumer demand perfectly, Slug Stoppa is also a joy to use with the ergonomically designed ‘thumb pump’ trigger. The design of the trigger results in a seamless one-handed spray functionality that can be used when there are the first signs of slug and snail damage in the garden. 

In 2025, gardeners can re-use their Slug Stoppa trigger by purchasing the new Slug Stoppa Replacement Pouch, which attaches to the existing trigger, saving the user £1 when compared to buying a brand-new spray pouch. 

In an industry first, the ecofective range is taking a leap forward to flexible pouch packaging, breaking the norm of plastic bottles and giving retailers a wonderful opportunity to support sustainable solutions. 

Are you ready to ‘Bin the Bottle? And Pick up a Pouch’? 

Speak to the Sipcam Home & Garden team today about the multi award-winning Slug Stoppa and the rest of the ecofective range. There are point of sale options available for stockists including video stand merchandisers and a ‘Bin the Bottle’ campaign kit designed to help promote Slug Stoppa and the rest of the ecofective pouch range.

Email enquiries@sipcamhg.co.uk for more information.

GTN November 2024 - GIMA Awards Roll of Honour & GLEE New Products Directory.

In this Issue: GTN’s Greatest Christmas Awards – the judges hit the road to visit 120 garden centres, Choice Marketing – winners from the conference and awards, Opinion – retailers on implications from the Budget, Keter celebrate 80 years of Stewart Garden, Glee New Product Directory – every product entered this year, GIMA Award – winners in the roll of honour, Glee New Product Directory continued, Review of PATS Telford, Houseplants in the mall – a look around The RHS Plant Space, Planteria – plants for the festive season, HTA Viewpoint - A chance to give back, GIMA Viewpoint – Managing Risk

GTN will be publishing its Sustainability Directory again and this year's theme will be 'Where next for Garden Centres?'.

The garden retail sector has made huge strides with sustainability over the last five years setting the pace for eco-standards in retailing so this year we will be looking at what can be done next to re-affirm garden centres sustainability credentials and keep us as a sector ahead of the market.  We will be covering services, facilities, customer interaction and education, plus of course, products for garden centres to sell that have a sustainable back story and that deliver eco benefits for their customers.

This year the printed Directory will be delivered to the GTN mailing database towards the end of December, when planning starts for the season ahead. We also produce a digital version which is promoted each week for the whole of next year via GTN Xtra at www.gardentradenews.co.uk. Over the past five years the digital versions of GTN’s Sustainability Directory have now been opened 29,597 times with an average issue read time of 5:35 minutes.  The Sustainability Directory is well read and regularly referred back to each year.  Together with the 3,500 printed issues and the weekly readership of GTN Xtra that means the GTN Sustainability Directory is the largest and most accessible single source of Sustainability related information for our industry.  It would be great if you were a key part of that.

Please see the 2024 Sustainability Directory here

New Products for the UK Garden Trade for 2025 from GIMA Members: Ames, Auto Pot Global, Avocet Hardware – Greenman Tools, Azpects, Bulldog Tools, Burgon & Ball, Capi Europe, Coir Products, Durston Garden Products, elho, Evergreen Garden Care, Fandango Fire Tools, Fargro, Forest Garden, Gardena, Glee, Greenkey, Greenleaf Horticulture, Handy Distribution, Harvest Pet Products, Hortiwool    , Hozelock, Johnsons Lawn Seeds, Kleen-Tex, LBC Ultralight Boots, Marriages, Meadow View Stone, Museums & Galleries, Panacea Products, Phoenox, PlantWorks, POTR, Primeur, Primus, Sipcam, Smart Garden Products, Sorbus, The Solar Centre, Tildenet, Treadstone, Vitavia, Vitax, Witt UK & Ireland, Woodmansterne, Zest Outdoor Living, GIMA Member Directory, Join GIMA.