The Garden Centre Association’s North region members met yesterday afternoon and evening at Moss & Moor at Ilkley in Yorkshire for their Area Award presentations.

Destination Garden Centre of the Year, (DGC) was presented to Barton Grange (above), the Garden Centre (GC) award went to Fron Goch Garden Centre (below) and Local Garden Centre (LGC) to Fairways Garden Centre, Macclesfield.

Peter Burks, GCA CEO said: “Our North Area Awards Meeting was a huge success! Thank you to everyone who joined us for the event. It was brilliant to see so many members and their teams listening so keenly to what our Inspector Alyson Haywood had to say and taking on board her feedback.

“Well done to all those centres who won awards too. We’re indebted to the team at Moss & Moor for hosting us so brilliantly and providing such a warm welcome, and to Alyson for visiting the centres and presenting her findings in such an engaging way too. It was great to see lots of notes being taken!”

Alyson made unannounced visits to member garden centres in the North area across a 12-week period.

She said: “It’s wonderful to see how well GCA member garden centres in this region have performed this year. Each centre should be very proud of its achievements. It’s also lovely to see members embracing the inspection process and using the feedback they receive in a positive way to drive their businesses even further forward.”

The full results, including runners up, where relevant, for the North region GCA area awards are as follows for the DGC, GC and LGC categories:

Garden Centre of the Year:

DCG

1. Barton Grange Garden Centre
2. Bents Garden and Home
3. Gordale Garden Centre

GC

1. Fron Goch Garden Centre
2. Cowell’s Garden Centre
3. Klondyke Garden Centre, Polmont
4.  

LGC

1. Fairways Garden Centre, Macclesfield
2. Klondyke Garden Centre, Stringers
3. Klondyke Garden Centre, Daleside

The Dick Allen Award for Most Improved Centre:

1. RHS Harlow Carr
2. Fairways Garden Centre, Macclesfield
3. Klondyke Garden Centre, Stringers

The Paul Cooling Award for Environment and Sustainability:

1. Bents Garden and Home
2. Barton Grange Garden Centre
3. Fron Goch Garden Centre

Customer Service Award for Best Customer Service:

1. Fron Goch Garden Centre
2. Barton Grange Garden Centre
3. Moss & Moor

Plantaria (Ruxley Rose):

DGC

1. Barton Grange Garden Centre
2. Bents Garden and Home
3. Gordale Garden Centre

GC

1. Cowell’s Garden Centre
2. Klondyke Garden Centre, Polmont
3. Simpsons Garden Centre, Inveness

LGC

1. British Garden Centres, Harrogate
2. Klondyke Garden Centre, Stringers
3. Klondyke Garden Centre, Burnside

The GIMA Award for Best Garden Products Retailer:

DGC

1. Barton Grange Garden Centre
2. Gordale Garden Centre
3. Bents Garden and Home

GC

1. Klondyke Garden Centre, Stokesley
2. Cowell’s Garden Centre
3. Klondyke Garden Centre, Polmont

LGC

1. Fairways Garden Centre, Macclesfield
2. Klondyke Garden Centre, Daleside
3. Klondyke Garden Centre, Stringers

The Award for Catering Excellence for Best Garden Centre Restaurant:

DGC

1. Bents Garden and Home
2. Gordale Garden Centre
3. Barton Grange Garden Centre

GC

1. Klondyke Garden Centre, Astbury
2. Klondyke Garden Centre,Wilmslow
3. Yorkshire Garden Centres, Tingley and Fron Goch Garden Centre – JOINT THIRD PLACE

LGC

1. Klondyke Garden Centre, Howdens, Klondyke Garden Centre, Holland Arms, Anglesey, Klondyke Garden Centre, Daleside and Klondyke Garden Centre, Stringers – JOINT WINNERS

Indoor Lifestyle Award for Best Indoor Lifestyle Retailer:

DGC

1. Barton Grange Garden Centre
2. Bents Garden and Home
3. Hayes Garden Centre

GC

1. Fron Goch Garden Centre
2. Klondyke Garden Centre, Polmont
3. Klondyke Garden Centre, High Legh

LGC

1. Fairways Garden Centre, Macclesfield
2. RHS Harlow Carr
3. Klondyke Garden Centre, Stringers

Outdoor Living Award for Best Outdoor Living Retailer:

DGC

1. Bents Garden and Home
2. Barton Grange Garden Centre 
3. Hayes Garden Centre

GC

1. Fron Goch Garden Centre
2. Klondyke Garden Centre, Houghton Hall, Klondyke Garden Centre, High Legh, and  Klondyke Garden Centre, Polmont – JOINT RUNNERS UP
3. Moss & Moor and Notcutts Woodford Park Garden Centre – JOINT THIRD PLACE

LGC

1. Fairways Garden Centre, Macclesfield
2. Klondyke Garden Centre, Daleside
3. Klondyke Garden Centre, Burnside

Food Hall/Farm Shop Award

DGC

1. Barton Grange Garden Centre
2. Bents Garden and Home
3. Tong Garden Centre

GC

1. Bellis Brothers Farm Shop & Garden Centre
2. Klondyke Garden Centre, Polmont
3. Klondyke Garden Centre, Houghton Hall and Notcutts Rivendell – JOINT THIRD PLACE

LGC – please note, there are only two garden centres in this category

1. Dunbar Garden Centre
2. Klondyke Garden Centre, Beverley

The Barton Grange Trophy for Commercial Innovation and Creativity:

1. Bents Garden and Home
2. Barton Grange Garden Centre
3. Fairways Garden Centre, Macclesfield

Ian Boardman Award for Best Indoor Plants Retailer

DGC

1. Bents Garden and Home
2. Barton Grange Garden Centre
3. Hayes Garden centre

GC

1. Cowell’s Garden Centre
2. Simpsons Garden Centre, Inveness
3. Fron Goch Garden Centre

LGC

1. Klondyke Garden Centre, Daleside
2. Klondyke Garden Centre, Weaver Vale
3. RHS Harlow Carr

SOLEX 2025, which took place at the NEC Birmingham from Tuesday until Thursday, has been hailed as a great success, with exhibitors and visitors alike agreeing it had been a memorable show.

The hot weather brough crowds of visitors to see the latest products in the outdoor leisure and bbq sectors.

As SOLEX 2025 came to a close, LOFA Chairman, Steve Millington, reflected on another very successful event.

SOLEX 2025 was Steve's second show as LOFA Chairman as he is now halfway through his three year period at the helm of the organisation.

"I'd like to thank everyone who has attended SOLEX this year and the exhibitors which we've had more than 2024. It's been a great show, which I think has been helped by the weather this year and it appears the surplus stock from previous years has now all sold through. So that led us into SOLEX in a great position where buyers could come and look at all the new products and place their orders for 2026.

"As Tom Chambers we've picked up at least four new businesses who've placed container orders at the show which is very encouraging.

"I now hope the good weather continues for soe more great outdoor leisure in the garden.

"I'd like to thank everyone who attended our F1 event on Tuesday night which was a massive success. After last year’s inaugural Euro 2024 event with Dion Dublin, “Crofty” from Sky Sports was a brilliant presenter. Not only did he engage with people on the stage, but he was also quite comfortable with engaging with them off stage and spending the whole evening with us. Right through to the finale of the simulator challenge which he commentated on. It was just an absolute absolutely brilliant evening, something for us to build on for 2026.

"The dates for SOLEX 2025 are 7^th to 9^th July, back here in Hall 5 at the NEC.  I look forward to seeing everyone back here then.  Thank you."

LOFA's General Manager and SOLEX Event Director Gina Hinde revealed she has been overwhelmed with the response from exhibitors and visitors to the show. Find out what she had to say about this year’s event.

Gina said “We've had a really, really good show this year. I think the weather's helped a lot. It means we've had a beautiful spring and summer and the stands at SOLEX have all looked absolutely fabulous. There have been loads of new products, loads of new colours, textures, fabrics and barbecues, The exhibitors have all pulled out all the stops. There have been ten new exhibitors here that we haven't had before, which is amazing. And from what feedback I've heard it has been an absolutely brilliant show. Some people have even taken orders, some of the very big orders.

"We've had new visitors and different visitors as well. We've tried to make sure that we're appealing to a different genre of customers which has hopefully been reflected by the visitors that have come in this year.

"My highlight of SOLEX is getting to see all the LOFA members in one place, speaking to them all, making sure they're all okay. Making sure they’re having a good time. Getting to see everybody in one place and getting to talk to people that I wouldn't normally get to talk to, and then seeing all the visitors, that's what I like about the show."

Eco Fuego, Kadai, Zest, Broil King, HEX Living and Hartman were announced as the winners of the SOLEX 2025 Awards, which were presented at the NEC this evening.

The honours were announced at the SOLEX Awards Ceremony & F1 Afterparty – a night of celebration and networking after the first day of the show hosted by Sky Sports F1 commentator David "Crofty" Croft.

The winners were:

Best Eco-Friendly Product

Winner: Eco Fuego – El Grande Fire Pit

Judge’s comments: “Great design, great fuel idea, practical.”

Best BBQ

Winner: Kadai – Plancha

Judge’s comments: “Visually stunning and simple design, unique vents for creating heatspots, excellent use of volcanic beads for improving insulation.’

Best Individual Product

Zest Outdoor – Ludlow Corner Pergola

Judge’s comments: “Good design and colour, and practical for today’s market.”

Best Furniture

Zest Outdoor – Terraza Kitchen Island Set

Judge’s comments: “Overall great product.”

Best Small Stand

OMC Barbecues/Broil King

Judge’s comments: “Excellent branding, POS and overall presentation.”

Best Medium Stand

HEX Living

Judge’s comments: “Clean, modern planters and planting make a difference – lovely fragrance. Stand open and not cluttered, room to move about. Clean and modern looking.”

Best Large Stand

Hartman

Judge’s comments: “A fabulous stand with a great variety of garden furniture to suit any age and pocket.”

After the awards "Crofty" kindly auctioned the cardboard F1 drivers to the audience raising over £2,500 for Greenfingers and Perennial charities.

Guests at the SOLEX Afterparty Event were treated to all the thrills and spills of the racetrack on Tuesday evening.

Star of the show was David ‘Crofty’ Croft who shared the inside track on all things F1 as well as presenting the prestigious SOLEX Awards.

There was also a feast of racetracks from around the globe as well as four F1 Silverstone Simulators. The top four racers battled it out for the coveted LOFA Cup in a final race, complete with live commentary.

LOFA's General Manager and SOLEX Event Director Gina Hinde said: "One word- AMAZING! Everyone enjoyed it, it was a great atmosphere – 'Crafty' was outstanding and the F1 simulators were very popular and the head-to-head rounded the evening off nicely."

Here's what some guest had to say:

Woodlodge: "We had a good laugh, very enjoyable evening. It was a lot of fun and there was absolutely nothing anyone could complain about. Crofty was absolutely brilliant, we can’t wait for next year!"

Ascalon: "Probably the best afterparty event SOLEX has done, very well organised as always, thank you!"

Rotospa: "Thank you for a great event, we really enjoyed it. Lovely food – something for everyone."

Zest: "Great fun event – Nice for everyone to come together and mix after the show. The evening was relaxed, with great humour from Crofty – certainly one to remember!"

Pacific: "Fantastic night, what SOLEX do for the industry is incredible; it’s what everyone should be doing!"

See gallery of pictures below...

SOLEX welcomed The Shropshire Lad  – Adam Purnell to the Loving Outdoor Living area on day two (Wednesday).

Adam spent time with each exhibitor, sharing his expert hints and tips to help you get the very best out of every BBQ.

Adam is a true master of ‘fire cookery’. Winner of Heston Blumenthal’s Netflix and Channel 4 show Crazy Delicious, and a critic on MasterChef: The Professionals. He has been described as ‘one of the leaders in the UK street food and pop-up scene’.

The Loving Outdoor Living Zone proved to be a popular destination from 11am on the first day of SOLEX. Our photographer Paul Webb captured some of the action…

See gallery below

Sipcam Home & Garden is proud to announce that its pioneering ecofective® garden care Spray Pouch range has been recognised with a prestigious Environmental Packaging Award - a win that celebrates innovation, sustainability, and meaningful change at shelf-level and beyond.

ecofective® won the Environmental Packaging Awards - Household Goods category, with stiff competition from top tier brands such as Shark.

Launched in 2024, the ecofective® Spray Pouch range introduced a ground-breaking packaging concept never seen before in the garden care market: a flexible pouch paired with an integrated spray nozzle.

The Spray Pouches have proved to be super easy to use in a one-handed operation, offering both convenience and conscious consumption. By using up to 55% less plastic than conventional rigid bottles, ecofective® Spray Pouches provide gardeners with highly effective results, while dramatically reducing environmental impact.

The award-winning range includes four core formulations that reflect ecofective®’s promise of eco-friendly performance:

• Slug Stoppa - an eco-way to shield edible and non-edible plants from slugs and snails, without hurting them and the winner of the 2024 GIMA Sword of Excellence. 
• Bug Stoppa - Physical control of a wide spectrum of pests including greenfly, blackfly, spider mite, and scale insect.
• Disease Stoppa - Shields plants from common diseases like powdery mildew by creating an invisible protective barrier.
• Rose Defender - Dual-action protection and nutrition for bright, healthy blooms, free from bugs and mildew.

ecofective® aims to bring to market products that not only provide effective solutions to common gardening problems but do so without negatively impacting the environment. All products are pesticide-free, wildlife friendly and safe for use around children and pets.

Beyond their environmental credentials, the spray pouches offer standout in-store presence. Their full-surface branding creates eye-catching, seamless packaging design, while their weather-proof construction allows for merchandising both indoors and in undercover outdoor spaces—ideal for secondary placements and link sales.

This award recognises not only packaging excellence but a vision for a better, more responsible future in home and garden care. ecofective® is honoured to receive it and is proud to lead the charge towards a greener tomorrow. 

The accolade reinforces support for the ecofective® brand breaking the norm of plastic bottles and giving retailers a wonderful opportunity to support sustainable solutions. 

Speak to the Sipcam Home & Garden team today about how you can encourage UK gardener’s to ‘Bin the Bottle’ and pick up a pouch! Email – enquiries@sipcmhg.co.uk

Corby + Fellas is delighted to announce our partnership with Highfield Garden World, a truly prestigious institution in the horticultural world.

Highfield Garden World's story began in 1920 as The Western Forestry and Willow Company, a specialized nursery in Pembrokeshire. Over the decades, it evolved, adapting and expanding, even earning multiple gold medals at the prestigious Chelsea Flower Show for their exceptional fruit gardens. In 1992, they opened their current garden centre site in Whitminster, which has since grown significantly, adding new buildings, an expanded plant area, and even developing their food service with ‘The Restaurant’. Celebrating its centenary in 2020, Highfield Garden World stands as a testament to enduring quality and innovation, with three generations of the founding family still actively involved.

We are incredibly proud to be working with such a respected and long-standing business. The implementation of our cutting-edge WinRetail will further enhance Highfield Garden World's operational efficiency and customer experience.

We look forward to a successful partnership with Highfield Garden World, supporting their continued growth and commitment to excellence.

For more information on Highfield Garden World, please visit their About Us page

Specialist business property adviser Christie & Co has been instructed to market Pillaton Garden Centre, a family-run garden centre near Penkridge in South Staffordshire.

The 5.5-acre site is immaculately presented and contains well-specified plant growing facilities, a large covered external retail area, a popular tea room/restaurant which serves around 100 covers, outside seating, and a circa 140-space car park. The site’s characterful buildings have been sensitively refurbished and modernised over the years, and the centre is known for offering a unique high-end retail experience and for its excellent tea room.

The centre is well-known for its home-grown bedding plants and shrubs produced in poly tunnels, some of which are heated by a recently installed ground source heat pump which significantly reduces energy costs.

Situated in a prominent position on a busy road between Stafford and Wolverhampton, the centre offers considerable scope for further growth under new ownership, such as the development of the plant sales side of the business, introducing new concessions to add revenue streams, increasing the outside seating space, and hosting more events on-site.

The centre has been owned and run by Paul and Sarah Heathcote for many years. Sarah commented, “We have had the best time at Pillaton Garden Centre, creating a luxury centre for everyone to enjoy where almost everything is home grown, and in the tea room, everything is homemade by us! 

“Every year, the garden centre has grown in footfall, and our customers are so loyal, they come back year after year. Everything we have done is aesthetically pleasing to the highest standard – it has taken a lot of time and work to achieve this, but when you walk into the centre or tea room and see it buzzing with people enjoying themselves, it’s well worth all the hard work. 

“Pillaton was just a piece of land before we started, and now it is a fantastic, profitable business that we are so proud of. A huge thanks go to our conscientious staff who have helped us grow into the business we are today. 

“The business now needs to move on to the next level, with further investment to grow even more. We look forward to seeing who will take on this fantastic garden centre and go on to create their own dreams and aspirations. The centre is a super investment, and with the fantastic staff we already have, you need very little knowledge of garden centres to succeed. It will run itself!”

Tom Glanvill, Director at Christie & Co, is managing the sale and said, “Pillaton garden centre is a charming site offering top-quality plants and top-quality team rooms. The site has huge potential to grow the horticultural and garden centre sales, as well as the opportunity for more events to make the most of the large grounds around the centre. It would be an ideal bolt-on for an existing garden centre operator looking to expand, as the business has a strong and experienced team. It would also be an ideal opportunity for a buyer looking to enter the sector. In 2024, almost 50% of the garden centres we sold were purchased by people who were new to the industry, many of whom are now looking for a second site!”

The centre freehold is on the market with price on application. To find out more, visit: https://www.christie.com/4211101/

The Colgrave Seabrook Foundation has created a ‘Named Fund’ in recognition of the considerable investment and ongoing extensive support from Smart Garden Products.

In 2023, the Foundation created the Smart Garden Products Student Scholarship in conjunction with the company, sponsoring and supporting students studying horticulture with their learning. In addition to the financial support students receive, they also have the opportunity to take part in the unique Student Development Tour which exposes them to a range of businesses in Horticulture all aimed at inspiring students in their chosen career.

Paris Natar, the Chairman at Smart Garden said: “Smart Garden Products recognise the importance of their customers – garden centres – having access to well qualified, skilled employees and as such, are delighted to be supporting the Colegrave Seabrook Foundation by sponsoring the Student Scholarships.”

The creation of a ‘Named Fund’ recognises individuals and companies who support the work of the Foundation, and acknowledge that it’s not just about making a contribution, it’s about making a difference by creating opportunities for students that will have a lasting impact on the industry for years to come.

Paris added: “We have strong relationships with garden centres and want to play our part in guaranteeing their longevity and success. Encouraging the next wave of horticulturalist to join the sector and learn new skills and seek career opportunities is a logical move for us. Hopefully the receiving of financial support alongside the fascinating insight gained from a visit to the heartbeat of our business will live long in the memory of the students and help inspire their next steps”.

A certificate was presented by Trustees of the Foundation on Thursday at Smart Garden Products main distribution hub, the Eurika Building at Peterborough when Paris said: “it is a great pleasure to welcome students into our business and it does us good to break out of our normal routine and do something really useful, namely, to play a very small part in training the next generation of horticulturalists.”

To find out more about the work of the Foundation and the support for students and industry go to their website:

www.colegraveseabrookfoundationorg.uk 

Yorkshire Garden Centres has raised over £11,000 for its charity of the year through a till donation initiative.

The group has partnered with fintech charity Pennies to raise funds for Martin House Children's Hospice and has raised £11,313 since it was rolled out to all seven sites in May. Pennies acts as a digital collection box, giving customers the option to add a donation to their total when they pay.

Yorkshire Garden Centres' group tills and customer services manager Diane Farrar has been responsible for the roll out of the initiative. She said: "We're delighted that the Pennies initiative has raised so much in such a short space of time, thanks to the incredible generosity of our customers. Pennies is a great way for people to donate to Martin House in a simple, safe and sustainable way and has given our £30,000 fundraising target a huge boost."

"It's incredible to see how much has been raised through the Yorkshire Garden Centres Group Pennies scheme in just the first few months of our partnership. The team is doing an amazing job of spreading the word about Martin House Children's Hospice and the difference their customers' donations can make," said the charity's partnership manager, Hannah Finan.

"This amount could help us purchase a specialist bed, giving a child or young person the chance to have a comfortable night's sleep during their stay at the hospice. It could help our chefs provide seven days of home-cooked meals, allowing families to relax and enjoy time together around the table. It could even cover the cost of our medical supplies for two weeks, enabling us to continue offering specialist care to children and young people with complex needs. Every penny really does count - and we're so grateful for every single one."

Through a series of fund-raising events and the Pennies initiative, the teams at Yorkshire Garden Centres' seven sites aim to raise £30,000 for the Wetherby-based independent charity that cares for babies, children and young people with life-shortening conditions from across West, North and East Yorkshire.

The Yorkshire Garden Centres group comprises Tong, Tingley, Otley and Bingley Garden Centres, plus Dean's York and Scarborough and the recently acquired Pennine Garden Centre in Huddersfield. Each site has a charity champion who is committed to raising funds for Martin House and supporting local causes through the business's Kindness Pot.

The Horticultural Trades Association has supported the Business with Europe summer reception event, held at the Onion Garden in London. 

The HTA’s Director of Public Affairs, Jennifer Pheasey, spoke alongside political figures Dominic Grieve, the joint President of European Movement, and Sir Vince Cable, Chair of Business with Europe, as part of a campaign to support businesses that will benefit from a closer trading relationship with the EU.

The event was hosted at the Onion Garden - a hidden green haven in the heart of Westminster - and was attended by more than 50 guests who shared their experiences of some of the challenges the UK-EU trade agreement has presented to their businesses and what the opportunities for the UK reset might mean in the future.

Jennifer Pheasey, Director of Public Affairs at the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA), commented:

“It was a privilege to be part of this event with these esteemed political figures and discuss a key issue that is critical to many of our members. We welcome the EU-UK reset, an opportunity for a closer trade relationship with Europe, which unlocks some of the barriers to trade that we see at the border, whilst maintaining our rigorous biosecurity and more resilient supply chains. We look forward to the swift delivery of reset negotiations and the opportunity to boost business confidence and grow UK exports.

“Events like this, working with partners and other sectors, are crucial to ensure the horticulture industry gets its voice heard and its challenges are understood. Horticulture is a key business sector that delivers not just for the UK economy but for health, wellbeing, communities, and environmental sustainability.”

David Denny, Director of Research and Insights at the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA), said: “UK environmental horticulture is a £38 billion industry that supports greener communities, public wellbeing and climate resilience. Water is essential to our growers, retailers and landscapers – and to the environmental benefits they deliver.

“The introduction of temporary water use restrictions by Yorkshire Water reflects the challenges posed by what has so far been a hot and dry year. While commonly referred to as ‘hosepipe bans’, these restrictions cover a range of water uses and are designed to safeguard supplies for the long term. We fully recognise the need to act responsibly during such periods and support efforts to conserve water. The HTA and its member businesses are at the forefront of supporting greater water resilience, for instance by investing in reservoirs, rainwater harvesting, and producing best practice guides on how garden businesses can save water.

“The regulations rightly aim to save water, whilst also still supporting people to continue to enjoy gardening. For instance, the hosepipe ban allows the use of drip irrigation systems, watering in new turf for 28 days after laying it, and exempts vulnerable people such as blue badge holders. 

“Choosing drought-tolerant plants from garden centres, watering in the evening and morning, mulching flower beds, and collecting rainwater can all help gardens thrive whilst helping to conserve water. You can visit your local garden centre or speak to your landscaper if you are planning a garden landscaping project, and they will be happy to offer advice. The HTA has provided advisory information to all members of the Association of Professional Landscapers.

“As extreme weather becomes more common, we’ll continue to work with government and water companies to build resilience, calling for grant schemes to support water-saving measures and ultimately protect the UK’s green spaces.”

A total of 90,000 visitors were spoilt for inspiration at BBC Gardeners’ World Live this year with a bumper 48 Show Gardens, Showcase Gardens and Beautiful Borders to enjoy. 

The annual four-day event at the NEC Birmingham (12-15 June) is a plant lover’s paradise, packed with ideas and floral finds to take home. BBC Gardeners’ World presenter and designer, Nick Bailey, wowed the crowds with his stunning headline Show Garden, The Plant-Based Garden, created entirely from natural materials. His message was to ‘Make a Metre Matter’ which is this year’s BBC Gardeners’ World campaign for 2025, encouraging as many people as possible to transform just one metre of outside space for the good of the planet. More than 11,000 metres have been pledged to date at gardenersworld.com, including pollinator beds, veg patches, ponds and composting spaces. Experts from Hillier, plant supplier for The Plant-Based Garden, showed visitors how to replicate the The Plant-Based Garden’s aesthetic and ethos at home.

Fellow BBC Gardeners’ World presenter, keen veg grower and home cook, Adam Frost, was proud to present The Tasting Table, an exclusive new gardening and gastronomy space. Si King, John Torode and Lisa Faulkner were among guest chefs from sister event, Good Food Show Summer, that dropped by to whip up garden-inspired dishes and share foodie chat in a rustic-chic setting.

Adam Frost, Nick Bailey and BBC Gardeners’ World colleagues, Monty Don, Rachel de Thame and Frances Tophill, joined Nicki Chapman and BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine editor, Kevin Smith, on stage at the BBC Gardeners’ World Theatre, sponsored by British Garden Centres, for summer gardening tips and advice. Exclusive new ‘An Audience With’ events offered intimate garden talks and tours with Nick Bailey and Rachel de Thame. At the new ‘In Conversation With’ Stage, leading gardening personalities discussed wide-ranging topics from small-space food growing and how to ‘green’ our cities to worm composting and gardening for wildlife.

Specialist plant nurseries, growers and retailers pulled out all the stops with their stunning displays, tempting visitors with new plants to browse and buy. In the Floral Marquee, sponsored by L&G, the Hot Off The Potting Bench gallery displayed more than ninety brand new plants. This year’s Peter Seabrook Award for Best New Plant at BBC Gardeners’ World Live went to Dahlia Gardenetta® Velvet Crush. This robust and sturdy new dahlia from Ball Horticulture and Allensmore Nurseries is perfect for patio containers with double lavender-purple, two-tone flowers and deep bronze leaves.

BBC Gardeners’ World Live visitors voted for their own favourite plants and gardens throughout the event. The Visitors’ Choice for Best New Plant at the Hot Off The Potting Bench gallery was Dahlia Gardenetta® Velvet Crush. QVC’s Reflective Retreat designed by Kitti Kovacs for QVC was the Visitors’ Choice favourite Show Garden, with Sunflower Power designed by Hannah Thomas for Beth’s Sunflowers Charity winning Visitors’ Choice Showcase Garden. The Bud and Blossom ‘Reflection’ Garden designed by Trinity Catholic School History Group from Leamington Spa was the Visitors’ Choice Beautiful Border winner.

Winners of the always popular Health for Life School Wheelbarrow Competition were Balsall Common Primary Academy in Coventry and Foxhollies Special Educational Needs School in Moseley, Birmingham. St. James Catholic Primary School in Rednal, Birmingham was the Visitors’ Choice winner. This annual competition celebrates young gardeners and growers, providing an opportunity to showcase their teamwork and creativity to BBC Gardeners’ World Live visitors.  

 Lucy Tremlett, Event Director at Immediate Live, organisers of BBC Gardeners’ World events, said: “This year’s incredible show gardens were an absolute feast for the senses, with Nick Bailey’s sustainable The Plant-Based Garden a sight to behold. 2025 is the year of BBC Gardeners’ World’s ‘Make a Metre Matter’ campaign and there were ideas throughout the event for ways to create planet-friendly metres with a big impact. We added more horticultural highlights with the BBC Gardeners’ World presenters and Magazine editors, the Floral Marquee, displays of indoor, outdoor and brand new plants, the International Orchid Show, new workshops and stages, expert tips and advice, book signings and children’s activities. Adam Frost’s Tasting Table was a fantastic new feature, celebrating the joys of home-grown produce, outdoor cooking and great conversation. We can’t wait for more green-fingered fun at our Autumn and Spring Fairs, set against some stunning heritage backdrops.”

BBC Gardeners’ World Live returns to the NEC from 11-14 June 2026. The BBC Gardeners’ World Autumn Fair, in association with English Heritage, takes place at Audley End House and Gardens in Essex from 29-31 August 2025. Tickets are on sale now at www.bbcgardenersworldfair.com. Transaction fee applies.The BBC Gardeners’ Spring Fair takes place at Beaulieu in the New Forest from 1-3 May 2026. 

Teams at Millbrook Garden Centres in both Gravesend and Staplehurst are celebrating this week after scooping awards at the Garden Centre Association (GCA) regional presentation evening on Tuesday, July 8th, 2024.

Millbrook Staplehurst retained its title as Local Garden Centre of the Year for the South East – for the second year running. The greencafé at Staplehurst also came out on top, winning Best Local Garden Centre Restaurant. Meanwhile, Millbrook Gravesend scooped first place in The Plantaria Award (for Best Outdoor Plant Area) and joint first for Best Indoor Plants Retailer. With a flurry of first and second place wins between the two centres, it was a successful evening for all the Millbrook team.

GCA inspections took place earlier this year at 59 garden centres across the South East, and the results were revealed on the night. 

Members of the team were on hand to pick up the following list of awards for Millbrook:

Millbrook Staplehurst (Local Garden Centre Category)

• LOCAL GARDEN CENTRE OF THE YEAR 
• 1st - Best Local Garden Centre Restaurant
• 1st - GIMA Award for Best Garden Products
• 1st - Best Outdoor Living Retailer 
• 2nd – Best Indoor Lifestyle Retailer 
• 2nd - Best Indoor Plants Retailer

Millbrook Gravesend (Garden Centre Category)

• 1st - Plantaria Award (Best Outdoor Plant Area)
• Joint 1st - Best Indoor Plants Retailer 
• 2nd - Garden Centre of the Year 
• 2nd - GIMA Award for Best Garden Products 
• 3rd - Award for Environment and Sustainability

The outdoor plant areas at both centres were also nominated for the prestigious, national Ruxley Rose Award, which will be judged later this year.  

GCA inspector, Alyson Haywood, was one of the team of inspectors who made unannounced visits to member garden centres in the South East across a 12-week period through spring and early summer. 

Speaking at the event, she said: “We’ve had some great weather for the season and the sun shone while I travelled around the South East, which was an extra bonus after the exceptionally wet weather during the same period last year when I was judging. 

“This time, all the centres were looking good in the glorious sunshine. I also saw some great examples of ingenuity and originality and some lovely plant ranges too.”

Millbrook Managing Director, Tammy Woodhouse, was delighted with the results of the 2025 regional awards.

“I’m feeling really delighted today about our achievements at the GCA South awards last night. The Millbrook name kept popping up in many of the categories, thanks to the hard work and dedication of our amazing team. A special well done to our Staplehurst centre who’ve won Best Local Garden Centre in the South East for the second year running. We're so proud of them all!”

A strong line-up of British companies supported by Gardenex, the export trade association, has reported a successful show with high quality leads and a great opportunity to catch up with current customers.

Around 26,000 trade visitors from over 100 countries came to meet more than 1,600 exhibitors and to see the latest product, trends and innovations from the global garden lifestyle and barbeque sector. 

“Our contingent of UK companies has reported positively on the quality and global reach of the distributors and retail buyers they met at the event, in fact in many cases, the quality has exceeded expectation!” commented Lydia Stubbs, Event Manager for Gardenex.

Products on show included hand-crafted traditional garden tools, pots and planters, fire pits and heaters, ready-made garden borders, garden gifts, garden maintenance products and bicycle storage solutions.

Colin Smart, European Business Development Director, Berry & Bird said: “We were delighted by the overwhelmingly positive response to our Berry & Bird tools at this year’s gafa show. The quality of visitors was exceptional – higher than ever before – and represented a broad international audience. The show continues to be as popular and impactful as ever, and we are now looking forward to an extensive follow-up period with the many valuable connections we made.” 

For Trimetals, the event enabled some exhibitors to connect with existing customers: 

“spoga+gafa 2025 provided an excellent opportunity to meet with our international distributors in one place, allowing us to strengthen relationships and showcase our latest product developments in person” commented Ben Smith, Production Manager.

For Red Gorilla, the event was a good opportunity to meet both current and new contacts: We’ve seen all our existing international customers as well as some appointments we’d lined up in advance, plus a few ‘drop-ins’ reported Dean Cox, Sales Director.

UK companies exhibiting with the Gardenex group were: Berry & Bird, Creekwood Garden & Gift, Eco Fuego, Firestorm Heaters, Garden on a Roll, Home2Garden, Red Gorilla® and Trimetals.

Next year, gafa+spoga will take place from 22 to 24 June 2026 – for more information about participating with the British group contact info@gardenex.com

For details of Gardenex membership, please e-mail info@gardenex.com or visit www.gardenex.com

The Green Heart at Glee 2025 (16th – 18th September, NEC Birmingham) is flourishing with fresh energy and an outstanding line-up of leading plant and nursery specialists.

Returning favourites – including Darby Nurseries, Grafton, Hardy’s Cottage Garden Plants, Pond Plants UK, New Leaf Plants, Craigmarloch Nurseries, Gardeners Kitchen and Anglo Aquatic – will once again take centre stage, joined by exciting new names such as Lovania, Golden Grove, HSK, and Farplants. Together, they’ll transform this much-loved zone into a lush, vibrant hub bursting with seasonal inspiration and horticultural excellence.

Anglo Aquatic Plants, crowned Best Stand Winner in 2024, returns this year to defend its title – a testament to the high calibre of displays that define the Green Heart and set the tone for quality plant retailing across the show.

Also returning in 2025 is the Green Heart Café, offering a relaxed, welcoming space for plant buyers and retailers to pause, connect and take stock. Nestled among a stunning array of plants and greenery, the café provides the perfect spot to rest, regroup and soak up the atmosphere of this thriving marketplace.

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.

The Horticultural Trades Association has launched an exciting new £1,500 bursary for the winner of the Young Grower Under 35 award – part of the prestigious HTA Grower of the Year Awards 2025.

This new initiative is designed to invest in the future of UK environmental horticulture by supporting early-career professionals working in ornamental plant production. Open to individuals under 35 employed by an HTA full member business, the award and accompanying bursary recognise dedication, talent and potential among the industry's rising stars.

The bursary can be put towards the cost of the Pro Managers Mastercourse, run by Jungle Talks or other professional development. Additionally, the HTA Young Grower of the Year winner will also have the option of representing the UK in the AIPH International Young Grower of the Year competition.

Pippa Greenwood, Horticulture Manager at the HTA, said:

"The HTA Grower of the Year Awards offer a great opportunity for our members to be noted, celebrated and given the recognition they so deserve. This new bursary is an exciting way to promote, encourage and support the fantastic younger talent coming through our industry."

From exceptional individuals to outstanding businesses, the HTA Grower of the Year Awards celebrate excellence in UK nursery production, showcasing the highest standards in quality, service, innovation, and sustainability practices.

Last year’s HTA Young Grower of the Year winner, Henil Vashi from Robin Tacchi Plants, shared the impact the award has had:

"Winning the award was such a proud moment – not just for me, but for everyone at Robin Tacchi Plants. It’s opened so many doors and given me the chance to represent the UK internationally – something I never imagined doing so early in my career. If you’re passionate about plants and horticulture, just go for it."

Robin Tacchi Plants also benefited from the exposure:

"Henil’s win shone a spotlight on our work – from sustainable growing methods to investing in our people. It’s great to have that recognised by the wider industry."

Reasons to enter or nominate:

• Be recognised for excellence in production horticulture
• Win an award and free tickets to the HTA Conference Dinner, where the awards will be presented on 25 September
• Eligible winners can go forward to the AIPH International Grower of the Year Awards
• New £1,500 bursary for the HTA Young Grower of the Year to support professional development
• Enter now – and help us celebrate the future of UK Environmental horticulture.

The deadline for final entries is Friday, 25 July 2025.

Find out more and submit your entry at hta.org.uk/goty.

The Horticultural Trades Association has announced its fifth consecutive year as a Planet Mark Certified Business, marking a significant milestone in its journey towards greater sustainability. 

This week also coincides with two years since the installation of solar panels on the roof of the HTA’s office – a key step in reducing the organisation’s carbon footprint and energy costs.

The HTA first began measuring its carbon emissions in 2020 in partnership with Planet Mark. While the pandemic and associated lockdowns influenced the initial period, the HTA has remained committed to robust measurement and meaningful reductions in carbon emissions. Since returning to regular operations, the organisation has placed renewed emphasis on sustainability while continuing to ensure its membership across the UK feels supported on their own journeys.

Over the past year, the HTA has achieved a 14% reduction in location-based energy emissions (Scope 2) between 2023 and 2024 – a reflection of the impact made by the solar panels, which have contributed 75,000 kWh of clean energy consumed by the HTA to date. Compared to the UK Grid, this is an estimated carbon impact of 14.4 tonnes since the installation in July 2023.

Liz Williams, HTA Sustainability Executive, said:

“Our solar panels are already making a big difference, not only to our energy bills but to our environmental impact. It’s rewarding to see real progress as we continue to embed sustainability into our operations.

“As we progress on the journey to net zero, it is important that we measure the full inventory of our carbon footprint, as we cannot manage what we do not measure.

“We look forward to sharing our future milestones as we progress through Planet Mark’s Net Zero Certification Programme.”

The HTA is also strengthening its focus on the broader Scope 3 emissions – the indirect emissions across its supply chain - starting with a business-wide session run by Planet Mark in June to understand where emissions sit in our business operations. This marks the beginning of a deeper exploration into the HTA’s complete carbon inventory and forms part of a long-term roadmap to measure and ultimately reduce emissions as much as possible.

As a Certified Planet Mark business, the HTA is committed to achieving an annual 5% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions as well as maintaining rigorous data quality standards to ensure accurate reporting.

Steve Malkin, CEO and Founder at Planet Mark, commented:

“We are delighted that our trusted and committed Partner, the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA), has become a Planet Mark Certified Business for the fifth year, having achieved meaningful reduction to its Scope 1 and 2 emissions in its last reporting year. The HTA’s committed approach to sustainability demonstrates not only a dedication to reducing their environmental impact, but also a leadership role in the horticultural industry.”

The HTA looks forward to building on this progress as part of Planet Mark’s Net Zero Certification Programme, continuing to lead by example in the horticulture sector on the path to net zero.

Fresh ideas for the garden are just around the corner as the BBC Gardeners’ World Autumn Fair returns to English Heritage’s Audley End House and Gardens, Saffron Walden (29 – 31 August).

Inspiring gardens, high-quality plants, expert advice and hands-on workshops are just some of this year’s highlights. Multi award-winning garden designer, Pip Probert, from BBC 2’s Your Garden Made Perfect, is creating the Autumn Fair’s headline feature garden. Pip’s Make a Metre Matter garden demonstrates how to make the very most of a small garden plot, with interesting planting combinations, pollinator and wildlife-friendly features, and some tasty edible plants. Pip’s design will combine all the interests of a keen gardener to demonstrate what can be achieved within a single square metre. Reflecting Pip’s signature style, there will be plenty of re-used and recycled elements, giving the garden a personal touch.

Pip Probert’s headline feature garden is designed to bring to life this year’s BBC Gardeners’ World ‘Make a Metre Matter’ campaign which encourages gardeners to transform a metre of outdoor space for the good of the planet. More than 13,000 eco-friendly metres have been pledged at gardenersworld.com to date, and Pip’s feature garden is brimming with meaningful metres to inspire visitors to get involved. 

Find out more about Make a Metre Matter at the BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Stage. BBC Gardeners’ World presenters Adam Frost, Arit Anderson, Rachel de Thame and Frances Tophill will be joining the Magazine’s editors and stage host, David Hurrion, the gardening expert, writer and presenter, for autumn gardening, growing and planting tips. New for 2025 is the In Conversation with Stage, an intimate space for relaxed garden chat. Host Ade Sellars (The Good Life Gardener) welcomes gardening guests including houseplant expert Joe Bagley, nature writer Nic Wilson and kitchen gardener Stephanie Hafferty. 

Also new is The Autumn Table, a rustic-chic space for seasonal food, drink and table décor inspiration, hosted by BBC food presenter, Chris Bavin. Urban smallholder Sara Ward (Hen Corner) will be sharing the wonderful worlds of apples and cheese, with demonstrations and tastings, pairings and recipe ideas to try at home. Floral designer Shilpa Reddy from The London School of Floristry will be making dried-flower wreaths and Jordan Weston (The Bearded Botanist) introduces the elegant art of Ikebana flower arranging. Pre-book an exclusive seat or drop by to watch and learn.

Book onto one of the Autumn Fair’s hands-on workshops and you’ll leave with a brand new set of skills. Choose a mushroom growing masterclass with the expert Caley Brothers, bug hotel making with garden podcaster and writer, Adam Kirtland (viewfromthepottingbench) or create autumn bouquet floristry with award-winning flower grower, Kim O’Brien (@garden.with.kim). Looking for ideas to take home? Head for the Autumn Fair’s stunning Showcase Gardens.

The Association of Professional Landscapers celebrates its 30th anniversary with a large, wildlife-inspired walk-through garden. Local Saffron Walden APL member company, TKE Landscaping, will lead the build, supported by Billericay based Landscapes by Design, with a design by Paul Newman Landscapes from Welwyn Garden City and Sarah Plested from Bramley Apple Garden Design in Hampshire. The Association of Professional Landscapers will also be hosting a Landscaping and Design Clinic, offering visitors expert garden design advice.

Downing College Garden Department, Cambridge presents Seedlings, Saplings, Trees: A passage through a lifecycle. This Showcase Garden celebrates the role of trees in natural systems and gardens, demonstrating growth, change and connection to past and future generations across time. There are further gardens by Beth Chatto Plants and Gardens in Elmstead Market and Val Christman from Widford in Hertfordshire.The Autumn Fair’s Beautiful Borders are packed with imaginative design features, eye-catching colour schemes for small spaces, and some fascinating back stories too, all inspired by the theme of ‘Cultivating Connections’. Adele Glaser’s Border takes the Alexander Milov sculpture, Love, as its central theme, where two conflicting figures try to connect. University of Sheffield student Enya Jacobson’s Border, Mycelial Threads, explores the hidden connections beneath our feet. Bobby Gass’s The Secret Shade Garden is a secluded, wildlife-friendly nook that brings overlooked corners into the spotlight.The Wood and Wildlife Garden is designed by Charlotte Hayden and Jess Rowbury from the English Heritage Historic and Botanic Garden Training Programme at Audley End House and Gardens. This ‘forest edge’ garden is inspired by the rich tapestry of species that exist in edgeland habitats, exploring two ecologically important habitats – broad-leaved woodlands and wild meadows. Emily Passmore is the Senior Kitchen Gardener at Audley End House and Gardens and has designed The Interwoven Garden, a celebration of the human relationship with plants and how people have used them for thousands of years, for instance for weaving or natural fabric dyes.Charlotte Hugh’s Border, Conversation in Bloom, invites visitors to have meaningful conversations in nature. Lesley Johnstone’s The Harmony with Horses represents a summer meadow and natural hedgerow environment, suitable for horses, wildlife and insects. Rebecca Sheppard’s The Islands—From Rain to Sun celebrates the formation of multicultural families, inspired by her own story of learning about and embracing her husband's Dominican culture. Warm, tropical colours contrast with cooler tones and a circle of water runs through the space, symbolising the connection between cultures, despite geographical distance.Richard Bowman and Louise Biden’s Border, Where does your Sunday roast really come from?, steps back to Victorian Britain at the height of the great plant-hunting era with a message that edible plants aren’t limited to the veg patch. Stuart Lloyd’s Border is The ‘Making Sense’ Border - Cultivating Mindful Connections, a sensory garden that demonstrates the connection between mind, body and the environment.The Autumn Fair’s Plant Experts, Lucy Chamberlain, Saul Walker and the English Heritage gardens team, will be hosting guided tours of the organic Kitchen Garden (bookable).Plant and garden shopping is a major attraction at the BBC Gardeners’ World Autumn Fair, with more than sixty specialist plant nurseries, growers and garden retailers to browse and buy from. From bulbs, baskets and water butts to tubers, trowels and tables, there’s little chance of going home empty-handed. English Heritage volunteers will be standing by at The Plant Crèche to store plant purchases for collection later. Donations are very welcome. Feeling peckish? There are tasty eats and treats throughout the Fair, with street food options, the Good Food Market’s artisan producers, the English Heritage afternoon tea tent, alfresco coffee bars and cocktail stops, plus live bandstand entertainment. Lucy Tremlett, Event Director at Immediate Live, organisers of BBC Gardeners’ World events, said: “We look forward to the Autumn Fair at Audley End House and Gardens every year. Whether you’re a keen gardener or not, its stunning heritage backdrop and gorgeous gardens and grounds make for a memorable day out. Inspiration and ideas are everywhere you look, from the seasonal Showcase Gardens, Beautiful Borders and plant displays to the stages, garden tours, workshops and demonstrations. The food, drink, music and company are great too!” Louise Ellis, Head Gardener at Audley End, said: “Autumn is a wonderful time of year at Audley End House and Gardens, and we love sharing it with BBC Gardeners’ World Autumn Fair visitors. There’s nothing our gardens team enjoys more than talking about plants. We’re particularly excited to be showcasing the hard work and creativity that has gone into their two Beautiful Borders.” Advance adult prices for the BBC Gardeners’ World Autumn Fair start from £24.50 (concessions £22.50). For an extra special experience, the limited-edition VIP Extra package offers dedicated parking close to the Fair’s entrance, a VIP Lounge with comfy seating, a glass or two of fizz, refreshments and goody bag, and extra talks by the BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine editors and special guests. BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine subscribers can enjoy access to the Subscriber Club Lounge, featuring extra seating, refreshment options and talks. English Heritage members receive exclusive ticket rates, with anytime entry, free parking and a free BBC Magazine.All tickets include full access to Audley End’s grand mansion with its great hall, state rooms, dressing rooms, servants’ wing, stables and chapel, and the organic walled Kitchen Garden, grounds, gardens, parklands and children’s play area. Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome in the grounds.Find out more and book tickets at www.bbcgardenersworldfair.com.

Hillier Nurseries has appointed digital transformation specialist Nexer Enterprise Applications to implement Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central applications.

The project will help to enhance and future-proof the digital operations of the long-established family business.  

First established in 1864, Hillier Nurseries now operates a network of 22 garden centres across the South of England, offering premium quality plants, gardening essentials, and restaurants.  Underway since June 2025, this partnership will see Nexer overhaul and modernise the Hillier digital applications through a comprehensive implementation project, enabling the business to continue its centuries-old legacy with a finance system fit for the future. 

In addition to a full finance-system overhaul, Nexer Enterprise Applications will integrate Business Central with Hillier’s specialist nursery-management and point-of-sale applications for seamless data flow. 

Gavin Marsh, group finance director at Hillier Nurseries, commented: “It’s great to be partnering with the experts at Nexer to further integrate and enhance our digital platforms. Nexer’s family business ethos and unwavering commitment to quality align perfectly with our values. We look forward to working together to enrich our finance systems, supporting our continued growth and operational excellence.” 

Martin Burden, commercial director at Nexer Enterprise Applications, commented: “It’s fantastic to be on board with Hillier Nurseries as the team’s chosen business applications partner. This collaboration will equip Hillier with the insights and tools needed to leverage technology for lasting benefits far into their future, alongside the trust in their systems to continue long-term stability and expansion.”  

Nexer Enterprise Applications, known for its customer-first philosophy and deep technical expertise, has a strong track record of delivering successful ERP, CRM, and PowerPlatform projects across the UK, Ireland, and beyond. Nexer specialises in helping businesses get the most from Microsoft Dynamics 365, from implementation to change management and ongoing post-live support. 

Find out more about Nexer Enterprise Applications, here: https://nexergroup.com/uk/microsoft-business-applications/  

Autumn Fair returns to the NEC Birmingham from 7–10 September 2025 with a host of added-value perks designed to elevate the visitor experience and add value for retail buyers.

Thousands of retailers including BrandAlley, Next, Tesco, Robert Dyas, QVC, Wilkies, Argos, Ryman, Blue Diamond, Caulders, Cotswold Trading, Frasers, Joules, Haskins, The National Gallery, Paper Tiger, Squires, Sterling Furniture, The Newt in Somerset, Longleat, Boyds Stores, Disney, Hamleys, and many more have already pre-registered to make the most of their visit.

Renowned for its accessibility and buyer benefits, Autumn Fair is offering exclusive travel, accommodation, and onsite hospitality benefits that make attending the show easier, more affordable, and more rewarding than ever.

Autumn Fair is the best-connected tradeshow venue in the UK. The NEC boasts unparalleled accessibility via multiple transportation links, including major roadways, railways, and airports.

This September, Autumn Fair continues to take the hassle out of travel. Autumn Fair pays for all buyers to receive free car parking for the entire duration of the show, with shuttle services available from all car parks to the main exhibition halls every day - this saves buyers £18.95 a day.

For those travelling by train, Autumn Fair has partnered with Avanti West Coast to offer an exclusive 20% discount on Advance fares to and from Birmingham International and New Street stations. This offer is valid from 5–11 September 2025, and tickets go on sale from 19 June. Travellers must book by 22 August and provide proof of event registration to qualify.*

Discounted Accommodation & VIP Extras

In partnership with Event Express, buyers can access discounted hotel rates in Birmingham with flexible cancellation terms and no booking fees.

Additional accommodation perks include:

• 10% off at the Hilton Metropole
• Complimentary parking and VIP dining cards at the Genting Hotel
• 10% discount on 3+ night bookings at the Arden Hotel

Buyers can also collect a Resorts World VIP Card onsite for 10–20% off at restaurants and bars including Las Iguanas, Sports Bar, TGI Fridays, Manahatta, Lost & Found, and Box on Brindley Place.

Onsite Hospitality – The Buyers Retreat

An invitation-only oasis where buyers can network, take meetings, and recharge. The Buyers Retreat will also host guided tours, as well as bespoke workshops and sessions on supply chain solutions, marketing, and creating standout store experiences. Enjoy complimentary refreshments, free cloakroom, sampling, and networking drinks.

Partner Offers: Meet Elite Suppliers

Autumn Fair has introduced trend trails to make it easier than ever for buyers to identify the product collections they’re interested in onsite. Explore trails to discover Exhibitors on Faire, New Exhibitors, Products designed and/or made in Britain, Sustainable Products & Licensed Products. All this and more can be explored in the coveted Little Black Book - register by 27th July for your chance to receive a copy.

Visit Autumn Fair 2025 to discover, connect, and buy smarter – with more perks than ever before. Register now at www.autumnfair.com

For more information on travel offers, please visit https://www.autumnfair.com/plan-your-visit. *T&C’s apply

7th - 10th September 2025, NEC Birmingham

A Cumbrian based horticultural mental health charity has opened what it says is England’s first-of-its-kind native tree nursery.

Growing Well,  which operates at the northbound M6 Tebay Services near Penrith, is expanding its enterprise to include native tree propagation, as part of its long-established, clinically-led mental health recovery programme.

The initiative is designed to address a significant undersupply of native tree species for conservation and rewilding projects across Cumbria and to tackle NHS waiting lists for mental health support.

Already 20,000 young trees, saplings and whips, are being grown in polytunnels at Tebay including Silver and Downy birch, Alder, Rowan, Hazel and Sessile Oak. And the charity says it is currently helping 200 people at the site this year, but it has capacity to support 300.

The cost of setting up the tree nursery has been met by funding from Archipelago Choice, Forestry England, Liontrust Foundation, National Lottery Community and National Lottery Heritage Funds, NHS North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board, Scottish Power Foundation and Westmorland Ltd.

This means all proceeds from future tree sales will be reinvested into Growing Well’s social enterprise to support the long-term sustainability of its mental health services.

The nursery’s first customer is Cumbria Wildlife Trust who need whips to support the creation of an Atlantic rainforest at nearby Skiddaw Forest.

Paul Cambre, Head of Horticulture at Growing Well, said: “We are excited to grow and commercially supply critically needed Cumbrian provenance trees, especially the rarer montane species, suitable for establishing upland native woodland. This project allows our beneficiaries to expand their horticultural knowledge whilst improving their mental health and leaving a lasting impact in their communities,” added Paul.

From seed collection through to final planting, charity participants will be involved in every step—developing practical skills, supporting their recovery, and contributing directly to environmental regeneration.

Growing Well beneficiary Ian from the Eden area, said: “Planting Cumbrian tree seeds and knowing they’ll grow locally is brilliant. I’ve been involved since day one — building the workbenches, sowing seeds, and seeing the whole process unfold. Growing Well has given me space to heal, reflect, and understand who I want to be. The support here is incredible; the environment we’re in, among people like myself, though we all have different issues. I want to give back as I know that the difficulties I’ve faced can happen to anyone in our community. It’s important to me that Growing Well helps people locally living in Cumbria, with their mental health recovery,” added Ian.

Helen Duxbury, Development Manager at Cumbria Wildlife Trust said: “We are really pleased to be partnering with Growing Well in cultivating trees for some of our important projects. We’re combining their expertise in tackling mental health and our environmental knowhow for the good of people and the planet.”

Sarah Dunning, Chair of Westmorland Ltd, which operates Tebay Services, said: “We are delighted to see our partnership with Growing Well at Tebay continue to thrive. The launch of the tree nursery is a natural next step—delivering meaningful mental health support while creating environmental, economic, and social value for Cumbria.”

Growing Well currently operates from three locations across Cumbria—Kendal, Tebay Services and Egremont, West Cumbria. It is the largest pesticide-free grower of fruit and vegetables in Cumbria. The new tree nursery adds a vital new dimension to its horticultural and therapeutic offering.

The charity works with up to 900 individuals each year through a structured programme of therapeutic horticulture, skills development and community engagement, led by trained staff and volunteers.

Pictured credit: Steve Barber.

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The Horticultural Trades Association has announced economist and policy expert Dr Tim Leunig as a featured speaker at this year’s Horticulture, The Conference, taking place on Thursday 25 September at the Barbican Centre, London.

Following his highly praised appearance at the 2023 Conference, Dr Leunig returns by popular demand to join Jennifer Pheasey, HTA Director of Public Affairs, in a compelling fireside chat titled “Making Sense of the UK’s Economic and Political Future”.

Together, they will explore the geopolitical forces shaping the UK horticulture sector, including the evolving landscape of international trade, climate policy challenges, and strategies to enhance the industry’s visibility and influence during uncertain times.

Tim Leunig is a multiple international prize-winning economist who taught at the London School of Economics for 25 years. He served as an economic adviser to two UK Chancellors and was a key architect of the Government’s COVID-19 furlough scheme. Currently, he works with NESTA, the UK’s social innovation agency, and Public First Consulting. Beyond economics, he is a passionate gardener, regularly opening his garden to the public through the National Gardens Scheme.

Jennifer Pheasey, HTA Director of Public Affairs, said:

"We’re thrilled to welcome Tim back to the HTA Conference, and this time near the heart of Westminster. His unique blend of economic insight and personal passion for horticulture brings invaluable perspective to the challenges and opportunities our sector faces. In a time of rapid political and policy change, this conversation will help our members understand what’s coming next and how to position themselves for success."

Dr Tim Leunig commented:

“I speak at a lot of conferences, but the HTA is my favourite. This is because I love gardening (this year my Albizia Julibrissin Rosen is flowering like never before) and also because people at the conference are friendly and interesting. Hope to see you all there.”

Early bird pricing and group discounts:

HTA Members are invited to take advantage of exclusive early-bird rates, with group discounts available for bookings of three or more from the same company, starting at just £99 per person. The early bird offer is available until 31 July.

For more information and to secure tickets, visit hta.org.uk/conference.

Mayfield Lavender Farm in Banstead, Surrey, is currently a sea of spectacular purple, with its famous field hitting peak bloom two to three weeks sooner than usual.
 

However, the popular 25-acre farm, one of the country’s best-known lavender destinations, is urging visitors not to delay their visit as this year’s lavender season could be up to three weeks shorter than usual due to the record-breaking spring heat [1] and continued sunny weather. Mayfield Lavender, which is certified organic, has cautioned that it will be harvesting the flowers earlier than originally anticipated.
 

The ‘ideal weather’ for the Mediterranean shrub, which thrives in warm, dry conditions, has made the plants produce lots more shoots, and has not only brought forward the bloom but also created perfect conditions for bees, resulting in an exceptional honey crop. Butterflies have also flocked to the fragrant field, adding to the already idyllic atmosphere.

“Lavender is highly weather-dependent, and peak bloom as well as the harvest date can never be precisely predicted," said Lorna Maye, owner of Mayfield Lavender Farm. "We’ve had the warmest and driest spring we can remember, which is the complete opposite of the conditions we experienced last year. The field and the Secret Lavender Garden are looking wonderful, but because everything has flowered early, the season will end earlier too. We’re expecting a bumper yield and look forward to creating even more wonderful lavender products. However, we advise people to visit as soon as possible and preferably not wait until August."

Mayfield’s flagship farm in Banstead and its new 12-acre Secret Lavender Garden at its Epsom site, just 10 minutes away by car, both offer beautiful views, great photo opportunities, lavender products, and plenty of refreshments, but provide very distinct ways to enjoy Mayfield’s beautiful lavender. Advanced booking is cheaper than buying tickets on the day at each site. Bookings can be made for the Mayfield Lavender Farm Banstead and the Mayfield Secret Lavender Garden daytime and sunset special sessions here.
 

People are advised to keep an eye on Mayfield Lavender Farm’s socials for the most up-to-date visitor information: Instagram Facebook

The AIPH International Grower of the Year Awards 2026 are still open for entries, with the deadline now extended to Thursday, 8 August 2025.

Organised by the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH), the awards honour best practice in ornamental horticulture and highlight businesses that lead with excellence, innovation, and sustainability.

If your company is setting high standards in production, environmental responsibility, or market insight, this is your opportunity to gain international recognition and join a celebrated network of leading growers.

Businesses can enter one or more of the following four award categories:

• Finished Plants and Trees: Growers of plants and trees that are ready for final sale.
• Young Plants: Growers of cuttings, plugs, liners, seedlings, etc, which are sold for growing on.
• Cut Flowers and Bulbs: Producers of flowers and foliage cut for indoor decorative use, as well as bulbs.
• Sustainability: All award entrants will be invited to submit their business for consideration for the AIPH Sustainability Award. The award will recognise best practices and innovation in improving sustainability in areas including water use, chemical use, climate change, energy use, transportation, labour management and social standards.
• Gold Rose: From among ‘Finished Plants & Trees’, ‘Young Plants’, and ‘Cut Flowers & Bulbs’ categories, only one winner will be crowned the ‘AIPH International Grower of the Year 2026’ and receive the ‘Gold Rose’ – the industry’s most coveted prize.

In 2025, La Gaitana Farms of Colombia earned this title for their commitment to high-quality carnation production, sustainable practices, and strong community values.

“This award isn’t just about us—it’s about the positive change we hope to inspire in the global horticulture industry. By championing sustainability and innovation, we aim to leave a lasting impact, proving that floriculture can be both beautiful and responsible," said Camilo Bleier, Manager, La Gaitana Farms

Entries are judged by an international panel of horticultural experts against five criteria: economic performance, innovation, market insight, sustainability, and human resources policy.

All winners will be announced at the grand AIPH International Grower of the Year Awards ceremony in January 2026, alongside IPM Essen in Germany, and will be celebrated globally through Founding Partner FloraCulture International and Media Partners GuíaVerde and Thursd.

Put your business among the world’s best. Be recognised for what you do best.

• Entry deadline: 8 August 2025
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To find out more about the IGOTY Awards and to enter, visit the AIPH Website. For queries on entering the awards, please contact: events@aiph.org

A rare plant, Tubular Water Dropwort, has been discovered at Rye Meads Nature Reserve, near Hoddesdon, despite being threatened with extinction nationally.

Tubular Water Dropwort, a member of the carrot family, is a rare and protected plant found near water bodies including wetlands and wet meadows.

Listed as species of principle importance in England in The Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 and classified as vulnerable on the GB Red List for plants, Tubular Water Dropwort is threatened with extinction following dramatic declines since the 1950s.

Once common, the white and pink flowered plant has suffered declines due to wetland drainage, loss of grazing, changes in land use practices and agricultural runoff, which can lead to high nutrient levels in watercourses.

Last recorded at Rye Meads nature reserve in 2018, the team at Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust were delighted to find 130 Tubular Water Dropwort plants across the large ancient flood meadow; a habitat which also supports a vast range of fauna and flora including cuckooflowers, reed warblers and otters.

Ian Carle, nature reserves manager at Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust said: “Tubular Water Dropwort is a perennial, lowland plant which grows in areas of wetland and appears most frequently in ancient habitats, such as traditionally managed meadows like the one at Rye Meads. Although it had not been recorded at the nature reserve for the past seven years, we looked for it amongst the dense vegetation of the wetland meadow that we managed to get cut last year. We were rewarded with finding around 130 plants, which is an incredible find, given its rarity.

“When these plants are in flower, they are easier to identify and to count, which is why we look for them at this time of year. The flowers are quite distinctive with rounded, white and pink heads.”

The special plant can also be found at other Wildlife Trust nature reserves, including Clattinger Meadow in Wiltshire and Upper Ray Meadows in Buckinghamshire. With 130 plants recorded at the Hertfordshire nature reserve, Rye Meads is now home to another significant population, despite the plant’s vulnerability.

The discovery comes as nature is responding to one of the hottest and driest Junes in the UK on record. The prolonged period of high temperatures and limited rainfall is causing concern for conservationists, impacting much loved wildlife as their habitats dry up. Drought, according to research by The Wildlife Trusts, is also the number one threat to nature reserves, with other climate-driven dangers such as heatwaves and wildfires also being a concern.

Despite this weather having potential impacts on wildlife such as swifts, frogs and invertebrates, other species may have benefitted from the heavy early spring rainfall beforehand, including the Tubular Water Dropwort.

Ian continues: “Cutting the meadow at Rye Meads last year has opened up the vegetation, benefiting species such as the Water Dropwort. This, together with the fluctuating water levels we’ve seen this year, with lots of rain in the early spring and then a pro-longed period of dry weather, may also have had an impact, providing ideal conditions for the plant.”

Efforts at nature reserves across the country to manage conditions amidst the dry spell are continuing, including careful monitoring of water levels for a variety of wildlife. Maintaining the right water levels is crucial for wading birds for example, which require the right conditions to feed and breed, as well as amphibians and insects.

100 incredible Wildlife Photographer of the Year images mark its 60th year in a prestigious international exhibition as part of a spellbinding and immersive summer programme at the iconic attraction.

Visitors will witness the sheer beauty, magnificent power and raw emotion of the natural world this summer as the globally-renowned Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition returns to the Eden Project for the second consecutive year.

The exhibition, on loan from the Natural History Museum in London, will be on display at the Eden Project from July 24 until September 28, showcasing 100 jaw-dropping images aptly nestled throughout the attraction’s lush Outdoor Gardens and Core Building.

Wildlife Photographer of the Year celebrates the very best nature photography and photojournalism, to inspire awe and wonder and engage more people to act as advocates for the natural world.

The images will allow visitors to experience nature in vivid detail while immersed within Eden’s own verdant gardens that transport visitors around the world in a day. They will be able to get up close to some of the world’s most extraordinary species, the lives they live and the challenges they face. These images encourage us all to think differently about our impact on, and to care more deeply for the natural world.

The exhibition is a key part of the Eden Project’s summer programme which will offer a spellbinding immersion into the hidden and rarely seen wonders on earth and in our universe.

Enchanted Earth will take place from July 24 to September 7 and will create a world of magic and mystery waiting to be discovered.

Visitors will wander through an extraordinary sensory experience where mesmerising sound, light and projections conjure a dreamscape of kaleidoscopic crystals, bioluminescent oceans, shimmering wings and swirling stardust.

From the evocative images in the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition to the microscopic and the cosmic detail in the immersive exhibits, this ephemeral journey will reveal a world of often overlooked magic that exists all around us.  

For those who want hands-on opportunities, explorers can don geological caps and dig for dazzling treasures in giant crystal and mineral dig pits, marvel at a shimmering ceiling of butterflies, and be moved by lifelike animal puppetry with The Zoo Keepers – a cheeky, charming storytelling performance.

With photography, theatre, exploration, hands-on discovery and awe-inspiring beauty all surrounded by sensational horticulture, Enchanted Earth is a portal to connect and surround ourselves with the extraordinary that surrounds us.  

Simon Townsend, the Eden Project’s General Manager said: “We are absolutely thrilled to welcome the incredible Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition back to the Eden Project this summer. Our planet faces serious challenges, but at the Eden Project, we believe that by working together and with nature, there is hope. The striking images within this year's exhibition not only highlight these pressing issues but also capture the awe-inspiring beauty of the natural world, offering a powerful call to action.

“The exhibition is just one element of a fantastic, must-see offering we have in store for our visitors this summer. We’re incredibly proud of the jam-packed programme and we can’t wait for our visitors to come and experience it all.”

Launched in 1965, the Wildlife Photographer of the Year is today the most prestigious photography event of its kind, providing a global platform that showcases some of the best photography talent from around the world.

The 2024 exhibition is the sixtieth year of the competition, displaying acclaimed photographs from all the competition categories and presenting a huge variety of inspiring images capturing nature’s rich diversity. The jury – made up of respected wildlife experts and nature photographers from over 90 nations – seeks faithful representation of the natural world, and there are strict limits on what kinds of photographic postprocessing and manipulation are acceptable.

This exhibition’s time at the Eden Project is part of an international tour that will allow the images to be seen by well over a million people.

Marking 25 years of the National Wildflower Centre, the Eden Project is also excited to announce its new Wildflower Photographer of the Year competition which invites amateurs and professionals to submit photos in celebration of wild plants. It will be open for entries while the inspiring Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition is on display at the Eden Project and plants bloom UK-wide throughout summer. Anyone can enter the competition.

All Enchanted Earth activities are included within admission. General admission tickets start from £38 per adult and double up as an annual pass, granting unlimited entries to the Eden Project for 12 months. Universal and Pension Credit admission is available for £5 per adult.

For more information and to book tickets to the Eden Project this summer see www.edenproject.com.

Strikes Garden Centres has announced the appointment of three new directors to its board.  All three appointments are internal promotions, reflecting the deep industry expertise and leadership talent within the organisation.

Andy Smith has been appointed Buying Director, bringing more than three decades of experience in horticulture and garden centre retail. Andy began his career in 1989 at Blakedown Nurseries, later studying at Pershore College of Horticulture. Subsequently, Andy opted to transition from the nursery sector to Garden Centres, where he served as a plant manager at St Peters Garden Centre in Worcestershire. After several years, he made the decision to shift to a horticulture sales position, before joining Wyevale Garden Centres as a horticulture buyer, and later moving to Dobbies. Throughout this time, Andy's understanding of the retail sector expanded significantly. Leveraging this expertise, he joined Strikes Garden Centres in 2015 becoming Head of Buying in 2018.

Anthony Hester joins the board as Catering Director, having a long career in the hospitality industry. Anthony has worked for over thirty years in the bar, hotel and restaurant industry and his career has spanned the hospitality sectors, from value brands to casual/ family restaurants and fine dining enterprises. Earlier in his career he worked for Mitchells and Butler and later Whitbread, driving operations and commercial opportunities, developing new concepts and opening new businesses. In recent years Anthony was Food and Beverage Director for Wyevale, following his tenure as Head of Restaurants for Dobbie’s. Anthony joined Klondyke in 2023.

Lewis Gault, grandson of company founders Bob and Dorothy Gault, has also been appointed to the board. Lewis manages Klondyke Farms, which oversees approximately 3,000 acres and a herd of 1,500 cattle, as well as ongoing woodland development initiatives of native broadleaf and productive softwood.

All three new directors expressed enthusiasm for their new roles and a shared commitment to the future of Strikes Garden Centres.

“The achievements of Strikes are attributed to its dedicated employees, where individuals are valued. The Board of Directors possesses a well-defined vision, and we are privileged to become a part of the board to contribute to this future vision,” said David Yardley, CEO, The Klondyke Group.

Garden centre teams from across the Garden Centre Association’s (GCA) South East region are celebrating today after scooping awards during a presentation evening yesterday at Coolings Nurseries in Kent (Tuesday).

Garden Centre of the Year in the Destination Garden Centre (DGC) category was Ruxley Manor (top picture), the Garden Centre (GC) category award went to Coolings Nurseries (above) and Local Garden Centre (LGC) to Millbrook Garden Company, Staplehurst (below).

GCA CEO, Peter Burks said: “We had a very jolly evening at our first summer awards session of the year. I’d like to thank everyone who came along. It was brilliant to welcome around 110 attendees to the event and to see them making lots of notes to share with their colleagues.

“I’d like to congratulate all our very fantastic winners and say a huge ‘thank you’ to everyone at Coolings Nurseries for being such accommodating hosts and to our Inspector Alyson Haywood for being part of the team who visited the centres and for presenting their inspection findings in such an illuminating way.”

Alyson was one of the team of inspectors who made unannounced visits to member garden centres in the South East area across a 12-week period through spring and early summer.

She said: “It was a pleasure once again to judge the South East region as part of the GCA inspections. We’ve had some great weather for the season and the sun shone while I travelled around the South East, which was an extra bonus after the exceptionally wet weather during the same period last year when I was judging.

“This time, all the centres were looking good in the glorious sunshine. I also saw some great examples of ingenuity and originality and some lovely plant ranges too.”

The main winners for the South East region GCA area awards are as follows for the DGC, GC and LGC categories:

Garden Centre of the Year

DCG – Ruxley Manor Garden Centre

GC – Coolings Nurseries

LGC – Millbrook Garden Company, Staplehurst

The GIMA Award for Best Garden Products Retailer

DGC – Ruxley Manor Garden Centre

GC – Squires Garden Centre, Milford

LGC – Millbrook Garden Company, Staplehurst

The Award for Catering Excellence for Best Garden Centre Restaurant

DGC – Ruxley Manor Garden Centre

GC – Henry Street Garden Centre

LGC – Millbrook Garden Company, Staplehurst

Food Hall/Farm Shop Award

DGC – Ruxley Manor Garden Centre

GC – Garsons Garden Centre, Titchfield

LGC – No centre in this category

Indoor Lifestyle Award for Best Indoor Lifestyle Retailer

DGC – Ruxley Manor Garden Centre

GC – Garsons Garden Centre, Titchfield

LGC – Knights Plant Centre, Betchworth

Ian Boardman Award for Best Indoor Plants Retailer

DGC – Ruxley Manor Garden Centre

GC (three joint winners) – Squires Garden Centre, Milford; Ransoms Garden Centre; Millbrook Garden Company, Gravesend

LGC – Knights Plant Centre, Betchworth

Outdoor Living Award for Best Outdoor Living Retailer

DGC – Ruxley Manor Garden Centre

GC – Garsons Garden Centre, Titchfield

LGC – Millbrook Garden Company, Staplehurst

The Barton Grange Trophy for Commercial Innovation and Creativity

DGC – Ruxley Manor Garden Centre

GC – Haskins Garden Centre, Forest Lodge

LGC – Thompson’s Welling

Plantaria (Ruxley Rose)

DGC – Ruxley Manor Garden Centre

GC – Millbrook Garden Company, Gravesend

LGC – Thompson’s Welling

The Paul Cooling Award for Environment and Sustainability

Haskins Garden Centre, Snowhill

Customer Service Award for Best Customer Service

Coolings Nurseries

The Dick Allen Award for Most Improved Centre

Thompson’s Canterbury

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

Award-winning Old Railway Line Garden Centre recently appeared on ITV’s This Morning as part of a live garden transformation with Chartered Horticulturist David Domoney and the Royal Welsh Regiment team.

The segment was part of Domoney’s popular “Front Garden Facelift” series and aired during a special feature introduced by presenters Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary.

The uplifting makeover took place at the South Wales home of Heather, a 90-year-old grandmother nominated by her daughter, Sarah. Heather, who has lived in her home for decades, had stopped sitting outside due to mobility issues. Sarah hoped a refreshed outdoor space would offer her mum a peaceful place to enjoy the garden once more.

The garden holds a deeper significance for the family. In 2009, Sarah’s son James was tragically killed while serving in Afghanistan at the age of 21. Heather has kept a red poppy ornament in the garden in memory of her grandson ever since. The new design honoured his legacy with striking metal poppy sculptures—some doubling as bird water stations—and a commemorative bench featuring a bespoke plaque.

Volunteers from Old Railway Line Garden Centre were invited to support the live transformation, providing an array of plants worth over £1,200 as well as expert horticultural knowledge and practical help on the day. The team worked alongside David Domoney and other contributors to create a colourful, accessible front garden Heather could once again enjoy.

“Gardens tell stories. This one reflects Heather’s life and her grandson’s memory. We’ve created a space that’s easier to move around in, filled with plants she can enjoy from her window or on the bench. It’s a small tribute with a big impact,” said David Domoney.

The makeover included a new extended patio with decking for level access, salvia-lined pathways, soft pink hydrangeas, and wall-mounted planters to maximise planting at eye level. The thoughtful planting not only added visual appeal but also supported pollinators and improved the garden’s accessibility.

“These makeovers wouldn’t be possible without the support of our brilliant volunteers and contributors,” added Domoney. “I’m so grateful to Old Railway Line Garden Centre, MM Mac Ltd, Slade Contractors, the Royal Welsh Regiment, and friends of the family for their time and effort… It was an honour to work alongside everyone to create a beautiful garden for Heather, a fitting gesture for someone who has been such a support to her family.”

Liam, Garden Retail Director at Old Railway Line Garden Centre, said: “It’s been a real privilege to be involved. Garden centres do more than sell plants; we help people reconnect with nature. Seeing around 150 plants go into Heather’s garden today shows just how powerful that connection can be.”

The episode is part of Domoney’s campaign to encourage the public to rethink their front gardens as vibrant, accessible spaces for wellbeing, wildlife, and memory. Viewers can catch the full reveal on This Morning’s YouTube channel.

New begonia ‘Wicked’ is the latest introduction from Dibleys Nurseries, Ruthin, and available now for garden centres to stock. Bred by the grower it not only has striking variegated and shaped leaves, but it also produces delicate flowers of pink and white.

“We are breeding quite a few begonias each year now and this is the first time we have shown ‘Wicked’” says Paul Dibley. “The colours are very vivid, it has a really nice habit, and it is far better at dealing with changes in humidity and temperatures, and it more resilient to mildew than older varieties.”

‘Wicked’ joins the line-up of other varieties named after musicals including ‘Phantom’, ‘Moulin Rouge’ and ‘Blood Brothers’ and were all displayed on the Gold medal winning stand.

Lows have added to their extensive commercial netting portfolio a comprehensive collection of Unbranded Retail based High Quality, Durable, UV Stabilised, Popular Garden Centre Extruded Nettings all in very attractable eye-catching resale packaging with exceptional trade prices for all new orders placed for delivery now or at a later date. 

Vast range of pre-packed and cut to length products which include various roll and hole sizes of square plant climbing mesh, square and hexagonal multi mesh, pea and bean nettings, pond / debris nettings and diamond multi use garden nettings. Large Stocks held for immediate dispatch. 

Own brand design and bespoke product specifications of hole and roll configurations can be accommodated via our in-house product development team. 

Lows customers have commented that it is very refreshing to have another option to purchase these hot selling products at such amazing wholesale trade prices from a very trusted loyal ISO 9001 registered company. 

For more info on our Extruded Nettings or any of our products please contact our dedicated experienced Sales Team.

Head Office Tel 01382 229251

Email sales@lows.co.uk

Website www.lows.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.