As a key part of GTN's Greatest Christmas Awards, customers are now able to start voting for The Greatest Garden Centre Christmas teams in 2026.  Voting is live on-line and in store from now until 20th December.

To ask your customers to vote for you and your team, all you need to do is print off the poster, the in-store voting forms and the on-line voting material that can be accessed via this link: GTN Greatest Christmas Awards 2026 Voting Materials, display them in store, add a link to your social media pages or website where you can put the voting link or the QR code as below and let the voting begin.

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

It’s as simple as that.  Voting is open now and will remain open until 4:00pm on December 20th.

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

Here is the link to the on-line voting page: GTN Greatest Christmas Awards 2026 On-Line Voting Link

Here are links to the posters and in-store voting postcards artwork, plus the voting QR code fro use in social media - just click on the images below: 

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

As Garden Centre groups expand, managing labour across multiple locations becomes increasingly complex. Each site has its own staffing requirements, trading patterns, seasonal pressures and management styles. Without a central view, it can be difficult to know whether rotas are being planned effectively, overtime is being controlled, tasks are being completed, or compliance processes are being followed consistently.

Many businesses rely on a combination of spreadsheets, paper-based processes and disconnected systems. This can leave Operations Directors and senior managers spending valuable time chasing information rather than making informed decisions.

Skyline WorkForce Manager helps bring everything together in one place.

Designed to support multi-site operations, Skyline WorkForce Manager allows user visibility to be tailored according to role. An Operations Director can view and analyse labour performance across the entire business, while Area Managers, Site Managers and Supervisors can access only the information relevant to their responsibilities.

From rota planning and attendance management to overtime control, task allocation and HR compliance, every site works from the same system and the same set of processes. This creates greater consistency, improves accountability and provides real-time visibility of what's happening across the business.

With instant access to workforce data, managers can identify issues early, compare performance between locations and make better-informed decisions based on facts rather than assumptions.

As businesses grow, maintaining control doesn't have to mean creating more administration. With the right workforce management tools in place, garden centre groups can empower local teams while retaining visibility and control across the entire operation.

Want to see how WorkForce Manager can help you manage labour, attendance, tasks and compliance across multiple sites?

Contact the PCCS team today to arrange a demonstration and discover how leading garden centres can gain greater visibility and control of their workforce.

RocketGro continues to push industry boundaries embracing clever marketing strategies with the launch of its second TV quality advert.

RocketGro is thrilled to be able to announce the release of its second TV advert. Incorporating vibrant, eye catching, intense images and audio, RocketGro has produced a stunning second advert that takes the company up a level and places a marker down by elevating what can be done in the world of growing media.

By avoiding the traditional advert form that may be associated with the gardening sector, RocketGro is attempting to take a modern forward thinking position that embraces both the youth and the nostalgia of older generations.  

With yet more projected growth in 2027, RocketGro is making sure their marketing spend really pays off and grabs eyes across online platforms. RocketGro is not a gardening sector household name…yet. That is changing fast and the brand grows from strength to strength. More and more customers now walk into garden centres and ask if they sell RocketGro. 

Managing Director Toby Thomas commented: “We are so excited by our continued efforts to produce absorbing, engaging, ‘wow’ marketing. This second advert is another major milestone in the ongoing growth of our company. Supporting our brand and therefore our retailers with stunning marketing investment is a game changer. Consumers have embraced our fun, dynamic, innovative positioning of our brand. Coupled with our unbeatable eco story, we are a brand fit for the modern era and we are making sure we are not just future proofed, we are creating the future. Turn up the volume. RocketGro are here!’’

Watch the advert here

Find out more

If you want to learn more about RocketGro or are keen to discuss adding its product portfolio into your 2025/26 offering, please contact Toby Thomas (hello@rocketgro.co.uk /07936 928 981) or Andy Abraham (andy@rocketgro.co.uk / 07446 937902). View the full range and discover more about the RocketGro story at www.rocketgro.co.uk

A breeding breakthrough, 20 years in the making. Thompson & Morgan is proud to introduce Agapanthus Everpanthus® ‘Poppin’® Pink’.

We have always been excited to introduce new, innovative varieties, and we believe Agapanthus Everpanthus® ‘Poppin’® Pink’ is among the most significant in recent years. We are thrilled and honoured to be launching it in collaboration with renowned South African breeders Andy de Wet and Quinton Bean and Fairweather’s, the UK’s leading authority on Agapanthus and holder of the National Collection.

This is a huge launch not only for Thompson & Morgan and Fairweather’s but also for the industry as a whole, and we are honoured to supply the first plants in the UK.

About Agapanthus Everpanthus® ‘Poppin’® Pink’

‘Poppin’ Pink’ is the world’s first truly pink, hardy Agapanthus, and the plant gardeners have been waiting for without knowing it was possible! 

Each rounded umbel holds a mass of individual flowers that open over time, extending the display of each bloom. The new buds emerge a rich, deep magenta pink, then slowly unfold into vivid pink flowers. Each petal has a dark cerise vein running through it, adding depth and definition. As the summer progresses and the sun gets warmer and brighter, the vibrant pink deepens even more, making ‘Poppin’ Pink’ truly unique. 

New flower stems continuously open all summer to prolong the flowering period, differing from traditional Agapanthus varieties, making this a true ever-blooming ‘Everpanthus’.  

This strong evergreen with upright stems reaches up to 70cm high and 60cm wide, resulting in a larger plant with even more flowers year after year. Like other Agapanthus, ‘Poppin’ Pink’ thrives in sun and copes well with dry spells once established, a real advantage for gardeners in our changing climate with increasing hosepipe bans and droughts. It is also hardy down to around -7°C or lower with protection, so it stands up well to the colder months. 

In our UK trials, every plant looked outstanding in both borders and containers. Its long flowering season and tropical look make it ideal for outside or inside in a vase, as a long-lasting cut flower.

Gavin Shaw, Horticultural Expert at Thompson & Morgan, says: “We’ve been delighted to play a part in the UK trials, and to see its outstanding performance first-hand. After years of dedicated work by the breeders, we’re thrilled to finally bring ‘Poppin’ Pink’ to our customers. We hope gardeners enjoy growing it as much as we have, and there will certainly be one in my garden!” 

‘Poppin’ Pink’ At A Glance

The Story Behind the Breeding: Tens of thousands of seedlings resulting in one breakthrough pink! 

Pictured (Left to Right): Quinton Bean, Andy de Wet & Patrick Fairweather.  

‘Poppin’ Pink’ was bred by Andy de Wet and his partner Quinton Bean, widely regarded as the world’s leading Agapanthus breeders. For this one-of-a-kind introduction, Andy and Quinton spent more than 20 years selecting and refining the pink across tens of thousands of seedlings! 

Over a career of more than five decades, Andy and Quinton have transformed the genus with stronger colours, improved forms and re-blooming varieties. This also includes other Everpanthus varieties featuring ‘Poppin’ Star’, ‘Poppin’ Purple’ and ‘Black Jack’, which won RHS Chelsea Flower Show Plant of the Year 2023. 

The plant is now multiplied in the UK by Patrick Fairweather, Managing Director of Fairweather’s, who helps select new varieties with the breeders in South Africa and looks after a National Collection of more than 400 Agapanthus. His nursery grows around 2 million young plants a year and has worked with Thompson & Morgan for more than 20 years. 

Patrick Fairweather says: “This is the most exciting plant introduction that I have ever made, and it’s certainly the most exciting introduction in the genus of Agapanthus because this is the world’s first truly pink Agapanthus. It’s taken more than 20 years of breeding in South Africa, working with tens of thousands of seedlings and plants to achieve this unique colour.”

Three of the most trusted names in the industry have joined together to launch this groundbreaking new Agapanthus, bringing the world’s first truly pink Everpanthus to gardeners across the UK!

Growing Notes for Gardeners 
 
●    Position: Choose the sunniest spot available, especially if growing in a pot.
●    Watering and soil: Tolerates a week or two without water, but dislikes being waterlogged. Use an open, free-draining compost.
●    Feeding: No feeding is needed for the first year or two. Use a high-potash feed thereafter to encourage more flowers.
●    Winter care: Cut stems back to the base once the flowers fade, and move plants to a frost-free spot or cover them for extra protection.

Be the first to sell Agapanthus Poppin Pink

Garden centres can reserve and buy stock in 3L pots from Allensmore Nurseries and Darby Nursery Stock. RRP is expected to be around £25.

Be Among the First to Grow It

Thompson & Morgan is proud to be bringing this breakthrough variety to gardeners. Available to pre-order now as 9cm potted plants from £19.99 (despatch from April 2027) or 2 litre plants from £27.99 (despatch from May 2027) and will also be available nationwide from good plant retailers.

 https://www.thompson-morgan.com/p/agapanthus-poppin-pink/wkj3156TM 

Based in Ipswich, Suffolk since 1855, Thompson & Morgan is the UK’s most successful horticultural company. It is the only seed and plant specialist to develop its own plant lines in the UK. It has introduced more species and varieties to the British gardening public than any other similar company in the industry.

Fairweather’s is a family-run garden centre and nursery in Beaulieu, in the New Forest, and home to a National Collection of more than 400 Agapanthus varieties. It grows around 2 million young plants a year. 

Haskins Garden Centres has appointed Nick Darnbrough as the brand’s first ever Head of Hospitality. The new hire builds on the business’s continued investment in establishing each of its five garden centres as destinations and supports its ambition to provide the highest quality customer experience.

Nick brings more than 20 years of senior experience across hospitality, leisure, and food and beverage. Most recently, he led the food, beverage, and retail operation at Center Parcs Longleat. Earlier in his career, Nick held roles as Head of Hospitality at the Eden Project and Operations Director at Boston Tea Party.

Nick said: “What struck me immediately was that Haskins really believes in its restaurants. The diverse food and drink selections and the centre’s high-quality standards really stand out, adding something special to every visit. I could see strong foundations and plenty of opportunity to make hospitality an even bigger reason for people to come to Haskins and assert itself as a destination in its own right.”

At the Eden Project, Nick reshaped the food offer around sourcing local produce with a sustainable approach so it became part of the attraction’s story. At Boston Tea Party, he led the operational strategy during a five-store-a-year expansion programme and strengthened service standards across the café group.

Building on the strengths of Haskins’ restaurant teams, he aims to bolster the customer experience and give people more reasons to explore the centres, spend longer there, and return more frequently.

Nick continued, “For me, hospitality isn’t just about food. It’s about the people and being welcoming to everyone from the moment they step through the door. Haskins already has strong teams and a real sense of familiarity, and I want to build on that so customers continue to feel that they belong, see familiar faces, and choose to come back. People don’t always remember the menu, but they remember the person who served them and how the visit made them feel. That’s true hospitality, and it’s what I want to keep strengthening at Haskins.”

Nick’s appointment as the first ever Head of Hospitality forms part of Haskins’ investment in its centres as destinations, with refurbishment work on its West End store restaurant and retail spaces completed in October.

Hot on the heels of announcing its inaugural charity Golf Day, the Greenfingers Charity is delighted to reveal that APAC Group Ltd has wasted no time in stepping forward to become the event’s headline sponsor.

The leading UK importer and distributor of Christmas, Artificial Flowers, Ceramics, Floristry, and event décor, has snapped up the headline sponsorship opportunity, giving the brand-new fundraising event a fantastic boost just weeks after its launch.

Taking place on Thursday 15^th April 2027 at Staverton Park, the first-ever Greenfingers Golf Day will bring together businesses, colleagues and keen golfers for a day of friendly competition, networking and fundraising, all in support of the charity’s work creating magical gardens at children’s hospices across the UK.

Linda Petrons, Director of Fundraising & Communications at Greenfingers Charity, said: “What a fantastic way to get our first Golf Day off the ground! We had barely put the call out for golfers before the wonderful team at APAC stepped forward to offer their support as headline sponsor, and we really couldn't be more grateful.  A huge thank you to Hannah and everyone at APAC for being so quick to say yes. We can't wait to welcome you to the course next April!”

Hannah Shoesmith, Head of Sales at APAC Group Ltd, added: “We always love supporting Greenfingers, so when we heard about this latest initiative, we knew we wanted to get involved! It’s a fantastic cause and we’re delighted to be sponsoring the first Golf Day. We’re looking forward to a great day and hopefully raising lots of money along the way!”

Still plenty of opportunities to get involved

With the headline sponsorship now secured, the Greenfingers Charity is keen to build on this early momentum and is encouraging more businesses from across the garden retail and horticultural sectors to get involved.

Further sponsorship opportunities remain available, alongside opportunities to donate prizes or contribute to the day in other ways. Whether supporting an element of the event, entering a team or simply helping to spread the word, every contribution will help make the inaugural Golf Day a success.

Players are also invited to register their interest, in teams of two, for what promises to be a fantastic day on the fairways.

Get involved!

To register your interest in playing, contact Kirsty@greenfingerscharity.org.uk.

For further sponsorship opportunities, contact Linda@greenfingerscharity.org.uk.

Research reveals Britain’s most stressful moments – but experts shed light on one underestimated tool to restore calm

•    A national study ranks job interviews (52%), having difficult conversations (50%), public speaking (42%), and the pre-match countdown (26%) as some of the nation’s most nerve-wracking life moments
•    While a third of people (32%) identify time in nature as a key stress remedy, over half (56%) of Brits generally struggle to access outdoor green spaces as winter sets in
•    Plants & Flowers Foundation Holland has partnered with Forest Green Rovers and sports psychologist Dr Josephine Perry to demonstrate how houseplants can tame high-pressure indoor spaces and be easily replicated at home.

 
Whether preparing for a career-defining job interview or waiting for the referee's first whistle, new research reveals the moments that push the nation’s stress levels to the limit.

A national study commissioned by Plants & Flowers Foundation Holland has ranked the life events and high-stakes scenarios that trigger peak anxiety. Facing a job interview topped the table (52%), followed closely by having a difficult conversation (50%), giving a presentation or speaking in public (42%), and the tense countdown to playing or watching a crucial sports match (26%).

When seeking relief, 32% of respondents cite being outdoors in nature as their most reliable antidote. However, modern lifestyles and changing seasons create a significant barrier: the Brits surveyed spend over 14 hours of their day indoors, and over half (56%) admit they rarely access green spaces during the colder winter months. This indoor confinement is taking a toll: Over a third of Brits (38%) report that long stretches spent inside make them feel worse. When asked which stark indoor spaces they would most like to see made welcoming with living plants, healthcare waiting rooms (48%), offices (27%), and job interview waiting areas (21%) topped the list.

However, a simple solution is emerging: 30% of Brits report that having living houseplants in a room noticeably lowers their stress levels and restores a sense of calm. Despite this, ‘plant paranoia’ is holding many back, with over a quarter of Brits (27%) put off by buying greenery because they are terrified the plants will die despite their best efforts.

To prove that introducing greenery doesn't have to be a high-stress commitment, Plants & Flowers Foundation Holland is testing the theory in one of the most notoriously stressful indoor environments possible: an elite football changing room.

Partnering with Forest Green Rovers, the world's greenest and first carbon-neutral football club, and sports psychologist Dr Josephine Perry, the initiative aims to show how houseplants can offer wellbeing benefits for professional athletes, while inspiring the public to recreate the same calming effects in their own high-stress rooms at home.

Inside the club's home changing room, a bespoke installation of over sixty houseplants sourced from Holland will be unveiled for International Stress Awareness Week and ahead of the team’s National League fixture against Harrogate Town. Turning a volatile pressure cooker into a green oasis, the takeover provides visual proof of the grounding power of nature: if plants can tame the nerve-wracking atmosphere of a sports dressing room before kick-off, they can easily transform a chaotic home office, study space, or busy living room into a serene sanctuary.

Dr Josephine Perry, Sports Psychologist, said: "Whether you are an athlete in the tunnel before a vital match or an individual stepping into a high-stakes job interview, the biological response to pressure can be powerful as cortisol floods the body to speed up the heart and breathing rate, adds tension to our muscles, blocks access to the logical part of our brain and triggers a loud inner critic. When indoor environments are stark and clinical, that tension amplifies. Living greenery acts as a natural buffer, actively reducing nervous system arousal which helps sharpen our cognitive abilities, allowing us to focus and perform better. Adding greenery to high-pressure spaces is one of the simplest, low-effort and accessible habits anyone can adopt to stay in control when the pressure mounts."

Monique Kemperman, PR and Events Lead at Plants & Flowers Foundation Holland, adds: “The pre-match dressing room is defined by high nerves and intense anticipation. By transforming Forest Green Rovers' changing room with plants, we wanted to showcase the grounding power of nature in an extreme setting. High-pressure moments happen in all our lives, whether we are preparing for exams, managing a tough week at work, or juggling family life. If houseplants can settle the pulse before kick-off, they can help anyone feel better inside and bring calm into their own home.”

Founder of Forest Green Rovers, Dale Vince said: “We know time in nature is good for people, it’s now being prescribed by doctors. We also know time at football games is good for people, as that too is being prescribed by doctors - we pioneered it here at FGR with our Football on Prescription scheme. Plants in offices are well known to boost wellbeing, so why not in a changing room.”

With 39% of survey respondents wanting to greenify a high-stress room in their home this winter, Plants & Flowers Foundation Holland is calling on the nation to transform their most stressful indoor space to ‘Feel the Plant Effect’ for themselves. 

The Greenfingers Charity is delighted to welcome Fran Barnes (HTA) and Tony Kersey (GIMA) as Trustees, following confirmation of their appointments at its Annual General Meeting on Thursday 29th October 2026.

Both are well-known and respected figures within the garden industry, bringing valuable experience, connections and a shared commitment to the charity's work creating therapeutic gardens at children's hospices across the UK.

Boyd Douglas-Davies, Chairman of Greenfingers Charity, said: "It is a pleasure to welcome Fran and Tony to the Board. Their skills and perspectives will complement those of our existing Trustees and help us build on the extraordinary goodwill shown to Greenfingers over many years.

"As we look ahead, we want to strengthen existing partnerships, introduce more people to the charity and show the lasting difference our gardens make. For children with life-limiting conditions, their families and the hospice teams who care for them, time outdoors can offer moments of calm, happiness and togetherness. Fran and Tony's support will help us bring those opportunities to more children's hospices across the UK."

Fran Barnes said: "Greenfingers brings comfort and joy to children and families facing unimaginably difficult times. I'm delighted to join the Board and look forward to helping the charity share the impact of its gardens and encourage more people to get involved."

Tony Kersey added: "The garden industry has shown time and again what it can achieve when it comes together for Greenfingers. It's a privilege to become a Trustee, and I'm looking forward to building on that wonderful support to help more hospice communities benefit from these special outdoor spaces."

Fran and Tony join Boyd, Treasurer Richard Capewell and fellow Trustees Tammy Woodhouse, Alastair Peat, Sue Allen, Heidi Towse, David Carey, Roger Head and Rob Jones. Founder President Richard Jackson also continues to champion and support the charity's work.

Their appointments come at a pivotal moment, as Greenfingers builds support for its Healing Hand, Helping Hearts Appeal, which aims to raise £1 million annually to create and maintain therapeutic hospice gardens. Garden Re-Leaf Day on 12th March 2027 will be a key moment in that campaign, uniting supporters across the garden industry and beyond.

To learn more about the Greenfingers Charity, its hospice garden projects and the people behind its work, visit www.greenfingerscharity.org.uk.

Yorkshire Garden Centres has reached a major fundraising milestone after raising more than £106,000 for Martin House Children’s Hospice since the partnership began in April 2025. 

Across its seven branches, colleagues and customers have thrown themselves behind the partnership, from bake sales and raffles to running, cycling and dragon boat racing. 

Each branch has its own charity champion and fundraising target, while the Pennies initiative gives customers the option to add 25p to their purchase at the checkout. 

Staff have taken on individual challenges, including Dry January and the Great North Run, while CEO Mark Farnsworth has organised and joined cycling challenges. Colleagues also entered two sunflower-themed teams into Martin House’s Dragon Boat Race and took part in an in-store spinathon, cycling the equivalent distance from their stores to the hospice. 

Last year, the company played a major part in Martin House’s 36-hour giving challenge for THE BUILD, raising more than £7,000. 

Support has gone beyond fundraising too. Staff have donated items to Martin House’s retail team, contributed prizes to the Glitter Ball auction and donated Lego to the hospice. The company has also provided table centres for Martin House Ladies’ Lunches and welcomed children and families to Christmas events and the opening of its Otley Grass Hopper play centre. 

The partnership will run until June 2027. 

Mark Farnsworth, CEO of Yorkshire Garden Centres, said: “Reaching more than £100,000 is a fantastic milestone and is down to the enthusiasm of our colleagues, customers and charity champions across all seven of our centres.” 

“Martin House does incredible work for children and families across Yorkshire, and our teams have really embraced the partnership. Whether it’s taking on a personal challenge, jumping into a dragon boat or simply asking customers to add 25p at the till, everyone has found their own way to get involved.” 

“We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together so far and look forward to continuing our support.” 

Hannah Finan, Partnership Manager at Martin House, said: “We’re hugely grateful to everyone at Yorkshire Garden Centres for reaching this incredible milestone.” 

“What makes the partnership so special is the sheer variety of ways their teams have chosen to support us. From major fundraising challenges to donations, events and welcoming the families we support, their commitment has reached right across Martin House." 

“More than £106,000 is an amazing achievement and will make a real difference to the children, young people and families who rely on our care.” 

Each year, Martin House supports more than 550 children and young people with life-shortening conditions, and their families, across West, North and East Yorkshire. 

Its specialist teams provide care at the hospice in Boston Spa, in hospitals and in families’ own homes, including planned short breaks, symptom management, emergency care and end-of-life care. 

Providing this specialist care costs Martin House around £13 million every year, with the majority coming from voluntary donations and fundraising. 

For further information about Martin House Children's Hospice and how to support it, visit: https://www.martinhouse.org.uk/ 

GTN September-October 2026. In this issue: Exclusive Interview with Sam Dickson MD at Squires, Fantastic at Food - GTN’s Greatest Restaurant & Food Hall Team Award winners, Wall art additions at Woodmansterne, Launch of the 2026 Greatest Christmas Awards, Report from the annual HTA Conference, Glee 2026 review, All the New Product Award winners at Glee, GTN In conversation with Dobbies CEO at Glee, Glee exhibitor news, Floral Thursday for Greenfingers at Glee, Zig Zag retailers - Adapt or Die, Retailing with values - GCA Viewpoint, Unforgettable messages - HTA Viewpoint.

GTN Magazine is printed and mailed to Garden Retailing and Garden Industry professionals in the UK. To receive a printed copy please e-mail trevor@pottingshedpress.co.uk

GIMA Buyers Guide & New Product Digest - Autumn 2026 - A valuable reference for the UK Garden Trade

New Products for the UK Garden Trade for 2027 from GIMA Members: Altico, Angro, Auto Pot Global, Backdoor Shoes, Bees Seeds, Burgon & Ball, Cerland, Charles Bentley, Claber SPA, Durstons, Ecoo BV, elho, Emerald Eternal Green BV, Evergreen Garden Care, Floramadia, GreenKey, Glee, GRDN Living, Greenman Garden Tools, Handy, Hortiwool, Husqvarna, Jeyes, Johnsons Lawn Seeds, Lava-Lite, Lodi UK, Lohas Fertilliser, LV Bespoke, Meadow View Stone, Melcourt, Mims Pottery, Museums & Galleries Ltd, Norfolk Leisure, PlantWork, Sipcam, Super Ninja, The MAD Company, Toro, Vitavia, Vita, Woodmansterne, Zero - STV, Zest and the GIMA Member Directory.

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

Subscribe for free using this link

LeisureGrow celebrates another major industry achievement after the Choice Garden Centre Group named it the 2026 Furniture & Outdoor Living Supplier of the Year, marking its fourth consecutive year of recognition.

The prestigious award is particularly significant because individual garden centres within the Choice Garden Centre Group vote for it, reflecting their confidence, trust, and satisfaction in LeisureGrow's products, service, and ongoing commitment to excellence. The recognition comes during a landmark year for the Choice Garden Centre Group, the UK's leading independent garden centre co-operative, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2026.

Founded in 2002, the Group has grown to encompass 65 garden centres across the UK, with eight new members joining in the past 12 months alone. Together, its members represent a combined turnover of £260 million, highlighting the Group's significant presence and influence within the UK garden retail sector.

For LeisureGrow, securing the award for a fourth successive year reflects the dedication and collective effort of the entire team, from product development and sales to operations, logistics and customer service. 

Mark Nickerson, Director of Field Sales, said: "We are absolutely delighted to have been named Furniture & Outdoor Living Supplier of the Year by the Choice Garden Centre Group for the fourth year running. What makes this award particularly special is that it is voted for by the garden centres themselves. Receiving this recognition directly from our customers is a tremendous endorsement of the quality of our products, the strength of our relationships and the consistently high standards of service we strive to deliver." 

"This achievement belongs to everyone at LeisureGrow. Every department plays an important role in delivering the products and service our customers expect, and this award reflects that collective commitment. We are incredibly proud of what we have achieved together, but we won't rest on our laurels. Winning for a fourth consecutive year sets an even higher benchmark, and our focus remains firmly on maintaining and improving our standards for Choice and all our valued customers," added Nickerson. 

As the Choice Garden Centre Group continues to expand its membership and influence within the industry, LeisureGrow remains committed to supporting independent garden centres with innovative outdoor living products, dependable service and strong, long-term partnerships. This latest accolade further reinforces LeisureGrow's position as a trusted supplier to the UK garden centre industry and underlines its continued commitment to delivering excellence across every aspect of its business.

www.leisuregrow.com

Johnsons Nurseries Ltd, one of the UK's leading commercial horticultural suppliers, has continued its support for Martin House Children's Hospice with a further donation of 1,300 bulbs, following its previous contribution of £1,500 worth of plants to the hospice's transformational 'THE BUILD' redevelopment project.

Located just 12 miles from Johnsons' North Yorkshire headquarters, Martin House Children's Hospice provides vital care and support for babies, children and young people with life-limiting conditions across Yorkshire. The hospice offers planned stays, symptom management, end-of-life care and bereavement support, helping families navigate some of the most challenging moments in their lives with expert, compassionate care.

As a long-established business in Yorkshire, Johnsons Nurseries is passionate about supporting local causes. The donated plants have been used to create calming, therapeutic outdoor spaces at Martin House, giving families a peaceful environment to relax and reflect.

Building on this support, Johnsons has recently donated a further 1,300 bulbs to bring additional seasonal colour and interest to the hospice grounds. Bulb varieties such as Daffodils and Crocuses will help brighten the gardens in spring 2027, providing an uplifting environment for families, visitors and staff.

Graham Richardson, Group Managing Director at Johnsons Nurseries Ltd, said:“As a Yorkshire family business, supporting organisations within our local community is incredibly important to us. Martin House provides an invaluable service to children and families across the region, so we were delighted to contribute plants to the redevelopment.

"It is particularly rewarding to see the planting becoming established and know that these outdoor spaces will continue to be enjoyed by families for many years to come."

Martin House's £21.9 million redevelopment transformed its facilities to ensure the hospice can continue meeting the changing needs of children, young people and their families.

The redevelopment included a new children's wing with adaptable spaces for specialist care, a dedicated teenagers' wing and a wellbeing centre providing therapy, counselling and wider family support.

Robyn Mountain-Wade, Director of Income Generation at Martin House, expressed her appreciation: “The gardens at Martin House have long been a haven for families, as a place to play, a place to relax and the setting for times of both celebration and remembrance.

"During the build project, we had to close a lot of our grounds, so we’re extremely grateful to Johnsons Nurseries for helping us restore them with such a generous donation of plants.

“We’ve already seen how much families are benefiting from spending time in our gardens since we reopened them, and the difference it makes to stays at the hospice.”

Alongside Martin House, the family-run business has supported organisations including Henshaws and York Cares through plant donations and other initiatives.

The latest donation reflects Johnsons Nurseries' ongoing commitment to supporting local organisations and using its horticultural expertise to make a positive difference within the community.

Garden centres looking to introduce EV charging but facing competing demands on capital expenditure now have another option, as ElectRoad unveils a new funded charging model designed to remove one of the biggest barriers to investment.
 
Recognising that the cost of purchasing and installing EV charging equipment can prevent otherwise interested retailers from progressing their plans, ElectRoad has developed a new funding solution that allows garden centres to introduce charging facilities without having to purchase the equipment upfront.
 
Built around a simple proposition, "You provide the power. We provide the chargers", the new model sees ElectRoad fund the agreed charging equipment and associated installation package, with the investment recovered through a share of charging revenue over an initial repayment period.
 
Rather than committing significant capital to the charging equipment at the outset, retailers can use the income generated by the chargers to help fund their introduction. Once the agreed equipment and installation investment has been recovered, the arrangement moves to ElectRoad's standard revenue-sharing model, with provision for ownership of the equipment to transfer to the garden centre.
 
The retailer remains responsible for providing a suitable electricity supply to the charging location, including any necessary power infrastructure works.
 
Removing the barriers to investment

The development follows ongoing conversations between ElectRoad and garden centre operators, which have highlighted the challenges of balancing new commercial opportunities against existing financial commitments.
 
For many retailers, EV charging presents an opportunity to improve customer facilities, encourage longer visits and establish an additional revenue stream. However, even where the commercial case is attractive, the initial investment can be difficult to prioritise alongside refurbishment programmes, stock purchases, operational improvements and other business development projects.
 
Richard Seppings, founder of ElectRoad, explained: "One of the things that has become increasingly clear through our conversations with garden centres is that a lack of interest isn't necessarily what's holding EV charging back. Many retailers understand the opportunity and can see how charging facilities might benefit their business. The challenge is finding the capital to make it happen when there are so many other demands on their budgets.
 
"We've been looking at how we can address that issue rather than simply accepting that retailers will have to revisit their plans at some point in the future. The result is a funding model that removes the need to purchase the charging equipment upfront and instead allows the chargers to contribute towards their own cost through the revenue they generate.
 
"It's about making the opportunity more accessible and giving garden centres greater flexibility over how they invest in EV charging."
 
A different approach to the commercial opportunity

The introduction of the funded model represents an evolution of ElectRoad's existing commercial proposition, which has focused on helping garden centres understand the financial potential of destination charging.
 
Previous financial modelling by ElectRoad has demonstrated how relatively modest levels of charger utilisation could support a viable business case, with just four charging sessions a day forming the basis of an illustrative model examining charging income and potential additional in-store expenditure.
 
The new funding arrangement builds on this thinking, offering an alternative route for retailers that recognise the long-term opportunity but are reluctant to commit significant capital to the charging equipment.
 
Importantly, the model also acknowledges that EV charging is not simply about generating income from electricity sales. By encouraging motorists to stop at garden centres, charging facilities can introduce new customers to the business and create additional opportunities across retail, catering and other on-site services.
 
Richard added: "Garden centres have a great deal to offer EV drivers. They're destinations where people can comfortably spend time, enjoy something to eat, browse the shop or explore the wider facilities while their vehicle charges.
 
"That wider customer opportunity has always been an important part of the ElectRoad proposition, but we also recognise that every business has its own financial priorities. We don't want the upfront cost of the charging equipment to be the reason a retailer decides it cannot move forward.
 
"By introducing a funded option alongside outright purchase, we're giving operators more choice and allowing them to identify the arrangement that best suits their business."
 
Giving garden centres greater choice

The funded charging model will sit alongside ElectRoad's existing purchase option, enabling retailers to select an approach that reflects their investment priorities, available infrastructure and long-term commercial objectives.
 
Under the funded arrangement, the level of investment, initial revenue share and repayment terms will be agreed according to the requirements of each installation.

For ElectRoad, the development is part of a wider commitment to making destination charging a more practical and commercially relevant proposition for the garden retail sector.
 
Richard concluded: "The conversation around EV charging needs to move beyond whether garden centres should install chargers and towards how we make it commercially achievable for more businesses.
 
"There's no single funding approach that's going to suit every retailer, which is why we're keen to offer greater flexibility. Ultimately, we want to help garden centres make the most of the opportunity without having to put other important investments on hold."
 
Garden centres interested in exploring ElectRoad's funded EV charging model, or learning more about the commercial opportunities presented by destination charging, can visit www.electroad.network.

Supported by Europe’s leading watering and hand tools brand, GARDENA, a new wellbeing garden has officially opened at The Royal Oldham Hospital, creating a restorative green space where patients, families, staff and visitors can pause, recharge and connect with nature. 

The newly completed space has been built on the site of the former Fountain Garden, a much-loved centrepiece of the hospital grounds and a cherished place of remembrance for those who have passed away. Its transformation honours this legacy while creating a more beautiful, accessible, and biodiversity-friendly garden that meets the needs of today’s hospital community. 

Opened on Wednesday, October 21, the project is the result of a partnership between the Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust, NorthCare Charity and the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS).  

GARDENA was among the organisations supporting the project, donating gardening tools to help bring the new space to life and providing hands-on support through employee volunteers who helped with planting. 

Rebecca Robertson, Senior Digital Marketing Specialist at GARDENA who joined colleagues in volunteering on the project, said: “We’re incredibly proud to have played a part in bringing The Royal Oldham Hospital’s new wellbeing garden to life. At GARDENA, we’re passionate about helping more people experience and enjoy green spaces, so it has been fantastic to support a project that will make a real difference to people using the hospital. 

The new garden breathes fresh life into the hospital’s historic Fountain Garden, a cherished green space dating back to the 1930s. Led by award-winning landscape designer and RHS Ambassador Adam Frost, the redesign combines new seating with climate-resilient, wildlife-friendly planting, including fruiting trees, shrubs and pollinator-friendly species. 

Speaking at the opening, Claire Matterson CBE, Director General of the RHS said: “This is a garden that has been part of the hospital for almost a century. It means a great deal to staff, to patients, and the local community, so we had to approach this with care, patience, and with great respect. 

“Gardens and restorative outdoor spaces should be considered an essential part of healthcare design and investments.” 

Kevin McGee, Interim Chief Executive at the Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust: “In a clinical environment, where we are dealing with some of the most difficult things that people can imagine, both from a personal and a family perspective, being able to step outside into a space like this and decompress is something you simply can’t put a pound value on.” 

Desch Creative Studio proudly presents the 19th edition of Colour Your Story, its international trend and inspiration magazine for the professional horticulture industry. The Spring/Summer 2027 edition brings together inspiring colour trends, award-winning plant varieties and innovative pot-plant combinations, demonstrating how design, colour and collaboration create greater consumer appeal and commercial opportunities.

Colour of the Year 2027: Purple Violet

Renowned trendwatcher Hilde Francq introduces the Spring-Summer 2027 colour trends, with Purple Violet E-473 taking centre stage as Colour of the Year. Inspired by nature, this rich and expressive shade brings depth, elegance and character to contemporary plant and pot combinations. Together with a carefully selected colour palette, it offers fresh inspiration for growers, breeders and retailers.

“Colour is much more than decoration. It creates emotion, attracts attention and adds value,” says Kees Waqué, Manager Retail & Marketing at Desch. “With Colour Your Story, we show how plants, pots and colours come together to create concepts that inspire consumers and strengthen their impact at retail. By connecting creative thinking with market opportunities, we help turn inspiration into commercial value.”

Highlights of Colour Your Story #19

• Colour trends Spring/Summer 2027: Hilde Francq presents the latest colour directions, featuring Purple Violet E-473 as Colour of the Year.
• Green growth starts with relevance: An exclusive interview with Alice van Veen, Director Purchasing & Sustainability, and Esther Verkleij, Director Sales & Marketing at Royal Lemkes, exploring consumer relevance, sustainability, transparency and the future of green retail.
• Award-winning genetics: Fleuroselect's latest Gold Medal winners and the FleuroStar Award 2026/27 winner, Dahlia coccinea Dalina® Maxi Noir Velvet Crush, bred by PanAmerican Seed and commercialised in partnership with Florensis.
• Innovations that create impact: The Grow&Go® Imca patio pot combined with Soiree® Lavender Magic, the stylish Mayca decorative pot and Desch's flower buckets demonstrate how smart design, functionality and presentation add value throughout the horticultural supply chain.
• Inspiring pot-plant combinations: Contemporary concepts featuring genetics from Beekenkamp, Benary, Dümmen Orange, Fleuroselect, Florensis, PanAmerican Seed, Selecta, Syngenta and Suntory Flowers Europe.

Get inspired. Pick up your free copy at the FloraHolland Trade Fair!

Why just read about inspiration when you can experience it?

Desch Creative Studio will be exhibiting at the FloraHolland Trade Fair in Aalsmeer, 3–5 November 2026. Visit our stand, discover the latest colour trends and innovative pot-plant concepts, and pick up your free printed copy of Colour Your Story Spring/Summer 2027!

You can't miss us: Enter through the Yellow Entrance and find us immediately on your right, at stands 1.1 & 1.2.

Can't make it to the fair? Contact our Customer Service team and we'll be happy to send you a free copy. Can't wait to get inspired? Explore the digital edition now!

https://desch.nl/nl/cys-ss-2027-en-nl-de

Desch Creative Studio is part of Desch, a leading manufacturer of innovative plastic products for professional horticulture. Combining design, colour expertise and circular solutions, Desch Creative Studio inspires growers, breeders and retailers to create distinctive, market-driven concepts that add value throughout the horticultural supply chain.

A gardening gift can be the start of something wonderful: a new hobby, a favourite plant, new skill discovered or simply more time spent outdoors. With 55% of UK adults enjoying gardening as a hobby, according to the RHS State of Gardening Report 2025*, the RHS is sharing inspiration for Christmas gifting with a collection of presents celebrating the many ways people enjoy plants and gardening.

A wider purpose also sits at the heart of every RHS gift, with each purchase helping to support the RHS’s charitable work and a shared passion for horticulture, learning and community.

RHS BOOKS

All new for 2026, an RHS book can offer inspiration long after Christmas has passed, whether it’s helping someone plan their next gardening year or encouraging them to look at the natural world differently. The RHS Garden Almanac 2027 (£14.99), by Zia Allaway and Guy Barter, is packed with seasonal ideas and advice for the year ahead, while RHS The Garden Cure (£20.00), by Ann Treneman, takes a more unexpected look at the ways plants and gardens can enrich everyday life. For nature lovers on the go, the RHS Pocket Guides to Trees, Garden Birds and Wildflowers (£12.99 each) offers plenty to discover on walks and when out and about, while the RHS What Plant Where Encyclopedia (£30.00) is filled with planting inspiration for those dreaming up their next garden project.

RHS BEAUTY & FRAGRANCE GIFTS

Perfect for stockings or a little extra tucked beneath the tree, RHS beauty and fragrance gifts bring a botanical touch to everyday routines. The Reed Diffuser (was £26.00, now £20.80) fills the home with a cosy blend of fruit and aromatic spices, while the Greenhouse Hand Care Gift Set (£19.95) offers a ready-made treat for hardworking hands. Smaller finds include the Women’s Sock Gift Box (£14.99) featuring three garden-inspired designs, while the Soap Bar (£5.95) and Hand Cream (£7.95), in a fresh rhubarb and mint pairing, offer a little everyday indulgence.

RHS GARDENING TOOLS

The right tools can make time in the garden even more enjoyable, whether it’s tending to everyday jobs or taking on a bigger project. The Gold Leaf Dry Touch Gloves (£22.99) help protect hands during regular gardening, while the Gardening Tool Bag (£75.00) keeps essential kit organised and close at hand.

When pruning calls for extra reach and cutting power, the Telescopic Ratchet Loppers (was £58.99, now £53.09) are a useful addition to the shed. The Meadow Fork and Trowel Set (£26.99) and Pruner and Holster Gift Box (£22.99) make practical gifts, while the Sowing and Potting Tin (£17.99) is a thoughtful choice for anyone who enjoys growing plants from seed.

RHS HOUSEPLANTS

A beautiful plant makes a thoughtful, lasting gift, whether chosen for its distinctive foliage, colourful blooms or seasonal appeal. The Cymbidium ‘Jingle Bells’ orchid (from £62.99) offers a striking floral display, while the Phalaenopsis ‘Boquetto Romantico’ orchid (from £44.99) brings soft pink, lightly scented blooms and is currently advertised with 10% off. For understated elegance, the white Anthurium ‘White Champion’ (£26.99) makes a stylish addition to a bright room. Alternatively, Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Schneeball’ (£26.99) can be enjoyed indoors while flowering, then planted in the garden for future seasonal blooms.

RHS CREATIVE GIFTS

A love of plants can inspire creativity in all sorts of ways. The Botanical Bliss Jigsaw Puzzle (£17.99) and Paint by Numbers (£20.00) offer relaxing ways to enjoy botanical artwork, while the Flower Press Kit (£15.00) lets flower lovers preserve blooms and turn them into keepsakes. Those who prefer to get growing can look forward to scented flowers with The Sweet Pea Grower’s Kit (£34.99), while the Reusable Perpetual Desk Calendar (£7.99) brings botanical illustrations to a desk throughout the year.

RHS EXPERIENCES

From garden visits to creative courses, RHS experiences offer something to look forward to. With free entry to all RHS Gardens and Partner Gardens, RHS Show ticket savings, personalised gardening advice and The Garden magazine, an RHS Gift Membership opens up a whole variety of ways to enjoy the natural world throughout the whole year (reduced from £79.99 to £59.99 from 2 November to 24 December, with a free Burgon & Ball trowel worth £14 for those who activate by 31 January 2027). Or, give them the chance to try something new with an RHS workshop or course, from vegetable growing and forest gardening to botanical art and photography (prices vary).

For gardeners who prefer to choose for themselves, an RHS Gift Card (£5-500) lets you set the amount and leaves them free to pick plants or gardening essentials at participating RHS stores, garden centres and online at RHS Plants. RHS Gift Cards can also be used to purchase RHS Show tickets whether it be world famous RHS Chelsea Flower Show, the new RHS Plant Festival or the return of RHS Flower Show Tatton Park.

Book tickets through Eventbrite HERE.

For further information or assistance, please contact

andy.smith@britishgrowers.org

The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) has responded to the budget, welcoming targeted measures such as changes to the Small Business Rate Relief, but says the Chancellor has missed an opportunity to do more to ease the cost of doing business and give environmental horticulture businesses the confidence to invest and grow.

Fran Barnes, the HTA’s Chief Executive, commented: “The Chancellor described today’s Budget as being ‘for the working people of Britain, for British businesses, big and small’ and said he wanted to give businesses breathing space on the cost of doing business. While there are some welcome announcements, overall the Budget falls short of the action needed to back British businesses, particularly smaller businesses which are the backbone of our economy.

“More than 90% of HTA member businesses are SMEs, many of them family-run. Together, they are an important part of the UK economy, with environmental horticulture contributing £38 billion to UK GDP and supporting 722,000 jobs. Yet our members are weathering a perfect storm of rising costs, climate pressures and uncertainty, all of which affect their confidence and ability to invest, employ and grow.

“Rising employment costs, energy bills, business rates and regulatory pressures remain some of the biggest concerns for our members. Employer National Insurance Contributions (NICs) and increases to the National Living Wage are estimated to add £134 million a year to our sector’s costs.  Our sector has ambitions to grow and a workforce is essential to do that – however, the further 3.9% increase in the National Living Wage announced in this Budget will make it increasingly difficult for businesses to absorb rising payroll costs while remaining competitive, protecting jobs and returning to profitability in the context of the wider cost pressures businesses have had to absorb.  We continue to urge the Chancellor to reduce wider employment cost pressures on industry, including reversing the increase in employer NICs and reviewing the Employment Rights Act. We are disappointed that this broader action has not been delivered.

“We welcome the increase in the Small Business Rate Relief threshold to £18,000 for qualifying retail, hospitality and leisure businesses. This should provide welcome support and some certainty on future costs for eligible garden centres over the next two years, but it will not benefit every business or premises across our diverse sector. Extending the fuel duty freeze and removing import tariffs on fertilisers are further positive steps that can help some businesses manage operating costs. However, these targeted measures do not go far enough to address the cumulative pressures facing our sector.

“The UK-EU Summit on 20 November presents an important opportunity to build on the government’s recent action on tariff suspensions and reducing red tape and secure a meaningful Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) agreement. With 79% of UK growers relying on plant imports, 99% of which come from the EU, reducing unnecessary costs and border disruption is vital to our industry to maintain the supply of trees, plants, bulbs and seeds needed to support UK horticulture. But we need to see momentum from recent government engagement translate into a practical agreement, with immediate easements for our sector and the support needed for implementation.

“Environmental horticulture has an important role to play in the UK’s economic growth, from supporting jobs and investment to creating greener, healthier communities. The government must recognise the value of our sector and ensure its policies give businesses the confidence and stability they need to fulfil that potential. We will continue to work with government to make the case for the businesses behind green growth.”

Blue Diamond Garden Centres, the largest garden centre group in the UK, has released its interim results for the six-month period ending 30 June 2026. These numbers come after a summer of record-breaking heat and illustrate how Blue Diamond is able to stay strong despite industry-wide challenges. 

• Overall sales rose 12.5pc to £216m in the six months to the end of June, while pre-tax profits climbed 16pc to £24m.

• Like-for-like sales up 1.6%, outperforming the Garden Centre Association (GCA) benchmark by 0.8 percentage points and the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) benchmark by 3.4 percentage points.

• Like-for-like restaurant sales up 6.2%, with strong performances in Garden Furniture and Fashion.

• They also announced their 3-year Diddly Squat Farm partnership in this period and completed two new leasehold acquisitions (Leaf Creative and Holt) and one freehold (Highfield Garden World).

• Brands and Partnerships:
• Chelsea Flower Show: The Group won its second consecutive Gold Medal at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, for their drought-resistant immersive display.
• Diddly Squat Farm: Announced a three-year exclusive partnership with Diddly Squat Farm to develop a co-branded range of gardening products.
• YouTube: Blue Diamond's series Step by Step Gardening with David Domoney is now the most popular gardening programme on YouTube, with more than 500,000 viewers per episode.

While there was disruptive weather affecting the industry generally, as well as the obvious challenges in the UK economy and consumer sentiment at large, they are looking forward to the year with confidence. Strong performances across Garden Furniture, Fashion and Restaurants underscored the benefits of BD's diversified strategy.

About Blue Diamond:

Blue Diamond Limited is the UK’s leading garden centre group, operating a portfolio of destination garden centres across the United Kingdom and Channel Islands. The Group offers a comprehensive range of plants, gardening products, garden leisure, home, food and 

hospitality, serving a broad and growing customer base. For more information, visit: www.bluediamond.gg

You can find their trading statement here or click the image above

Investing in future talent

Choice also announced the launch of ‘Choice Champions’, a new talent programme run in partnership with Westland to attract, develop and retain the best people in horticultural retail from within the group. Around 20 colleagues from member centres will join a year-long programme of workshops and visits, and the finalists will present at next year’s conference, where the overall winner will be announced.

Kate Stenner, Choice’s Group Co-Ordinator, said: “Going it alone as an independent is harder than ever, which is why what our members have built together matters so much. There isn’t anything we don’t share: our buying power, our knowledge and our experiences, good and bad. With Choice Champions we are now investing in the people who will lead our centres for the next 25 years.”

Join the group

Choice is open to new members and will continue to grow as the right UK independent garden centres come forward. Membership offers far more than preferential terms, with members keeping complete independence.

Bay View Garden Centre, which joined in 2023, said: “We joined Choice in 2023 confident that membership would benefit our business and help us to grow. In the time since, our membership has become the ‘gift that keeps on giving’.”

Chris Cory of ACW & Woodbank Garden Centres, who joined Choice in November 2025, said: “We are really enjoying the benefits of being a member of Choice, and I only wish we had joined ten years ago. It’s such a great group to be a part of.”

Interested in finding out what membership could offer your business? Joining is relaxed and informal, starting with an open conversation. Geographical restrictions apply around existing member centres. For membership enquiries please email: info@choice-marketing.co.uk.

British Garden Centres held a Press Preview afternoon at Rugby Garden centre last week.  See GTN Xtra's photos from the preview below.

Christmas Stats from BGC Christmas 2025

• 32,265 poinsettias sold
• 35,211 cut trees sold
• 9,776 pot grown trees sold
• TOTAL trees sold: 44,987 (both cut and pot grown)
•  
• 1,139,597m lit length worth of string lights. This is long enough to wrap around the entire circumference of London's M25 motorway nearly 6 times.
• 225,330 single baubles
•  
• Crackers: 45,000 equivalent to 8.39 miles
• Dog Gifts: 635
• Christmas Puddings: 9,324
• Turkey (kg): 17,574
• Pigs in Blankets: 126,364 equivalent to 6.28 miles
• Mince Pies: 14,616
• Christmas dinner served- 22,792
• Festive afternoon tea served- 7,071

• Total number of children who visited Santa at a British Garden Centre 2025: 29,626 

• Not to forget- the 432 dogs who came to meet Santa too!

A caroling choir and Santa himself entertained customers at Blue Diamond Peterborough for their Christmas open evening last week.

See GTN Xtra's gallery of photos from the evening below..

Christmas jumpers were the order of the evening for Dobbies staff at Peterborough as they welcomed customers for their Christmas Opening event.

See GTN Xtra's gallery of photos from the opening evening below.

From countryside-inspired decorations to realistic winter foliage, Floralsilk shares the buying trends shaping Christmas 2026, based on order data across its extensive festive collection.

As a leading supplier of premium artificial flowers, foliage and seasonal decorations to UK garden centres and retailers, Floralsilk has analysed its Christmas 2026 order data to reveal the products and trends driving demand for the season ahead.

Berries are the backbone of winter

Natural, countryside-inspired styling is proving particularly popular, with berries emerging as a particular standout category this year. Floralsilk's Classic Berry Pick is its most ordered product across five colourways, while Rosehip & Blackberry Sprays are featuring regularly in repeat orders.

Realistic greenery is another strong performer, appearing in almost half of customers' top-up orders. Cedar sprays with berries & Eucalyptus proving popular, alongside traditional mistletoe and poinsettias, with hydrangeas, roses and dahlias bringing a fresh botanical approach to festive displays.

Garlands go cedar & frosted

Evergreen garlands are always a popular category. This year, Cedar, frosted cypress and berry-led garlands feature among the leading items this year.

Winter gardens inspire festive styling

Frosted foliage, snowdrops and hellebores are helping create a softer, winter-garden aesthetic, reflecting a move towards natural textures and understated seasonal styling.

Layering & Character decorations capture attention

When it comes to Christmas trees, layering remains key. Glass baubles, decorative bows and metallic stems & picks are being combined to create individual, curated looks.

Characterful decorations with a distinctly British countryside influence are also proving popular, with Floralsilk's Glass Land Rover decoration its most widely purchased decoration of the season, and the robin clips and picks are as popular as ever.

Still time to maximise Christmas sales

With the festive trading period approaching, Floralsilk is encouraging garden centres to review their seasonal ranges and capitalise on proven bestsellers while availability lasts.

A first look at 2027

Floralsilk’s Christmas 2027 collection will be available to order from December 2026. It introduces new themes and 100s of new items. Retailers can book a showroom appointment at their 6500 sq.ft showroom in Bourne, Lincolnshire between 1^st December to 22^nd December to preview the new ranges and place orders ahead of next season.

To top up Christmas 2026 orders or book a 2027 showroom appointment, visit Floralsilk.co.uk/trade

Email Sales@florasilk.co.uk or call 01778 425205