GTN October 2025 - In this issue: RocketGro celebrate 5 years, GTN’s Greatest Christmas Awards 2025 are launched, Successful Choices – Choice Marketing Conference report, Greeting cards and gift packaging in full bloom, Glee 2025 Review starts here, GTN’s Greatest Food & Drink Awards at Glee 2025, Floral Thursday at Glee sets new records for Greenfingers, Glee 2025 New Product Award winners, T&M – Investing in Retail, Greenfingers Garden Openings, The Big Christmas Show kicks off Christmas promotions, Christmas Tree advice from the British Christmas Tree Growers Association, Begonias turning heads and changing minds – GTN Planteria, Horticulture highlights from The Conference 2025, Your business values and your people – HTA Viewpoint.

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

• Birkacre
• Charlecote Garden Centre
• Fakenham Garden Centre
• Meadow Croft
• Parker’s Frinton on Sea
• Perrywood Buckhatch
• Perrywood Sudbury
• Perrywood Tiptree
• Poplar Nurseries
• Summerhill

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here is a link to the Voting QR code:

GTN Greatest Christmas Awards Voting QR code

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

GIMA Buyers Guide & New Product Digest Autumn 2025 - A valuable source of reference for the UK Garden Trade

New Products for the UK Garden Trade for 2025 from GIMA Members: Altico, Auto Pot Global, Avocet Hardware – Greenman Tools, Bees Seeds, Big Cheese (STV), Biohort    , Burgon & Ball, Charles Bentley, Countrywide Bird Food (AE James), Durstons, elho, Evergreen Garden Care, Fandango Fire Tools, Fargro, Feathersnap, Formbar, Gardena, Greenkey, Glee 2026, Handy, Harvest Pet Products, Hex Living, Hortiwool, Hunter Stoves, Johnsons Lawn Seeds, Lava-Lite, Meadow View Stone, Melcourt, Mercia Garden Products, Museums & Galleries, Patio Black Spot Removal Company, Phoenox Textiles, PlantWorks, Primeur, RocketGro, SBM Life Science, SealStop, Sipcam, Smart Garden Products, UK Greetings, Vitavia, Vitax, Westland Horticulture, WHM Pet Foods, Woodmansterne, Zest Outdoor Living, GIMA Member Directory, Garden Press Event.

Sipcam Home & Garden are taking the ecofective® story to the next exciting chapter by launching its latest innovation - Nourish & Bloom, an organic plant feed range powered by natural ingredients.

Nourish & Bloom is an organic plant feed enriched with nature’s best blends to nourish plants. Whether you’re tending balcony pots or cultivating a vegetable patch, Nourish & Bloom feeds flowers, fruits, and vegetables with visible results and lasting impact.

Two Powerful Formats, One Purpose

Nourish & Bloom All Purpose Liquid Plant Food Concentrate is fast, simple, and effective with pure plant power in every drop. This fast-acting liquid formula is perfect for busy gardeners who want visible results without fuss. Enriched with root booster and seaweed to deliver greener leaves, brighter blooms, and healthier roots. It’s safe for kids, pets, pollinators, and the planet - perfect for gardeners who want a little effort to bring a lot of joy. Supplied in a 1.2 litre plastic-saving pouch, it uses up to 70% less plastic than traditional rigid bottles.

Nourish & Bloom All Purpose Granular Plant Food feeds plants for up to six months by releasing goodness slowly and steadily. Simply sprinkle, water in, and let nature take over. With just one application the SoilActivator technology in this format delivers stronger roots, healthy growth, and abundant blooms. Available in 750g and 350g pouches, these granules rebuild tired soils, boost root growth, and keep gardens flourishing season after season.

A Sprinkling of Magic

Healthy plants start with healthy soil, but even the best soil needs support. SoilActivator is the magic blend in Nourish & Bloom Granular Plant Food containing seven strains of beneficial bacteria. Restoring life below the surface this blend creates the perfect conditions for roots and the eco-system to thrive, resulting in richer soil, stronger plants, and more blooms.

To help retailers bring the Nourish & Bloom story to life, Sipcam Home & Garden is launching a vibrant and informative point of sale package. Gondola end kits include shelf edge strips, headers, and side panels, all designed to inspire shoppers with compelling visuals and messaging that support the ‘A Joyful Rebellion’ campaign. This campaign celebrates the joy of gardening with purpose, encouraging consumers to choose products that are good for plants and the planet.

For retailers looking to dual site the product or create a standout feature, a colourful Pure Plant Power free-standing display is also available. This eye-catching unit is ideal for high-traffic areas and seasonal promotions, helping Nourish & Bloom grab attention and drive sales.

Retailers ready to join the ecofective® movement and bring Nourish & Bloom to their customers are invited to speak to Sipcam Home & Garden today - enquiries@sipcamhg.co.uk. Discover how this innovative range can grow your sales while supporting sustainable gardening for all. 

Perrywood Garden Centres has opened its brand new £8.5 million garden centre in Sudbury, Suffolk.  

The purpose-built centre – complete with a 200-seat coffee shop and restaurant – sits just across the driveway from the original garden centre. Local customers have watched it being built for the past year, and the wait is finally over.  

The development is a significant investment for the town, bringing new shopping, dining, and leisure facilities and creating new jobs for the local area. Perrywood has recruited 35 extra team members and plans to continue growing the business.  

What’s inside?  

• 1900 square metres of indoor retail to allow for expanded ranges and bigger departments  
• A spacious outdoor plant area with two canopies  
• A 200-seat restaurant and coffee shop, designed so customers can relax amongst the plants. Table service. App ordering and table bookings will be introduced in the coming weeks.   
• Improved facilities, from a bigger car park with more accessible spaces to family-friendly and accessible toilets.  
• A welcoming team, combining familiar faces with 35 new team members from the local community.  

The team expects turnover to increase by a third in year one, currently at £4.5m. When Perrywood bought the business from Wyevale in 2018, it turned over less than £1m.

The original Perrywood site will not go to waste – plans are already in place to refurbish the old garden centre, with more retail space due to open in 2026.

Perrywood is in talks with several retail partners, but with conversations ongoing, there is still time to express interest by emailing simon@perrywood.co.uk   

“It’s been a huge undertaking and we can fully appreciate why many owners are expanding or operating from older buildings rather than building from scratch, as it’s not for the faint-hearted! Our initial plans were approved in 2021, just before external events sent building and borrowing costs sky high. Planning variations to build on a smaller scale in phase one were approved in 2022, and the build started a year ago,” said Operations Director, Tristan Bourne.

“This is a long-term investment for the future of the business and our family. Moving from owning one garden centre to three has allowed us to operate more efficiently and benefit from economies of scale.”   

Perrywood worked with Pleydell Smithyman to secure planning permission and on the building and restaurant designs.  

• The buildings are from Newspan and Fordingbridge   
• Ground work and building contractor supervision was Ashwell Construction 
• Building fit-out contractor was Phelan Construction 
• Shop fit from Sale Point and Stagecraft  
• Plant benches from Timber Displays and Nostrand

The Leisure and Outdoor Furniture Association (LOFA) has announced that Jim Carter, acclaimed actor and beloved star of stage and screen – best known for his iconic portrayal of butler Mr Carson in the global hit series Downton Abbey – will be attending the LOFA Charity Christmas Lunch in aid of Greenfingers Charity.

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

The LOFA Charity Christmas Lunch will take place on 28 November at The Dorchester Hotel, London, bringing together members of the garden and leisure industry for a festive celebration with purpose. All proceeds from the lunch will go directly to Greenfingers Charity.

Gina Hinde, General Manager at LOFA, said: “We are thrilled and honoured that Jim Carter—who not only graces our screens but also serves as a devoted Patron and champion of Greenfingers Charity – will be joining us at this year’s Charity Christmas Lunch. His passion for gardening and his support for Greenfingers truly embody the spirit of our industry and this event.”

There are only 59 seats remaining, so guests are encouraged to book early to avoid disappointment. The afternoon promises a festive lunch, inspiring stories, fundraising activities, and the opportunity to help make a real difference to children and families in hospices across the country.

For more information about the event or to reserve tickets please use this booking link 

Clair Smith, Jason Perrins, Trudy Hanson and Rachel Winter from Henry Bell enjoy the drinks reception.

Henry Bell & Co celebrated its 200th anniversary in style with guests from across the animal and bird feeds industry gathering at the Belton Woods Hotel in Grantham, Lincolnshire, for a special drinks reception and dinner to mark this extraordinary milestone.

Thomas Lee and Carol Foster with John Mulligan and Tom Mulligan from Albany Insurance.

Stockists and suppliers from around the country joined Managing Director Thomas Lee and Finance Director Carol Foster at the elegant venue for a night filled with good food and drink, great conversation, music from saxophonist Ben Martin and close-up magic from Rich Reynolds. Guests were each presented with a special anniversary etched Dartington Crystal tumbler to commemorate the occasion.

Joe Fildew (Cranswick), Mark Brighton and Stephen Brighton (Bearts)

“What a remarkable moment this anniversary is,” said Thomas. “Henry Bell started out as a flour miller in 1825 and today we supply wild bird and small animals feeds, processed cereals, pulses and horse feeds across the UK, Europe and beyond.

“We wouldn’t be where are today if it wasn’t for the trust and support of our customers and suppliers – and our fantastic team of employees who make it all possible. Our 200th anniversary is an important way to acknowledge what we have and what we have become, and to recognise that we are a fourth-generation family business built on shared purpose.”

 Commercial Director Tony Clare (right), Ben Lee and Alan Gittins from Henry Bell.

Henry Bell National Sales Manager Andrew Mellows chats to fellow guests including Lisa Depoortere and Simon Chanell from Macfarlane Packaging.

Henry Bell Trading Director Simon Parker (left) with Clive and Stefan Ashdown of CW Grain.

Pictured (left to right): Bryan Cooper (Vitax); Mark Butler (Vitax); David Domoney (Greenfingers patron); Linda Petrons (director of fundraising & communications at Greenfingers Charity; Claire Buck (Vitax); Anja Gooding (Vitax chair) & Boyd Douglas-Davies (Greenfingers chair).

Greenfingered gardeners from across the UK have helped to raise £10,000 for national children’s charity Greenfingers, thanks to a popular fundraising initiative driven by Vitax Limited.

Launched last year, Vitax partnered with Greenfingers Charity and pledged to donate 25p from the sale of every 2.5kg promotional pack of Vitax Q4 All Purpose Plant Food (Vitax Q4).

Over the past 12 months, the specially branded promotional packs have taken pride of place on garden centre shelves and have proved popular with gardeners, generating much-needed funds for the charity.

Vitax presented the donation at the opening of a new therapeutic garden at Acorns Children’s Hospice in Walsall—one of many gardens created by Greenfingers to support life-limited children and their families.

Anja Gooding, Vitax’s chair, says: “Greenfingers is a charity that is close to our hearts. Over the past year we have been raising funds through the sale of Vitax Q4 in garden centres and nurseries who have been incredibly supportive of the initiative.

“The positive benefits outdoor spaces can have on both mental and physical wellbeing is remarkable and we’re absolutely thrilled to be able to present Greenfingers with £10,000 to help the charity continue its life-changing work with hospices throughout the UK.

“Presenting the cheque in the grounds of Greenfingers latest therapeutic garden is a fitting tribute as to why we chose them as our charity partner and really brings home why the funds are needed.”

Working with hospices throughout the UK, Greenfingers create specially designed, stimulating garden spaces that can bring many benefits to children with life-limiting conditions. 

The charity’s latest ‘Centred Garden' is the vision of Vanessa and Rachel of Vara Garden Design and built by Paul Taylor Landscaping and will offer children of all ages and abilities the chance to spend precious time together outdoors away from the bedside.

Receiving the cheque on behalf of the charity, Linda Petrons, director of fundraising and communications at Greenfingers, says: “The gardens we create really do make a difference to the children and families who enjoy them, but we could not continue to do so without the support of charity partners like Vitax.

“We know Vitax Q4 is a popular product amongst gardeners, and we are delighted with how much the initiative has raised.

“The donation means so much to the charity and we cannot thank Vitax and everyone who bought a promotional pack enough. Each pack sold has truly made a difference and will enable us to start creating new gardens in the near future.”

September's Garden Centre Association Barometer of Trade shows a ‘strong start to Christmas sales’ and some ‘encouraging’ figures.

From the 13 categories logged by member garden centres, 10 were positive, when compared to 2024, with clothing in the top spot at +12.89%.

GCA Chief Executive, Peter Burks explains: “Members have reported a very encouraging month’s figures for September, helped by the change in the weather, and clearly showing that there was some pent-up gardening demand through the hot conditions across the summer months.

“It’s good to see a very strong start to Christmas sales. It really would be the icing on the cake if this can continue, as it would sign the year off brilliantly. Both gardening and non-gardening categories are doing well – this suggests customers were shopping the whole centre in September, which is a testament to members’ merchandising skills. With the mild weather remaining, hopefully this will continue well throughout the coming month too.”

Christmas came second in the BoT in September, when compared to the same month in 2025, and was up at +12.75%, followed by gifts at +9.67%. Catering came next at +9.2%.

The garden sundries category recorded an uptick of +8.64%, with seeds & bulbs next at +8.09% and food hall/farm shop at +7.16%. Outdoor plants did well too when compared with September 2024, coming in ninth with +3.94% and pets & aquatics was also up by +3.22%.

Those categories that recorded negatively, when likened with September 2024, where houseplants with -5.77% and hard landscaping at -9.09%. Followed in 13th place by furniture & BBQs at -24.47%.

The GCA’s BoT reports covering 13 categories are compiled using actual sales figures and provide an up-to-date trading position statement. They are made available mid-month following the end of the prior month after all member garden centres have submitted their results.

The BoT allows members to compare their trading positions with other centres.

One of Leicestershire’s oldest family-run businesses, Charles Bentley & Son Ltd, is celebrating a remarkable milestone in 2025 as it marks 165 years of trading.

Founded in Loughborough in 1860, the business has grown from humble beginnings as a small brush-making enterprise into the UK’s leading manufacturer of quality brushware and a trusted name supplying a wide range of home, garden, and leisure products.

The anniversary comes at a landmark moment for the company, as James Bentley steps up to take the reins of the business, becoming the sixth generation of the Bentley family to lead the firm. James’ promotion signals a new era for the company, blending fresh ideas with the values and traditions that have guided the business for over a century and a half.

Reflecting on the milestone, James Bentley said: “Celebrating 165 years is an extraordinary achievement and a moment for us to reflect on how far we’ve come as a family and a business. What began here in Loughborough with my great-great-great-grandfather making brushes for chimney sweeps in the Victorian era has grown into a company that now produces and supplies a wide range of products for households across the country. I’m proud to be continuing our family’s legacy, and equally proud of the loyal team of colleagues who make Charles Bentley what it is today.”

Through its sustained investment in local employment and development, Charles Bentley fulfils a vital role in the town’s economic and social fabric. Despite its long history, the company has never stood still. Over the years, Charles Bentley has continually adapted to the changing needs of consumers, expanding from brushes into a wide range of products, embracing e-commerce, and investing in new technology to remain competitive in a fast-moving retail landscape. Today, the business continues to balance its heritage with innovation, supplying products designed to help people enjoy and care for their homes and gardens.

Over its 165 years, Charles Bentley & Son has not only weathered changing market tides but has thrived. The company has driven capital investment in Loughborough, with a £400k automation upgrade that boosted brush-making capacity by a third, and a further significant site expansion planned for the coming months.

Its success has also been recognised with multiple industry awards. The business was named Family Business of the Year at the Niche Business Awards in 2020 and 2021, won the Retailer Support Initiative Award in 2021, and received the Manufacturing Excellence Award at the Midlands Family Business Awards in 2019.

James added: “Our roots will always be at the heart of what we do. As we look to the future, we want to honour the values that have shaped the business over the past 165 years while also embracing new opportunities. We have some big plans in the pipeline, including an expansion of our site here in Loughborough and the launch of an exciting new product range in spring. Watch this space!”

To find out more about the company and explore Charles Bentley’s full range of barbeques and garden furniture, visit: www.charlesbentley.com

Yorkshire Garden Centres – owner of Tong, Tingley, Bingley, Otley and Pennine Garden Centres, plus Dean’s York and Scarborough – has been shortlisted in the Large Business of the Year category, and Dean’s York has been shortlisted in the Rural Business of the Year category of the annual awards, which celebrate Yorkshire’s best in business.

Yorkshire Garden Centres’ MD, Mark Farnsworth, said: “It’s a testament to the efforts of our hard-working team that we have reached the final in two categories at these prestigious awards. We are particularly pleased that Dean’s has reached the final of its first award under our ownership, and we look forward to celebrating the achievements of Yorkshire businesses with our fellow finalists next month.”

In the Large Business of the Year award, Yorkshire Garden Centres faces competition from industry giants including Yorkshire Building Society, Caddick, Regal Food Products Group Plc, Royal Armouries Conference and Events and Siemens Gamesa. Fellow finalists for the Rural Business of the Year award are Drewton's Ltd, Farmer Copleys, Soanes Poultry and Stump Cross Caverns.

The team will learn whether they have been successful at an awards ceremony and gala dinner, which takes place on November 12th at New Dock Hall, Leeds and will be attended by over 300 guests from across the business community.

Now in their 20th year, the Yorkshire Post Business Awards recognise and reward a cross-section of businesses and the vital role they play in Yorkshire’s economic success.

The Horticultural Trades Association continues to lead work to support and share member knowledge on the transition to a peat-free horticulture. A grower workshop, ‘Optimising nutrition and nutrient delivery in peat-free crops’, was the latest in the HTA’s technical workshop programme, aimed at helping growers with their peat-free journey, sharing both their challenges and successes.

During the workshop, held in Cambridgeshire, one of the sessions examined the most common nutritional problems associated with peat-free production and the fertiliser options for addressing them. Attendees learnt about the latest technical research and developments from the RHS Peat-free Fellowship, and the day concluded with a nursery tour of HTA member Chapel Cottage Plants, where growers saw first-hand the peat-free practices they have already implemented and heard more about the challenges they have faced.

Wayne Brough, Technical Horticulture Manager at the HTA, said:

“Many HTA grower members, like Chapel Cottage Plants, have made significant progress in their journey towards peat-free plant production. It hasn’t been an easy journey to move from peat-reduced to peat-free; and there continue to be challenges. Events like we have held this week remain an important tool for our members - to share the excellent progress and knowledge that is out there, to hear from those involved with the RHS peat-free fellowship and growing media manufacturers too. We must celebrate and recognise the success and investment many businesses have made and work together to support the continued transition to peat-free”.

The HTA represents more than 1,400 UK businesses, including growers, retailers, suppliers, growing media manufacturers, designers and landscapers. The entire sector delivers £38 billion to the economy and supports 722,000 jobs. Huge investments, innovation, and progress have already been made in the industry towards the transition to peat-free, but more certainty over the UK peat-free policy is needed. The HTA is calling for a supported transition, including clear guidance from the Government and a focused roadmap.

According to the latest HTA Grower Peat Data (2025), there was a continued reduction in peat usage in the professional growing sector, with overall usage in 2024 at 34.4%. That marks a 5% reduction from 2023 (39.5%). A quarter (25%) of growers reported being peat-free, but there is still a lot of uncertainty around timescales for going peat-free, amongst the majority of growers.

Along with timescales, some of the main challenges HTA members face include managing nutrients and fertilisers, costs and profitability, and irrigation. Many growers have stressed the importance of better knowledge transfer. The HTA is committed to supporting growers with ongoing resources and workshops focused on sustainable growing practices.

HTA members can access guidance and technical information to assist with the transition to peat-free growing media on the Grower Technical Support pages. More information and in-depth reports can also be found at hta.org.uk/peat.

Manchester-based garden retailer J. Parker’s welcomed renowned garden presenter Frances Tophill to its recently acquired Daisy Nook Garden Centre in Failsworth to hold a community fundraising event in support of local homelessness charity Petrus, while also inspiring the next generation of gardeners with a free workshop for local school children.

At the event, which was the first of its kind event for the business, Frances delivered a talk on the theme of ‘there is no right and wrong in gardening’. In the discussion, she explored topics such as gardens being not just an extension of our homes but of our personalities; the different ways of growing and being with the land; and how breaking the gardening rule book helps to create a harmonious and happy relationship between people and their gardens.

The talk was followed by an insightful Q&A, where attendees shared the different ways they curate their identities through their gardens. Ticket sales from the event raised £2,000, with all proceeds going towards the great work that Petrus does to support people affected by homelessness in Oldham, Rochdale, and Burnley.

Later in the day, Frances also hosted a free workshop for local school children, helping to continue her passionate work in promoting horticulture as a healthy interest for young people across the UK. Fifty students from Broadfield Community Primary School in Rochdale, Brian Clarke Academy in Oldham, and Holy Name Primary School in Manchester were invited to take part in the interactive demonstration, where they learnt how to plant using the bulb lasagne technique. The session encouraged them to build practical gardening skills and curiosity, with the goal of inspiring and supporting young people to develop a love for gardening.

Frances Tophill said, “To have the chance to meet some lovely gardeners, and potentially the next generation of gardeners, growers and ecologists, all rolled into a fun day of conversation and learning is a lovely thing to be involved with anyway. But for the whole thing to make a contribution towards tackling homelessness and making a difference to those in society who need our help, thoughts and actions the most, is a genuine privilege. Hopefully, others will follow the example of J. Parker’s and use our voice and resources to enact positive change wherever we can.”

The event marks the beginning of an expanded programme of community activity spearheaded by J. Parker’s across Greater Manchester. After acquiring the garden centre earlier this year, maintaining the legacy of the Daisy Nook site, alongside growing the J. Parker’s business, has been a pivotal mission for the expansion of the garden retail brand.

As well as offering a minimum of 24 free talking events each year, J. Parker’s will be expanding its programme of panel-style events in the coming months. These will feature local experts and guest speakers sharing insights with local gardening enthusiasts, all whilst raising funds to support local charities, and strengthening ties within the community.

To build on the important work with young people in the local area, J. Parker’s will also be launching a free monthly gardening club in January 2026. These sessions will be hosted at the Daisy Nook site and will form part of wider plans to develop educational support to local schools and keen young gardeners within Manchester.

Edward Doherty, Marketing Manager at J. Parker’s, said “We are delighted to have had Frances pop along today and give such an insightful, fun and interesting talk to local gardeners here in Manchester. It has been great to share our commitment to community engagement with her and raise some funds to help Sonia, Silvana and the amazing team at Petrus to continue the work they do.  In particular, it has been great for the local school children to come along and meet her in person, experiencing first hand her genuine passion for developing the next generation of gardeners. Every one of the children left with a great smile on their face.”

Woodlands Home & Garden Group’s consumer retail brand Tiger has launched its 20th UK show site, located at Dobbies Garden Centre, Andover.

The new site builds on Tiger’s successful franchise expansion strategy, which has more than doubled its retail footprint in 2025 alone. Franchisee Andrew Fox, owner of Test Valley Garden Buildings, is leading the operation, offering Tiger’s bestselling range of sheds, summerhouses, workshops and log cabins to customers in Hampshire.

Andrew Fox, the owner of Test Valley Garden Buildings, explains further: "It’s a great opportunity to be running Tiger’s 20th UK site here in Andover. The brand has a strong following, and customers recognise the quality and durability of Tiger products. With the increasing strength of the network comes additional advantages such as extensive installation coverage, advertising support and a wonderfully wide range of garden building models - with extensive options to offer bespoke designs tailored specifically to the customer’s needs. We’re excited to serve the local community and confident of building a successful business with the strong backing that the Tiger brand provides.”  

Sam Jenkinson, Head of Marketing at Tiger comments: “Reaching 20 sites is an important milestone for us, and Andover is the perfect location. The relationship with a number of garden centre chains gives us high-footfall retail environments, and the franchise model continues to deliver strong results, with several partners already taking on additional sites – and also, as in this case, helping to bring other franchisee operators to us.”

The new show site is located at Dobbies Garden Centre Andover, Salisbury Rd, Andover SP11 7DN and is open from 9am until 5pm on Monday to Saturday and 10.30am until 4.30pm on Sunday. 

Cadeby Tree Trust from Leicestershire has won the accolade of providing the Christmas tree for display outside 10 Downing Street after being crowned Champion Christmas Tree Grower of the Year 2025.

The winner of Champion Festive Wreath of the Year 2025 is first-time competition entrants Strawson Woodland of Lincolnshire and they will provide the wreath for the door of the famous residence.

The runner up for Champion Christmas Tree Grower of the Year 2025 is Scottish Christmas Trees from Dumfries and Galloway.

Organised by the British Christmas Tree Growers Association (BCTGA), the annual competition has been running since 1999 and is open to its 300 members across the UK.

The competition, headline sponsored by Agrii, was held at Stoke Goldington Christmas Trees, near Newport Pagnell, Milton Keynes (on Thursday 9th October). Agrii harnesses intelligence for farmers to give the best agronomic advice.

The winning tree and wreath were chosen by members of the BCTGA who attended the competition day.

South Yorkshire farmer and YouTuber Joe Seels was a special guest for this year’s competition and selected a Norway Spruce tree for the Celebrity Choice Award from Marldon Christmas Tree Farm, Devon for its “perfectly triangular shape, fullness from top to bottom and evocative festive scent”.

Joe’s Celebrity Choice Award for a wreath went to Catsfield Christmas Tree Farm, East Sussex. Its design included reindeer decorations, which Joe picked for being “something that children would like, because Christmas is all about children”. 

Oliver Coombe, Vice Chair of BCTGA, said: “The quality of entries continues to improve year after year as the industry strives to produce a better product for consumers. All of our growers can be proud of the results of their hard work year-round to produce excellent trees, not least our winners who will now supply the tree and wreath for Downing Street as gifts to the nation – showcasing to the public why they should buy local and buy real trees.”

The Photo of the Year award, with the theme of ‘Wildlife in Christmas Tree Plantations’, offered members the chance to highlight the natural beauty of real Christmas trees. The winning Christmas tree grower supplies the Christmas tree for the Foreign Office

The winner was from Infinity Christmas Trees, Herefordshire, while competition host Stoke Goldington Christmas Trees, Buckinghamshire was named runner up.

Awards included:

Champion Christmas Tree Grower of the Year – supplier of 2025 tree for 10 Downing St Winner:Cadeby Tree Trust, Leicestershire (Norway Spruce)

Runner Up: Scottish Christmas Trees, Dumfries and Galloway (Nordmann Fir)

Best Pine

Winner: Cadeby Tree Trust, Leicestershire

Best Norway Spruce, sponsored by Højgård Planteskole/Nursery

Winner: Cadeby Tree Trust, Leicestershire

Runner Up: Newburgh Christmas Trees, North Yorkshire 

Best Spruce Other 

Winner: Oakberry Trees, Leicestershire

Runner Up: Cadeby Tree Trust, Leicestershire

Best Nordmann Fir, sponsored by Bertie by Airflow

Winner: Croft Christmas Trees, North Yorkshire

Runner Up: Scottish Christmas Trees, Dumfries and Galloway

Highly Commended: Gower Fresh Christmas Trees, Wales

Best Fir Other

Winner: Dartmoor Christmas Trees, Devon

Runner Up: Cadeby Tree Trust, Leicestershire

Best Container Grown Tree, sponsored by ICL

Winner: Cadeby Tree Trust, Leicestershire

Runner Up: Bishops Offley Christmas Trees, Staffordshire

Celebrity Choice Tree: Marldon Christmas Tree Farm, Devon

Celebrity Choice Wreath: Catsfield Christmas Tree Farm, East Sussex

Photo of the Year Award, sponsored by Citation

Winner: Infinity Christmas Trees, Herefordshire

Runner Up: Stoke Goldington Christmas Trees, Buckinghamshire

Innovation Award, sponsored by The Professional Sprayers People

Winner: ICL and their Fibagro Advance Pot Topper FT
Runner Up: Hans Christmas Andersen, Surrey, with ‘The Christmas Tree Swap Shop’

Wreaths

Champion Festive Wreath: Strawson Woodland, Lincolnshire

Best Natural Wreath 

Winner: Dartmoor Christmas Trees, Devon

Runner Up: Strawson Woodland, Lincolnshire

Best Decorated Wreath, sponsored by The Fruity Farmer

Winner: Strawson Woodland, Lincolnshire

Runner Up: Welford Christmas Tree Farm, Northamptonshire 

Grimsby Garden Centre is celebrating 10 years of growth, community, and wellbeing under Navigo’s ownership, a decade of nurturing minds and gardens alike through plants, training, and therapeutic activities.

To mark the milestone, the garden centre is inviting everyone to join a free community potting day on Saturday 1 November, from 10am to 3pm.

Visitors can get their hands dirty potting flower and vegetable seeds to take home, enjoy 10% off all Christmas stock, and be part of a fun, feel-good day celebrating a decade of growing together.

Since Navigo took ownership in 2015, Grimsby Garden Centre has grown into a thriving social enterprise that reinvests profits back into site upkeep, development, and local mental health services.

Highlights from the past 10 years include:

• Swiftly pivoting from bricks-and-mortar to a COVID-safe delivery model during the 2020 lockdown, ensuring people could still access the wellbeing benefits of gardening when little other activities were available.
• Doubling the size of the eatery and rebranding Café Blue as the much-loved Potting Shed, which reopened in May 2021 and has since served thousands of meals and hot drinks to customers.
• Being selected as one of the nation’s Small Biz 100 in 2022, recognising its contribution to local employment, therapeutic programmes, and the community.
• Creating an onsite therapeutic allotment to share gardening expertise with service users and volunteers – helping to boost mental health, wellbeing and skills.

The centre runs a growing programme of volunteering, training, and therapeutic horticulture supporting Navigo and Nurtrio service users and local organisations such as Linkage.

Over the last year alone, 51 people took part in therapeutic horticulture at the allotment, building confidence, routine, and meaningful social connections.

Over the years, several staff members began their journey at the garden centre receiving support but went on to secure paid roles in the centre, some remain part of the team and others have progressed elsewhere.

Simon Beeton, Chief Executive of Navigo, said: “Back in 2015, our vision for Grimsby Garden Centre was simple but ambitious. We wanted to create a place where nature, training, and mental health support come together. We wanted Navigo to be rooted in a well-loved community space, breaking down stigma, offering meaningful work and therapeutic opportunities, and reinvesting into mental health services. Ten years on, the centre continues to do exactly that, it’s a space of community, purpose and real impact for people across North East Lincolnshire.”

Louis Dyble (pictured right), allotment attendee, said: “My favourite thing about being at the allotment is being able to get out of the house and do something physical as well as taking my mind off overthinking. I think if I did not come here, I would just be at home on my own. Everybody’s great here, Mandy [support and engagement worker] really helps as well because she understands people come here with different issues.”

Craig Champion (pictured top), Garden Centre Manager, said: “I’ve been here long before Navigo took the reins, but there’s much more purpose in my role now. I look forward to coming to work each day, knowing the income we generate helps maintain and develop the centre and supports local mental health services. I’m proud of my team, our colleagues, the service users and volunteers, and the progress they make. I’m proud to be part of it.”

The UK’s definitive showcase for Home, Gift, and Fashion, Spring Fair 2026 returns to the NEC Birmingham from 1-4 February, and registration is now officially open for buyers. https://www.springfair.com/visitor-registration

For over 75 years, Spring Fair has united the best of retail, bringing together thousands of brands, suppliers, and buyers to discover, collaborate, and shape the seasons ahead. The 2026 edition marks a new era for the event, with an expanded footprint, a re-energised visitor experience, and a bold new programme of content, networking, and design-led innovation. Spring Fair 2026 is where the retail year begins and attending means being part of the most influential trade event in British retail.

Visitors can expect a series of immersive, sensory, and beautifully designed new feature spaces that reimagine what trade shows can be, as well as an immense line-up of the most sought-after brands.

Spring Fair remains the largest global showcase for gift, home, and fashion brands, with over 1,200 exhibitors and 38% of products exclusive to the show. Buyers can explore more than 1 million products across curated destinations, discovering the bestsellers that will define the 2026 retail landscape.

Returning signature destinations include Gift, Home, Living & Décor, The Summer House Edit, Christmas, Festive & Floral, Greetings, Party & Celebration, Beauty & Wellbeing, Fashion, and Everyday, with exciting new Fashionand Design sectors set to be revealed soon.

Thousands of leading brands have already confirmed their attendance at Spring Fair 2026, including Coach House, My Gifts Trade, Candlelight, Louise Tiler, Gift Republic, Bedeck, Brainbox Candy, Rex International, Chalk, Powder Design, Hill Interiors, Bloomingville, Talking Tables, Nordic Style, Ulster Weavers, Joe Davies, Keel Toys, and Ty UK, alongside a wealth of new exhibitors making their debut.

Spring Fair also continues to champion innovation and emerging talent through its New Business Pavilions, #SBS Village in partnership with Theo Paphitis, and the Gift of the Year Showcase, giving buyers direct access to the next generation of design-led makers and creators. The Cardgains Village and GCA Debut Pavilion will once again unite established publishers and new voices from across the greetings and stationery sectors.

A major highlight of the 2026 edition is the launch of Fashion at Spring Fair, a brand-new destination dedicated to style, creativity, and trend-driven sourcing. Bringing together apparel, accessories, and jewellery under one inspiring roof, the new fashion hub responds directly to buyer demand for a fashion-first showcase that connects leading and emerging brands with retailers seeking fresh, commercial collections. Located just 1 hour away from London, this is where industry game-changers are born, breakthrough collections emerge, and brands make their mark.

Confirmed exhibitors include Urban Bliss, Lighthouse Clothing, Nina Murati, Isle & Stars, Luella, Girl in Mind, and Rock Luggage, alongside jewellery and accessories brands Scream Pretty, Bill Skinner, Ayala Bar, Yoshi, and Eloise London. The New Business Pavilion will also spotlight up-and-coming names such as Nudie Jewellery, Artemis Muse, and Livia Betancourt.

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

New for 2026 from British garden equipment manufacturer Handy, the Webb Pressure Washer Range is designed to offer customers a versatile home and garden cleaning experience at an excellent price point.

There are three mains-powered models in the range: the Webb 105 Bar, 120 Bar, and 165 Bar Pressure Washers.

The Webb WEPW1400 is a compact and practical choice, delivering 105 bar of pressure from a 1400W motor with a 330 litres per hour flow rate and a five-metre high-pressure hose. Supplied with fan jet and turbo nozzles as well as a wash brush, it’s perfectly suited to cars, bikes and smaller outdoor spaces.

For extra capability, the WEPW1500 offers 120 bar of pressure and a 1500W motor producing 360 litres per hour. With a six-metre hose, fan jet and turbo nozzles, plus a wash brush and patio cleaner included, it’s ideal for patios, decking, and driveways.

At the top of the range, the WEPW2200 delivers 165 bar of pressure with a 2200W motor and 468 litres per hour flow rate. Like the WEPW1500, it comes with fan jet and turbo nozzles, a wash brush, and a patio cleaner, making it perfect for the most demanding outdoor cleaning tasks.

“With a reputation for quality gardening machinery, we’re delighted to introduce our latest pressure washer range. By listening to our customers’ needs, this line-up provides a high value offering that caters to everyday domestic cleaning through to more demanding gardening and patio jobs, combining power, robustness, and affordability,” comments Mark Moseley, Sales and Marketing Director for Handy.

Designed for both performance and practicality, the new Webb Pressure Washer Range features lightweight, compact models that are easy to move and store, while onboard hose storage and detergent systems keep everything tidy and ready to use. Backed by a three-year warranty, the range combines robust construction, user-friendly features, and a versatile line-up covering multiple price points.

Order now for March 2026 delivery! To discover more on the new Webb Pressure Washer Range, and to purchase direct, visit Webb’s Trade website www.handys.co.uk or visit webbgardenpower.co.uk

EGO Power+, a leading specialist of battery-powered outdoor power equipment, has introduced a new Backpack Blower to its PRO X series of durable tools for heavy-duty professional users.

Harnessing the power of two EGO 56V ARC Lithium batteries with PeakPower technology, the LBPX1100 is the most powerful battery-powered backpack blower on the market today, delivering an impressive 36N of blowing force.

Built for professionals, the variable speed trigger with lock allows the user to stay in control as the blower handles even the most demanding clear-ups. And with low noise levels and an IPX5 rating, it can be used at any time of day, in all weather conditions. 

As part of the PRO X series, the blower is compatible with EGO’s next-generation battery charging solution to ensure that this robust product always has the power it needs to work throughout the day.

Neil McGuinness, Product Manager for EGO, said: “We have developed the LBPX1100 to answer our customer’s requests for a backpack blower that can deliver even more power than our current offering. At EGO, we go full throttle when it comes to power and performance, which is why our response was to create a trailblazing backpack blower that provides the highest power output of any battery-powered blower on the market.

“Unmatched power and performance, however, means we’ve had to put a lot of focus on the ergonomics of the product. With a blower that can work all day, we needed to make sure that it is comfortable to work with for long hours.”

Designed ergonomically, the premium padded harness allows for greater comfort, as do the adjustable handles which can pivot up and down, as well as extend or retract in length. Velcro straps have also been added for easy positioning, while the two batteries slot on either side of the backpack to ensure that the tool is centrally balanced on the user’s back.

Powerful LED lights are available for use in low-lit environments while an LCD display shows real-time monitoring, operating status, and battery fuel gauge.

The LBPX1100 Backpack Blower retails at £599.

To learn more, visit: https://egopowerplus.co.uk/products/blowers/lbpx110000-backpack-leaf-blower

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Bents Garden & Home has announced the promotion of Jo Derbyshire to Finance Director, a move which further strengthens the management structure at the Warrington-based business.

Established by Alfred and Margaret Bent in 1937, Bents will celebrate its 90th anniversary in 2027 and, whilst it remains a strong family business, it is putting succession plans in place for the fourth generation of the Bent family.  Jo’s appointment to the board is a significant step in this process and she joins Emma Kelly, Commercial Director as a non-family member to help guide its future direction and strategy. 

Jo joined Bents in 2022 as Head of Finance and IT, bringing with her a wealth of experience from Pets at Home and Missguided.  Says Matthew, Managing Director: “From the moment she arrived, Jo fitted in seamlessly adapting to our culture and values with ease and bringing fresh perspective and energy to our business.   

“She shares our family vision and standards and has introduced new ways of thinking that have strengthened our financial decision-making and positively influenced the way we operate. It is a hugely well-deserved promotion and we’re excited to see what the future holds with Jo on our board of directors.”

Says Jo: “Having been part of the Bents family business for the past three years, I’ve seen first-hand the passion, creativity, and commitment that drive the business and family forward. I’m looking forward to building on this strong foundation and working with the team to support our continued growth and innovation, ensuring we remain a much-loved destination for our customers and community.”

Jo’s new role will include additional directorship duties and deputising in the absence of the Managing Director.  The appointment has been made following extensive and on-going work with Juliette Johnson Consultancy, which is dedicated to supporting and advising families in business and are helping to plan and prepare Bents Garden & Home for future generations and independent growth. 

The Royal Horticultural Society has published a new report that for the first time maps the UK’s gardens – domestic, public and private – and the people inspired to grow in them.  

The State of Gardening paints a picture of a hugely popular practice already benefitting people and planet but with the potential to reap far greater environmental and societal reward if better understood, recognised and supported by policymakers.

The RHS, working in collaboration with Gentian, assessed ultra-high resolution satellite imagery and used AI and machine learning algorithm technology to provide precise insights into cultivated green space across Britain including form and function such as number of trees, ponds, and ground cover.

Researchers plotted 25.8 million gardens in Great Britain amounting to 959,800 hectares or 4.6% of the total land area. The provision of garden and green space varies across the UK with 41% of London categorised as garden versus just 19% in Leeds, 25% in Edinburgh and 27% in Cardiff.

20.6 million of the total are domestic gardens – front and / or back - accounting for 502,757 hectares. The mapping work found that:

• The average domestic garden is 244m – that’s nine tenths of a tennis court.
• 19 million trees can be found in Great Britain’s domestic gardens and 50.5 million across all cultivated green space - six times more than London’s entire urban forest.
• Just 0.15% of domestic garden is artificial lawn but this still accounts for 7.5million m while artificial grass across all cultivated green space stands at 18million m²  - more than six times the size of the City of London
• More than a third (35%) of domestic gardens comprises lawn, with 25.8% under trees and 11% as flower beds.
• 42% of domestic garden space is paved over (55% of front garden space and 36% of back garden space), reducing gardens potential to cool, capture pollution, support biodiversity, carbon sequestration and storage, and restricting rainwater absorption by the soil and exacerbating flooding.

Accompanying RHS polling also reveals the number of adult gardeners – defined as those who garden at least once a month – to be 34million¹ . Of those that said they hadn’t gardened in the last 12 months more than a third (38%) cited not having access to an indoor or outdoor space.

Across the UK 2.5million adults have gardened in their community in the last three years. 14.7 million more people said they were interested in gardening in the community, with two fifths of community gardening groups (47%) reporting an increase in volunteer numbers. But, over half of groups (56%) fear for their viability, with more than a quarter (30%) surviving on budgets below £500 per year. And just 3% own their own land. 

This is in spite of the majority of community gardens saying they exist to bring their community together (85%), benefit participants’ physical (80%) and mental (79%) wellbeing, and encourage enjoyment of gardening (79%). Improving biodiversity and wildlife habitats (76%) and creating cleaner, greener or more attractive surroundings (71%) were also important motivations for many community gardeners. 

To maximise the benefits of cultivated green space and protect them for the future the RHS is urging:

1. Policymakers to guarantee “Space to Grow” in all housing and urban planning, so every household has access to a garden
2. Homeowners to consider robust planting and permeable paving for front garden driveways to help mitigate flood risk and promote the cooling potential of gardens as well as support biodiversity
3. Local councils to ensure diversity in tree planting, prioritising those species that will respond best to climate change 
4. Developers to design gardens with water channelling, capture and storage facilities to help future proof them 

Clare Matterson, Director General at the RHS, said: “Gardens are the most important touchstone to nature, fostering an active engagement in and understanding of plants and wildlife. That there isn’t equality in access to growing space in the UK reinforces the need to shore up garden provision in the 1.5million new homes promised by government this parliament. It also demonstrates the need to ring-fence space and increase support and funding for the community growing spaces that should be considered an infrastructural basic. 

“For too long the reach, impact and potential of gardens has been largely overlooked. Understanding the who, what, where and why of gardening is a crucial step in the RHS, partners and local and national government helping to build more resilient and sustainable places.” 

The State of Gardening and accompanying Space to Grow: realising the potential of the community gardening movement reports also found:

• More than 33 million adults garden at least once a month in the UK, but less than a quarter (24%) – 12.7million - consider themselves gardeners. 
• Roses and specifically ‘Gertrude Jekyll’ are among the most popular garden plant in the four home nations. In Northern Ireland the top plant is Rosa lucieae.
• Gardens provide habitats for over 40% of all UK birds and mammals, 62% of amphibians and reptiles and 56% of all butterflies.
• Around 1 in 3 of assessed cultivated plants are threatened in cultivation and 1 in 6 endangered in cultivation.
• 60% of UK children report gardening at least once a month.
• Domestic gardeners cited perceived improvements to mental health (77%), physical health (76%) and social wellbeing (44%) as an impact of gardening. While more than half (52%) actively gardened in support of wildlife in the last year.

The RHS will repeat The State of Gardening every three years enabling the public, industry and policymakers to track the size and shape of cultivated garden space and engagement with it over time. The findings will also inform the charity’s outreach activities from 2026. 

The State of Gardening and Space to Grow reports are available to view via the RHS website: www.rhs.org.uk.

Over 2026 the RHS will be calling on the nation to join the charity in ‘Bringing Nature Home’, an initiative that will highlight how plants are the foundation for all biodiversity and how our nation of gardeners is at the frontline in protecting biodiversity and fighting climate change.

The RHS believes that the domestic garden is the unsung biodiversity powerhouse, hosting thousands of species, some still unknown to science, and that gardens urgently need to be recognised as a nationally important habitat to conserve, protect and support life to maintain a healthy planet and people. 

Gardeners directly experience the impact of drought, flooding, extreme weather, and by cultivating plants are at the forefront of biodiversity, environmental protection and climate change resilience, with their garden spaces supporting over 50% of the nation’s butterflies, amphibians and reptiles, and more than 40% of bird and mammal species.* 

Despite this, whilst gardens have some recognition in Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) metrics under urban habitat classifications, these spaces are excluded from post-development gains due to concerns around securing future management. The RHS believes this undervalues their ecological role and is calling on government to recognise gardens as discrete, measurable habitats within BNG frameworks to reflect their true value and contribution to biodiversity.

The 2025 RHS State of Gardening Report highlights that ‘cultivated plant diversity’, is an area three times bigger than all of UKs National Nature Reserves combined and is a critical, yet undervalued, resource that supports human health, biodiversity and climate resilience. 

Professor Alistair Griffiths, Director of Science and Collections at the RHS says: “When people talk about the biodiversity crisis or nature loss they [generally] think about loss of wild plants or wildlife, they rarely think how cultivated plants and trees are also at risk and make a significant positive impact to our lives and our damaged planet.   There are over 50 million trees growing in UK gardens forming a vital infrastructure that cools cities, stories carbon and supports wildlife.

“We urgently need people of all ages to appreciate the UK’s gardens and garden plants not only for their beauty, but also how we can use them to help mend our fragile planet for future generations”.

“With over 2,670 species of plants and animals being found in one typical UK garden** – there couldn’t be a more appropriate place to ‘Bring Nature Home’ than your own outside space, be it your balcony, doorstep, your community, school, work garden, or your own private garden.”

A key element of Bringing Nature Home will be to celebrate the RHS Wildlife Wonders ‘Plant of the Month’*** showing how each of the plants support wildlife, as well as raising awareness that cultivated plants are a fundamental way to fight the biodiversity and climate crises and nature deficit disorder.  

“There is growing recognition of plant blindness – people see and care about the fauna but less about the flora.  And the flora is crucial for all life on earth.”

The RHS Cultivated Plant database contains more than 308,000 entries.  The Plant Heritage Threatened Plants Project has assessed over 133,000 cultivated plants, of these around one in three (48,000) plants in cultivation are threatened and around one in six (21,000) plants in cultivation are endangered.  

“Without urgent action” Continues Alistair, “We risk losing irreplaceable plants, which are not just ornamental; they’re vital for climate resilience, biodiversity, and human wellbeing.  Through Bringing Nature Home, we will be championing how future-proofing our gardens by identifying climate-resilient species, preserving propagation knowledge, and embedding cultivated plants and their conservation into government biodiversity and climate strategies is essential to ensure this diversity survives and thrives in a changing world.” 

Another key activity in 2026 will be an RHS Bringing Nature Home Biodiversity themed display at RHS Chelsea Flower Show and wider RHS Shows, which will engage visitors and celebrate how the diversity of plants and features in gardens support an important abundance of other life.

At RHS Gardens over summer there will be family activities and Flower Shows promoting ways to Bring Nature Home and much more planned to encourage hundreds and thousands of visitors and millions more to better appreciate that plant biodiversity is the foundation for all biodiversity, from root systems and fungi to trees and shrubs, plants will safeguard the future.

The Fragrance House Group has launched its new trade website, designed to make it faster and simpler for retailers to discover, order and restock across the group’s portfolio of home-fragrance and skincare brands.

Built for speed, clarity and convenience, the platform brings together the entire collection in one place, with modern navigation and always-up-to-date product information.

The new Fragrance House Group trade website has been designed to make ordering faster, simpler, and more flexible for retailers. Buyers can now choose between placing orders on their usual 30-day terms (subject to approval) or paying instantly online - whichever suits their buying cycle best. With one basket covering all brands across the Group, it’s easier than ever to reach free-shipping thresholds, trial new ranges, and streamline replenishment. Retailers also benefit from a single invoice and delivery, reducing paperwork and admin. Combined with quick search, clean navigation, and up-to-date product information, the new site makes ordering from The Fragrance House Group a smooth, time-saving experience from start to finish.

“Retailers told us they wanted speed, flexibility and fewer touchpoints,” said David Brown, Director at The Fragrance House Group. “Our new trade site delivers exactly that - while opening up cross-shopping across our brands so stores can top up bestsellers and test new ranges in the same basket.”

The Fragrance House Group confirmed the new website strengthens - not replaces  – its UK agent network.  “Our agents remain essential partners,” added David. “The site simply gives retailers more ways to buy; agents gain better tools, faster information flow and broader opportunities to grow accounts.”

Reflecting the group’s “from field to fragrance” ethos, every ingredient is responsibly grown and harvested before being expertly crafted into fine fragrances at its dedicated base in France. By combining traditional French perfumery expertise with modern innovation, The Fragrance House Group maintains exceptional quality and consistency while offering retailers outstanding value and service.

The Fragrance House Group is a UK-based collective of home-fragrance and skincare brands, united by their field to fragrance commitment to ingredient quality, thoughtful making and retailer-friendly service. The Group supports independent stores, garden centres and specialty retailers with compelling ranges, consistent supply and practical, profitable merchandising.

Request trade access at: www.tfhltd.co.uk

A leading trade association has said the latest Office for National Statistics figures showing a 13% increase in shoplifting offences to 529,994 incidents confirm the retail crime crisis that independent retailers across Britain have been experiencing daily.

The ONS figures, released by the Home Office, align with the British Independent Retailers Association's (Bira) own latest crime survey of independent retailers, which revealed that 83% say theft has worsened over the past year, with physical abuse incidents nearly doubling.

Whilst overall theft offences recorded by police have decreased by 4%, the sharp 13% rise in shoplifting - alongside a 5% increase in theft from the person to 145,860 offences - demonstrates that retail crime continues to surge. These sharp rises since the pandemic show no sign of abating.

However, Bira's own crime survey shows the vast majority of crimes now go unreported - 91% of physical abuse incidents and 47% of thefts - because retailers have lost faith in police response. When incidents are reported, only 16.7% lead to prosecution. This means that Bira believes the true scale of retail crime is far greater than even the official ONS figures suggest, with repeat offenders accounting for nearly 70% of incidents according to Bira members.

Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira, said: "We welcome the Government's commitment to 3,000 additional neighbourhood officers by March 2026 and the Crime and Policing Bill measures, including ending the £200 theft loophole and creating a new offence for assaulting retail workers. However, we urge swift implementation of the Government's Winter of Action - the renewed focus on tackling shop theft in town centres following the summer crime blitz - and call for consistent police response standards across all forces. We would also like to see greater use of community behaviour orders (CBOs) in order to deal with the perennial offenders. Independent retailers are the backbone of our high streets and need visible support now to protect their businesses, their staff, and their livelihoods."

Bira said it will continue to monitor crime figures through its bi-annual crime survey of independent retailers and will be presenting these findings to the Home Office, police forces, and policymakers across the UK, calling for sustained action to protect Britain's high streets.

Got a great idea for a gorgeous garden? Why not bring your design to life at next year’s BBC Gardeners’ World events. Applications for the 2026 Beautiful Borders competition are now open for the flagship BBC Gardeners’ World Live at the NEC Birmingham (18-21 June), the BBC Gardeners’ World Spring Fair at Beaulieu in Hampshire (1-3 May) and the BBC Gardeners’ World Autumn Fair at Audley End House and Gardens in Saffron Walden in Essex (11-13 September).

Whether you’re an experienced garden designer or amateur gardener, a student or school gardening club, or a charity or community group, BBC Gardeners’ World events want to hear from you. The Beautiful Borders are an exciting opportunity to share your talents and skills, imagination and love of plants with tens of thousands of gardening fans. Measuring just 9m2, the Beautiful Borders are miniature wonders, brimming with fresh inspiration for small gardens.

The creative theme for the 2026 Beautiful Borders competition is ‘Once Upon a Time’, inviting entrants to show how even the smallest garden space can become a storybook. Visitors will be transported into a world where imagination blooms and every detail tells a tale. Whether inspired by a special memory, a journey towards health and wellbeing, a personal achievement, dream or meaningful moment, creating a Beautiful Border is a great opportunity to tell a story through plants, colour and design. It’s personal stories and lived experiences that the BBC Gardeners’ World events team are looking for rather than film or book interpretations. Limited bursaries of £250 are available for plants and props.

BBC Gardeners’ World events’ friendly, experienced horticultural team supports entrants every step of the way, from application through build and to final reveal. Borders are assessed on site by expert assessment panels, with medals, awards and constructive feedback for every entrant. The top awards are Best Beautiful Border, Best Interpretation of the Theme, and Best BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Subscriber Border, with a People’s Choice award for visitors’ favourite design.

Lucy Tremlett, Event Director at Immediate Live, organisers of BBC Gardeners’ World events, said: “The Beautiful Borders are a hugely popular feature at our events, with visitors spoilt for choice for brilliant ideas for their own gardens. The designers put so much effort, planning and creativity into their Borders, many of them drawing on personal stories and lived experiences for inspiration. Gardens are great places for storytelling, and we can’t wait to see how this year’s entrants bring the Once Upon a Time theme to life.” 

Winners of the ‘best in show’ Beautiful Borders and Platinum awards in 2025 were:BBC Gardeners’ World Live: The One to Three Border, designed by Anita Rose (pictured above) to foster connections between oneself, others and nature. Anita’s Border featured different seating scenarios for reflection and quiet contemplation. BBC Gardeners’ World Spring Fair: The 160th Unbirthday of Alice in Wonderland by Briony and Jonathan Dakic. This floral take on the Mad Hatter's Tea Party was a colourful celebration of 160 years of Lewis Carroll’s classic tale. BBC Gardeners’ World Autumn Fair: Conversation in Bloom by Charlotte Hugh was a stunning, nature-inspired space to talk.

Alex Valk, a BBC Gardeners’ World Live 2025 Gold award winner, said: “The Beautiful Borders gave me a chance to test myself and the freedom to explore my own creative ideas. The atmosphere on-site was brilliant; everyone shared ideas and helped each other. I met fantastic new plant-y friends and winning the Gold gave me a much-needed confidence boost.”

Entries are now open at www.bbcgardenersworldlive.com and www.bbcgardenersworldfair.com. Application deadlines for 2026 are 23 January for BBC Gardener’s World Live and the Spring Fair, and 1 May for the Autumn Fair.

Tickets for BBC Gardeners’ World Live and the Spring Fair are on sale now, with Autumn Fair tickets available in the spring. Event highlights include inspiring Beautiful Borders and show gardens, spectacular floral displays, plant and garden shopping, theatres and stages, and BBC Gardeners’ World TV presenters, Magazine edtors and plant experts. There are garden tours and talks, workshops and demonstrations, and great food, drink and live entertainment.

www.bbcgardenersworldlive.comwww.bbcgardenersworldfair.com

The International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) is delighted to announce that MPS will continue as headline sponsor for the AIPH International Grower of the Year (IGOTY) Awards 2026. This significant partnership underscores a shared commitment to fostering excellence, innovation, and sustainable practices within the global ornamental horticulture industry.

he AIPH IGOTY Awards celebrate the world's leading ornamental growers, recognising their outstanding achievements and dedication to advancing the sector. MPS's support as Headline Sponsor reinforces the importance of sustainability as a core pillar for future growth and success in horticulture.

"We are incredibly proud to welcome MPS, once again, as our headline sponsor for the IGOTY Awards 2026. MPS's global reputation for promoting sustainable cultivation aligns perfectly with the values and objectives of these awards. Their commitment will undoubtedly elevate the prestige of the event and further inspire growers worldwide to strive for higher standards in environmental and social responsibility."

- Tim Briercliffe, AIPH Secretary General

MPS is a leading international organisation that develops and manages sustainability standards for the horticulture industry. Their certification schemes provide growers with practical tools to measure and improve their environmental performance, ensuring a more sustainable future for the sector.

“We honour the AIPH frontrunners who are redefining industry standards. By connecting partnership and data-driven insights, we jointly accelerate the transition to the next phase: fair, green, and inventive excellence in global horticulture.”

- Linda Hoogendoorn – Veelenturf, CEO, MPS

The IGOTY Awards provide a unique platform for growers to showcase their achievements on a global stage, gaining international recognition and enhancing their reputation within the industry. Winners will be announced at a Ceremony on Tuesday 27th January 2026 at IPM Essen, Germany.

Find out more and register your interest in attending the Awards Ceremony via the AIPH website.

Enjoy a wonderful early wellbeing boost with the National Garden Scheme 
 

Spending time in a garden after the dark days of winter has been proven to significantly improve wellbeing. Visitors feel more relaxed, happy and excited in the gardens, and less stressed, sad and bored and, not surprisingly, the more time visitors spend in winter gardens, the higher their wellbeing.  

With 175 gardens set to open from January to March 2026 the National Garden Scheme is well placed to offer that wonderful early wellbeing boost. 120 snowdrop gardens and others bejewelled with spring flowers will open their gates offering galanthophiles, curious horticulturalists, plant hunters and those looking for garden inspiration the perfect opportunity to enjoy drifts of delicate snowdrops and delightful dolly mixtures colours of crocuses, iris, hellebores and more. With warming refreshments and the chance to buy plants these open days are the perfect start to the garden visiting season. 

Commenting National Garden Scheme Chief Executive, Dr Richard Claxton says:  

“Getting out into a garden or green space in the winter is a fabulous way to boost depleted energy levels. Not only does being outside help reduce stress levels and blood pressure but it’s also when your vitamin D is at its lowest making winter sunshine hugely beneficial. Whatever the weather, wrapping up warm and enjoying the first delicate signs of spring, and enjoying them with others, is a real tonic after the long dark days of winter.” 
 

Returning private snowdrop garden favourites include:  

Billy Old Rectory Peace Garden, Northern Ireland on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 Feb 
Bucklow Farm, Cheshire on Sunday 22 Feb 
Copton Ash, Kent on Saturday 31 Jan, Sunday 15 Feb and Sunday 15 March 
The Dower House, Derbyshire on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 Feb 
Gable House, Suffolk on Sunday 15 Feb 
Hedgehog Hall, Leicestershire on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 Feb 
High Cherubeer, Devon on Friday 6, Friday 13 and Sat 21 Feb 
Horkesley Hall, Essex on Saturday 7 and Wednesday 11 Feb 
Knowle Hill Farm, Kent on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 Feb 
Spring Platt, Kent on Thursday 29 and Friday 30 Jan, Wednesday 4, Thursday 5, Tuesday 10 and Wednesday 11 Feb 
Westcroft, Wiltshire on every Thursday Jan 1 to March 12 plus Saturday 17, Sunday 18, Saturday 31 Jan and Sunday 1, Friday 13, Sunday 15, Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 Feb 
 
Returning public gardens with National Garden Scheme snowdrop days include: 

Benington Lordship, Hertfordshire which opens for the National Garden Scheme on Tuesday 10 Feb 
Gatton Park, Surrey on Sunday 8 Feb 
Blakenham Woodland Garden, Suffolk on Sunday 8 Feb 
Gatton Park, Surrey on  
Welford Park, Berkshire on Wednesday 4 Feb 

The 2025 GIMA Awards have now officially SOLD OUT! Tickets for the sumptuous event, which will take place on the evening of 6 November at the five-star Celtic Manor resort in South Wales, have been snapped up by 450 guests from all corners of the gardening industry.

Pictured above: Last year's Sword of Excellence winners, Sipcam.

Seventeen different awards are up for grabs on what promises to be a sensational night of celebrating the very best our industry has to offer, from the most innovative products and ingenious marketing campaigns to the most exceptional teams and suppliers.

This year’s host is award-winning comedian and broadcaster, Patrick Kielty, who fronted hit series for the BBC TV and radio and has also appeared on Channel 4 and ITV on many different occasions.

GIMA Director, Vicky Nutall said: “We’re delighted that tickets for this year’s awards have already sold out and this promises to be an incredible night for our guests. We are all now looking forward to seeing the winners revealed up on stage at the most hotly-anticipated awards in our industry. A big thank you to all our amazing sponsors and those who’ve booked tables and individual tickets. We can’t wait to see you all at Celtic Manor next month!”

Find out more

For further information about the GIMA Awards 2025 – including hotel information and award categories – please visit www.gima.org.uk/gima-awards/GIMA.

Further information on the wide range of GIMA member benefits can be obtained by contacting the GIMA Press Office on (01959) 564947 or info@gima.org.uk.

The Horticultural Trades Association October Market Update shows that garden centres recorded modest but steady sales growth in September 2025, with overall sales by value up +3% on September 2024 and +7% on September 2023. 

Although September is one of the smallest trading months for the sector, performance remained solid, supported by good footfall and encouraging early signs of autumn gardening.

Sales volumes grew +4%, slightly ahead of value growth, suggesting that whilst garden centres are still attracting a steady flow of customers, they are choosing lower-value products overall.

Fran Barnes, Chief Executive of the HTA, said:

“September was a steady month for garden centres, with growth in line with expectations for the time of year. Whilst our report is an average across the sector, we do know that performance varies significantly between retailers due to September being one of the smallest trading months for garden centres.  While overall sales were up +3% compared to last year, the real story lies in the mix of what customers are buying.

“Gardening categories were relatively stable, up just +1% year-on-year and down slightly on 2023. Live plant sales edged up on 2024, though hardy plant sales were around 10% lower than two years ago. However, bulbs and seeds performed particularly well, up 7–8% on last year and 17% ahead of 2023. This reflects a healthy appetite for autumn planting, supported by the warmer, wetter conditions that created ideal growing weather.

“Non-gardening areas were the main driver of growth again this month, rising +7% on 2024 and +17% on 2023. Gifting, indoor living, and food & farm shop products all did well, and catering sales rose +7% compared to last year. Together, these categories continue to add strength and variety to the garden centre offer.

“Average transaction values were unchanged for the second year running. Given the impact of inflation, this shows that shoppers are still visiting and spending, but focusing on smaller, more affordable purchases. Consumer confidence dipped slightly in September, down two points since August, but remains steady overall.

“Year-to-date sales remain comfortably ahead of previous years, at +10% higher than in 2024 and +11% ahead of 2023, putting garden centres in a strong position as we move into the crucial Christmas trading period. That said, businesses typically need growth of 10–15% year-to-date to maintain profits given the rising costs of doing business, and many are still facing real pressure on margins. To help maintain and grow these vital businesses, our Autumn Budget submission calls for urgent support for garden centre businesses, including reforms to business rates, access to investment allowances, and measures that help our members invest in green skills to grow literally and figuratively. With the right framework, retailers can continue to offer great experiences, support local jobs, and help the UK meet its environmental ambitions.”

HTA members can access further insights in this month’s Market Update on our website.

The Greenfingers Charity has celebrated the opening of The Centred Garden at Acorns Children’s Hospice in Walsall. This joyful, inclusive outdoor space was thoughtfully designed to offer comfort, connection, and inspiration to the children and families who spend time at the hospice.

Created by Vanessa and Rachel of VaRa Garden Design and brought to life by Paul Taylor Landscapes, The Centred Garden was envisioned as a safe, accessible, and stimulating environment for children of all ages and abilities. With sensory planting, interactive zones and tranquil seating areas, the garden invites play, exploration, and quiet reflection - helping families connect with one another and with nature throughout the seasons.

The garden’s creation was made possible through the generous support of The Hospital Saturday Fund, LOFA, Clarins, and many wonderful Greenfingers supporters - including those who participated in Garden Re-Leaf Day - as well as a number of Trusts and Foundations. Additional gifts in kind were donated by industry partners including Noma, MK Illuminations, Rolawn, Hozelock, Treadstone and Ball Colegrave, who provided vibrant Beacon Impatiens to the hospice during the summer months.

The Centred Garden was officially opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Greenfingers Patron, David Domoney, joined by children who use the hospice alongside their carers. The event welcomed supporters and friends from across the horticultural industry, including Phil Hurst, Jo Charlton, Richard Jackson Roger Head, Anya Gooding along with Mark Butler and the Vitax team, Jason Eagles, members of the Kilimanjaro Trekkers fundraising team, and many others who have played a vital role in bringing the charity’s vision to life.

Speaking about the garden opening, Boyd Douglas Davies, Chairman at Greenfingers Charity, said: “The Centred Garden is a remarkable example of what can be achieved when compassion, creativity and collaboration are guided by a shared commitment to improving the lives of others.

“This beautifully designed sensory space now offers a safe, inclusive environment where children of all ages and abilities can engage with nature, explore freely, and find moments of joy and connection. As Chairman of Greenfingers Charity, I am immensely proud of what has been accomplished and deeply grateful to every supporter, donor and partner whose generosity has helped bring this very special garden to life.”

This latest project marked another milestone in Greenfingers Charity’s ongoing mission to design and build beautiful, therapeutic gardens for life-limited children and families in hospices across the UK, spaces where memories are made, comfort is found, and nature plays a healing role every day.

Find out more

For more information about Greenfingers Charity visit: www.greenfingerscharity.org.uk or email linda@greenfingerscharity.org.uk to discuss ways to support the charity at this or future events.

In the meantime, you can also follow all the latest updates from Greenfingers on social media - @Greenfingerscharity on Instagram and LinkedIn, https://www.facebook.com/Greenfingerscharity/ and @GreenfingersCha on Twitter.

To learn more about Acorns Children’s Hospice please visit www.acorns.org.uk

Corby+Fellas are delighted to announce that not only did Jacob and Jamie have the pleasure of installing WinRetail at Thirsk Garden Centre this week, but they also welcomed Bay View Garden Centre to our ever-growing portfolio of Choice Marketing customers.

Thirsk Garden Centre is nestled beautifully between the picturesque Yorkshire Moors and Dales, is a cherished, independent, family-run business featuring a popular Coffee Shop. Known for their friendly and knowledgeable team, Thirsk sought a robust retail solution to streamline operations across their plant sales, garden supplies, and restaurant operations.

Our award winning WinRetail system provides real-time sales visibility, efficient stock management, and improved customer service insights — empowering the team to deliver an even better experience for visitors.

We look forward to a long and fruitful partnership with the Joyce family!

Pictured are Corby & Fellas Support Engineers Jacob Parker and Jamie Cann with Thirsk Garden Centre’s Helen and Tom.

Bay View Garden Centre, overlooking the stunning shores of Morecambe Bay, is a welcoming, family-owned destination offering a wide range of plants, garden furniture, gifts, and homeware. Its modern, air-conditioned restaurant provides panoramic views across the bay, serving freshly prepared meals, cakes, and local treats — with a seasonal Garden Café open through spring and summer.

Easily accessible from the A6 and M6 (junctions 34 & 35), Bay View is dog-friendly and known for its warm hospitality and knowledgeable team — making it a perfect addition to the Corby + Fellas family.

We are privileged to be working with Lisa and Bay View team!

Pictured are Bay View’s James (Finance Manager), Richard (Restaurant Manager), and Rachel (Retail Manager) alongside the Corby & Fellas team.

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

RocketGro are thrilled to be able to announce the release of their first TV advert. Incorporating vibrant, eye catching, intense images and audio, RocketGro have produced a stunning first 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 are attempting to take a modern forward thinking position that embraces both the youth and the older generations.  

With projected growth in 2026, RocketGro are making sure their marketing spend really pays off and grabs eyes across online platforms and perhaps even on the TV at some point soon. RocketGro are not a gardening sector household name……yet. That is changing fast and the brand grows from strength to strength.

Managing Director Toby Thomas commented: “We are so excited by our recent efforts to produce absorbing, engaging, ‘wow’ marketing. This first advert is a major milestone in the ongoing growth of our company. There is much much more to come. Supporting our brand and therefore our retailers with stunning marketing investment is a game changer. Consumers will embrace 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!’’

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

Our team of judges are prepping their sleighs ready to start the judging process for GTN’s Greatest Christmas Awards 2025.  

If you think your Christmas teams are the best in the business, now’s the time to get them nominated for GTN’s Greatest Christmas Awards 2025.

There are categories to recognise display teams, Christmas Trees sales teams, Marketing teams, Grotto teams, Wild Bird Care and Pet teams plus a new award for The Greatest Christmas Food & Drink Pop-Up of 2025.

It's simple to take part, all you have to do is nominate your teams for the award categories below in an e-mail to trevor@pottingshedpress.co.uk including a few words about why our team of judges should come and meet your team and a photo or two that we can include in our GTN Xtra Christmas photo galleries. The closing date for nominations to guarantee a visit from our judges is Sunday 2nd November 2025.

Here are the categories for GTN’s Greatest Christmas Awards 2025

• The Greatest Winter & Christmas Houseplant Team
• The Greatest Outdoor Plant and Christmas Tree Team
• The Greatest Gardening as a Christmas Gift Sales Team
• The Greatest Christmas Gifts Team
• The Greatest Garden Centre Christmas Promotion
• The Greatest Christmas BBQ & Outdoor Leisure Team – The SOLEX Sizzle
• The Greatest Christmas Food & Drink Pop up
• The Greatest Festive RetailFood Team
• The Greatest Christmas Wild Bird Care & Pet Team
• The Greatest Garden Centre Grotto Team
• The Greatest Group Small Garden Centre Christmas Team*
• The Greatest Group Large Garden Centre Christmas Team*
• The Greatest Small Garden Centre Christmas Team
• The Greatest Mid-Sized Garden Centre Christmas Team
• The Greatest Large Garden Centre Christmas Team
• The Greatest Giant Garden Centre Christmas Team
• The Greatest Christmas Garden Centre Team – Overall and regional winners - as voted for by customers

*The Group Garden Centre awards are for centres that are part of groups with 5 or more centres

Judging visits will take place during November and early December with the winners being announced at Spring Fair on Monday 2nd February 2026.

As well as the kudos and fame from winning one of GTN's Greatest Christmas awards, our Gold winners in each category will win prizes including stock, services or hotel accommodation from our sponsors, which at time of going to press include:

• Garden Radio
• Glee 2026
• Museums & Galleries
• Smart Garden Products – Three Kings
• Solex 2026
• Woodmansterne

Watch out for details of the prizes on offer in future issues of GTN Xtra: www.gardentradenews.co.uk and in GTN magazine.

Further sponsorship opportunities that give unrivalled media coverage via the pages of GTN Xtra and GTN magazine during November, December, January and February are available, please contact Alan Burdon: alan@pottingshedpress.co.uk or call 07939 048899

So, what are you waiting for, get snapping and send an e-mail with your nominations today to trevor@pottingshedpress.co.uk to get your entry registered.

What the judges will be looking for:

As GTN's Greatest Christmas Awards firstly recognise the amazing teamwork involved in garden centre Christmas retailing excellence we asked our judges what specific things they will be looking for in each Christmas Awards category this year:

• The Greatest Winter & Christmas Houseplant Team

• Christmas theming of the displays, link sales and plants as ideal Christmas decorations and presents.
• The Greatest Outdoor Plant and Christmas Tree Team
• Extending the Christmas season out into the Planteria, driving the sales of plants for winter colour, sales of plants as gifts and when the time is right unique ideas that increase the sales of cut Christmas trees. 
• The Greatest Gardening as a Christmas Gift Sales Team
• This award is all about making the most of core gardening products as Christmas Gifts.
• The Greatest Christmas Gifts Team
• From the buyers, through visual merchandising and the customer advisors, which garden centres are pushing the boundaries when it comes to Christmas Gift sales.
• The Greatest Christmas Promotion
• On and off-centre Christmas marketing activity: advertising, p.o.s. video, social media, influencer promotions. We are looking for originality, execution and success.
• The Greatest Christmas BBQ and Outdoor Leisure Team – The Solex Sizzle
• Inspiring sales ideas for BBQ’s, firepits, furniture, arbours and leisure items normally associated with summer rather than Christmas.
• The Greatest Christmas Food & Drink Pop-Up
• With garden centre catering operating at capacity for most of the Christmas period, who has added The Greatest Food & Drink Pop-up this season?
• The Greatest Festive Retail Food Hall Team
• Who is making the most of Festive Food retailing? What is special to your Garden Centre offer over other food retailers?
• The Greatest Christmas Wild Bird Care & Pet Team
• From a gondola end of Christmas pet treats to a whole department dedicated to wild bird care or pets of all shapes and sizes. The festive feeling generated by the team, from their attitude for sales to their inspirational displays.  Who has been bold enough to include a pet or wild bird care display in the main Christmas area?
• The Greatest Garden Centre Grotto Team
• What have the team done this season to create a really magical, enjoyable and memorable Santa experience.
• The Greatest Group Small Garden Centre Christmas Team*
• The Greatest Group Large Garden Centre Christmas Team*
• The Greatest Small Garden Centre Christmas Team
• The Greatest Mid-Sized Garden Centre Christmas Team
• The Greatest Large Garden Centre Christmas Team
• The Greatest Giant Garden Centre Christmas Team
• For all the overall team awards the judges are looking for happy, festive garden centre teams who create customer satisfaction through their Christmas displays and theming.  And can keep their Christmas retailing standards at their best throughout the Christmas sales period. 

*The Group Garden Centre awards are for centres that are part of groups with 5 or more centres

Once again, we will be letting your customers have the final say on just who are The Greatest Garden Centre Christmas teams.  Voting can be done on-line and in-store between now and the 22^nd December. See the details here

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

See the gallery of photos below

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

See the gallery of photos below

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

See the gallery of photos below