Last week, Friday 9th October, GARDENA revealed the winners of the second annual Top of the Plots competition at the prestigious Blenheim Palace, celebrating the UK's most inspiring allotments, gardens and community growing spaces.

The 2026 winners were selected following one of the most challenging growing seasons in recent years. Faced with record temperatures, drought conditions and hosepipe bans in parts of the country, entrants demonstrated remarkable resilience, innovation and determination, finding creative ways to keep their plots thriving despite the weather.

Launched in 2025 and supported by the National Allotment Society to celebrate Britain's thriving grow-your-own community, Top of the Plots invites gardeners, allotment holders, schools and community groups from across the nation to showcase their growing achievements. Following a successful debut that attracted hundreds of entries, the competition has quickly established itself as a platform for recognising the passion, skill and dedication of the UK's growers.

With even more entries received this year, judges reported that the standard was every bit as impressive as the inaugural competition. Entrants showcased vibrant, productive and imaginative spaces that not only delivered impressive harvests, but also supported wildlife, strengthened communities and inspired others to get growing.

The initiative aims to celebrate the creativity, resilience and ingenuity of Britain's plot-proud growers while encouraging more people to discover the benefits of growing their own food, no matter the size of their space.

Maha Elkharbotly, President of Gardena, told the audience: "We launched Pop of the Plots because it goes to the very core of what Gardena believes. We're not a brand that exists to sell tools. We exist to champion real gardeners. The person who gets up on a cold Saturday morning because something needs tending or watering. The community that transforms a forgotten patch of urban land into a place of food, friendship and belonging. The gardener who teaches a child to grow their first carrots and without knowing it, plans something far more lasting.

"Gardening changes lives. It connects people to the seasons, to each other, and to a kind of quiet purpose that is increasingly rare. And at Gardena, we believe those stories, the real ones from real people, deserve to be told loudly and celebrated properly. That's exactly why the property exists, and this is why the people in this room the press, the creators, the retailers, the gardeners who make these tools accessible to every gardener matters so much to us."

"Today represents something we believe in deeply, that when people are given the space, the support, the right tools to guide them with joy and purpose, remarkable things grow. Not just plants, but connections, confidence, and a community.

"To every finalist in this room. Thank you. Thank you for your passion, your perseverance, perseverance, and for showing all of us, especially those of us who work in this industry, exactly why this matters. Thank you."

Meet the 2026 winners

Top of the Plots Winner and Best Garden Plot: Rebecca and Jean Reno from Morpeth

Rebecca and Jean were recognised with Huw's Pick after transforming an overgrown plot into a thriving permaculture garden. Their space features rescue chickens, wildlife ponds and a productive food forest that also helps raise funds for SSAFA.

Best Allotment: Marketa Bolton from Coventry

Marketa was named winner of the Best Allotment category for her show-stopping plot in Coventry. Described as "an emotional escape from my busy and stressful city life", the allotment overflows with fruit, vegetables, flowers and wildlife, inspired by childhood memories of her parents' allotment in the Czech Republic.

Huw's Pick of the Plots: Liena Legzdina from Derbyshire

Liena took home the Best Garden title for a space filled with what she describes as "little living threads". Bringing together family heirlooms, childhood memories, abundant harvests and thriving wildlife, her "living patchwork" garden combines seasonal flowers, homegrown food and treasured family connections.

Best New Plot: Francesca Sporle and her husband, from Surrey

Francesca and her husband were crowned winners of Best New Plot following what they describe as "a successful first year" of learning, growing and creating. Their developing allotment features fruit trees, wildlife ponds, flower-filled borders and productive vegetable beds.

Commenting on the plot, Huw Richards said: "This first-year allotment showcases what can be achieved through careful planning and dedication."

Best Small Plot: Mark Riches from Somerset

Mark's winning small plot proves that gardening success is not measured in square footage. Measuring just 11ft by 18ft, the highly productive garden uses hydroponics, vertical growing and innovative planting techniques to maximise every inch of space.

Best Community Plot: Missenden Abbey in London

The Best Community Plot award went to Missenden Abbey for a therapeutic horticulture project that grows far more than plants. The initiative helps adults with learning disabilities develop practical skills while cultivating fruit, vegetables, flowers and beehives.

Kids on the Plot: Trawden Forest Primary School in Lancashire

Trawden Forest Primary School was named winner of the Kids on the Plot category for its vibrant school garden. Home to everything from melons and squash to a much-loved pink banana plant, the garden brings food growing, wildlife conservation and sustainability to life for pupils. As the school explains, they are "not just growing fruit and vegetables" but also "growing curiosity, confidence, kindness and a lifelong connection with nature."

Huw Richards, bestselling author and GARDENA ambassador, said: “It was a real privilege to judge this year's Top of the Plots competition. What stood out most was how the finalists pushed against the norms and created spaces that reflected their own personalities, whether that was Rebecca's jungle-like food forest or Mark's tiny but highly productive garden.

“What I loved most was seeing what can be achieved when you work with what you have. Gardening doesn’t have to be perfect, and this year brought plenty of challenges for growers. Yet the winners have created productive, thriving spaces through patience, care and a willingness to keep learning and adapting.

"The winners have shown what can be achieved through creativity, resilience and a willingness to adapt. Their plots are a fantastic reminder that there is no single right way to garden, and I hope they inspire more people to get growing."

Mike Farrell, Chairman of the National Allotment Society said: "Once again, Top of the Plots has showcased the incredible talent, passion and dedication that can be found in allotments and gardens across the UK. The standard of entries this year was exceptionally high, with entrants demonstrating not only impressive growing skills, but also creativity, sustainability and a real commitment to making the most of their green spaces.

"What makes this year's winners even more impressive is the way that many of them adapted to a season that presented its fair share of challenges. Whether managing periods of dry weather, protecting crops or making careful use of resources, entrants showed the resilience and ingenuity that are at the heart of successful growing. Congratulations to all of this year's winners and finalists for the inspiration they provide to gardeners everywhere."

The full line-up of winners demonstrates the diversity, creativity and enthusiasm thriving across Britain's growing community. From productive allotments and wildlife-friendly gardens to therapeutic projects and school growing spaces, the 2026 Top of the Plots winners show that gardening is about far more than harvests alone. It is about creating places that nurture people, communities and nature alike.

See GTN Xtra's gallery of photos from the Blenheim Palace event below

More choice, shorter queues and a smooth experience – those are the real benefits of customer self-checkout kiosks and Hillier Garden Centres.

Corby + Fellas’ kiosks give Hillier customers the freedom to choose how they pay, help keep queues moving during busy periods and allow colleagues to spend more time supporting customers where they’re needed most.

By introducing more customer-friendly counters, improving kiosk visibility, and keeping a colleague nearby to assist, Hillier has achieved fantastic adoption:

• More than 72% self-service usage at Three Legged Cross
• A peak of 87.36% at Weyhill, with the latest figure above 70%

Paul Sargeant, Head of IT at Hillier, said: “We’ve seen a big increase in self-checkout usage since introducing more customer-friendly counters, making the units more visible, and ensuring there is always a colleague nearby to help and encourage their use.”

It’s not about replacing personal service – far from it – it’s about offering greater choice and creating a quicker, more convenient experience for every customer.

Specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co, has today launched its ‘Leisure Market Review 2026’ report, which provides insight into transaction activity, buyer demand, tourism trends, investment appetite, and trading conditions across the UK's leisure sector.

The report highlights a market underpinned by consistent consumer demand, thriving tourism fundamentals and continued investor confidence. Despite ongoing cost pressures and economic uncertainty, leisure businesses continue to attract significant buyer interest, particularly where operators can demonstrate strong trading performance, diversified income streams, and clear opportunities for future growth.

STRONG DEMAND FUELLING TRANSACTIONAL ACTIVITY

Transactional activity across the leisure market remains healthy in 2026, says Christie & Co, which has seen demand driven by both established operators and new entrants seeking growth opportunities. Christie & Co advised on the sale of 125 per cent more leisure businesses in the first half of 2026 than during the same period in 2025, while average deal completion times have fallen by 28 per cent between 2021 and the end of H1 2026.

The report highlights continued acquisitive demand from established multi-site operators, particularly within the garden centre, marina, and holiday park sectors. Buyers remain selective, but competition for quality leisure assets remains strong, supported by favourable tourism trends, and continued consumer spending on leisure experiences.

TOURISM CONTINUES TO SUPPORT THE MARKET

Tourism remains a significant driver of performance across many leisure subsectors. Domestic tourism spending in England reached £78 billion in 2025, whilst VisitBritain forecasts 44.2 million inbound visits to the UK during 2026, generating £33.9 billion of visitor expenditure. The average spend per overnight domestic trip increased by 9 per cent year-on-year, highlighting consumers' continued willingness to invest in leisure and travel experiences.

The report also notes that consumers continue to favour shorter, more frequent breaks, creating opportunities across holiday parks, visitor attractions, marinas and other experience-led businesses. Demand for wellness, outdoor recreation and active leisure experiences has remained particularly robust throughout the year.

DIVERSIFICATION REMAINS KEY TO SUCCESS

A recurring theme throughout the report is the growing importance of diversified income streams. Holiday and residential park operators are increasingly investing in food and beverage, wellness facilities, events and ancillary activities, while marinas are expanding their offers beyond berthing through accommodation, dining and commercial services. Garden centres continue to evolve into wider lifestyle destinations, with cafés, food halls and concessions becoming increasingly important contributors to profitability.

The report shows that businesses which successfully combine leisure, hospitality and retail elements are often best placed to maximise customer spend and attract both buyers and investors.

POSITIVE OUTLOOK FOR 2027

Whilst operators continue to face challenges including labour costs, National Insurance increases, and broader operating expenses, the overall outlook for the leisure sector remains positive.

Lender appetite has improved, insurer competition has strengthened, and tourism demand remains important. Businesses that are well-positioned, operationally efficient and capable of demonstrating future growth potential continue to attract strong market interest.

Tom Glanvill, Head of Leisure Brokerage at Christie & Co, comments, “The leisure sector has continued to demonstrate remarkable consistency throughout 2026. Whilst operators are undoubtedly continuing to navigate cost pressures and economic uncertainty, consumer demand for experiences remains exceptionally strong and continues to support activity across the market.

“We continue to see significant appetite from buyers, investors, and lenders for high-quality leisure businesses, particularly those with diversified income streams and clear opportunities for growth. Looking ahead, we remain optimistic about the outlook for the sector as domestic tourism remains strong, inbound visitor numbers continue to recover, and consumers increasingly prioritise spending on experiences and leisure activities.”

Sarah Dyke, MP for Glastonbury & Somerton, is a driving force within parliament to have the peat ban brought into law, and RocketGro was thrilled that she chose to visit the company’s farm and baggin plant.

The MP was able to learn more about how RocketGro is leading the way in producing a reliable peat-free range of products that delivers on price, consistency, effectiveness and an all-round organic eco message that consumers want.

Sarah Dyke commented: “It was very useful to visit RocketGro and see first-hand the work being done here in Somerset to produce peat-free growing media, alongside the farm’s wider use of renewable energy and resources. 

“Somerset is one of only two counties in England where peat extraction continues, despite the vital role our peatlands play in storing carbon and supporting nature. The horticultural industry needs a clear direction of travel from Government if we are to protect these irreplaceable habitats while giving businesses the certainty they need to invest and adapt. 

“Companies such as RocketGro demonstrate that British-produced, peat-free alternatives are already being developed here in Somerset. What is now missing is clarity from Ministers. 

“I have written to the Government asking it to set out a clear timetable for ending the sale of horticultural peat and to provide the certainty growers, producers and consumers need to make that transition successfully. 

“I would like to thank Toby, Tim and Andy for taking the time to show me around and discuss both the opportunities and challenges facing the sector.”

RocketGro Managing Director Toby Thomas commented: “We are delighted that Sarah came to visit us. We have been in contact with Sarah for some time, assisting with information sharing and updates around our success and the viability of our message, products, range and story.

“RocketGro are a truly great representation about what is possible when Peat is taken out of the growing media chain. We have never touched Peat as a business, and in a county (Somerset) that has mined so much Peat over the centuries, and still to this day actively mines and destroys Peatland habitats, the story is even more powerful. We look forward to the Peat ban coming into force. Having invested huge sums in building our business and preparing for our continued year on year growth of 30%, we have the capacity in place and are ready for the ban to go live.”

Find out more

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

Corby + Fellas has welcomed Neil Laugher as Training Manager and Dave Everett as Senior Accounts Manager.

Kim Corby-Hill, Sales & Relationship Manager, said: “We’ve known and worked with Neil for over 13 years, dating back to his time as EPOS IT Manager at Hillview. His hands-on experience and understanding of the sector will be a real asset as he helps our customers get the most from their systems.

“Dave brings extensive sector experience, industry knowledge and technical skills, having previously worked with another provider in our sector. He’ll play a key role in supporting our customers and building strong relationships.

“Together, Neil and Dave strengthen the training, support and guidance we can offer our customers.

“We’re excited to be working together and look forward to introducing you to our fantastic customers as you settle in.”

Greenkey Garden & Home, long recognised by retailers for their quality watering solutions and innovative sprayers, is strengthening its position as a value driven supplier with a major expansion to its irrigation range for 2027.

Last year, Greenkey introduced a series of new micro pot irrigation systems that were very well received by garden centres, delivering strong sell through, and proving that customers are actively seeking smarter, water saving ways to care for their gardens. As demand continues to rise for efficient, sustainable watering, Greenkey is stepping forward once again with an extended range designed to help retailers meet that growing customer appetite.

New Water Saving Sprayer Irrigation Systems

Greenkey is proud to introduce two new watering systems, designed to prevent water waste and take the hassle out of watering. The 12 Micro and 20 Micro Sprayer Irrigation Systems are water saving irrigation solutions that uses low pressure pipes paired with small spray nozzles. Sprayer irrigation systems offer greater coverage per outlet when compared to micro pot systems. While micro drip systems are ideal for use on pots and small containers, micro sprayer systems offer an ideal solution for watering raised beds, larger containers, and lawns. They deliver water directly to the soil, roots, or small plant clusters ensuring hydration goes exactly where it’s needed.

Both systems provide targeted watering, reducing waste by focusing water at roots. With low pressure efficiency they make watering for eco-conscious garden enthusiasts easy. Both systems can be adapted for pots, borders, veg patches, and small garden areas. With recent hosepipe bans in the UK due to droughts, these systems are set to increase in popularity as they help plants thrive during dry spells as they offer consistent moisture without using unnecessary amounts of water.

Watering Automation

To support the spray systems and Greenkey’s wider watering range, three new electronic watering aids are launching for 2027:

This includes a Digital Single Outlet Water Timer, which turns any outdoor tap into an automatic watering system - ideal for busy gardeners or those wanting reliable, scheduled hydration for their garden.

Perfect for gardens with multiple zones, Greenkey will be offering a Dual Outlet Bluetooth Water Timer. This smart timer allows users to control two separate watering functions from one device, offering independent scheduling for each outlet, providing greater flexibility for lawns, borders, pots, and irrigation networks. 

To help gardeners manage water consumption more effectively, the Digital Water Flow Meter is being launched. This enables real time tracking of water usage in gallons or litres. It connects to taps, hoses, and irrigation systems, giving customers confidence in their water‑saving efforts.

Your Go‑To Supplier for Watering & Gardening

With the expanded irrigation range and new digital watering aids, Greenkey continues to build its reputation as the go to supplier for all things watering and gardening. Retailers can rely on Greenkey’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and customer‑friendly product design. The new irrigation products will be available for the 2027 season, supported by Greenkey’s reliable, retailer focused support with next‑day delivery and a low minimum order value of just £250.

To explore the new irrigation range and discuss ordering opportunities, get in touch with the Greenkey team today to plan a successful 2027 season – sales@greenkey-garden.co.uk

UK garden and pet product suppliers are being invited to explore new export opportunities as GIMA announces its latest Gardenex International Buyer Connect event, featuring Canadian distributors Footprint Products and Paw Valley Distributors.

Taking place on Friday 30th October 2026, the virtual event will provide selected suppliers with an exclusive 25-minute, one-to-one meeting with the Canadian buying team, offering a direct route to exploring new commercial partnerships and opportunities within the Canadian market.

Established in 1980, Footprint Products is a leading Canadian importer and distributor, supplying garden, outdoor living and home improvement products to major retailers nationwide. Operating from its headquarters and warehouse in Mississauga, Ontario, the business works with garden centres, DIY chains, supermarkets, buying groups, independent retailers and e-commerce platforms.

Already representing several established UK brands, Footprint Products is now seeking further innovative and distinctive garden products to complement its growing portfolio.

The company offers a flexible approach to working with suppliers, including traditional import and distribution, sales agency representation, third-party logistics and e-commerce fulfilment, providing multiple routes into the Canadian retail market.

The opportunity also extends to the pet sector through Footprint's sister company, Paw Valley Distributors, established in 2025. Supplying pet retailers across Canada, Paw Valley is seeking premium, stand-out products across toys, grooming and pet care, cat litter, beds, natural treats and chews, and pet food.

How to get involved

Applications are open to both GIMA members and non-members, with a closing date of Wednesday 14th October 2026. All submissions will be reviewed by Footprint Products, with successful applicants notified by Thursday 22nd October. Selected suppliers will then take part in a 25-minute, one-to-one meeting via Teams on Friday 30th October, with sessions scheduled for the afternoon UK time.

Participation costs £100 + VAT for GIMA members and £200 + VAT for non-members, payable following confirmation of a successful application.

Find out more

For further information and to apply, visit: https://gima.org.uk/international-buyer-connect-footprint-products-canada/

The Horticultural Trades Association has set out its vision for a world-leading UK plant and tree production sector by 2040, powered by advanced and emerging technologies that will help support climate adaptation, nature recovery and health and wellbeing.

Launched at FutureGrow Expo on Tuesday (6 October) at NAEC Stoneleigh in Warwickshire, FutureGrow: Nursery of the Future highlights artificial intelligence, robotics and advances in plant genetics as just some of the ways to transform UK nurseries into a hi-tech, sustainable industry. These innovations are expected to boost productivity, improve biosecurity, and help produce the plants and trees needed to withstand our changing climate.

Recent statistics show that UK environmental horticulture supplied £1.6 billion of plants, trees, flowers and bulbs in 2025, with the plant and tree production sector estimated to contribute £1 billion in Gross Value Add (GVA) and support more than 16,000 UK jobs.

The HTA’s FutureGrow: Nursery of the Future suggests that by 2040, UK plant and tree growers will be recognised globally as beacons of excellence in producing and supplying healthy, resilient plants. The sector could also contribute even more to the UK economy, public health and the environment. This vision for nurseries is powered by AI, robotics and automation for crop monitoring and production; drones and other emerging technologies to detect pests and diseases and monitor crop development; smarter systems to improve water resilience and manage growing media; and advances in plant breeding and gene editing to produce healthier, more climate-resilient plants.

However, investment constraints risk holding back this transformation. The HTA says the vision can be achieved only through a combination of entrepreneurial, innovative businesses and a policy and regulatory environment that enables investment, growth and productivity. The HTA is calling on government to work with the industry to create the conditions needed for nurseries to:

• Invest, through accessible finance and capital grants.
• Modernise and expand, through proportionate planning and environmental regulation.
• Improve access to skilled and seasonal workers, while strengthening horticultural education and apprenticeships. 

In the first half of 2026, only 18% of grower businesses said they were in a position to invest in new technology during the following 12 months, with the cost of doing business, low business confidence and access to investment finance identified as the main barriers.

The six 'pillars' behind the Nursery of the Future

• Greater water resilience, including more rainwater capture and use of alternative water sources, alongside technology to ensure water is applied accurately.
• AI, robotics, and automation becoming embedded in production facilities, helping growers automate a range of key cultural tasks and use inputs more efficiently.
• Real-time monitoring and management of growing media, helping growers optimise inputs, maintain plant quality, and minimise wastage.
• Maintaining the range of plant protection products as part of a robust integrated pest management programme, while investing in emerging science to develop the next step change in control measures, such as the use of plant pathogen bacteriophages.
• A skilled, future-ready workforce to harness emerging technologies, bring young talent into leadership, and capitalise on new opportunities for UK-grown plants and trees.
• World-leading plant health, biosecurity and quality standards, supported by innovation in plant breeding and gene editing, to bring healthier, more resilient varieties to market more quickly.

Fran Barnes, Chief Executive of the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA), said:

“FutureGrow: Nursery of the Future, sets out an ambitious vision for a thriving, innovative UK plant and tree production sector by 2040. Technologies including AI, robotics, precision breeding and biological pest control offer enormous opportunities to improve productivity, sustainability and climate resilience.

“However, UK growers face rising costs, labour shortages and limited access to investment, and without a policy environment that actively supports investment, productivity and expansion, the sector risks missing a once-in-a-generation opportunity.

“The choices made now will determine whether the UK remains a world leader in plant and tree production or becomes increasingly reliant on imports for the green infrastructure that is needed to adapt to climate change, support biodiversity, improve public health and create high-value green jobs.”

FutureGrow: Nursery of the Future maintains that increasing domestic production could also reduce reliance on imports and the associated transport emissions, while strengthening biosecurity by reducing the risk of non-native invasive pests and diseases entering the country.

During the launch of the new report at FutureGrow Expo 2026, exhibitors showcased the latest technology, automation and innovation in horticulture to visitors. The event featured live demonstrations of innovative equipment, next-generation solutions for commercial UK growers and engaging presentations from leading industry experts in automation, precision management and crop protection.

For more information about FutureGrow: Nursery of the Future, and the resources available, visit: hta.org.uk/nursery-of-the-future

Garden Centre Association members are invited to join a special London Christmas Retail Tour on November 4, 2026, with proceeds from ticket sales for the event being donated to Greenfingers.

The tour will showcase outstanding Christmas retail displays and merchandising throughout London while raising funds for the charity, which creates magical gardens for children’s hospices.

GCA CEO Peter Burks says: “We’re delighted to combine our day of festive retail inspiration with fundraising for Greenfingers.

“Christmas is a crucial trading period for members and this tour will provide valuable ideas on visual merchandising, customer experiences and seasonal displays, while also supporting a very worthwhile charity.

“We’re extremely grateful to Smart Garden Products for sponsoring lunch on the day.”

Attendees will visit some of London’s most iconic festive retail destinations, including Southbank Winter Market, Covent Garden, Regent Street, Liberty, Selfridges and Fortnum & Mason.

The aim of the event is to give members practical ideas to take back to their own businesses.

The tour will run from approximately 10.30am to 5.30pm on Wednesday, November 4.

Tickets are £10 per person, with proceeds donated to Greenfingers.

Places are limited and members are encouraged to book early. The booking deadline is October 16, 2026. To reserve a place, please contact Laura at laura@gca.org.uk.

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

Perennial, the only UK charity dedicated to supporting everyone facing challenges in horticulture, welcomes three new influential leaders to their Ambassador programme; which aims to raise awareness of how the charity can support people in all sectors of the industry. 

Ann-Marie Powell, Michael Buck and Carole Baxter join the charity to further its reach and engagement within garden design, nurseries and growers and land-based industries across Scotland.

Ann-Marie Powell is a multi-award-winning garden designer, television presenter, journalist and author, who divides her time between designing innovative gardens for clients and enthusing people about gardening through her books, television appearances and printed articles.

Ann-Marie says: “Supporting Perennial matters SO much. They're there for people in our industry when life gets really tough, and we'd be mad not to back them. It's an investment in our own world, and I'd like to think we'd all want someone in our corner if things went wrong. I'm really looking forward to helping spread the word about Perennial's services amongst fellow garden designers. There's a lot of pressure in this job (long hours, cashflow, the weather, the clients, the juggle), and plenty of people are quietly coping with far more than they let on.”

Michael Buck is Head of Horticulture at Creepers Nurseries. He has worked in the industry for over two decades and is passionate about plants and the industry in general, as well as supporting mental health in horticulture. Michael has collaborated on numerous domestic and international projects including an English country garden at the stunning Gardens By The Bay, Singapore and events such as RHS Chelsea Flower Show, where he has grown and supplied over 50 show gardens.

Michael says: “Perennial provides incredible support for people across the industry, particularly the provision they offer for mental health. I am looking forward to helping promote the amazing work of this charity and continuing the open dialogue around mental health.”

Carole Baxter was announced as Perennial’s Ambassador for Scotland at a recent industry event in Edinburgh, which included people from all sectors across Scotland. A highly respected gardener and TV presenter with a long career in horticulture, Carole has been a long-term supporter of Perennial - a Trustee between 2015 and 2024 and has continued to be actively involved ever since, attending shows and events across Scotland. Carole is passionate about supporting people when they face challenges, especially issues that are highly relevant to Scotland.

Carole says: "I’m looking forward to working with Perennial in this new capacity, reflecting their commitment to supporting people in Scotland, and alongside others in the horticulture industry, raising awareness of how the charity can provide a safety net when people need it."  

Carole, Ann-Marie and Michael join existing Perennial Ambassadors Mark Gregory, Angela Oliver and Steve Harper, representing landscaping, floristry and garden retail sectors.

Jamie Gault says, "Our Ambassador programme is growing which is fantastic news for everyone that works in the industry, helping us to reach more people so they can access the services that are there to support them. I am delighted that Carole, Ann-Marie and Michael have come on board to help us raise awareness and funds for our work. We are always there in a crisis, but we also aim to provide the support people need to prevent a problem becoming a crisis."

Perennial provides free, confidential advice and guidance to everyone working in horticulture, supporting with challenges such as finance, mental and physical health, career and employment, as well as life-changing issues such as bereavement and homelessness. By offering people the right support at the right time, Perennial helps to build better lives for all those in horticulture.

For more information about Perennial’s services visit perennial.org.uk/ways-we-help

The countdown is officially on, and just a handful of tickets remain for this year's GIMA Awards! For anyone still considering attending, now really is the time to secure a place before it's too late.

Taking place on Thursday 12th November at the Celtic Manor Resort, the GIMA Awards promise another unforgettable evening as the garden industry comes together to recognise outstanding achievements, celebrate innovation and shine a spotlight on the people, products and businesses helping the sector thrive.

It's an opportunity to celebrate colleagues, champion the wider industry, reconnect with familiar faces, forge valuable new relationships and, of course, enjoy a fantastic evening of entertainment. Whether attending as a finalist, a supporter or simply to be part of the celebrations, this is one night not to be missed!

Just a few sponsorship opportunities also remain, offering businesses a fantastic chance to showcase their brand in front of some of the most influential names in garden retail and manufacturing.

GIMA President, Craig Hall, said: "A huge thank you must go to every business that has already pledged its support to this year's GIMA Awards. From category sponsorship and pre-dinner drinks to the charity raffle, winners' champagne and everything in between, the generosity of sponsors plays an enormous part in making this such a special occasion.

"The GIMA Awards are about so much more than recognising great products. They're a celebration of the people, partnerships, creativity and innovation that make this industry so special. It's wonderful to see so many businesses getting behind the event, and with just a few tickets and sponsorship opportunities remaining, I'd encourage anyone still considering attending or supporting the evening to get involved. It's shaping up to be another fantastic celebration of everything that makes the garden industry great."

With final preparations gathering pace, excitement building and tickets almost gone, there's just one question left: will you be in the room?  Secure your tickets now: https://gima.org.uk/gima-awards-2026/

For details of the remaining sponsorship opportunities, contact the GIMA team by emailing info@gima.org.uk

The Greenfingers Charity is celebrating a fundraising milestone, with the garden retail sector coming together to raise a grand total of £5,912 at Glee 2026 – surpassing last year’s impressive £4,200 and marking the strongest Glee total to date.

The money was generated through a series of activities across the show, including the much‑loved Floral Thursday, reflecting the industry’s ongoing commitment to supporting the charity’s work creating therapeutic gardens at children’s hospices across the UK.

The biggest contribution came from Floral Thursday, which once again transformed the halls of Glee into a vibrant celebration of colour and creativity. Exhibitors and visitors donned their finest floral attire, with exhibitors and visitors alike sporting bloom-inspired shirts, dresses, suits and accessories; all whilst donating generously and buying raffle tickets throughout the day.

By midday, a very festive-looking crowd gathered at Glee’s Centre Stage for the Floral Thursday finale, clutching tickets for the hotly-anticipated Greenfingers raffle and to take part in a world record attempt for the greatest number of people wearing florals in a single photograph. The joyful moment captured the spirit of the industry and helped push the day’s fundraising total to £3,313.

Original artwork and product donations boost total

Another highlight came from the Woodmansterne stand, where watercolour artist Kate Leach painted an original piece of artwork live at the show. The finished piece was offered as a raffle prize to anyone donating to the Greenfingers Charity, raising £657 and drawing strong interest from visitors throughout the event.

At the close of Glee, exhibitors once again showed their support for Greenfingers by donating products from their stands. These items were auctioned by W&H Peacocks after the show closed, raising £1,942 and providing a welcome boost to the final total.

New collaboration launched

During the show, Ivyline unveiled another way for retailers to support Greenfingers with the debut of a specially designed collection – Pots with Purpose – created in partnership with the charity. The brand-new range of cacti pots drew strong interest from buyers looking for meaningful, gift‑ready products with a charitable purpose. With 50p from every set sold donated directly to Greenfingers Charity, retailers now have a simple and commercially attractive way to help raise future funds for hospice gardens, while offering customers a stylish new addition to their indoor plant ranges.

Linda Petrons, Director of Fundraising & Communications at Greenfingers Charity, said: “We are incredibly grateful to everyone who helped make this year’s fundraising such a success. From the amazing support shown on Floral Thursday to the generosity of exhibitors donating products and the beautiful artwork created by Kate Leach, the industry has once again come together in the most wonderful way. It was also lovely to see Ivyline launch its Pots with Purpose collection at the show, giving retailers a new way to support the Greenfingers Charity in the coming year.”

Linda continued: “Every pound raised helps us to create and maintain more therapeutic gardens that allow children, families and hospice staff to spend meaningful time in surroundings that feel calm, natural and far removed from the clinical environment. These spaces support play, reflection and respite and we cannot thank the garden retail community enough for their kindness, enthusiasm and continued support.”

Find out more

To find out more about the Greenfingers Charity and its work creating gardens for children's hospices across the UK, visit www.greenfingerscharity.org.uk.

You can also follow Greenfingers Charity on Instagram and LinkedIn (@GreenfingersCharity) for the latest news, fundraising events and inspiring stories.

The Horticultural Trades Association used Party Conference season to highlight the value of the environmental horticulture sector and the contributions of its businesses to the UK economy, biodiversity, and health and wellbeing.

Throughout events in Birmingham, Brighton and Liverpool, the HTA’s Policy and Public Affairs team met senior political figures, stakeholders, spoke at panels and fringe sessions, and ensured that the pressures facing HTA members, particularly the rising cost of doing business, were clearly heard.

Conversations centred on rising employment costs, regulatory burdens, the overall cost of doing business, the need for a swift SPS trade agreement and EU-UK reset and why government and cross-party support is essential to unlocking green growth and the development of green spaces -the industry’s solutions to our changing climate.

Key Highlights from the Party Conferences

Reform UK Party Conference – Birmingham

The HTA attended the Reform UK Party Conference in Birmingham for the first time this year. Samantha Smith, the HTA’s Policy and Public Affairs Manager, met other businesses during ‘Business Day’ at the conference, with tax, regulation, rising employment costs, and the overall cost of doing business as the main talking points. The event also featured panel discussions with senior party figures and leading voices from across the economy.

Liberal Democrat Party Conference - Brighton

Katie Neenan, the HTA’s Senior Public Affairs and Policy Executive, returned to Brighton for this year’s Liberal Democrat Party Conference. Business, the climate and the built environment were the main topics of discussion at fringe events. The HTA attended the Enterprise Forum reception, with business, investment and trade spokespeople including Sarah Olney MP, Joshua Reynolds MP and Lord Fox. Katie Neenan also engaged with the EU delegation involved in a panel discussion, where EU–UK cooperation was firmly on the agenda. The discussion also explored what that cooperation could mean in practice, from strengthening security and defence to supporting economic growth, tackling global challenges such as climate change, and empowering young people.

Labour Party Conference - Liverpool

In Liverpool, Jennifer Pheasey, the HTA’s Director of Policy & Public Affairs, joined The Enterprise Forum’s business lunch at the Love Lane Brewery to highlight environmental horticulture's vital contribution to the UK economy. As a panel speaker, Jennifer examined the challenges businesses face, from rising operating costs to skills gaps, and championed member businesses and green spaces. Natascha Engel, former Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons, chaired the event, with the Rt Hon James Murray MP, Financial Secretary to the Treasury, also speaking on the panel. Jennifer also attended various fringe events which focused on Europe and how to deliver an EU-UK reset and work more closely with the EU for greater economic advantage.

Conservative Party Conference - Birmingham

The Party Conference season wrapped up for the HTA this week in Birmingham with the end of the Conservative Party Conference. Samantha Smith returned to the city (after attending the first conference there - Reform UK) with key messages and discussions around business matters, such as cutting the regulations that impact HTA member businesses. The HTA continued to push members’ concerns during Small Business Day with Rt Hon Kit Malthouse MP. Alongside employment and business, Samantha also met with Robbie Moore MP, the Shadow Minister for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, to discuss the value of green spaces and environmental horticulture businesses to the UK economy and their benefits to the nation’s health.

A short video summary capturing key moments and conversations from each of the conferences can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/qfwCG1A6gRE

As politicians return to Westminster and across the devolved nations, the HTA is preparing for a busy autumn ahead. It continues to work with policymakers across the political spectrum to ensure the sector's recommendations are carefully considered in legislative priorities and to include environmental horticulture’s needs in the autumn budget later this month.

For more information about the work of the Policy and Public Affairs team at the HTA, visit: hta.org.uk/policy.

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

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The Old Railway Line Garden Centre in Three Cocks has raised an impressive £1,505.83 for Macmillan Cancer Support through two fundraising events held in September and October.

The family-run, independent garden centre hosted its annual Macmillan Coffee Morning on Friday 25th September, raising £339.83, before welcoming guests to its popular Macmillan Quiz & Curry Night on Friday 2nd October, which raised a further £1,166 through ticket and raffle sales.

The two events brought customers, friends and the local community together for plenty of food, fun and fundraising, all in support of Macmillan Cancer Support.

Garden Centre Founder and Quiz Master, Mark Cleary, said: “We’re absolutely delighted with the amount we’ve raised for Macmillan this year. Both the Coffee Morning and Quiz & Curry Night were fantastic occasions, and it’s wonderful to see our customers getting behind these events and helping us raise such a brilliant total.

“We’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who came along, bought raffle tickets, donated and supported us.”

The Quiz & Curry Night saw teams put their general knowledge to the test while enjoying a homemade curry, with raffle tickets also sold throughout the evening to raise additional funds for Macmillan.

The fundraising forms part of The Old Railway Line’s ongoing commitment to supporting charities and organisations that make a difference to the local community.

Retail and Events Manager, Matthew Lewis, said: “It’s fantastic to see how much support there is for our fundraising events. The Macmillan Coffee Morning and Quiz & Curry Night are always great occasions, but knowing that they’ve helped us raise more than £1,500 for such an important charity makes them even more special.

“A huge thank you goes to our team for putting the events together and, of course, to everyone who came along and supported us. We simply couldn’t achieve totals like this without our customers and local community getting behind us.”

With the autumn season now in full swing, The Old Railway Line has a range of family and festive events planned for the coming months, including its Spooky Halloween Walk, family Christmas events and a selection of festive events for adults.

For more information about upcoming events, visit www.oldrailwaylinegc.co.uk/pages/upcoming-events or contact The Old Railway Line Garden Centre on 01497 847055.

EV charge point operator Zapgo has opened a new ultra-rapid charging site at Klondyke Garden Centre in Livingston, West Lothian. Zapgo’s new site brings high-speed electric vehicle charging to a well-connected location in Scotland’s central belt.

The charging site features 2 charging bays served by an ultra-rapid 200kW charger, allowing EV drivers to add significant range within minutes.

Visitors to the site will be able to benefit from the impressive range of amenities available at Klondyke Garden Centre, Livingston, including the garden shop, outdoor plant area and Topiary Coffee Shop, which offers everything from breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and special events.

The site is located just 3 minutes from the A71, providing a welcome place to recharge for the estimated 7.5-9.5 million drivers travelling between Edinburgh and Ayrshire each year.

The latest figures show that the area around Livingston has been historically underserved by charging infrastructure, with just 0.02 public chargers per electric vehicle, while EV adoption is rising within the area, with 5.1% of all vehicles now EVs.

To mark the launch, Zapgo is offering drivers an introductory price of 50p per kWh at the site for the first two weeks from Monday 5 October until Monday 19 October.

Neil Mahapatra, CEO of Zapgo, said: “We’re very pleased to be launching our latest site at the popular Klondyke Garden Centre in Livingston. The site not only provides much-needed charging for the many visitors to the site but also gives drivers on the A71 a pleasant place to stop, recharge, and grab a bite to eat before continuing their journey between Edinburgh and Ayrshire.”

Ross Mabon, COO of Zapgo, said: “Zapgo’s new site at Klondyke Garden Centre in Livingston provides welcome public charging capabilities to an area increasingly frequented by EV drivers. Our new site reaffirms Zapgo’s strategy in installing chargers in places drivers want to spend their time already. We look forward to visitors to the garden centre using the new charger as well as the many drivers who stop off in the area as part of longer journeys.”

David Abbot, CEO of Klondyke Group, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Zapgo to provide ultra-rapid EV charging. As more local residents and visitors make the switch to electric vehicles, we’re pleased to be able to provide an important piece of infrastructure that supports that change. It’s also a great fit for us as the local garden centre; giving customers the convenience of charging while they shop, enjoy a coffee or simply spend some time with us.”

Zapgo is a UK-based electric vehicle charge point operator. With a clear destination charging strategy that will benefit UK EV owners and venue owners alike, Zapgo is working with businesses and land owners to roll out a network of rapid and reliable chargers targeting local destinations across the UK.

Registration is now open for Spring Fair 2027, with the UK’s leading retail trade show inviting buyers from across the industry to secure their free ticket for four days of sourcing, discovery, insight and connection at NEC Birmingham on 7-10 February 2027.

Bringing together 40,000+ retailers and more than 1,500 brands and suppliers, Spring Fair is where retail buyers from around the world come to source the products and ranges that will shape their businesses for the year ahead, from home, gift and fashion to garden, beauty, food, licensing and everyday retail.

Spring Fair is about more than what is on the show floor. Across four days, more than 130 retail leaders and experts will take to five dedicated content stages, offering over 60 hours of free education, insight and inspiration covering everything from the future of retail and fashion trends to design, buying, merchandising, social commerce and licensing.

Fay Tranter, Event Director of Spring Fair said, “Spring Fair has always been about discovery, but in 2027 we’re going further. We’ve reimagined the content programme with five specialist stages, expanded Licensing, introduced dedicated Gift and Fashion Edits to expand the product offering, and created more spaces for buyers to connect, exchange ideas and plan for what’s next. From high-level retail conversations and practical masterclasses to fashion, design and licensing insight, the programme is built to give every visitor something they can take back to their business. We want buyers to leave with new ideas, new products, new contacts and a clearer sense of where retail is heading.”

THE HEART OF RETAIL STAGE – HALL 5

At the centre of the 2027 programme, the Heart of Retail Stage will create an executive setting for the conversations that matter most. Audiences will be invited to watch retail’s influential leaders share the realities behind the headlines through intimate one-to-one conversations exploring the decisions, pivots and resilience behind their businesses.

THE STYLE STUDIO – HALL 2

The Style Studio will bring fashion retail to life through live showcases, styling insight and brand-led moments, connecting creativity with commerciality. The programme will give buyers the opportunity to discover emerging brands, identify new trends and explore what comes next for fashion retail.

THE DESIGN STUDIO – HALL 6

At the Design Studio, interiors, architecture and retail thinking will come together through forward-looking talks and material-led showcases exploring how design shapes the way we live, shop and experience space. The curated Design destination will bring together lighting, ceramics, textiles, furniture and other design-led products, alongside insight from the interiors community.

THE MASTERCLASS STUDIO – HALL 3

For retailers looking for practical takeaways, the Masterclass Studio will deliver hands-on sessions covering buying, merchandising, social media and customer experience. Designed around tangible strategies and tools that can be put into practice straight away, the programme will give retailers the opportunity to move from ideas to action.

THE LICENSING STUDIO – HALL 5

The Licensing Studio, in partnership with Total Licensing, will bring brands, creators and IP together to explore the commercial potential of licensing.

Licensing is set for a major expansion at Spring Fair 2027, with more than 800sqm of dedicated space in Hall 5. The expanded destination will sit alongside the new Gift Edit, Gift of the Year Showcase, Kids, Toy & Play and Food & Drink sectors, creating new opportunities for retailers to discover products and make commercial connections.

The partnership with Total Licensing will also include a dedicated Licensing Lounge for meetings between licensors, licensees and buyers, alongside the Licensing Studio content programme and year-round editorial collaboration.

Across the show floor, buyers can explore 20 product sectors across four destinations, including Home, Gift, Fashion & Accessories, Everyday and Licensing. Key destinations include:

Home & Design

• Home, Living & Decor
• Design Edit
• Christmas, Festive & Floral
• Outdoor Living
• Housewares

Gift

• Gift
• Kids, Toy & Play
• Food & Drink
• Greetings, Party & Celebration
• The Gift Edit

Fashion

• Clothing & Footwear
• Beauty & Wellbeing
• Jewellery & Watch
• Fashion Accessories
• The Fashion Edit
• The Conscious Fashion Edit

Others:

• Everyday
• Licensing
• Retail Technology & Solutions
• Sourcing

The breadth of the show means buyers can source across categories in one visit, discovering new products and suppliers outside their traditional buying remit.

A PLACE TO BUY, DISCOVER AND CONNECT

Beyond the show floor, Spring Fair 2027 will create dedicated spaces for the conversations and connections that happen between appointments.

The Buyers Clubhouse, located in Halls 3 and 5, will offer an exclusive retreat for buyers to recharge, meet, plan and reconnect, while The Social Space in Hall 5 will provide a networking hub for peer-led discussion, shared experiences, and informal connections.

WHY REGISTER NOW?

With Spring Fair bringing together 40,000+ retailers, 1,500+ brands and suppliers, and over 130 speakers, early registration gives buyers the opportunity to start planning their visit around the products, brands, trends and conversations that matter most to their business, as well as being the first to hear about bookable sessions and offers and receive exclusive access.

Registered visitors can:

DISCOVER - New products, emerging brands and the trends set to shape the seasons ahead.

LEARN - Hear from retail leaders, trend forecasters, designers and experts across five live content stages.

SOURCE - Search, filter and bookmark from more than 1 million products, build a shortlist and plan a route around the show before arriving.

CONNECT - Meet existing suppliers face-to-face, discover new partners and connect with thousands of retailers, buyers and industry professionals.

PLAN AHEAD - Build a personalised agenda around the sessions, exhibitors and sectors most relevant to your business, and make every hour at Spring Fair count.

Registration is free for retail buyers and industry professionals. Register now and start planning your visit at https://www.springfair.com/visitor-registration.

Michiel Hoogendijk took up his position as General Manager of Floramedia on 1 October. He brings extensive international experience in both commercial and production environments, having previously worked for companies including Avery Dennison and CCL Oss.

Hoogendijk sees a strong foundation at Floramedia and plenty of opportunities to build on this together with employees and customers.

“I’m very pleased to be back in the world of tags and labels. Floramedia is a great company with a rich history. Very few companies reach the milestone of 100 years, and that is something we can be proud of.”

Customer focus is a key priority for Hoogendijk. He wants to stay close to customers, understand what they need and ensure that Floramedia continues to add value to their businesses. At the same time, he sees great strength in the knowledge and expertise within the organisation.

“Floramedia is very good at what I call ‘managing complexity’. There is a tremendous amount of knowledge and craftsmanship behind our products and services, and that is something we should be proud of. At the same time, we should always be looking at how we can do things smarter and better.”

This reflects his belief in continuous improvement: rather than trying to change everything at once, the focus should be on finding ways to improve every day.

During his first few months, Hoogendijk intends to focus on getting to know Floramedia thoroughly. He wants to speak with customers, meet employees and gain a deeper understanding of the organisation and its processes. Based on this, he will work with the team to set priorities for the period ahead. One thing remains central: serving customers as well as possible, so they continue to choose Floramedia tomorrow.

About Floramedia

Floramedia is Europe’s leading communications and marketing partner for the horticultural sector. With in-depth knowledge of plants, markets and consumer behaviour, Floramedia provides creative communication solutions – from concept and design to production and distribution, all under one roof. More information: www.floramedia.nl/en/

Specialist home and garden PR agency Honest Communications has launched its annual Home and Gardens Trends Report, bringing together industry insight, emerging consumer behaviours and expert commentary to explore what could be coming next for the sector.

Now in its fourth year, the report has become an annual fixture for the agency, attracting interest from brands, journalists and industry professionals looking at the ideas and behaviours likely to influence homes and gardens in the year ahead.

For 2027, Honest has expanded the report to include more expert voices than ever before, with contributors spanning gardening, interiors, retail, design and content creation.

Contributors to this year’s report include voices from across the home and garden industries, sharing their perspectives on everything from climate-conscious gardening and water use to changing attitudes towards colour, materials and technology.

It features commentary from pond designer Michael Wheat, founder of Ponds by Michael Wheat; Deirdre Mc Gettrick, founder and CEO of uFurnish.com; George Hillier of Hillier Garden Centres; Dimitri Zobnin, co-founder of House of Enki; and interiors content creator Emily Murray of Pink House Living, alongside contributions from Charles Bentley, The Relentless Gardener, Grow Urban, My Dolce Casa, Little Edwardian Semi and Spacelift. 

The six trends identified for 2027 are:

• Low impact, high reward gardening – beautiful outdoor spaces that demand less intervention
• Gardens become lifestyle spaces – as the outdoors is increasingly furnished and used with the same consideration as the home
• Climate-change gardening – with resilience, water use and adaptability becoming increasingly important
• Imperfect by design – celebrating patina, natural materials, handmade pieces and homes with a little more soul
• Colour gets personal – moving away from a single shade of the year towards more individual choices
• Smart gardening – technology making outdoor spaces easier and more efficient to look after

Holly Daulby, founder and managing director of Honest Communications, said: “Our Trends Report has become one of our favourite projects of the year, and every year we’re blown away by the interest it generates.

“Working right across the home and garden industries gives us a brilliant window into what brands, journalists, experts and consumers are talking about, and the report gives us the chance to bring those conversations together and look at what might be coming next.

“This year, we’ve brought in more expert voices than ever before, which has allowed us to explore the trends from lots of different perspectives and really dig into why things are changing.

“The six trends are all quite different, but what’s interesting is that they go much deeper than aesthetics. They reflect the way people are actually living, from wanting gardens that can cope better with changing weather to creating homes that feel more individual and personal.” 

The report has also evolved for 2027 to make its insight more useful for businesses working within the home and garden sector.

For the first time, the trends are accompanied by practical considerations for brands, looking at what changing consumer behaviours could mean for their products, marketing and communications.

A new brand checklist at the end of the report brings these together, giving businesses a series of factors to consider as they plan for 2027.

Holly added: “We’ve always wanted the Trends Report to be more than a list of predictions. It should be something people can actually use.

“This year, we’ve taken that a step further with the brand checklist. As well as hopefully giving people plenty of inspiration, we want the report to spark conversations within businesses about what these changes could mean for them and their customers.”

The full Honest Communications 2027 Home & Garden Trends Report, including expert commentary and practical takeaways for brands, is available to download here and via www.honestcommunications.co.uk.

This year's RECOUP Awards celebrated the outstanding achievements, innovation and collaboration taking place across the plastics value chain in re-use, recycling and resource efficiency.

Held on 30 September 2026, the awards brought together industry leaders, innovators and sustainability champions to recognise the organisations and individuals driving positive change within the plastics and recycling sector. With strong participation across all categories, the awards showcased the breadth of talent, commitment and ingenuity helping to advance plastics circularity throughout the UK.

Adding to the sustainability credentials of the event, the 2026 RECOUP Awards themselves were designed and manufactured by Future Makers UK. These bespoke trophies feature Marble Carpet, a recycled polypropylene sheet material with a distinctive marbled finish, made from recovered packaging and event flooring.

Developed and manufactured in Nottingham, Marble Carpet combines post-industrial and post-consumer recycled polypropylene into a durable, refined surface, demonstrating how recovered plastics can be transformed into high-value materials for design and manufacture.

Inspired by RECOUP's branding, the awards transform recovered material into a lasting recognition of excellence, reflecting the principles of circularity, innovation and resource efficiency celebrated by the awards themselves.

The 2026 RECOUP Award winners are:

Best Innovation in Equipment or Technology: Greyparrot - Deepnest by Greyparrot

Recycled Plastic Product of the Year: Klöckner Pentaplast - kp Elite® Nova

Plastics Circularity Project of the Year: WRAP - The UK Plastics Pact

Best Plastic Product Development for Recyclability or Re-Use: Klöckner Pentaplast - kp Elite® Nova

RECOUP Award of Recognition: Sherbourne Recycling

Each of this year's winners has demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation and dedication to creating practical solutions that support a more circular plastics system. Their achievements highlight the progress being made across the sector and provide inspiration for future developments in sustainable plastics management.

Commenting on the awards, Stuart Foster, CEO of RECOUP, said: "The RECOUP Awards continue to showcase the innovation, commitment and expertise that exists across the plastics value chain. Every year we are inspired by the quality of entries and the determination of organisations and individuals working to create a more resource-efficient and circular future for plastics. Congratulations to all our winners and finalists, whose achievements demonstrate the positive impact that collaboration, creativity and ambition can deliver."

RECOUP would like to thank all those who submitted entries, along with the judges, sponsors and attendees who contributed to the success of this year's awards. The calibre of entries received reflects the continued progress being made across the sector and reinforces the importance of recognising and celebrating best practice.

The Horticultural Trades Association has opened applications for Broad Horizons, a new fully funded development programme designed to build the skills, knowledge, experience and confidence of people working across environmental horticulture.

Applications for the first cohort open on 5 October 2026, with the programme running from January to December 2027.

Broad Horizons will bring together a small cohort of 8–10 participants from across the HTA membership, where they won’t just learn – they will experience. The selected group will come from different parts of the industry, including growers, garden centres, landscapers, suppliers and manufacturers. It will give participants the opportunity to see parts of horticulture they may not normally encounter in their day-to-day roles.

The programme combines practical workshops, behind-the-scenes visits to member businesses, networking and insight into how the sector operates and engages with government and policymakers.

HTA Chief Executive Fran Barnes said: “We know that our industry has ambitious people who are ready to take their next step, but the opportunity to step outside your own part of the business and understand the wider industry can be harder to find.

“Broad Horizons has been created to open up that opportunity. It will give participants the chance to learn directly from businesses across our membership, develop practical skills and build relationships with people they might not otherwise meet.

“For employers, it is an opportunity to invest in people with the potential to make a real contribution to their business in the years ahead. And for the industry as a whole, it is about building a stronger pipeline of people with the knowledge, confidence and connections to help shape what comes next.

“We are particularly pleased that the programme brings together people from right across environmental horticulture. There is enormous value in understanding how the different parts of our industry connect, and in sharing ideas and experiences across those boundaries.”

The 12-month programme includes 6.5 development days across the year; participants will gain insight into different parts of the industry through:

• Launch event and Communicating with Impact workshop in London on 21 January 2027, building confidence to speak to customers and teams and to promote your business publicly. This will be followed by an official dinner where participants will meet with industry leaders.
• Parliamentary tour and workshop: 22nd January. A highlight of the programme, giving a rare opportunity to enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour of Parliament and an interactive session learning how Parliament works and how industries can interact with Government.
• Horticulture business visits: Four visits across two days seeing suppliers, growers, retailers and landscapers to build knowledge of the sector and explore how different parts of the horticultural supply chain work together.
• A Workforce Development workshop in June, covering recruitment, team development, leadership and building positive workplace cultures.
• A Business Operations Day in July, exploring finance, supply chains, operational decision-making, measuring and improving business performance.
• A Policy and Public Affairs workshop in December, looking at how government policy affects businesses and how businesses can engage with policymakers to influence change and raise awareness of key issues.
• A graduation afternoon and celebratory dinner, where participants will present their end-of-course activity and celebrate their development alongside fellow participants, industry leaders and programme supporters.

The programme is fully funded by the HTA as a member benefit, including workshops, site visits, programme activities, reasonable travel expenses and overnight accommodation where required.

As well as developing individual skills, Broad Horizons is designed to deliver benefits back into participating businesses. Participants will return with practical knowledge and ideas they can apply in their organisations, a broader understanding of the sector and its future challenges, and new connections across the industry.

The programme is aimed at people with at least two years’ experience in their current organisation who are committed to building a long-term career in environmental horticulture, demonstrate ambition and potential, and are eager to learn and develop. Applicants must have their employer's full support and be able to commit to all programme activities throughout the year.

Only 8–10 places are available for the first cohort, with no more than one participant accepted from any individual member organisation. The HTA will seek to create a balanced cohort representing different sectors of its membership.

Applications open on 5 October 2026 and close on Friday 23 October 2026. The first cohort begins in January 2027.

For more information and to apply, visit the HTA Broad Horizons webpage or email broadhorizons@hta.org.uk.

The RHS has secured a £2.3 million settlement from National Highways – far short of the £13 million losses caused by the extensive disruption of the A3/M25 roadworks between 2022 and 2026 – but still significant enough to help bolster its important charitable work.

Despite some expectations that the RHS would receive nothing, making the compensation a relative win for the charity, the £2.3 million settlement is £11 million short of its losses, after the roadworks cut annual visits to RHS Garden Wisley by 350,000.

The £11 million loss is substantial for a gardening charity, but small change against the £317 million road scheme.

Clare Matterson, RHS Director General, said: “We cannot thank our members, our Ambassador Alan Titchmarsh, our garden visitors and some 95,000 people who signed our petition to support the compensation claim enough. 

“It’s been a long, time consuming and resource heavy process to get to where we have and whilst the roadworks have still significantly hurt and impacted this charity, we have at least achieved over £2 million and will now continue to move forward and focus on delivering our charitable purpose. 

“We are grateful for the result, which all helps to support our vast outreach community gardening programmes, our incredible schools gardening initiatives and our leading science research.

“Thankfully all the roads to one of the nation’s best loved gardens are now open and running well, which is brilliant, and it has been wonderful to welcome our visitors back to the glorious and gorgeous RHS Wisley gardens, showcasing horticultural highlights throughout the year.”

Specialist business property adviser Christie & Co has been instructed to market Swallows Nurseries & Gardens, an established nursery, garden centre and café in Mixbury, North Oxfordshire.

Originally founded in 1989 as a wholesale nursery, the business has successfully evolved into a popular garden centre and visitor destination since opening to the public in 2022. The site also features eight show gardens together, covered retail areas and has developed an excellent reputation for its high-quality horticultural offering.

Located in an attractive rural setting on the Northamptonshire-Oxfordshire border, close to Brackley, occupies an accessible position providing excellent links to Buckingham, Milton Keynes, Northampton and Oxford. The setting combines strong transport links with a growing and increasingly affluent customer base. 

A key attraction is The Nordic Kitchen, a stylish café serving brunches, lunches, speciality coffee and Scandinavian-inspired cakes. The café offers 40 internal covers and a cosy interior with a wood-burning stove as well as attractive outdoor seating. The property benefits from a well-presented customer car park with space for approximately 30 vehicles.

Anna Allen says, “Swallows Nurseries & Gardens has been a passion project for us, and we are incredibly proud of the business we have created. From growing our own plants and developing the gardens to building a café that has become a destination in its own right, our focus has always been on providing customers with a unique and enjoyable experience.

“We look forward to finding the right buyer to take the business forward and build on everything that has been achieved to date.”

Tom Glanvill, Head of Leisure Brokerage at Christie & Co, who is managing the sale process comments, “Opportunities of this quality rarely come to market. Swallows Nurseries & Gardens is a highly regarded business that combines a proven horticultural operation with a successful café and destination appeal through its inspirational gardens.

“The business offers multiple income streams, a loyal customer base and clear opportunities for future growth, and we expect interest from both established garden centre operators and new entrants to the sector.”

Swallows Nurseries & Gardens is on the market freehold with an asking price of £1,100,000.

For more information about the property, visit: https://www.christie.com/4211216/

Blue Diamond Garden Centres has acquired a 42-acre warehouse site at Pollington, East Yorkshire, more than doubling its existing warehousing capacity.

The former RAF Snaith site, located just off the M62, comprises three warehouses. The freehold acquisition and purchase of Ames’ remaining UK stock follow the company’s departure from the UK market.  The strategically located site provides Blue Diamond with significant additional space and a strong distribution base to support its expanding network of garden centres across the UK and Channel Islands.

Alan Roper, Chief Executive of Blue Diamond Garden Centres, said: “This is a significant acquisition for Blue Diamond. The Pollington site doubles our existing warehouse capacity in an excellent location, with strong access to our growing network of garden centres.  It provides us scale and flexibility to support the business today, while creating an important platform for our continued growth in the years ahead.”

Blue Diamond Garden Centres is the UK’s largest garden centre group by turnover, with annual sales of more than £400 million. The Group operates 55 centres across the UK and Channel Islands and continues to invest in its garden centre estate, product ranges and infrastructure as it expands its national presence.

Hot on the heels of the incredible success of the Greenfingers Charity’s Kilimanjaro challenge, which has now raised more than £300,000 for the charity, thoughts are already turning to the next big adventure, and supporters are being invited to help choose where it will be.

With so many people feeling inspired by the achievements of the Kilimanjaro team, the Greenfingers Charity is now looking ahead to its next once-in-a-lifetime overseas fundraising challenge for 2028, with two incredible destinations in the running: Machu Picchu in Peru or the Great Wall of China.

Both challenges are planned for October 2028, giving would-be adventurers plenty of time to prepare, train and fundraise before taking on an unforgettable experience in support of the charity’s work creating magical gardens for children and families who spend time in hospices.

Two incredible destinations

The first option would see participants head to Machu Picchu, following a rewarding trek through the spectacular Ancascocha Trail. Surrounded by snow-capped Andes, raging rivers and remote communities, the 10-day adventure promises dramatic scenery and the chance to experience traditional Peruvian culture. The challenge is graded tough.

Alternatively, supporters can vote for the Great Wall of China Discovery, a nine-day challenge taking in approximately 10,000 uneven steps, climbs and mountainous terrain. Participants would trek through the Yan Mountains to Gubeikou before tackling the famous ‘Heavenly Staircase’, with spectacular views across the surrounding landscape. This option is graded challenging.

Whichever destination comes out on top, the aim will remain the same: to bring people together for an extraordinary shared experience while raising vital funds for the Greenfingers Charity.

Linda Petrons, Director of Fundraising and Communications at the Greenfingers Charity, said: “Kilimanjaro was such an extraordinary experience, and the fact that it has now raised more than £300,000 for the charity is something we are incredibly proud of. What has been just as special is seeing how inspired people have been by the team. We have had so many conversations with supporters who have said they would love to take on something similar, so it felt like the perfect time to start looking ahead to our next overseas challenge.

“For 2028, we wanted to make the decision together. Machu Picchu and the Great Wall of China are both truly once-in-a-lifetime experiences, and we cannot wait to see which one our supporters choose.”

Cast your vote now!

Supporters are now being encouraged to cast their vote and help decide whether the Greenfingers Charity heads to Machu Picchu or the Great Wall of China in 2028.

To vote and find out more, visit www.greenfingerscharity.org.uk

The search has started for The Greatest Garden Centre Christmas Teams of 2026.  The Garden Trade News team of expert judges will once again be travelling across the country to find The Greatest Christmas Teams in UK garden centres.

To be sure of a judging visit all you need to do is complete the entry form using this link. CLICK HERE.

The winners will be announced at the Spring Fair in February 2027.

Entries close at midnight on Monday 19th October 2026.

Christmas has officially arrived at Bents Garden & Home, with the doors now open to another spectacular festive season. On Wednesday 7 October, the Mayor of Warrington, Cllr Sagheer Zaman joined Matthew Bent and crowds of customers to officially open Christmas 2026, unveiling the spectacular displays and festive experiences created by Bents’ talented in-house team.

After weeks of planning, designing and creating behind the scenes, customers were given the first opportunity to step into Bents’ Christmas wonderland, with this year’s displays bringing together a mix of festive inspiration, creativity and plenty of surprises.

The official opening also marked the start of a Christmas season which promises to be one to remember, as Bents prepares to celebrate its 90th anniversary in 2027.

Said Matthew Bent: “This Christmas is particularly special for us as we look ahead to our 90th anniversary next year. We’re incredibly proud of our family history and of how Bents has evolved over the years, but what makes me most proud is the team we have today and the creativity, passion and care they put into Christmas.

“There’s something very special about the moment we officially unveil our displays. So much work goes on behind the scenes to create the experience and after months of planning and preparation, it’s great to finally see customers enjoying it.”

Following this year’s Christmas opening there’s another adventure waiting to be discovered when The Magic Lamp in the Hidden Garden - Bents second winter light trail - launches on Friday 20^th November.

Visitors will be invited to make a wish and let the adventure begin as they journey through the Hidden Garden, where dazzling lights, theatrical scenes, magical projections and colourful characters bring an Aladdin-inspired story to life.

Back inside the Centre, Bents’ popular Winter Food Market, which is now open and offering a wide range of festive favourites, will provide the perfect place to continue the celebrations.

With Christmas now officially open, the countdown to the festive season at Bents can begin, with a packed programme of events and experiences planned throughout November and December, including Father Christmas’ Arrival Parade (Wednesday 4^th November), festive workshops and family events.

For further details about Christmas at Bents, including all events and The Magic Lamp in the Hidden Garden Light Trail, visit bents.co.uk.

Blue Diamond Garden Centres has announced a series of exclusive Christmas preview evenings on Thursday 22nd October to launch its Christmas 2026 season. 

The special events offer customers a first look at this year’s displays which are filled with design inspiration and gifting ideas.

Guests will be able to explore the new collections whilst enjoying a complimentary glass of fizz and a mince pie. Exclusive one-night-only offers will also be available across selected Christmas ranges.

Adding to the celebrations, customers can enjoy live entertainment throughout the evenings, while the restaurants will be serving hot food and drinks - making it the perfect way to kick off the festive season with family and friends.

Taylor Baines, Blue Diamond’s Head of Christmas, says: “We are excited to welcome customers to our Christmas Preview Evenings. This year’s collection is one of our best yet, with beautiful themes to suit every home and style - from classic festive traditions to our stunning new cappuccino-inspired décor. We can’t wait for everyone to experience the magic of Christmas with us.”

Blue Diamond’s key design trends for 2026 are Regal Charm, Frosted Pines, Cosy Cappuccino, Royal Opera and Wild Berry Woodland.

A key point of difference for Blue Diamond’s collection is its exclusivity. Over 70% of the Christmas range is exclusive to Blue Diamond, giving customers the opportunity to discover products and designs they won’t find elsewhere.

Rebecca Gurnett, Blue Diamond’s Group Events Manager, adds: “Our Christmas shopping evenings are always such a special occasion and a fantastic way to bring the local community together. With festive refreshments, live entertainment and exclusive offers, it’s the perfect opportunity for customers to get inspired and start their Christmas celebrations early.”

The preview evenings will take place on Thursday 22nd October from 5pm until 9pm. The events are open to all customers, and entry is free.

For more information, please visit bluediamond.gg or contact events@bluediamond.gg.

North-based members of the Garden Centre Association are invited to join its Christmas Tour for the region on Tuesday, November 3 to explore some of the UK’s leading retail destinations.

Attendees will meet at Klondyke High Legh Garden Centre and visit The Hollies Farm Shop, Bents Home & Garden, GCA Destination Garden Centre of the Year, and Newbank Garden Centre.

Peter Burks, GCA CEO, says: “Our Christmas tour in the north by bus promises to be extremely popular because it will give members the opportunity to see the very best festive retailing in action.

“As well as gathering ideas and inspiration ahead of the busy Christmas trading period, members can network with industry colleagues, share experiences and learn from some of the most successful retail destinations in the country. We’d encourage attendees to book their places soon to avoid disappointment.”

The day will begin with a look at Klondyke High Legh Garden Centre, Knutsford, Cheshire, before members get on the coach for the rest of the tour.

Tickets cost £25 per person and places can be booked by emailing laura@gca.org.uk.