Outdoor plant sales continued to grow at garden centres for the second month running in November according to the Garden Centre Association’s Barometer of Trade report.

Sales were up 11.69% compared to the same month last year (2017).

Iain Wylie, GCA Chief Executive, said: “In October we enjoyed some much milder weather, which continued into November, meaning people were able to carry on with any gardening much later into the year than usual and could enjoy autumn flowering plants for longer too.

“Hard landscaping sales were also up 13.12% as people made the most of the weather and worked on improving their outdoor spaces ready for 2019.

“Once again, the milder weather meant people delayed their festive shopping sales as gifts were down -1.6% and general Christmas sales were down -2.49%, however we predict this will improve greatly when we see the results of our December sales.”

Seed and bulb sales were up 3.5%. Food hall and farm shop sales were up 3.5% and catering sales were also up at 7.08%. Houseplant sales were also up 6.45%.

Sales in garden sundries were down -2.25% and furniture and barbecue sales were also down -15.01%.

Pets and aquatics sales were down -4.02% and clothing sales were down -0.14%.

Overall sales for the month were up 1.13% with a year to date change of 1.19%.

The GCA BoT reports 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 reports allow members to compare their trading positions with other centres.