The annual Hillier Garden Centre Awards took place on 11th February 2026, offering an opportunity to reflect on the past year’s successes and challenges within the horticultural industry, while also celebrating the outstanding contributions of suppliers and staff across various categories.
The event highlighted the dedication, passion, and hard work of individuals and teams that make Hillier a renowned name in this industry.
The awards evening recognised achievements across a wide spectrum, from external suppliers across various categories to individual Hillier Garden Centres, including the coveted Garden Centre of the Year, and special recognition awards for individual members of staff. It was a momentous occasion celebrating both internal teams and Hillier’s extensive network of suppliers.
The awards coincided with the company’s Supplier Showcase at Newbury Racecourse. More than 70 suppliers attended the event, presenting their latest 2026 product lines to the Hillier Garden Centre teams. Over 400 Hillier team members visited the event to prepare for the upcoming season, marking an important opportunity for professional development and collaboration. Brands represented included Burgon & Ball, Fothergills, Gardena, Woodlodge, Smart Garden, David Austin, Evergreen, Westland and many more!
Greeting guests to the awards evening, George Hillier, Chairman of Hillier Nurseries and Garden Centres reflected on the successes of the past 12 months: “It was great to get together and celebrate another year in the gardening world, and what a year 2025 was! It started with a spring that felt almost too good to be true - wall-to-wall sunshine and highs of 21.3°C in March - and our teams did a brilliant job of making the most of it. But as spring turned to summer, the heat and challenging conditions tested us. From protecting plants to managing increased demand, every single one of our team delivered, and I couldn’t be prouder.
“I also want to thank our suppliers, whose support and clear communication throughout the year were invaluable, and the team at our support centre who worked tirelessly to make things happen behind the scenes.
“What excites me most is seeing how our centres continue to be more than just places to shop. They are spaces of joy, inspiration, and connection for our customers, and that’s thanks to our teams who understand what motivates every customer and deliver experiences that go above and beyond. In a world where sustainability, community, and wellbeing matter more than ever, we have a real opportunity to lead.”
Carl Milton, Director of Retail, said: “It has been a pleasure to welcome so many valued suppliers to the Hillier Supplier Showcase - my first since joining the business six months ago and a fantastic way for me to meet more of the wonderful people within this incredible industry. The Supplier Showcase and Hillier Garden Centre Awards provide an important opportunity to recognise both the dedication of our internal teams and the strength of our supplier partnerships.
“The success our teams have achieved over the past year is the result of strong collaboration, shared expertise and a collective commitment to quality. Our suppliers play a vital role in enabling us to deliver the range, innovation and service our customers expect. Equally, the people across our nurseries, garden centres and support teams, and their passion for our customers, have been central to making the last 12 months so successful. It’s easy to reflect on the numbers, but the real story of Hillier is not just what we sell - it’s what we create for our customers. Garden centres are community hubs, places to unwind and reconnect, and our customers recognise Hillier as one of those spaces thanks to the kindness and friendliness of our staff.
“As our centres continue to evolve as destinations within their local communities, it is these trusted partnerships that position both Hillier and the wider sector for a resilient and exciting future.”
The awards culminated with George Hillier asking Adam Dunnett, Director of Amenity to join the stage to celebrate the company’s recent International Grower of the Year awards including the coveted Gold Rose Award. Adam said ‘We have an incredible team across Hillier, with every department - from marketing and L&D to sales - working together to achieve these awards. A special thanks goes to Phil Hall, Martin Hillier, Charles Carr and Jo Fell. This group of growers is world-class and delivers outstanding results every single day. I couldn’t be prouder to be standing here with them and celebrating this success.’
The 2026 Awards Winners List
- Home and Leisure Supplier of the Year 2025- Woodlodge Products Ltd
- Home and Leisure Shop of the Year 2025 – Hillier Garden Centre Lechlade
- Garden Shop Supplier of the Year 2025 – Smart Garden Products Ltd
- Garden Shop of the Year 2025 – Hillier Garden Centre Aldermaston
- Horticulture Supplier of the Year 2025 – David Austin Roses
- Plant Area of the Year 2025 – Hillier Garden Centre Ruislip
- Restaurant Supplier of the Year 2025 – Beanworks
- Restaurant of the Year 2025 – Mulberry & Thyme Eastbourne
- Coffee Shop of the Year 2025 – Mulberry & Thyme Hemel Hempstead
- Gardening Club Champions 2025 – Hillier Garden Centre Syon Park
- Brentry Nursery & Warehouse Special Recognition Award – Claire Coates & Tracy Doyle
- Garden Centre Special Recognition Award – David Green, Hampton in Arden
- Hillier Support Centre Special Recognition Award – Matt Jarvis
- Garden Centre of the Year 2025 - Hillier Garden Centre Botley
