Like all the best ideas, Greenman Garden Tools originally started in a shed.

In 1974, Don and Eileen Winter began forging garden tools with a simple philosophy: create tools so good they'll be cherished and passed down through generations. Today, as a fourth-generation family business, we've taken that same commitment to quality and built something gardeners are actively seeking out.

We've developed an extensive range covering every gardener's needs: premium Stainless Steel tools with lifetime guarantees, robust Carbon Steel for serious cultivation, Solid Forged tools for the toughest jobs, and our thoughtfully designed Lite range for gardeners seeking lighter, easier-to-handle options.

We've also changed how tools are sold at retail. We pioneered comprehensive point-of-sale displays that give customers clear information about materials, uses, and guarantees right where they're making decisions. It was a simple idea – help people choose the right tool with proper information – but it worked so well that competitors across the industry have since adopted the same approach. We're proud to have led that shift.

The results speak for themselves. With five BBC Gardeners' World Best Buy awards in just two years, we've earned recognition from the industry's most trusted voices. But the real validation comes from gardeners themselves, they're discovering Greenman and specifically requesting our tools by name.

As a family business, we believe in personal service, quality craftsmanship and supporting both our retail partners and the gardening community. Whether you're seeking ready-to-retail display solutions or tools that will serve you for decades, you'll find a warm welcome at Greenman.

For more information please visit: https://soloist.ai/greenmangardentoolstrade

Built for life. Guaranteed.

0121 502 00 55 

info@greenmangardentools.com

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Garden centres have evolved rapidly, with diverse teams, busier trading patterns and rising customer expectations. But many are still relying on Time & Attendance systems that only track who’s on site. To run efficiently today, garden centres need an integrated approach that brings people, tasks and compliance together.

Modern Operations Need More Than Clocking In

Scheduling in a garden centre is far more complex than simply filling shifts. Different departments—plant areas, cafés, retail, warehouse and seasonal areas—have unique skill requirements and staffing needs. A modern rota system helps managers plan around peak times, labour availability and team competencies.

Tasks and Rotas Work Better Together

When daily tasks and staffing plans sit in separate places, inefficiency creeps in. A joined‑up system ensures teams know exactly what needs doing when they arrive, managers can update priorities throughout the day, and visibility improves across the whole site. It’s a simple shift that delivers smoother, more consistent store operations.

Training & H&S Must Be Embedded

With machinery, chemicals, food prep and plant care all under one roof, garden centres depend on robust training and safety processes. Integrating training records, compliance tasks and H&S checks directly into the workflow means nothing gets missed—and managers always have an auditable record at their fingertips.

One Platform Makes Every Minute Count

By unifying staff scheduling, attendance, task management and compliance, garden centres reduce admin time, minimise errors and gain real‑time insight across the business. Labour becomes easier to control, teams become more productive and managers can make decisions with confidence.

Want to Modernise Workforce Management in Your Garden Centre?

If you’d like to see how an all‑in‑one platform can improve efficiency and streamline operations, get in touch—We’d love to help.

Discover how WorkForce Manager supports Garden Centres

Boost, the All-Purpose Liquid Plant Feed, and Resolva, the nation’s No.1 weedkiller brand, from Westland Horticulture, are returning to TV screens this May across the UK and Ireland, as part of a major seasonal media investment designed to drive consumer demand and increase footfall into garden centres at peak trading time.

Boost is celebrating its fifth consecutive year of national TV advertising, helping cement its position as a trusted plant feed delivering visible results for gardeners. This spring, the dedicated 20-second advert will run across high-reach channels including Channel 4 and Sky in the UK, alongside RTÉ and Virgin Media Television in Ireland, targeting lifestyle and gardening audiences. Running from 1st to 24th May, the campaign is expected to reach almost 30 million consumers and will be supported by video-on-demand activity and influencer-led social mediathroughout the season, ensuring sustained visibility at the point when gardeners are actively feeding plants and refreshing containers.

The advert highlights Boost’s standout promise: 4x more blooms, plus more fruits and vegetables, thanks to its unique formulation. Featuring PLANTSENSE technology, Boost delivers an ideal balance of nutrients and enhanced water management. The campaign is designed to drive repeat purchase behaviour and support strong in-season sales momentum for retailers.

Resolva Xtra Fast Weedkiller Ready To Use will also return to TV screens this May, marking its 16th consecutive year of national advertising investment, highlighting the problem of nuisance weeds and reinforcing itself as the simple solution for fast results. 

Running from 4th to 31st May across ITV1, Channel 4 and Sky in the UK, alongside RTÉ and Virgin Media Television in Ireland, the campaign will again reach over 30 million consumers, reinforcing its status as a trusted solution within the weed control category. Additional support through broadcast video-on-demand platforms including All4, Sky and Amazon will further extend campaign reach.

This sustained investment continues to drive category participation and strengthens Resolva’s position as the trusted solution for gardeners looking for fast, effective weed control, helping retailers capture demand during peak weed-treatment periods.

Keith Nicholson, Marketing Director, at Westland Horticulture, commented: “We continue to invest in our brands to support our retail partners and drive consumers into the categories during the key spring/summer selling window. With strong national TV coverage behind both Boost and Resolva, retailers can stock with confidence knowing there is significant consumer demand being generated at exactly the right time in the season.”

Boost All Purpose Liquid Plant Feed and Resolva Xtra Fast Weedkiller Ready To Use are available to order 24/7 via Westland Live, with convenient in-season top-ups to help retailers maximise availability and sales opportunities throughout the peak gardening period. 

A pioneering company developing a new peat-free compost is set for growth after completing a six-figure investment.

Lincolnshire farmer James Casswell diversified into producing peat-free compost in 2022 and last month made a substantial investment in a new packing line at his Louth farm to meet demand.

In just four years, James has seen demand for his Casswell Eco Green Compost brand increase from fewer than a hundred bags per week to over 17,000!

The popularity of the natural fertiliser among gardeners across the UK looking for alternatives to peat-based composts caught the eye of several national retailers, including British Garden Centres, leading to a rapid and significant increase in demand. As a result, James needed to invest in a new packing facility to keep up.

Having outsourced his packing to a local contractor who used a bespoke packing line developed by Haith Group, it made sense to approach the Doncaster-based manufacturer for help.

“The guys at Haith really know their stuff, and it was clear from day one that they could design and install a packing line that would be up and running quickly,” says James. “This was critical as we were talking to British Garden Centres at the time about an extremely large order with a very short delivery time.

“Despite not having a signed agreement in place, I decided to invest in the new plant and Haith, along with its partner GIC, which make the vertical form fill and seal packing machine that puts the compost in the bag the compost in the bag. The installation was completed in January this year and the order from British Garden Centres was placed in February, perfect timing you might say!”

Based on the mobile bagging line developed by Haith’s material handling team with GIC in 2010, James’ new packing line features a receiving hopper onto which compost is placed. It then moves along specially designed conveyors with vibratory side panels to loosen the compost before it arrives at an overhead weigher, which deposits 20kg into the GIC5100 vertical form fill and seal packaging machine.

The latest version of the GIC5100 incorporates Allen-Bradley servo drives and controllers, SMC pneumatic components, and an improved design for greater mechanical robustness. GIC has also redesigned the jaw motion and added twin servo transport belts for improved jaw and film control.

The GIC5100 is equipped with a thermal printer, so bags ranging from 5 to 60kg can be date-stamped or barcoded as needed.

The packed bags of compost are transferred from the GIC to the palletising area, where James’ team handle the final stage of production.

“Having the new packing line has made a massive difference,” says James. “There are only five of us on the farm, one of whom is full-time on the compost side of our business. The rest of us split our time between Casswell Eco Green Compost and running the farm, which, as well as growing the raw materials for the compost, grows cereals, oilseed rape, beans, peas and barley on 1,300 acres of Lincolnshire land near Louth.

“My family are relatively new to farming, with my dad and grandad buying the farm in 1979 and things have changed a lot since then and especially in the years since the war in Ukraine started, which was when the price of fertiliser went through the roof, and I started to investigate how I could save some money by cooking my own compost.

“That was the start of two years of research and development, in which time we added beekeeping, green crops and sheep to the farm, and it is the by-products of these developments that fuel the compost side of the business, which is now a completely closed loop, which is important to me.”

Paul Ramplin, technical sales manager at Haith, oversaw the design and installation of the new packing line and can see similarities between the two companies. Haith has a reputation for innovation and was established 80 years ago by Mr George Haith, who had a passion for mending and improving machines as well as designing and manufacturing new ways of doing things. James is from a similar mould and has developed an innovative product that helps protect traditional peat supplies while delivering the same, or even better, nutrition for plants without harming the environment.

“We wish James and Casswell Eco Green Compost all the best for the future, and we know that the packing plant we’ve designed and installed will keep up with demand for many years to come.”

For more information about Casswell Eco Green Compost visit ecogreencompost.co.uk, haithindustrial.co.uk and gic.uk.net.

Family independent Highfield Garden World in Gloucestershire has welcomed one, and said goodbye to another important member of their team – both of whom have been connected with the business for many decades.

Having left his Area Sales Manager role at LeisureGrow after 20 outstanding years, Robert Kitt has joined Highfield’s sales team.  The move comes soon after Account Manager Stella Gray retired from Highfield after 45 years of dedicated service, although the moves are entirely unrelated.

Saturday job 30 years ago

Robert Kitt’s association with Highfield reaches back 30 years, when he had a Saturday job at the family independent. That experience blossomed into a long-standing relationship with the founding Greenway family, and an illustrious career elsewhere in the trade.  Highfield’s Managing Director and Co-founder Tim Greenway commented;  “We are thrilled to be welcoming Robert back into the business after three decades. With his positivity, and his broad industry knowledge and network, we have no doubt he’ll prove a real asset to our experienced in-house team”. 

Part of Highfield’s history

Meanwhile, after 45 years working within the lead team at Highfield, Account Manager Stella Gray has retired. Having studied horticulture at Pershore, Stella joined in 1980 when the business sold mail order plants only, and had just 35 staff. It now boasts 115. Highfield Garden World garden centre was launched in 1992, and as the business grew exponentially, so did Stella’s role and influence. Highfield Director and Co-founder Joan Greenway commented; “Stella was our right-hand woman for 45 fantastic years! As a family developing and running a rapidly expanding business, we really benefitted from her professionalism and her calming influence.  Always honest, always discreet, and with an incredible memory and head for figures, she has been a valuable sounding board, and a big part of Highfield’s success. We miss her greatly.” 

The Greenfingers Charity is celebrating the incredible efforts of its London Landmarks Half Marathon (LLHM) team, who have collectively raised more than £12,600 in support of the charity’s work creating therapeutic gardens in children’s hospices across the UK.

The 2026 team brought together a group of dedicated runners and an enthusiastic cheer squad from across the garden industry. Colleagues from British Garden Centres, Evergreen Garden Care, HSK Exotic Plants and LBC Boots all played their part, with their energy, commitment and team spirit evident throughout the day.

The Greenfingers Charity LLHM runners, companies and results:

• Jamie Rushworth (Evergreen Garden Care) – 01:32:27
• James Davies (Evergreen Garden Care) – 01:48:36
• Matt Street (HSK Exotic Plants) – 01:50:35
• James Short (Evergreen Garden Care) – 01:54:14
• Andrea Thompson (Evergreen Garden Care) – 01:54:48
• Roisin Wilson (HSK Exotic Plants) – 02:08:34
• Kevin Burgess (LBC Boots Co.) – 02:11:01
• Amy Stubbs (British Garden Centres) – 02:13:52
• Jonny Hincks (Garden with Jonny) – 02:22:38
• Steve Gallagher (Evergreen Garden Care) - 02:38:11
• Lee Hilton (British Garden Centres) – 02:52:31
• Sarah Ruch (HSK Exotic Plants) – 02:58:13
• Eve Kerrigan (British Garden Centres) – 03:02:21

Each runner took on the iconic London course to raise vital funds, with many surpassing their individual targets and helping to push the team total beyond the £12,600 mark. These funds will directly support Greenfingers Charity’s ongoing work to create and maintain inspiring outdoor spaces where children with life-limiting conditions, and their families, can spend precious time together.

Linda Petrons, Director of Fundraising & Communications at Greenfingers Charity, said: "We are incredibly grateful to every member of our LLHM team, as well as the fantastic cheer squads who supported them along the route. Taking on a half marathon is no small feat, and to do so while raising such an outstanding amount for Greenfingers makes their achievement even more special.

“The support from British Garden Centres, Evergreen Garden Care, HSK Exotic Plants, LBC Boots and Garden with Jonny highlights the strength and generosity of our industry. Every pound raised will help us continue creating beautiful, therapeutic garden spaces for children and families who need them most."

The Greenfingers Charity also extends its thanks to all donors, supporters and volunteers who helped make the day such a success.

Will you tackle the LLHM for Greenfingers in 2027?

If you’re inspired by this year’s incredible team and would like to take part in the London Landmarks Half Marathon next year, Greenfingers Charity would love to hear from you. The 2027 event will take place on Sunday 4th April, marking the 10th anniversary of this iconic London race. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or taking on your first challenge, you can register your interest now to join #TeamGreenfingers and help make a real difference to children and families in hospices across the UK. Simply drop Kirsty a line by emailing Kirsty@greenfingerscharity.org.uk – she’d love to hear from you.

Find out more

To find out more about Greenfingers Charity, and how to get involved in a range of fundraising events please visit www.greenfingerscharity.org.uk. You can also join in the conversation by joining Greenfingers on social media by following @Greenfingerscharity on Instagram and LinkedIn

PATS has launched a new Hosted Buyer Programme for its 2026 edition, with registration now officially open. This initiative facilitates curated, face-to-face meetings between senior retail buyers and exhibitors to foster deeper industry engagement and high-quality networking.

PATS returns to the NEC Birmingham from 27–29 September 2026. As the UK’s premier pet industry event, it unites retailers, distributors, and suppliers to showcase ground-breaking product launches and connect with the brands shaping the future of pet retail.  

From aquatics and exotics to traditional pet care, PATS offers an all-encompassing platform to source innovative ranges, gain expert insights, and build the networks that drive business growth.

The Hosted Buyer Programme offers an elite procurement platform meticulously designed for premier Pet and Aquatic retailers. This curated initiative facilitates strategic sourcing, providing a premium environment for industry leaders to engage with the market's most innovative products.

Designed for global growth, the PATS 2026 Hosted Buyer Programme provides a strategic framework for brands to scale effectively. By facilitating pre-scheduled meetings, the programme:

• Streamlines strategic sourcing
• Facilitates high-level export readiness
• Optimises engagement efficacy
• Fortifies global strategic alliances.

“PATS 2025 was a landmark, record-breaking year," stated Event Director Ian Reynolds. "The event saw a 70% surge in visitor numbers and a massive 169% increase in international attendance. A record 445 exhibitors from 15 countries participated. Building on this momentum, the 2026 Hosted Buyer Programme will offer selected participants exclusive benefits and a curated, efficient, and cost-effective experience tailored to their specific requirements."

Prospective applicants must meet defined qualifying conditions to participate. Detailed guidelines are available for review, and early submission is strongly recommended.

For the 40th year in a row, Dutch growers supplied flowers for the Easter celebration in Rome. A remarkable milestone that received widespread media attention – from the blessing of the flowers at Keukenhof to Easter Sunday itself, which drew billions of TV viewers worldwide.

Our own efforts also delivered strong results. The press event we organised at Gerbera United reached over 2.5 million people, while editorial collaborations generated an additional 2.3 million in reach.

Together, these efforts put our sector firmly on the global stage — proving there’s much more behind the beauty: innovation, future-proof cultivation, and the craftsmanship of growers and breeders.

Blue Diamond Garden Centres has named Hospice UK as its Charity Partner of the Year, marking a nationwide commitment to support vital end-of-life care.

Across its 53 garden centres, Blue Diamond will roll out a year-long programme of fundraising initiatives, in-store activities and customer engagement campaigns, encouraging teams and visitors alike to get involved and make a difference. From seasonal events to point-of-sale donations, every centre will play a part in raising funds and awareness.

This May, at RHS Chelsea Flower Show, Blue Diamond Garden Centres will also launch a new and exclusive rose in support of Hospice UK.

Rosa ‘Loving Arms’, bred by Rosen Tantau, is a Floribunda rose which produces fragrant, bright creamy- yellow blooms that repeat flower against a deep glossy, green foliage.

£1 from each rose sold through Blue Diamond Garden Centres will be donated to Hospice UK.

It is hoped that this Partnership will help Hospice UK continue its essential work supporting more than 200 hospices across the UK—ensuring hundreds of thousands of people living with life-limiting conditions, and their families, receive the compassionate care they need. Funds raised will directly contribute to improving access to hospice services, supporting frontline staff, and reaching those who might otherwise miss out on this crucial care.

Together, Blue Diamond and Hospice UK aim to make a meaningful, lasting impact—helping more people live well, right to the end.

Catherine Bosworth, Director of Income Generation & Grants, Hospice UK says, “We’re thrilled that Blue Diamond are showing their support not just for Hospice UK and our work to promote and protect hospice care for all - but also for the 210+ hospices who are all delivering high-quality end-of-life and palliative care for communities across the UK.

“Being a part of the 2026 RHS Chelsea Flower Show with our dedicated Hospice UK ‘Loving Arms’ rose means so much to us, and we are incredibly grateful to everyone at Blue Diamond for this amazing opportunity. Thank you.”

Jill Kerr, Group Relationship Manager at Blue Diamond Garden Centres, added: “We are incredibly proud to support Hospice UK as our Charity Partner of the Year. This partnership is a meaningful opportunity for our teams and customers across all 53 centres to come together and make a real difference.

The launch of Rosa ‘Loving Arms’ at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show is a particularly special moment for us—combining our passion for horticulture with a cause that touches so many lives. Every rose sold will help support vital hospice care across the UK, and we hope our customers will feel proud to be part of that impact.”

The team at Plants For Europe Ltd is announcing six brand new plant launches for this year. The new varieties are a mix of perennials and bedding plants, with three of these launches forming part of a series.

The new varieties have been selected to offer good value to both grower and consumer. 

The Plants For Europe team is particularly interested in breeding that prioritises climate resilience, suitability for smaller outdoor areas, low-maintenance, and disease and breakage-resistant plants.You can see all six new varieties at FlowerTrials® this year, in week 24. The Plants For Europe stand will be at the Vitroflora location, in Lisse. In the meantime, the details of the new launches are below.

Agapanthus AtomicBloom™ Santorini (ALTBLOOM)
Huge flowers on a compact plant.The ground-breaking Agapanthus AtomicBloom™ Santorini has huge blue inflorescences on sturdy, compact stems. Flowering in the first year, buyers can expect a mature flower height of 60cm, with umbels of 12cm diameter!

Santorini is a repeat-bloomer, is winter hardy, and forms a neat plant with arching green foliage. And the best part? This is just one of a whole series – visit the Plants For Europe FlowerTrials® display in week 24 to get a glimpse of the first four colours, and stay tuned for the rest.

Euphorbia amygdaloides var. robbiae Va Va Voom™ (SHEEN01)
A tough and resilient Euphorbia.Another brand new launch for 2026, Euphorbia Va Va Voom™ is the best form of robbiae. Selected for its robust character, Va Va Voom™ has excellent branching and a beautiful habit.

Offering unrivalled ground cover, Va Va Voom™ will tolerate both damp and dry soils once established. Perfect for low-maintenance gardens and amenity sites. In spring, this variety lights up a dark spot with many more flower spikes than you get on typical robbiae. Trust us - gardeners and landscapers will want this!

Nepeta faassenii EarliBlue (G20-010)
Early flowering, low maintenance Nepeta.Coming into bloom a week earlier than competitor varieties, EarliBlue is an outstanding Nepeta. Large, dense flower spikes sit atop tidy, healthy foliage.

One of the best traits of this new variety is its ability to withstand summer storms, with no breaking open in the middle. Growers can also rest easy that this Nepeta doesn’t fade to yellow at the base, like so many Nepetas. The foliage remains lush and green throughout the growing season, with continuous flowering. Easy to grow, and with showstopping blooms, this variety will fly off the shelves. 

Coleus scutellarioides Gothica™ series 

Frighteningly good bedding plants!Coleus Gothica™ is a sister series to the award-winning Coleus Skeletal®. Hot off the breeding bench, Gothica™ currently features four colours, all with weird and wonderful foliage. Like the Skeletal® series, the Gothica™ breeding prioritises excellent basal branching and neat habit. This series also enjoys strong disease resistance.

Perfect for containers and mixed displays, the Gothica™ leaves simply glow in the sun. Skeletal® made headlines on its launch in 2024, and we expect demand to be swift and strong for the Gothica™ range.

Coleus scutellarioides Gothica™ - new colours!

Brand new Skeletal® colours! Right from launch day in 2024, Coleus Skeletal® has been intensely popular. The quirky fishbone-shaped leaves, along with the colour contrast of that rich burgundy against the vivid lime catches the attention of whoever sees it! After two fantastic years of popularity, Plants For Europe is launching three new colours to sit alongside the original variety.The new colours include a vibrant magenta edged with lime, deep purple edged with lime, and a shocking lime green – all with that signature fishbone leaf shape. Perfect in mixed pots and containers, or even for front-of-border interest, the Skeletal® series can’t help but make an impression.

Euphorbia griffithii x polychrome Walberton's® Embers Glow (WALEUEMGL)

Robust Euphorbia with fiery late-season colour. This brand new, fiery hybrid brings glowing orange tones and robust adaptability. Hitting shelves in 2026, Walberton's® Embers Glow handles damp soils and drought with ease once it’s established. The leaves change from deep green to a glowing red at the end of the season, adding glorious autumn colour – bonus! Plant this beauty in part-shade or full sun for glowing bracts of joy. It even makes a good container plant.

This year is already ramping up to be busy, and with the glorious weather of the past few weeks, we can only hope that consumers are keen to get out to their local garden centres and shows to shop for new varieties and problem-solvers in the garden.

Are you heading to FlowerTrials this summer? Do go and see Plants For Europe in Lisse, where they’ll be showcasing all of these new varieties to the trade. Questions about any of the plants above? Get in touch at hello@plantsforeurope.comwww.plantsforeurope.co

A new expert-led, AI-assisted platform is set to transform how homeowners design, plan and manage their outdoor spaces, and it launches at the world's most celebrated garden show next month.

Spacelift debuts at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026, combining artificial intelligence, spatial measurement technology and the professional design methodology of Matt Keightley — internationally acclaimed landscape designer, two-time RHS Chelsea Silver-Gilt Medallist and twice winner of the BBC/RHS People's Choice Award - to bring expert-calibre garden design within reach of every homeowner.

From Inspiration to Execution
At a time when consumers are increasingly using technology to design and optimise their homes, the garden remains one of the last spaces largely untouched by intelligent digital tools. Spacelift addresses this gap directly - introducing a new category of outdoor design that moves beyond inspiration and into fully realised, buildable systems.

Using advanced spatial mapping and measurement technology, the platform enables users to:

• Capture and map outdoor spaces with real-world accuracy
• Generate expert-led AI-assisted designs tailored to their layout, lifestyle and environment
• Receive structured to scale plans, including planting schemes, materials and spatial layouts
• Access “shop-the-look” functionality
• Connect with recommended local trades to deliver the project

The result is a fundamental shift, from passive browsing to active, deliverable design, giving homeowners the tools to move confidently from idea to execution.

Expert Intelligence at Scale 

What sets Spacelift apart is its foundation. Rather than generating purely aesthetic concepts, the platform has been trained on Matt Keightley's design methodology, codifying key principles of professional garden design, from spatial flow and structure to planting composition and environmental response.

The platform maps each garden, understands user preferences, and generates photorealistic concepts of garden designs, but critically, every output is underpinned by real-world landscape design intelligence, not just visual inspiration. It is this fusion of human expertise and machine intelligence that allows Spacelift to deliver designs that are not only inspiring, but credible, considered and buildable in the real world.

Spacelift’s roadmap positions it as more than a design tool, evolving into a platform that supports the full lifecycle of a garden and outdoor spaces, from concept through to long-term care, maintenance and sustainability.

Future developments include:

• Advanced plant intelligence to track growth, health and maintenance
• Seasonal recommendations and ongoing care guidance
• Enhanced spatial measurement for real-world build accuracy
• Sustainability tools including carbon impact tracking, native planting and biodiversity optimisation

Together, these features aim to transform gardens into living, responsive environments — supported by data and intelligent guidance over time.

While professional garden design has traditionally been accessible to a limited audience, Spacelift opens-up access at scale, without removing the role of the designer.

Instead, the platform is designed to support and extend the industry, creating new opportunities for designers, retailers and developers, while enabling more people to engage meaningfully with their outdoor space.

Three Gardens. One Platform. Live at Chelsea

Spacelift will be brought to life at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026, where three full-scale show gardens, each designed using the platform will be unveiled, demonstrating how expert-led, AI-assisted concepts translate directly into real, physical environments:

• Calm in the Cotswolds - A soft, restorative garden using reclaimed materials, layered planting and natural textures to create a timeless, grounding retreat.
• Urban Chic - A compact balcony and terrace space demonstrating how even the smallest outdoor areas can be transformed through multifunctional design and clever spatial planning.
• Woodland Escape - An immersive, nature-led garden featuring a glade of woodland trees, a sauna enveloped by planting and a cold shower, bringing professional wellbeing therapy into the home garden.

Visitors to Chelsea will be able to interact with the Spacelift platform live across all three gardens, experiencing the full journey from space capture to finished design output.

Win the Garden: £50,000 Transformation Giveaway

To celebrate its launch, Spacelift is offering one homeowner the chance to win the Calm in the Cotswolds garden -  worth £50,000 -  redesigned and installed in their own outdoor space by Matt Keightley and the Spacelift team. The competition runs throughout Chelsea week across the gardens, Spacelift's social channels and partner media.

“We’re used to using technology to design every part of our homes — except our gardens,” says Matt Keightley, Co-Founder and Creative Director. “Spacelift changes that. It gives people a starting point, a plan, and the confidence to actually create something — not just imagine it.”

“This is about more than design,” adds Maeve McDonald, Co-Founder and CEO. “It’s about building a platform that supports outdoor space over time — combining AI, data and expertise to help people make better decisions for their homes and the environment.”

Gardener, writer and broadcaster Matthew Biggs has been presented with the RHS’ most coveted People Awards – the Victoria Medal of Honour (VMH) – recognising and celebrating his extensive services to horticulture.

The VMH recognises British gardeners deserving of special honour by the Society. Past recipients include HRH King Charles II, Beth Chatto and David Austin.

The RHS Council presented Matthew Biggs with his VMH amid his ongoing cancer care, during which he has discussed the solace found in gardening and taken to fundraising and spearheading the creation of a space for fellow patients to enjoy at Mount Vernon Cancer Centre in Hertfordshire.

Matthew’s career spans five decades; from his training at Kew Gardens to a 35-year stint as BBC Radio 4 Gardeners’ Question Time panellist. In that time he has also published over 20 gardening books, lectured trainee gardeners, gardening groups and horticultural societies at home and abroad and volunteered with organisations including Plant Heritage. He is also a member of the RHS Woody Expert Group and an RHS Show Judge.

More recently Matthew has become an advocate for gardening and wellbeing, involving himself in projects promoting the therapeutic benefits of gardening and supporting healthcare environments, including the redevelopment of the gardens at Mount Vernon.

The VMH ceremony was hosted at RHS Garden Wisley by Tim Upson and presented to Matthew Biggs by long-time friend Roy Lancaster VMH.

Matthew Biggs VMH said: “I’m totally overwhelmed to have received this award when, in my mind, I’ve just been having fun and learning new things alongside great people. Plants are rather like people, they grow together in beds and borders, supporting and complimenting each other. Who can fail to be inspired by them?”

Tim Upson, RHS Director of Gardens and Horticulture, said: “I first met Matt 40 years ago as a student. To this day I always remember him being so welcoming, a fellow enthusiast to talk about plants. Matt has a natural ability to build connections between people and gardens through his enthusiastic and endearing but always practical guidance.”

Roy Lancaster VMH, added: “Today Matt adds to his list of accolades, the ultimate award. He is a credit to himself and the profession and a star to fans, family and all who love plants. His empathy and ability to understand and connect with all gardeners is a rare quality.”

All RHS People Awards require formal nomination, accompanying statements of support and approval from the RHS Council. Special dispensation was given by the RHS Council for the awarding of the 64th VMH outside of the annual People Awards event.

For more information visit: RHS People Awards / RHSFor more information on the garden at Mount Vernon Cancer Centre visit: www.justgiving.com/campaign/mountvernongardenproject

GIMA Buyers Guide & New Product Digest - Spring 2026 - A valuable reference for the UK Garden Trade Read On-line here

New Products for the UK Garden Trade for 2026 from GIMA Members: Altico, Auto Pot Global, Avocet Hardware – Greenman Tools, Bees Seeds, Big Cheese (STV), Charles Bentley, Durstons, Eastern Connections, Easy Cleaning Solutions (Jeyes), elho, Evergreen Garden Care, Fiskars, Floramedia, Gardena, Greenkey, Glee, Handy, Hex Living, Hortiwool, Johnsons Lawn Seeds, Lava-Lite, Lodi UK, The MAD Company, Meadow View Stone, Melcourt, Mercia Garden Products, Monty Miracle, Museums & Galleries, Outtrade BV, Pelsis Doff, Phoenox Textiles, PlantWorks, Super Ninja, Treadstone, Treasure Gardening, Vitavia, Woodmansterne, Zest Outdoor Living and the GIMA Member Directory.

GTN March 2026. In this issue: New gift packaging and greeting cards from Woodmansterne, Exclusive GTN interview with Derek Bunker as he takes retirement, Houseplants benefit from the Durston’s difference, Hunter Stoves enter the outdoor leisure market with Pollen, More than just cards – the story behind Museums & Galleries, Round up from this year’s Garden Press Event, Investments underline the future for Evergreen Garden Care, BGC’s family values vision - GTN meets up with Charles and Amy Stubbs  , Inspiration from winning garden centre teams in GTN’s Greatest Christmas Awards, Giant Garden Centre Teams, Large Garden Centre Teams, Mid-Sized Garden Centre Teams, Small Garden Centre Teams, Group Large Garden centre Teams, Group Small Garden Centre Teams, Review from Spring Fair and Glee at Spring Fair, Invasive Plant Advice – GTN Planteria, AI - your partner in business - Adapt or Die, Hungry for change - Pleydell Smithyman Viewpoint, What’s shaping Outdoor Living - LOFA Viewpoint, Grounded Horticulture - HTA Viewpoint, Cautious Optimism - GIMA Viewpoint.

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It’s less than four weeks until the Allergy & Free From Show at the NEC Birmingham which takes place from 9-10 May.

Discover a world of products, advice and inspiration at the UK’s leading event dedicated to allergies, intolerances and free-from living. It brings together thousands of visitors and hundreds of trusted brands, making it a must-attend for garden centre food and beverage managers looking to stay ahead of evolving customer needs.

With increasing demand for safe, inclusive menus across sectors, the show offers an invaluable opportunity to source new free-from food and drink products, explore allergen-friendly solutions, and meet suppliers who understand the complexities of catering for diverse dietary requirements. 

From gluten-free and dairy-free to allergen-conscious and skin-friendly offerings, you’ll find innovative products designed to support compliance, improve menu choice and enhance customer confidence.

You’ll also gain practical insights from industry experts and leading voices, covering topics such as allergen management, medical insights and tips on eating out safely.

Whether you’re reviewing your current offering or looking to expand your supplier network, this is your chance to discover what’s coming next in the free-from space.

Don’t miss out - secure your tickets now and start planning your visit today. Use the code GARDENTRADENEWS to benefit from free weekend tickets!

www.allergyshow.co.uk

Charles Bentley is continuing its momentum in the outdoor living space with an exciting new partnership, joining forces with sustainable plant pot innovator elho to introduce a new premium collection.

Following the successful launch of its latest garden furniture lines and the ottimo Kamado Searsmith barbecue range, the collaboration marks another step in the brand’s commitment to stylish, design-led outdoor living.  

The collaboration will see Charles Bentley introduce a curated selection from elho’s premium collection – an elevated range combining contemporary design with strong sustainability credentials. Originally launched last year, the collection has gained traction for its blend of style, durability and eco-conscious production. 

The premium collection comprises three distinct ranges, with Charles Bentley set to stock key lines from the june and amber portfolios. The addition supports the retailer’s strategy to offer accessible, design-led garden living products to its customer base. 

The june split features a distinctive diamond-inspired silhouette and refined matt finish and is available in both high and low formats to suit plant size and room space. Offered in a palette of neutral brown and vibrant purple, the range is designed for both indoor and outdoor use, aligning with continued demand for versatile, statement planters. 

Alongside this, selected pieces from the amber range will be available, including the popular amber roll in both high and low formats. Characterised by its soft, curvaceous form, the low version offers a compact solution for smaller planting schemes, while the taller format provides a more impactful option for larger greenery. 

Charles Bentley will also stock the amber grail, a more traditional pedestal-style planter with deep walls, as well as the amber coupe, designed to elevate planting displays both visually and physically. Across the amber range, products will be offered in on-trend colourways, including soft neutrals, beige, brown and white tones.

Steve Law, Commercial Director at Charles Bentley, commented: “We’ve long admired elho and are delighted to bring this partnership to fruition. The premium collection stood out immediately due to its distinctive design, variety of shapes and consumer-friendly colour palette. It represents a strong addition to our portfolio, enabling us to offer customers high-quality, design-led products with the added benefit of robust sustainability credentials.”

David Nicholson, Sales Manager at elho, added: “We’re pleased to partner with Charles Bentley to expand the reach of our premium collection. With its strong presence in the garden furniture and outdoor leisure sector, Charles Bentley is an excellent fit for elho products, and we’re excited to see how the partnership develops.

“The premium range has been designed to offer consumers an accessible sense of luxury, without compromising on sustainability. All products are made from 100% recycled plastic, are fully recyclable, and are produced using wind energy generated by our onsite turbine – ensuring they meet the expectations of increasingly environmentally conscious consumers.”

The collection is now live on the Charles Bentley website. 

To explore Charles Bentley’s wider product offering visit www.charlesbentley.com

To see Charles Bentley’s new product launches for 2026, see its media newsroom at: https://ace.media/charles-bentley

Members of the Association of Professional Landscapers (APL), the Horticultural Trades Association’s (HTA) specialist group of designers, landscapers and professional gardeners, have scooped gold awards and the prestigious ‘Best in Show’ at the Harrogate Spring Flower Festival.

‘Over the Garden Fence’ showcased compact gardens designed by APL members to demonstrate how to get the most out of a small urban garden space.

APL designer Melissa Morton and APL landscaper member Land Masons won Premier Gold and Best in Show for ‘The Breathing Space’. 

The compact show garden is inspired by Nordic design principles and grounded in Yorkshire materials. The 4×5m space is centred around a small, beautifully crafted garden sauna for two, a place of warmth, ritual and quiet restoration. A simple timber boardwalk leads through relaxed, naturalistic planting, guiding movement from the everyday into a calmer, more reflective setting.

The judges praised Melissa Morton for the garden’s beautiful planting and innovative, spatially aware design. Land Masons was also commended for the garden’s construction. The judges said it was built to an extremely high standard, with great attention to detail.

APL member J Paxman Landscapes won Gold for ‘Common Ground’

This small urban garden explores how shared outdoor spaces can bring people together across age, background, and experience. Designed as a single, enclosed garden room, the space is organised around shared activity. Modular planters of varying heights form a sculptural boundary and productive edge where people can grow plants together, while integrated seating encourages pause, conversation, and informal gathering. A central seating area and cantilevered bench anchors the garden.

The judges said the ‘Common Ground’ garden had an engaging design, was very well-constructed, and featured excellent-quality planting.

Phil Tremayne, General Manager of the Association of Professional Landscapes (APL), said: “As the first major event of the garden festival season, this is a great result for the APL and our members. Congratulations to Melissa, the Land Masons team and Nathan for creating two outstanding APL gardens. The Breathing Space and Common Ground really do demonstrate the talent, quality and professionalism that our members put into their projects. I hope the gardens also inspire visitors to the show, proving that anything is possible, even in a small urban garden space.”

The next show of the season is the BBC Gardeners’ World Spring Fair in Beaulieu. Accredited professionals from the APL will be at the show providing a Landscape and Design Clinic, for practical ideas and expert design advice. APL designers will be on hand to offer free professional guidance during drop-in sessions.

For more information about the APL's upcoming shows, visit: hta.org.uk/apl/events/showsor to learn more about the APL member gardens, visit the HTA’s News page.

The Hospitality Networking Exchange – Hampshire is a growing, cross-sector initiative led by Food Allergy Aware in collaboration with South Hampshire College Group and TLC Hospitality Consultancy.

It brings together businesses from across the food industry, including hospitality, garden centre cafés, suppliers, producers, compliance professionals, and educators—to connect, collaborate, and share best practice.  Organisers are also working closely with education partners to engage careers teachers and students, helping showcase the wide range of opportunities available—from hospitality roles to production, compliance, and supply chain careers.

The next free, informal breakfast event takes place on Friday 15th May from 7:30am–9:30am at the Winchester Hotel & Spa.

Graham Thompson from YTKO, who will be speaking on digital marketing.

This session will provide practical insight into:

• Strengthening your online presence
• Improving customer engagement and visibility
• Using digital tools to support business growth

The event is designed to:

• Encourage local collaboration and knowledge sharing
• Explore key operational topics such as food safety, allergen management, and workforce challenges 
• Connect businesses with suppliers, services, and education providers
• Promote career pathways across the food sector

For details visit: https://foodallergyaware.co.uk/events/the-hospitality-networking-exchange-hampshire-meet-up-may/

For more information about HNE Hampshire visit: https://foodallergyaware.co.uk/hne-hampshire/

Can you help with a venue for our September Event?

HNE Hampshire is currently seeking a venue partner for its September event:

• Location: Edge of the New Forest / M27 corridor
• Space for up to 40 attendees (round table / meeting style)
• Good parking and accessibility 
• Hospitality offering (breakfast / refreshments) 
• Opportunity to showcase your venue to a targeted business audience 

Garden centres interested in hosting the event should email: consultancy@fatc.co.uk

The Horticultural Trades Association has announced the first confirmed names in an impressive lineup of speakers for Horticulture, The Conference. The event will feature award-winning speakers who will cover topics such as global foresight, economics, policy, and communication, all aimed at helping environmental horticulture businesses prepare for the future.

The annual conference, a key event in the industry calendar, will take place on Thursday, 24 September 2026, at the iconic Barbican Centre in London.

Delegates will also be among the first to hear about and pick up a copy of the HTA’s new report, The Value of Green Spaces, following the previous publications of The Value of Plants and The Value of Gardens.

Among the speakers confirmed so far:

• Pippa Goodman, a global foresight expert and Co-founder and Managing Director of strategic foresight consultancy, Next Up.
• Dr Tim Leunig, a multiple international prize-winning economist and policy expert.
• Bronwen Maddox, a former journalist, political commentator and current Director and CEO of Chatham House.
• Ben Hanlin, an award-winning speaker who specialises in creating engagement and connection to boost business performance.

Pippa Goodman will delve into practical foresights for environmental horticulture businesses, covering sociological, technological, legal and environmental analysis. 

As a long-term partner to senior teams at some of the world’s best-known brands, Pippa helps businesses navigate change and build capabilities to support sustainable growth and resilience. From consumer behaviour to geopolitics, Pippa examines emerging trends to offer leaders an actionable strategy for making more confident decisions amid uncertainty.

Dr Tim Leunig will return as a featured speaker at this year’s Horticulture, The Conference. Following his highly praised appearance in 2023, Dr Leunig will unpack what the current economic climate means for UK environmental horticulture businesses.

Tim Leunig is a multiple international prize-winning economist who taught at the London School of Economics for 25 years. He served as an economic adviser to two UK Chancellors and was a key architect of the Government’s COVID-19 furlough scheme. Currently, he works with NESTA, the UK’s social innovation agency, and Public First Consulting. Beyond economics, he is a keen gardener who has opened his garden to the public through the National Gardens Scheme many times.

Bronwen Maddox will facilitate the political session on the needs of the UK’s environmental horticulture sector, what the Government can realistically deliver, and opportunities for collaboration.

Bronwen started as an investment analyst in the city and on Wall Street, and as a director of Kleinwort Benson's media team. She moved into journalism to head up the Financial Times investigation into Robert Maxwell, before joining The Times as Washington Bureau Chief, US Editor, and finally Foreign Editor. She was also the former Director and CEO of the Institute for Government, the think tank that aims to improve the effectiveness of government and previously served as Editor and CEO of the influential current affairs magazine, Prospect.

Ben Hanlin will wrap up the conference programme with the keynote speech. As an award-winning speaker, he helps businesses boost performance through better communication and a stronger human connection. His content creation has earned him over 2 million followers on social media, and he is a true expert at engaging audiences.

As a speaker, Ben breaks down his knowledge into key areas: Engagement & Connection, Mindset, Confidence, Resilience, and Dealing with Failure. He demonstrated this in his TEDx talk, ‘How to Instantly Create Engagement and Connection’, by sharing actionable techniques for building rapport and making an impact in any interaction.

During his keynote speech at Horticulture, The Conference, Ben will address how to use communication to drive performance and culture, how storytelling can help environmental horticulture cut through, and how to create connections across generations and teams.

Fran Barnes, Chief Executive of the HTA, said: “The sessions we are announcing today will provide us with invaluable insights as our sector continues to face challenging times. Understanding the economic and political issues affecting UK environmental horticulture businesses will not only be enlightening but also unmissable.

“We want our programme for Horticulture, The Conference to inform and support delegates on their professional journeys, inspiring them to take action and continue to grow. This lineup is just the beginning; there is still so much more to come. Over the coming weeks, we will announce more engaging speakers, details on the evening programme and the Grower of the Year Awards.

 “The HTA is committed to progressing change, building confidence in the sector and giving businesses the tools they need to unlock growth. Our green industry has so much to offer, so I hope you can join me at the conference to build on the successful momentum and secure the future of UK environmental horticulture.”

HTA Members are invited to take advantage of exclusive early-bird rates, with group discounts available for bookings of three or more from the same company, starting at just £109.00 per person. The early bird offer is available until 30 June.

To keep updated on the full programme and to secure a place at Horticulture, The Conference, visit: hta.org.uk/conference.

Following a period of maternity leave to welcome her twin boys, Meadow View Stone has announced the return of Jess Dabell to the business. Jess rejoins the team in a part-time capacity, with a focus on sustainability initiatives and marketing.

In her role, Jess will lead on merchandising organisation and support planning for the company’s upcoming presence at the GLEE exhibition.

Jess is excited to be back and is looking forward to reconnecting with colleagues and industry contacts. Alongside her work at Meadow View Stone, she will also resume her roles as a Mental Health First Aider for YPHA and as a dedicated ambassador for the Greenfingers Charity.

If you would like to contact Jess regarding your merchandising requirements or just to say hello! Please email: jess@meadowviewstone.co.uk

Gardens are wonderful spaces often full of fabulous colour, scent and plants, but look a little deeper and you might reveal something more – a rich biodiversity of wildlife. But do you know what’s there? 

With the UK facing a severe decline in its natural environment with significant impacts on its wildlife and ecosystems - 1,500 species are at risk of being lost completely and 54% of flowering plants have decreased in where they are found1 - gardens, of all sizes, can be a real lifeline for plant and wildlife species.  

This year the National Garden Scheme is inviting people across the UK to take part in The Big British Garden Survey, which aims to build a national picture of where wildlife is thriving in gardens and where there may be opportunities to encourage more biodiversity. By combining wildlife recording with information about garden habitats, the project will generate valuable insights into how gardens support nature. As a community science initiative, it also offers participants the chance to connect more closely with the natural world, something research shows can benefit wellbeing as well as biodiversity.  

“With around 2.5 million acres of gardens across the UK, these green spaces provide vital stepping stones for nature and are becoming a lifeline for many plant and wildlife species,” says National Garden Scheme Chief Executive, Dr Richard Claxton. “We know from previous studies that gardens are often rich in wildlife and biodiversity, but this project gives us an exciting opportunity to link wildlife records directly with information about gardens themselves.”  

The survey asks everyone with a garden, large or small, an allotment or balcony, to record the wildlife visiting their green spaces. “Taking part is simple - record the butterflies and other insects that your garden attracts. If you already monitoring other wildlife in your garden, you can also contribute those records. Mapping your garden and answering a short habitat survey will provide useful context about the features that might be supporting wildlife in your garden too,” adds Richard Claxton. 

National Garden Scheme President, Alan Titchmarsh adds “Gardens are not only hugely important in terms of caring for the landscape and for wildlife, but they also give us an opportunity to make a real contribution to the welfare of wildlife. They make a positive contribution to the health of the natural world – a hands-on way for all of us to do our bit in looking after the planet. The results of this important new survey will help us understand the role that thousands of gardens play and to champion ways in which gardeners can continue to support wildlife conservation in the UK. I would encourage everyone with a garden to explore their own patch of earth and contribute to this fascinating survey.”  

The survey runs from April until the end of September 2026 with results published by the National Garden Scheme in early 2027. You can find out more and register to take part here  

https://ngs.org.uk/the-big-british-garden-survey/ 

Blue Diamond, the UK’s largest garden centre group, has announced the acquisition of Holt Garden Centre, located on the Kelling Estate in North Norfolk. This acquisition marks Blue Diamond’s 54th garden centre and further reinforces the Group’s position at the forefront of the industry, with an annual turnover of £400+ million.

Set within the scenic Kelling Estate, Holt Garden Centre has established itself as a highly regarded destination for gardening enthusiasts and visitors alike. Over the past nine years, the centre has evolved into a thriving retail and lifestyle hub, known for its quality offering, strong customer experience, and unique setting.

The acquisition aligns with Blue Diamond’s ongoing strategy of investing in high-quality centres with strong growth potential. The Group is widely recognised for enhancing and developing garden centres into market-leading destinations, combining horticultural excellence with innovative retail and dining experiences.

Commenting on the acquisition, Hayley Robertson, Managing Partner, Kelling Estate, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Blue Diamond as the new owners of the Holt Garden Centre on the Kelling Estate. To attract a best-in-class business operator speaks volumes as to how far the garden centre has developed during our nine-year ownership into a go-to destination in an exceptional position. Alan Roper and his team have great ideas and plans, which we will, as both their landlord and neighbour, watch with interest as they grow the business further. We know the future is bright. On a personal level, I have enjoyed every moment, and I hugely thank the Holt Garden Centre team for all their hard work and effort over the years.”

Alan Roper, CEO of Blue Diamond, added that the Group sees significant opportunity to build on the strong foundations already in place at Holt, further enhancing its offering while preserving its character and connection to the local community.  Alan told GTN Xtra he expects turnover to double from the current £4.8m over the coming years under Blue Diamond ownership, with plants being a major opportunity for growth.

Landscaping supplies company Altico have made the decision not to pass on any increased haulage costs that have arisen due to the Gulf conflict.

Antony Harker explained to GTN Xtra: “Garden Centres are under enough cost pressure of their own, we cannot simply just push our cost problems on to them. We have to take responsibility for our own challenges and think smarter, managing transport and order quantities better in times like this can have a real effect on the cost, so we asked our customers to try to order in 12 pallets, rather than their normal minimum order. This means the number of drops per load is generally no more than 2 which removes the additional drop charges that we have would normally have incurred.  This calculates we can recoup about 60% of the surcharges we are facing without our customers taking any hit on price. The rest we have to take on the chin to protect our customers and their margins, it won’t last forever, we hope…

“Our customers need to be successful for us to be successful. It's lucky that we're in April when products are selling through fast, if they have a few extra pallets of the best sellers at this time of year is not much of an issue.

Antony explained the increased costs as a supplier are not only for outgoing delivery haulage which is between 15% and 27%, but also incoming product haulage, packaging costs soared by 40% initially but them came down, and the costs of diesel for the forklifts at their production site along with other things have all gone up. “Our team have been doing this a long time and are used to managing and mitigating increases. We have calculated out that overall, our costs have increased by 2.9%, so not a disaster, but still significant.

“We talked to our customers, they welcomed the plan and were happy to work with us and were of course pleased we were not attempting to add a surcharge. We didn’t dictate, we haven't said it has to be 12 pallets, we've said please work with us, help us out, but if you really can’t do 12 pallets, we are still happy to deliver less.

“It didn't surprise me how the customers reacted. Because when things go wrong in our industry, everybody sticks together and they help each other out. That's the great thing about our industry and we've seen that yet again.”

The Garden Centre Association’s Barometer of Trade for March shows members recorded ‘robust sales’ and a positive year‑to‑date performance.

The food hall/farm shop category topped the figures at +5.37%, followed by catering at +3.89% when compared with the same month in 2025.

Peter Burks, GCA CEO, explains: “A very robust sales result was recorded overall at down -3.77% for the month given that March 2025 was an amazing +26.9% up on March 2024.

“This year’s very variable weather could have resulted in much poorer sales. As expected, it is gardening that took the hit, but our non-gardening categories were all positive helping to reduce the shortfall.

“Exactly the reason that our members have developed these categories to help in months like this. We are still waiting for the peak spring season to take off but fortunately the later this comes usually the bigger it is, so still all to play for. Plus, the year-to-date increase is up +1.69%, which is good news.”

Clothing came third in March’s named BoT category line-up at +1.62% %, followed by gifts, up by 1.58%, when compared to March 2025.

The significant categories that recorded negatively in March were seeds & bulbs down by -2.11%, furniture & BBQ down -2.75%, houseplants -6%, garden sundries -6.63%, pets & aquatics - 6.69%, outdoor plants -10.95% and hard landscaping down by -17.85%.

The GCA’s 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 allows members to compare their trading positions with other centres.

The Horticultural Trades Association monthly Market Update report shows that garden centre sales in March 2026 fell by -4% compared to March 2025, but remained +18% ahead of March 2024. 

This is predominantly due to more typical weather conditions bringing trading back towards seasonal norms after last year’s strong performance.

Jennifer Pheasey, HTA Director of Policy and Public Affairs, said: “March reflects a return to more typical seasonal trading conditions after the very strong performance we saw last year. Sales are down 4% on 2025, but still 18% ahead of 2024, when much wetter and colder weather held back demand. The contrast across these three years highlights just how influential weather remains on our sector.

“This month’s market update reports fewer overall customer visits, with total transactions down by 4%. Gardening categories saw the biggest impact, with sales down around 8% compared to last year, including bedding plants -9% and hardy plants -11%. This is reflective of a combination of more mixed weather, overnight frosts towards the end of March, and the earlier timing of Easter and Mother’s Day, which are key trading periods for the industry.

“At the same time, consumer confidence has also weakened, with households becoming more cautious as economic uncertainty grows. However, customers who are visiting are still spending, with average transaction values holding steady. That shows there is still a strong underlying demand for gardening and the experience garden centres offer.

“This support for local garden centre businesses is critical at a time when our members are facing increasing cost pressures from multiple directions. Businesses are being squeezed by rising costs and weakening confidence at the same time. The conflict in Iran is already feeding through into supply chains, not just through fuel, but with fertiliser prices rising sharply, with ammonium nitrate up 24% since February, and disruption to key shipping routes pushing up freight costs. These pressures are unlikely to ease in the short term.

“This comes on top of significant structural cost increases, including higher business rates following the end of Retail, Hospitality and Leisure relief, as well as increases to wages, National Insurance, and changes to inheritance tax. As a result, many businesses now need to achieve growth of 10–15% simply to maintain their position.

“Environmental horticulture contributes £38 billion to the UK economy and supports 722,000 jobs, so businesses must be able to operate in a stable and supportive environment.

“However, garden centres remain places people come for inspiration, advice and enjoyment as well as essential products, and that continues to resonate even in a more challenging economic climate. Gardens and green spaces are increasingly valued as places to relax and unwind. With spring now underway, there is a real opportunity for people to get outside, make the most of their gardens and support their local garden centres.

“While the year has started slightly ahead of 2025, with sales up 1% year-to-date and 11% ahead of 2024, the strong lead built earlier in the year has narrowed as we move into the peak season. With April starting positively, the next few months will be crucial in determining how well businesses can convert seasonal demand into sustainable growth.”

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

The countdown is officially on. The GIMA Awards are returning on Thursday 12th November, bringing the garden retail industry together once again to recognise the ideas, innovation and people shaping the sector right now.

Taking place at the Celtic Manor Resort in Newport, South Wales, the event remains one of the most anticipated dates in the industry calendar, providing a chance to step back from the day-to-day, celebrate success, and benchmark against the very best.

The GIMA Awards continue to champion the businesses pushing boundaries across product development, marketing and retail support.  Spanning a comprehensive range of categories – from garden care and outdoor living through to POS, marketing campaigns and supplier excellence – the awards reflect the full breadth of innovation happening across the sector today.

Open to entries from June 2025 through to May 2026, this is an opportunity for brands of all sizes to showcase the ideas, products and initiatives that are driving real impact in garden retail.

And for those considering entering, perhaps this is the year your business joins the roll of honour alongside last year’s winners, which included names such as GARDENA UK, Elho, Woodlodge, Meadow View Stone and Smart Garden Products.

Helping you put your best entry forward

For those looking to put their best foot forward, GIMA is introducing additional support for entrants this year.  A dedicated GIMA Awards online workshop on 6th May will give businesses practical insight into what makes a winning entry. From understanding judging criteria to structuring submissions effectively, the session is designed to remove guesswork and help entrants present their work with confidence.

Judging will then take place at Warwick Racecourse across 30th June and 1st July, where industry experts will assess entries in person.

Entry details

Entry fees remain accessible, with GIMA members able to enter for £70 + VAT per submission, and non-members at £140 + VAT.

Tickets for the awards evening are priced at £379 + VAT per person for members (£3,579 + VAT for a table of 10), and £449 + VAT per person for non-members (£4,299 + VAT for a table of 10), with dinner and accommodation included.

Book early and save

Those planning ahead can take advantage of the Early Bird offer, with a 5% discount available on Gala Dinner bookings made and paid for by 29th May.

Further details, including full entry criteria, submission information and to book your ticket, can be found at www.gima.org.uk/gima-awards-2026/

FELCO, the world’s leading manufacturer of professional cutting tools and a symbol of Swiss quality since 1945, is proud to unveil the new FELCO 2e electronic pruning shear.

As the direct successor to the FELCO 2, the new FELCO 2e transfers everything that made this legendary model successful into a lightweight and powerful electric tool. It has been developed to make life easier for passionate gardeners, enabling them to fully express their craftsmanship in the harmonious and precise shaping of their gardens.

What made FELCO 2 successful remains unchanged: ergonomics, comfort, and perfect cutting control — now enhanced with electric power tailored to the needs of demanding gardeners.

This evolution is not purely technological: it also marks FELCO’s entry into the electric tools market for discerning home gardeners seeking innovative, durable, and easy-to-use equipment.

Branches up to 27 mm in diameter

With a simple click and without any physical effort, the FELCO 2e cuts branches up to 27 mm in diameter, making tasks accessible that previously required considerable force with manual shears. Its ergonomics have been designed for lightness and shaped to adapt to every hand.

With a total weight of under 900 g (including battery), the device guarantees optimal comfort even during prolonged use. Featuring a half-opening mode (18 mm) or full opening (27 mm), an LCD screen displaying all essential device status information, and a powerful battery (10.8 V; 3 Ah), the FELCO 2e is the ideal tool for all pruning tasks.

Enhanced safety thanks to CUT SHIELD

The FELCO 2e is equipped with patented CUT SHIELD technology: the pruning shear detects contact between hand or fingers and the cutting head and stops the blade closing if necessary, thereby protecting the user and increasing safety.

This safety function does not replace user vigilance but makes using the FELCO 2e even safer.

The new patented blade coating, known as F-Tech technology, revolutionizes cutting by reducing plant sap adhesion, significantly simplifying cleaning while ensuring a clean, precise cut that promotes rapid plant wound healing.

The FELCO 2e is supplied in a transport case containing the pruning shear, a battery, charging cable, a pair of FELCO 707 conductive gloves, a lubricating spray for the cutting head, and an instruction manual.

Exceptional product

“The FELCO 2e combines the prestige of the FELCO tradition with cutting-edge technology to deliver a completely new cutting experience,” says Nabil Francis, CEO of FELCO.

Stephan Kopietzki, FELCO’s CCO, adds: “We are delighted to present this exceptional new product. This further strengthens FELCO’s offering worldwide for both professional and hobby gardeners.”

Availability

The FELCO 2e kit is ready immediately through selected retailers and FELCO’s online store.

Sipcam Home & Garden is celebrating the powerful momentum of #AJoyfulRebellion, the bold new ecofective® campaign that has exploded across social media following its successful debut at the Garden Press Event.

With Lee Connelly, AKA The Children’s Gardening Coach stepping into his role as ‘Rebel in Chief’, the campaign has already sparked impressive engagement, energising families, gardeners, and green-minded creators nationwide.

A Campaign That’s Already Making Noise

Since its launch at the Garden Press Event in February this year, #AJoyfulRebellion has seen a surge of online activity, with early engagement showing just how ready the nation is to garden differently. 

Highlights include:

• Thousands of impressions across ecofective® and Lee Connelly’s combined social channels.
• Hundreds of video views of launch-day content.
• A multitude of comments and shares from parents, educators, and gardening enthusiasts.
• A wave of creators joining the movement using #AJoyfulRebellion.

This early traction reflects the appetite for a gardening movement that is fun, purposeful, and proudly rebellious.

Led by a Rebel With a Cause

At the heart of the campaign is Lee Connelly, whose authentic, family-focused approach to gardening has helped propel ecofective® into new digital territory. As Rebel in Chief, Lee is rallying a new generation of gardeners, those who care about the planet, embrace creativity, and aren’t afraid to break the rules.

The campaign mission is simple: inspire families to get outside, get growing, and join a movement rooted in joy, purpose, and planet-friendly action.

A Movement for Gardeners Who Don’t Follow the Rules

A Joyful Rebellion is more than a campaign, it’s building a community of like-minded garden enthusiasts - a tribe built on emotional loyalty, shared values, and the belief that small acts can create big change. Right at the heart of the community is ecofective® championing the bee, the beginners, the balcony growers and the planet protectors. This is gardening with meaning.

A Year of Action, Energy, and Real-World Impact

Throughout 2026, the campaign will continue to grow through:

• Live Joyful Rebellion events led by Lee Connelly
• School engagement activities including photo challenges and interactive learning
• Giveaways of ecofective® products
• The Truth or Dare gardening game, already gaining traction on socials.
• Distribution of 2,000 Pollination of the Nation seed packets, encouraging families to grow with purpose and support pollinators

These initiatives build on Sipcam Home & Garden’s commitment to eco-friendly gardening and its mission to help families reconnect with nature.

Join the Rebellion

The Joyful Rebellion is only just beginning and the movement is growing fast. Stay up to date, receive some goodies and get involved - join the ecofective® tribe here! For the ultimate rebels, follow ecofective® (@ecofective) and Lee Connelly (@childrensgardeningcoach) on Instagram for daily #AJoyfulRebellion updates!

The GTN Team will be at the Glee Roadshow tomorrow (Thursday) at Gates Oakham, where editor Trevor Pfeiffer will be hosting two of the sessions, with Nigel Gates and later with Martin and Jenny Turner from Fakenham Garden Centre.

Register here to attend and join in the discussions about what's really shaping garden retail right now, regionally and nationally. 

https://www.gleebirmingham.com/roadshow#roadshow-signup

The full agenda for the day which starts at 11:00am is:

11:15 | Family business, built to last - Nigel Gates shares the realities of running a fourth-generation independent garden centre - including staying true to family values, creating experiential retail, and building a business designed to thrive for generations. 

11:45 | Solving the people puzzle - An interactive session with Guy Moreton of More People, on recruitment, retention and culture. How do we attract great people and make garden retail a career of choice? 

13:45 | Panel discussion - Leading retailers, Meadow Croft Garden Centre, Nest, and more, come together to explore how centres can diversify beyond traditional retail and adopt additional revenue streams - the opportunities are endless!

14:30 | In conversation - Martin and Jennie Turner of Fakenham Garden Centre share how they have built an award-winning garden centre that’s small but mighty! With a royal visit under their belt, their story is a powerful example of independent garden retail done brilliantly. 

Plus a delicious free lunch provided by Gates, where you’ll have time to network and create a few new connections that last beyond the day. 

Register to attend here: https://www.gleebirmingham.com/roadshow#roadshow-signup

We look forward to seeing you there!

Summer starts here – and SOLEX is kicking things off in feel-good style as the SOLEX Awards & Afterparty returns for its third year on Tuesday 7th July 2026, bringing the celebrations to the Concourse Suite at the NEC, Birmingham – this time under the banner of the SOLEX World Cup Awards Night.

Limited to just 350 guests and with a World Cup 2026 theme setting the tone, this is your chance to swap the show floor for the spotlight and celebrate the outdoor living industry in true SOLEX style — great people, great atmosphere, delicious food… and a brilliant night out.

The evening begins with welcome drinks from 6.30pm, before the spotlight turns to the main stage for the SOLEX Awards Ceremony. Hosted by comedian and broadcaster Paul Sinha. Expect laughs, energy and a proper feel-good vibe as Paul takes to the stage as MC and helps present the SOLEX Awards, recognising excellence across the outdoor living sector.

Following the awards guests move into half-time enjoying fantastic food, music and relaxed networking.  Foosball tables will be in play throughout the interval, adding a light-hearted, competitive element to the evening and encouraging exhibitors and industry colleagues to connect. 

The second half sees guests take to their seats for a live screening of a World Cup Round of 16 match on large screens, bringing shared tournament drama to the SOLEX audience. 

The event wraps up at 11.30pm, making it the perfect way to kick off SOLEX with an unforgettable celebration.

Book your place by clicking here

Attendance is strictly capped at 350 guests.

N.B. There is a £100 non- attendance fee applicable to confirmed bookings not attended.

For more information about SOLEX https://solexexhibition.com/