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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What the judges will be looking for:

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

• The Greatest Winter & Christmas Houseplant Team

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

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

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

Once again, as a key part of our Greatest Christmas Awards, we will be letting your customers have the final say on just who are The Greatest Garden Centre Christmas teams in 2025.  Voting can be done on-line and in-store between now and the 22^nd December.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here is a link to the Voting QR code:

GTN Greatest Christmas Awards Voting QR code

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

Corby + Fellas has announced the successful launch and implementation of its advanced EPOS and retail management solution at the prestigious Everton Nurseries.

The WinRetail system is designed to support the continued growth and renowned customer service of the historic, family-run garden centre.

The project was executed seamlessly, with the assistance of Darren Clift of DPC Consultancy, C+F’s strategic process partner.

Pictured: Alessio, Maria and Lucy from Everton, along with C+F’s Jacob, Grant and Darren.

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

RocketGro are thrilled to be able to announce the release of their first TV advert. Incorporating vibrant, eye catching, intense images and audio, RocketGro have produced a stunning first advert that takes the company up a level and places a marker down by elevating what can be done in the world of growing media. By avoiding the traditional advert form that may be associated with the gardening sector, RocketGro are attempting to take a modern forward thinking position that embraces both the youth and the older generations.  

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

Managing Director Toby Thomas commented: “We are so excited by our recent efforts to produce absorbing, engaging, ‘wow’ marketing. This first advert is a major milestone in the ongoing growth of our company. There is much much more to come. Supporting our brand and therefore our retailers with stunning marketing investment is a game changer. Consumers will embrace our fun, dynamic, innovative positioning of our brand. Coupled with our unbeatable eco story, we are a brand fit for the modern era and we are making sure we are not just future proofed, we are creating the future. Turn up the volume. RocketGro are here!’’

If you want to learn more about RocketGro or are keen to discuss adding its product portfolio into your 2025/26 offering, please contact Toby Thomas (hello@rocketgro.co.uk /07936 928 981) or Andy Abraham (andy@rocketgro.co.uk / 07446 937902). View the full range and discover more about the RocketGro story at www.rocketgro.co.uk

The Government’s climate change and biodiversity targets will not be met without greater support for domestic tree production, according to a new report produced by the Woodland Trust, the Horticultural Trades Association, the National Trust and the Royal Horticultural Society.

The Strong Roots report, published today (Tuesday), suggests that the UK government’s Net Zero Strategy, which requires 40,000 hectares of trees to be planted annually by 2030, is likely to be held back by barriers to domestic tree production, such as the lack of a designated action plan and a shortage of skilled workers.

In 2023/24, Britain planted over 20,000 hectares of new woodland, the highest in 35 years, yet meeting future planting targets will require strategic support for domestic tree production, which is “the backbone of reaching targets to increase tree cover” according to the report.

Another issue highlighted by the report is the low number of fruit, nut and amenity trees being produced domestically in Britain. These trees play fundamental roles in agroforestry, as well as in city streets and gardens. 

Increasing domestic tree production will improve biosecurity by reducing the need for imports, which can bring with them an increased risk of tree pests and disease. Managing pests and disease is estimated to cost the UK economy £6.1 million a year.

As well as reducing the bill for biosecurity, increasing domestic tree production has untapped benefits for the UK economy, according to the report. In 2023, Britain imported £280 million-worth of trees and shrubs.

The report stresses the essential role trees play in sustaining biodiversity, mitigating climate change and enhancing wellbeing, and makes recommendations to the Government on how to increase availability of homegrown trees across England, Scotland and Wales.

Recommendations from the report include an action plan for British tree production, increased support for British tree growers and more diversity in trees being produced within the UK.

Sally Cullimore, Technical and Trade Policy Manager at the Horticultural Trades Association, said: “The Strong Roots report is the result of a strong and unique collaboration, shaped by the expertise of HTA members in UK tree production.

“The UK tree sector is a key part of environmental horticulture, which presents a real opportunity for governments across all British nations to commit to genuine green growth – growth literally rooted in the hands of UK tree producers.

“This report lands when the sector urgently needs certainty and confidence, indeed, in recent months, many businesses are reporting new, sharper challenges. It is critical that the government and policymakers recognise that trees cannot be grown overnight. This report provides an important foundation for continuing, expediting and widening the conversation and action. The government must address current market conditions and rebuild confidence for the future.

“Tree producers are part of a sector that contributes £38 billion to the UK economy. Swift and consistent action on the expert recommendations in this report will be vital to supporting the businesses that grow the trees our landscapes, communities, environment, and economy need for the future.”

Rebecca Gosling, Lead Policy Advocate at the Woodland Trust said: “All three British governments have ambitious annual targets to increase tree cover. England’s Environmental Improvement Plan sets a legally binding goal of expanding tree cover from 14.5% to 16.5% by 2050. This level of tree planting, which is vital in the fight against climate change, simply won’t be possible unless there is coordinated support for the British tree production industry.

“Support is especially critical to maintain and boost British production of rootstock and standard trees. We want to see the Government address this with an action plan for British tree production.”

The National Trust’s Head of Trees and Woodland, John Deakin, said: "The National Trust is playing its part with ambitious plans to establish 20 million new trees by 2030 for the benefit of people, climate and nature. But in order for us and others to achieve such goals, it is crucial that there is Government investment in and support for reliable, sustainable and biosecure tree production in the UK”.

Professor Alistair Griffiths, RHS Director of Science and Collections, said: "The benefits of investing in domestic tree production in the UK are clear, both economically and in building climate resilience.

“By growing more trees locally, we can better support national efforts - including those of the nation’s gardeners - to adapt to and mitigate climate change while also creating skilled jobs and boosting innovation across the horticultural and forestry sectors. This report shows that targeted investment, research and innovation are essential to unlocking the full potential of British tree production.”

A five year old from Ackworth has helped make history by launching the UK’s biggest single display of Lemax collectables.

Thomas Kerry won a competition to help Santa switch on the Lemax Winter Village at Tingley Garden Centre following an appeal for someone to help Santa make the village come alive.

Thomas was nominated by his mother, Bethany, who said: “Thomas was born 10 weeks early and was given a 40% chance of survival. Tingley was one of the first places we went to with Thomas as a baby and, as nervous first time parents of a premature baby, any outing came with mass anxiety.

“Tingley soon became our safe place as a family, somewhere to go that we could be ourselves. Thomas is now five, beating the odds, but we still go to Tingley. We are now regulars and call staff our friends. They all accept Thomas for who he is, allow him to be himself and make us feel comfortable.

“All the Bloom’s staff are a credit to the company and the most supportive people that I have come across as a mum. It was an honour for Thomas to turn the lights on for the staff and customers, and a magical memory that will live with us forever.”

The free to visit Lemax Winter Village includes a ski village, a miniature town, Santa’s magical wonderland, a forest, a park and a carnival and features 49 new collectables for 2025. The village is also home to three lakes and is the first Lemax display in the UK to feature a festive footbridge over a wishing lake where visitors can toss in a coin to make a wish. All of the coins will be collected and donated to Yorkshire Garden Centre Group’s charity of the year, Martin House Children’s Hospice.

“Thanks to Thomas and Bethany, the ‘mini in model size, but massive in magic’ Lemax Winter Village is now open, and we look forward to welcoming lots of families, young and old, to make memories here at Tingley this festive season,” said Yorkshire Garden Centres’ marketing manager, Harriet Hardiment.

Tingley Garden Centre is part of the Yorkshire Garden Centres family that comprises Tong, Tingley, Otley, Bingley and Shelley Garden Centres plus Dean’s York and Scarborough.

There will also be Lemax Winter Village displays at Tong, Otley, Dean’s York and Pennine Garden Centres, as part of the group’s series of family-friendly festive events which start with Sparkle late night shopping events at all centres apart from Tong on 16th October.

Tingley Garden Centre will also be home to an all-weather ice rink, a new, spectacular Light Trail at Mission Out and will host Breakfast and Storytime with Santa events.

Dobbies Garden Centre in Royston has become the sixth store to complete upgrades to the shopping experience as part of the retailer’s national refurbishment programme. 

Customers can now shop expanded ranges, including their biggest ever Christmas range; an extended autumn gardening range; a brand-new food gifting range; as well as new clothing concessions including Weird Fish and Klass, with more to come. 

There’s a larger soft play, with more equipment, seating and a refreshed look, and there’s an expanded new-look restaurant with an additional 80 seats for customers indoors, and 76 outdoors, taking the total to 344 across the restaurant. 

General Manager, Shaun Goodchild, said: “The store has really been transformed – it feels like a brand-new store! With all the new ranges and all the changes that have been made to the restaurant, which now has double the seating it used to have, it looks really fantastic. 

“This transformation has been a real team effort, with contributions from colleagues across the business. A huge thank you to everyone involved, we can’t wait for customers to come in and experience the improvements for themselves.”

David Robinson, CEO of Dobbies, said: “As part of a £4m investment in store refurbishments, Royston is the sixth store we have launched this year, all timed to coincide with our Christmas Launch Weekend.  

“We’ve made fantastic progress with our refurbishment programme, delivering positive results in the five stores so far. We’ll continue to focus on enhancing the customer experience, expanding our ranges and creating more reasons to visit, as we continue with our programme into 2026 and beyond.”

Dobbies’ Brighton, Cadnam, Hungerford, Beaconsfield and Bury St Edmunds stores have already completed their refurbishments this year, with work on Moreton Park underway. 

The Horticultural Trades Association has wrapped up a busy season of engagement across the major political party conferences, attending the Liberal Democrat conference in Bournemouth, the Labour Party conference in Liverpool, and the Conservative Party conference in Manchester.

Throughout the events, the Policy and Public Affairs team met with senior political figures, spoke at panels and fringe sessions, and ensured that both the challenges facing HTA members and the solutions environmental horticulture can offer for green renewal were clearly heard.

Conversations centred on key economic pressures, such as rising employment costs, access to finance, the overall cost of doing business, and regulatory burdens, while also highlighting the sector’s vital contribution to the economy, the environment, and public wellbeing.

Liberal Democrats — Bournemouth

At the Liberal Democrat conference, Katie Neenan – HTA Senior Public Affairs and Policy Executive - picked up on some of the key topics of the conference, including the rise of Reform, energy security, economic growth, and the benefits of a closer trading relationship with Europe. This year marked the first time a dedicated Climate & Nature Day was held at the Liberal Democrat Conference, featuring fringe events on green spaces, net zero, and a just transition. The HTA joined the Business Day, which began with a panel session featuring Deputy Leader and Treasury Spokesperson Daisy Cooper, followed by roundtables chaired by senior Liberal Democrat politicians on various issues, including planning and housing.  This allowed the HTA to bring direct issues from our members to the fore.

Labour Party — Liverpool

In Liverpool, Jennifer Pheasey, HTA Director of Policy & Public Affairs, and Samantha Smith, HTA Public Affairs Manager, joined The Enterprise Forum’s small-business reception, where Chief Secretary to the Treasury James Murray MP and Chair of the Energy Security and Net Zero Select Committee, Bill Esterson MP, addressed a mixed audience of industry and political delegates. As one of the reception partners, Jennifer addressed the attendees to deliver a clear message: do not use this Autumn Budget to impose additional tax or cost burdens on horticultural businesses. She also highlighted planning, skills, and green infrastructure as critical areas for reform. A highlight from the event came from HTA member J.Parker’s Yellow Submarine tomato seeds, which were given to attendees as a symbolic nod to local identity and environmental horticultural creativity.

Conservative Party — Manchester

From Manchester, Samantha and Jennifer also engaged with MPs and shadow ministers, raising issues from business costs and planning to water resilience and EU trade opportunities. At a Business with Europe event, Lord Heseltine spoke powerfully in favour of a closer UK–EU relationship, a message that resonated across sectors. The HTA also met with Shadow Environment Minister Robbie Moore MP and caught remarks from Shadow Chancellor Mel Stride on tax policy direction. At an Enterprise Forum lunch on Tuesday, Samantha asked Alex Burghart MP, Shadow Chancellor for the Duchy of Lancaster and Northern Ireland Secretary, about the importance of cross-departmental working and engagement with business, highlighting the role that an Office for Green Spaces could play.

Broader Political Context

Across all three conferences, the theme of shifting political currents was ever-present, particularly in relation to the rise of Reform UK. The Conservative conference, themed “Stronger Economy, Stronger Borders,” brought scrutiny to climate policy and the net-zero target. Meanwhile, the Labour conference was shaped by discussions on fiscal stability, public spending, and the government's readiness for change.

As delegates return to Westminster, the HTA is preparing for a busy autumn ahead and working to ensure recommendations from the sector are carefully considered as the government shapes its Autumn Budget and legislative priorities.

A short video summary capturing key moments and conversations from each of the conferences can be viewed here:

The Garden Centre Association’s has launched a new Food Safety Level 3 course on its award-winning e-learning platform. 

It’s the 98th course to be added to the GCA’s Garden Retail Online Workshops (GROW) and it’s available to both the body’s members and those of the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA).

GROW’s Instructional Designer, Antony Snow says: “Food safety is not only essential, but it’s a legal requirement for any food handling business, so I’m delighted to be able to offer this course to our members, which complements our Food Safety Level 1 and Level 2 courses that are available currently.

“Designed for supervisors, managers and those with a responsibility for overseeing food safety in the workplace, this comprehensive course provides learners with an in-depth knowledge of food safety management, legislation and effective supervisory skills.

“The course content is broken down into 11 bite-sized modules that use a blend of theory and practical application that will allow our members’ employees to develop the competence needed to maintain high standards, ensure regulatory compliance and safeguard themselves and their customers.”

There are currently 98 courses and more than 12,000 GROW users across the UK.

The platform was originally devised during a strategy meeting of the GCA’s executive committee to bring education and training tailored to individuals employed in the garden centre industry.

It’s a self-funding and non-profit facility with any surpluses being reinvested into its ongoing development and improvement.

GCA Chief Executive, Peter Burks adds: “GROW is a valuable and budget-friendly resource for staff training and personal development, and it’s consistently praised by our members. With round-the-clock access, every day of the year, it’s perfectly suited for garden centre team members to learn at their own pace and convenience.

“Interested in discovering more about GROW, this course, or the other 97 available through our user-friendly online platform? Please visit our dedicated webpage: www.gca.org.uk/gca-grow-information. You can also contact Antony by emailing grow@gca.org.uk. The new course is accessible immediately to existing subscribers and, for an additional cost of just £49 +VAT per licence or learner, it offers outstanding value for money.”

GROW provides an extensive set of important courses on subject matter designed to help staff successfully assist customers and colleagues as needed.

These include a wide range of topics that cover horticulture, customer service, food safety, regulated sales and health and safety.

All the courses have been written by experts in their field and are designed to apply to a garden centre environment, with the content for the horticultural courses drawing on the vast experience of members within the GCA.

This year’s Brand Licensing Europe has seen the launch of the latest Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) style guide, a guide that celebrates one of the most important figures in the history of horticulture.

Gertrude Jekyll (1843-1932) is admired both for her botanical art and for her groundbreaking garden designs. She designed over 400 gardens in the UK and Europe and three in the US. Many still exist and are visited and admired to this day.

In 1897Jekyll was awarded the Victoria Medal of Honour by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), the highest accolade the RHS gives to British horticulturists. She and horticulturist Ellen Willmott were the first women ever to receive this prestigious award.

In fact, Gertrude Jekyll sketches have already been the basis for a number of product designs including RHS handbags, kitchen textiles, washable mats and upholstery fabrics. They have been sourced from the RHS Lindley Library in central London, which contains world-renowned collections of rare and modern books about horticulture, the archives of the RHS and the botanical art and photography that makes up the RHS Lindley Collections, the world’s finest library of botanic art.

The RHS Lindley Collections contains over 30,000 illustrations, some dating back to the 1600s, alongside hundreds of thousands of photographs including plant portraits, garden views and images from RHS shows and events. It has been a valuable design resource for the RHS, and the basis for over a dozen style guides to date, guides that highlight artists and garden design styles, and are humorous, child-focused, traditional, modern and much more.

Now Gertrude Jekyll’s name is about to grace its very own dedicated style guide. Gertrude Jekyll’s notebooks, watercolours, and other materials, highlighting her artistic talent and design process, have become the basis for this guide, developed with the help of Sasha Reid, a respected pattern designer and founder of design agency Fuchsia and Fig.

Sasha Reid has transformed delicate sketches into larger, more intricate patterns that reimagine Jekyll's vision through a contemporary lens. Sketches have been completed and made into repeat patterns perfect for textiles, wallpaper, flooring and giftables.

The result, the very first RHS Licensing Gertrude Jekyll Style Guide, is a triumphant addition to the support package that the RHS offers to aid product and packaging design by its licensees.

RHS style guides are all different, but all have one thing very much in common: RHS licensees are invited to use the assets as they appear in the guides or to adapt them to create their own unique designs. It’s all part of the RHS commitment to the constant development and improvement of its service to its licensees, of which the Gertrude Jekyll Style Guide is the latest impressive example.

Cathy Snow, RHS Licensing Manager, says: “Design support is a fundamental aim of the RHS licensing programme andstandalone guides based on specific elements of the RHS Lindley Collections have proved popular with our licensees. The wonderful new RHS Licensing Gertrude Jekyll Style Guide, with invaluable development work from Sasha Reid, is a marvellous addition to this unmatched selection of uniquely appealing design resources.”

Deco-Pak, the family-run aggregate experts, is gearing up for a landmark 2026 season with a series of exciting new launches that promise to strengthen its garden retail offering like never before.

With innovation and exclusivity at the heart of the line-up, Deco-Pak is giving garden centres and allied retailers fresh tools to inspire customers, drive impulse sales, and increase profitability.

Gravel Glue – set to shake up garden retail

Taking the lead focus for 2026 is Gravel Glue, a brand-new venture for Deco-Pak and the garden retail market. Designed to simplify aggregate stabilisation for the consumer, Gravel Glue prevents gravel migration, reduces maintenance, and makes paths, driveways and garden features easier to manage.

Retail-ready packaging has been developed with the garden centre shopper in mind. Available in a spray bottle and a 5L container (offering coverage up to 10m²), Gravel Glue is set to capture the imagination of the growing number of consumers turning to their local garden centre for accessible DIY solutions, as well as those shopping the houseplant and interior categories.

Furthermore, Gravel Glue is an even more compelling option for retailers when you consider its incredibly low replenishment requirement. It can be ordered in small quantities of just 12 units or simply added onto a standard Deco-Pak order, making stocking and trialling straightforward and cost-effective.

Optimising houseplant sales

It’s not just the all-new Gravel Glue that will help Deco-Pak extend its influence into the houseplant and interiors market. The launch of compact, 650ml ‘shaker-style’ pot toppers in Frost White, Midnight Grey, Mountain Mist and Amber Gold, is set to boost average basket spend. Eye-catching on the shelf and easy to use, these packs are tailored to the thriving indoor houseplant trend, encouraging impulse add-on sales. Beyond aesthetics, they enable customers to personalise their displays while delivering practical benefits such as reducing water evaporation and suppressing weeds.

Signature natural stone exclusives

Deco-Pak’s Signature Monoliths collection will make a bold statement in 2026, with hand-selected Mediterranean Monoliths offering sculptural focal points for premium garden design. These  exclusive natural stone sculptures, positioned as premium statement pieces at an accessible, pick-up-and-go price point, are set to provide retailers with a valuable opportunity to trade customers up.”

Also joining the Signature line-up are Grande Cobbles in timeless white and Mediterranean shades. Supplied in netted grab bags, they’re easy to merchandise and are ideal for impulse sales.

What’s more, as has become synonymous with Deco-Pak’s Signature range, these latest additions will benefit from the same in-store retail theatre treatment. This approach is proven to elevate products into aspirational, must-have purchases that capture attention, spark inspiration and drive sales once seen. While such theatre space is undoubtedly valuable retail real estate, its ability to transform customer engagement and deliver incremental sales is almost invaluable, creating an immersive shopping experience that makes the products impossible to ignore.

Porcelain Hexagon Tiles

Adding to the innovation for 2026 are Porcelain Hexagon Tiles (600mm Ø) in three contemporary finishes – Santorini Sand, Aegean Grey and Olympus Charcoal. Lightweight, stain-resistant and non-slip, they’re low-maintenance and offer foolproof installation, making them a highly attractive option for both weekend DIYers and landscapers.

Chelsea horticultural range refresh

Deco-Pak is refreshing its popular Chelsea horticultural range for 2026 with the launch of Chelsea Multi-Purpose Compost — a thoughtful extension to the collection rather than a move to compete with major compost producers. This premium blend can be added to any Deco-Pak order in single-pallet quantities, allowing retailers to trial it with confidence and experience the results first-hand. While premium in quality, Chelsea Multi-Purpose Compost remains competitively priced, offering an accessible, great-value option. Retailers are encouraged to order a single pallet - or even just one bag - to appreciate the quality and presentation for themselves.

Chelsea Multi-Purpose Compost is a carefully formulated peat-based mix, designed to deliver exceptional growing performance at outstanding value. Deco-Pak has been open about its choice to use peat, recognising both the industry-wide commitment to reducing reliance on it and the challenges posed by some peat-free alternatives. While supporting the direction of travel towards lower peat use, the company has prioritised product quality, ensuring gardeners have access to a reliable compost that truly performs. At the same time, Deco-Pak believes it is important to acknowledge that not all substitutes are without environmental or economic drawbacks, and that a balanced, responsible approach is required.

Presented with the distinctive Chelsea branding and premium packaging that characterises the range, Chelsea Compost is designed to catch the eye in-store and inspire purchase. It provides retailers with an easy-to-trial option that supports meaningful gardening activity all year round, while adding further strength and credibility to the Chelsea portfolio.

A focus on functionality and trends

Craig Hall, Director at Deco-Pak, said: “We’ve been working hard behind the scenes to bring to market products that fill gaps in existing availability. There’s been a lot of research and trials before settling on these additions – it’s all about functionality and tapping into trends. For 2026, we’re proud to offer garden centres and retailers a collection of exclusive, inspiring products that are designed to perform on the shop floor as well as in the garden.”

Find out more

At Deco-Pak, the focus is not just on supplying aggregates but on transforming the category, helping retailers offer products that inspire customers and drive footfall. Through innovation, sustainability and a proven commitment to dependable service, Deco-Pak is positioning itself as the supplier of choice for season 2026 and beyond.

To secure the company’s latest innovations, contact Deco-Pak today by emailing sales@deco-pak.co.uk, calling (01422) 204394 or visiting www.deco-pak.co.uk

Dobbies Garden Centres is lifting community spirits this season with a Christmas tree donation across the country, in partnership with Needlefresh.

Dobbies Community Christmas Tree campaign will see stores across the UK giving away more than 220 Christmas trees to local schools and nurseries to help spread joy during the festivities. 

The campaign launches today (Thursday 9 October) as the garden centre officially celebrates its Christmas Launch Weekend (9 – 13 October), giving customers a chance to get a head start on their shopping, with exclusive offers as Dobbies unveils its highly anticipated festive collections.  

The garden centre is encouraging local schools or nurseries to get in touch to be in the chance of receiving a free Christmas tree. Participants will need to fill out a short application form, which the Dobbies’ team will then review to help them select successful recipients. Local schools and nurseries within 20 miles of a store can apply for a free Christmas tree and entries close Thursday 6 November at 5pm. 

Dobbies’ Plant Buyer Nigel Lawton said: “Our Dobbies Community Christmas Tree campaign is a great opportunity to spread festive joy with local schools and nurseries, showing children the magic a real Christmas tree can bring. We can’t wait to see what the successful applicants do with their trees.”

Nigel continued with some advice: “Our Nordmann Fir Christmas trees have soft dark green needles which make them easy to handle and ideal for children to decorate. They are known to hold their needles well, so your tree will stay green and fresh given the right care.

“Once you have collected your cut tree from Dobbies, we recommend keeping it outside in a sheltered area. Cut one inch off the base of the trunk and stand the tree in a bucket of water until you are ready to bring it indoors, this will help reduce needle drop by keeping it hydrated. 

“Place your tree in a water-retaining stand and keep the needles fresh by topping up with water every day to ensure the water reservoir doesn’t run dry.  Make sure the tree is positioned away from a direct heat source, and it might sound obvious but ensure there is a plug point nearby for lights. Corners are ideal as it will keep your tree safe from knocks and bumps if it’s in a busy spot with lots of footfall. If you have a lot of decorations, spread them out right into the centre of the tree instead of just on the edges of branches for more stability. The Nordmann Fir is a popular choice as its natural shape and great branch structure make it a joy to decorate.”

Dobbies Christmas trees from Needlefresh are sustainably grown in environmentally managed fields across Scotland, where a small growing team plant, prune and harvest each tree by hand. This method ensures the surrounding environment, wildlife and plants are looked after. 

Kenneth Mitchell from Needlefresh said: “We are proud to once again support Dobbies with their community Christmas tree initiative that allows schools and nurseries up and down the country the opportunity to enjoy a real Christmas tree as part of their festive celebrations.”

Dobbies’ Christmas Launch Weekend, taking place from Thursday 9 to Monday 13 October, with exclusive offers available on the festive collections. There’s also a chance to £1,000 worth of Christmas products by registering online. 

Dobbies Community Christmas Tree winners will be informed by mid-November and can collect their Christmas tree on Thursday 27 November at the Christmas Shopping Night or at an arranged date. For more information and to find out how to get involved, visit www.dobbies.com/community-christmas-trees

The RECOUP Conference once again brought together leading voices from packaging, recycling, finance, and policy to examine how the UK, and beyond, can move closer to true plastic circularity. 

Opening the event, Jeremy Blake of PackUK described 2025 as a pivotal year for the packaging landscape. With new legislation set to reshape the sector, he emphasised the opportunity to cut emissions, reduce waste, and design a packaging system that delivers benefits for both businesses and communities. 

The first session, chaired by Dr Adam Read MBE, SUEZ, with speakers from Barclays, Biffa Polymers, DOW, Tesco, ReLondon and Nestlé UK, examined whether the UK can realistically achieve plastic circularity.  The panel agreed that progress is possible, but only with decisive action combined with the right strategy. Much of the debate focused on how the industry balances ambition with pragmatism with discussion focused on tackling difficult-to-recycle materials, investing in innovation, and developing reuse models, while also ensuring that existing solutions are not overlooked. Speakers stressed that waiting for future technologies risks slowing momentum and that the industry should be “using what we have now” and addressing why so much UK plastic is still exported. Finance was also highlighted as a key enabler, with speakers reminding delegates that sustainability and profitability can go hand in hand. Ultimately, the discussion underscored the need for clear national strategy, fair accountability across the packaging lifecycle, and greater investment in solutions. 

Session two looked beyond the UK to examine international models. Chaired by Joachim Quoden of EXPRA, joined by panellists from DROP-IN, Repak, Greenback Recycling Technologies, University of Portsmouth, Amcor, Coperion Recycling and WRAP, the session drew on global experiences of Extended Producer Responsibility, taxation schemes, and Deposit Return Systems. Speakers noted that while national contexts differ, the challenges are often remarkably similar and whilst it can be extremely difficult to accept advice from other countries, we can learn a lot by doing so. Innovations such as chemical and dissolution recycling, alongside certification and traceability systems, were identified as essential to building trust and scaling solutions. The session explored how experiences from other countries show that isolated changes to waste management systems often fail to achieve their intended outcomes, creating unexpected complications. The panel agreed that the UK has an opportunity to implement an evidence-based circular strategy by aligning infrastructure, incentives, and enforcement. Speakers also pointed to the need for policies that encourage collaboration as well as the importance of building trust, aligning systems, and investing in scalable infrastructure to ensure real circularity. 

The final session, “Plastic Fact vs Plastic Fiction – The Plastic Paradox,” chaired by Rowan Byrne, WSP alongside speakers from Viridor, Waitrose, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, Faerch, CIWM and Birmingham University, addressed public perceptions, addressing the myths and misconceptions surrounding plastics. Panellists agreed that plastic itself is not inherently harmful - the real challenge is in its mismanagement. The discussion highlighted the growing concern around microplastics, the fragility of domestic recycling infrastructure following the closure of 22% of UK facilities since 2023, and the need to invest in systems that can keep resources in circulation. Public appetite for recycling remains strong, and the forthcoming Deposit Return Scheme is expected to lift recycling rates to 70%, supported by significant private investment. At the same time the panel expressed that misinformation and clickbait reporting were seen as barriers to progress, with calls for the industry to work more closely with the media to share positive, fact-based stories.  

Across all sessions, three consistent themes emerged: the need for greater collaboration across borders and sectors, the importance of accelerating investment in innovation and infrastructure, and the central role of public trust. As the conference made clear, plastic is here to stay - but with the right systems, it can remain a valuable resource rather than a persistent waste problem. 

Find out more about RECOUP and the work they do at recoup.org

Thirty-four team members from a Bradford garden centre group are celebrating the successful completion of an internal training programme which identifies and nurtures talent.

Yorkshire Garden Centre Group’s ‘Great by Nature’ programme was established to develop individuals identified by their managers as emerging talent with high potential for growth within the multi-site business.

During the six month course, team members covered four modules including Understanding Self and Leadership Traits, Emotional Intelligence and Mentoring/Coaching and Managing the Employee Lifecycle, before a final presentation and reflection session where delegates shared personal learnings, changes and challenges, plus future aspirations and development plans.

The annual programme is organised by People and Culture Business Partner, Becki Smith, who said: “The Great by Nature development programme is designed to identify, inform and inspire future leaders. We’re very proud of this year’s cohort and have already seen some fantastic outcomes. The aim has been to build confidence, capability and a leadership pipeline for the future, and many of the cohort have already stepped up to new responsibilities as a result.”

This year’s programme, which was open to team members from all departments at the group’s seven garden centres, has led to development opportunities for the following team members:

• Annie Hanson - Catering Supervisor at Otley, now Catering Senior Supervisor at Bingley
• Jess Reilly - Promoted to Grasshoppers Kitchen Supervisor at Tong
• Carys Paul - From Blooms Team Leader to Blooms Supervisor at Tong
• Emma Telford - from Plant Assistant to Plant Supervisor at Tingley
• Mel Martin - from Tills/Customer Service Team Leader to Hearty's Supervisor at Otley

Ms Martin is now Hearty's Supervisor at Otley: “This programme has given me the tools to lead with confidence and bring out the best in others. I’ve been able to use what I’ve learned every day in my new role at Hearty’s, from coaching team members to managing busy service periods more effectively.”

Mrs Smith concludes: “It’s really important that the learning doesn’t stop once the course ends. Now in its fourth year, Great by Nature has reached a significant portion of our leadership team across the business. Managers are encouraged to support their teams in keeping the learning alive by using the models and techniques shared during the course, and by actively role modelling the traits of a great leader in day to day practice.”

The Yorkshire Garden Centres group comprises Tong, Tingley, Otley, Bingley and Pennine Garden Centres, plus Dean’s York and Scarborough.

Fresh from a successful UK trade launch at Glee, innovative bird care brand, FeatherSnap, has presented its state-of-the-art, solar-powered smart bird feeders to the home and gift markets.

Featuring motion-activated HD cameras and an AI-powered bird identification system, this exciting new addition to the bird care category not only taps into the great enthusiasm for bird-watching in this country, but also meets soaring consumer demand for smart home and garden technology. 

By combining cutting edge tech with a popular evergreen pastime, FeatherSnap opens up exciting new sales opportunities for home and gift retailers, alongside traditional retailers of bird care products, such as garden centres and DIY stores. Designed to appeal to tech-lovers, families and nature enthusiasts alike, the smart feeder would make a wonderful Christmas gift for loved ones that can be cherished for many seasons to come.

With Autumn and winter offering some of the most captivating moments for garden birdwatchers, with the arrival of migrating birds and native species that are hunting for supplements to their usual diets of berries, seeds and insects, now is the perfect time to settle down with a hot cup of tea for a spot of serious birdwatching. FeatherSnap enables users to do this from the comfort of their own homes, thanks to ground-breaking Wi-Fi technology streaming high-resolution photographs and videos directly to users’ devices.

It's a few years since birdwatching overtook fishing as the number one hobby in the UK, where there is a flourishing market for birdwatching tourism - the largest in the world after the USA according to specialist bird watching website, Birda.

Once seen as a rather geeky hobby for middle-aged and elderly loners - the feathered equivalent of trainspotters - birdwatching, like all things nature-related, is increasingly practised by younger generations and is now perceived as something cool to spend time on. Almost 600,000 people came together to participate in the Big Garden Bird Watchorganised by the RSPB, counting some 9.1 million birds between them. FeatherSnap has flown into the UK market to help retailers of many different persuasions capitalise on this large and growing trend. 

The educational app enables everyone from children, parents and grandparents to friends and colleagues to discover the secret life of birds, whilst our feathered friends themselves enjoy the high-quality food provided by FeatherSnap’s sturdy and secure feeders.

Expert ornithologist, Maria Kincaid, says that users should “Avoid windows!” when setting up their new FeatherSnap feeders. “Best practice is to keep feeders either within three feet or more than ten feet from your windows, to minimize damage to birds via window strike. Also consider distance to trees and other jumping off points for squirrels.  

“At least five feet off the ground is a great height for avoiding squirrels, but also makes it easy for most of us to reach for re-filling and maintenance. Any birds that would be hunting other birds are quite agile. So, having your feeder in a semi-open spot, near bushes or trees that provide cover for them to escape to is great, but also allows for them to be vigilant in looking for aerial predators.

Studies have shown that feeders are used as supplemental food sources, rather than the bulk of a bird's diet. Hanging and filling garden feeders help birds get through lean times, when native food sources are scarce.

FeatherSnap UK Manager, Felix Schaper, comments: “Our goal is to make bird-watching fun, exciting, and interactive by bridging the divide between nature and technology. Bird-watching is one of the UK’s most popular pastimes, and FeatherSnap products empower retailers to capitalise on this vast and growing market. The feeders are not only essential tools for bird enthusiasts but also make ideal gifts, whether for seasoned twitchers, tech-savvy families, or anyone looking to enhance their patio, balcony, or garden with a smart, nature-inspired accessory”.

Built to endure everything the British weather can throw at them – including wind, rain, frost, snow, and heat –  FeatherSnap bird feeders retail at RRP £159.99.

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Bernhard and Company, a leading company is sports turf technologies, has announced the death of its founder, Stephen Bernhard. He passed away peacefully at the age of 79.

Stephen was much more than a founder – he was the heart and soul of Bernhard and Company. His vision, energy, and values continue to shape every aspect of the business today. From the way we innovate to the way we work with our partners and customers, Stephen’s influence is ever-present.

With an unwavering passion for excellence, Stephen built Bernhard and Company from the ground up into a world leader in turf technology. His curiosity and drive to improve standards across the turf industry have helped professionals worldwide deliver better turf and elevate their careers and businesses.

Education was at the centre of Stephen’s philosophy. The Bernhard Academy stands as a lasting testament to his belief in sharing knowledge and opening doors for others. His commitment to helping people develop – both personally and professionally – touched so many lives and remains one of his most powerful legacies.

Stephen’s remarkable career included more than 25 years of involvement with the BIGGA Delegation, a collaboration he took great pride in delivering to more than 200 greenkeepers alongside BIGGA. In 2008, Stephen received the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade – an achievement that he was immensely proud of. Most recently, at this year’s BTME, Stephen also received BIGGA’s Outstanding Contribution Award, in recognition of a lifetime dedicated to supporting and improving the industry that he so much loved.

Beyond the accolades, he will be remembered for his humility, kindness, and deep respect for the people who make this industry what it is.

As Managing Director, Steven Nixon reflects: “Stephen’s impact on our company and our industry is immeasurable. His leadership, creativity, and compassion built the foundations upon which Bernhard and Company proudly stands today. We will honour his memory by continuing to champion the innovation, education, and excellence he so passionately believed in.”

Stephen’s passing is a profound loss, but his legacy endures, in our people, our purpose, and in every blade of grass his work helped to perfect.

A new customer survey from Narford-based Crane Garden Buildings shows how important garden buildings are in modern life. Of the 281 Crane customers who responded, an impressive 83 per cent said they use their garden building every week, all year round.

The results reveal that these spaces, once seen as occasional retreats or storage solutions, are now cherished as a valuable and well-used extension of the home. Whether as a home office, fitness studio, craft workshop, or simply a quiet place to escape and recharge, garden buildings are being woven into daily routines across the country.

The survey highlights a growing trend to make the most of our homes and gardens throughout the year. It also supports Crane’s belief that a well-designed, quality garden building is not only a seasonal luxury – it is a lasting and versatile part of family life.

Russell Atkinson, CEO of Crane Garden Buildings, said: “These findings show just how loved and well-used our buildings are. With 83 per cent of customers stepping into their garden building weekly, no matter the season, it highlights their value as a true extension of the home. They are spaces for work, creativity, relaxation and family time – places that genuinely enhance quality of life. At Crane, we proudly design and build beautiful structures that become a meaningful part of our customers’ daily lives.”

Within the survey, customers described their buildings as “a haven of peace away from the house and outside contact” and “the best thing we ever did – it is used every day!”. Garden buildings have become part of daily life across the country. From creative hobbies to family entertainment, customers are using their spaces in unique ways. One described theirs as “a place to relax in and develop my model train layout,” while another shared how it “provides a great space for working and has developed into an outdoor kitchen.”

Crane Garden Buildings, based in Norfolk, was founded over 50 years ago. Every building is handcrafted at its headquarters in Narford and today, the company has show sites across the country. It is recognised as one of the UK’s leading names in premium garden rooms, sheds, studios and summerhouses. These spaces are built to last and made to be enjoyed for generations to come.

For more information, visit cranegardenbuildings.co.uk

Specialist home, garden and lifestyle communications agency, Honest Communications, has launched its highly anticipated 2026 Home and Garden Trends Report, packed with fresh insight into the themes set to shape homes and gardens over the coming year. 

Drawing on its industry insight and an extensive network of designers, horticulturists, and lifestyle specialists, the agency has identified six standout trends set to shape homes and gardens in 2026. Spanning playful design, mindful living, and planet-positive practices, these themes offer fresh inspiration for spaces both indoors and out: 

• Mini meadows: Pocket-sized wildflower patches turning balconies, borders, and backyards into buzzing biodiversity havens.

• Whimsy revival: Playful, personality-packed décor that sprinkles colour, charm, and nostalgia through homes and gardens. 

• Sanctuary bathrooms: Spa-like retreats where ritual, relaxation, and recovery become part of daily life. 

• Regenerative gardening: Going beyond sustainability to heal soil, store carbon, and help nature thrive. 

• Ritual dining: Slow, sensory mealtimes that celebrate connection, creativity, and the joy of lingering at the table. 

• Earthcore: Grounding spaces wrapped in earthy tones, tactile textures, and the beauty of imperfection. 

The report features contributions from leading voices across the home and garden world, including the likes of Dr Sarah Owen-Hughes (MCIHort, Head Gardener at Rudding Park), Dr Emily Attlee (conservation scientist and co-founder of Seedball), and health coach Sarah Stannard, plus leading brands including Charles Bentley, Hovia, and Quorn Stone, all sharing their insider tips to help bring these trends to life. Together, they share exclusive tips and inspiration to help readers bring each trend to life. 

Available to read and download online, the publication offers practical advice for creating spaces that are not only beautiful, but also restorative, expressive, and enduring.

Read the Trends Report here https://heyzine.com/flip-book/af3f983b95.html

JUB Holland UK has been announced as the winner of the Sustainable Product of the Year – Soft Landscaping category at the Pro Landscaper Sustainability & Biodiversity Awards 2025, held during the FutureScape / Public Spaces Expo at London ExCeL.

The award recognises The Vibrant Verge, JUB Holland’s innovative planting concept that blends sustainably grown, naturalising flower bulbs with annual, biennial and perennial wildflower seeds to create biodiverse, low-maintenance verges and borders in public green spaces. Designed to enhance ecological value while reducing maintenance and resource use, the concept delivers up to eight months of continuous bloom — supporting pollinators and enriching urban landscapes across Europe.

Jury statement: “Each Vibrant Verge replaces monotone, labour-intensive vegetation with 240 days of colour, life and ecological function. Featuring more than 35 flowering species within a tailored bulb and wildflower mixture, it attracts pollinators, boosts biodiversity, and creates a resilient habitat for birds and small mammals — all with mowing just once a year. One smart investment, delivering years of natural regeneration, ever-changing seasonal beauty, and measurable, visible impact.” As the judges noted, The Vibrant Verge brings measurable ecological value together with visual delight — a balance that lies at the core of JUB Holland’s philosophy.

Reflecting on the win, Jos Smit, UK Sales Advisor at JUB Holland, comments: “This award is a wonderful recognition of our team’s passion for bringing biodiversity to the heart of landscape design. The Vibrant Verge shows that sustainability and beauty can go hand in hand — transforming ordinary verges into living ecosystems that contribute to healthier, more resilient environments.”

Building on that message, Job van Eeden, UK Sales Manager, emphasised the collaborative strength behind the project: “We are incredibly proud of how The Vibrant Verge is evolving through collaboration with local authorities, landscape professionals and UK partners. Together, we’re helping to change how public green space is designed and managed — making it easier for organisations to meet environmental goals while delighting the public.”

The Vibrant Verge exemplifies product-based sustainability in action: practical, pollinator-friendly and beautiful. With over 110 years of expertise, JUB Holland continues to lead in creating dynamic, layered bulb-plantings that enrich biodiversity and climate resilience throughout the seasons.

JUB Holland also congratulates its fellow category finalists — Niche, Wildflower Turf Ltd, Garden on a Roll, and Kent Seeds. This inspiring shortlist forms a blooming showcase of what the industry can achieve when sustainability leads the way.

About JUB Holland

JUB Holland | Royal supplier of colour - Dutch family business, since 1910, mastering its craft from breeding and cultivation to offering designer inspiration and services, like the bulbs/seeds concept The Vibrant Verge and mechanical planting to realize large scale landscaping projects. JUB Holland proudly cultivates its bulbs as sustainable as possible and specialises in creative mixtures, aiming for biodiversity and prolonged flowering, while spreading the most beautiful bulb-grown flowers worldwide through gardeners, landscapers and retailers. 
www.jubholland.nl/en | www.thevibrantverge.co.uk

Dobbies Garden Centres has announced that its CFO, Jonathan Wass, will step down from his role on 12 November 2025.

Jonathan has been with Dobbies for almost two years, supporting the business through its Restructuring Plan and guiding the business through growth this year. Having made the decision to step down a number of months ago to spend less time away from home, Jonathan agreed to continue in his role until his successor was appointed.

Dobbies has appointed Pete Templeton (pictured above) as the new CFO, further building on the senior retail experience within the Executive Team.

Pete is an experienced retail CFO, joining Dobbies from Boohoo Group plc where he worked for over a decade and was most recently Group Finance Director. Having also worked at Manchester Airport Group, Clearwater and PwC. He brings excellent commercial and retail experience aligning closely with Dobbies’ strategy and growth ambitions.

Pete said: “I’m delighted to be joining Dobbies at such an exciting time. With a strong foundation and growth plans, I’m looking forward to working with the team to deliver Dobbies’ strategy plan. I look forward to meeting our colleagues, customers and partners in the weeks ahead.”

David Robinson, CEO of Dobbies, said: “Pete brings a wealth of senior retail and financial expertise that will complement our existing Executive Team. We’ve had strong growth in the year-to-date, delivering positive results through our strategy plan, and Pete will play a key role in driving momentum into 2026 and beyond.”

David adds: “We’d like to thank Jonathan for his hard work and commitment during his time at Dobbies. He’s had a pivotal role to play in the growth of the business this year and we wish him all the best for the future.”

Blue Diamond Garden Centres has won ‘Best Garden Centre Retailer’ and ‘Excellence in Retail Display’ at this year’s Excellence in Houseware Awards 2025.

The Excellence in Housewares Awards is a prominent UK-based awards programme that recognises outstanding achievement in the housewares industry.

Widely regarded and recognised as the ‘Oscars’ for the housewares sector, the awards shine the spotlight on both retailers for their retailing excellence as well as suppliers for their product innovation and service acumen.

These include Retailer Awards for retailers of housewares products, Product Awards for new ranges or new individual products, and Special Awards for service, marketing, innovation, iconic products and honorary achievement.  

This year, Blue Diamond Garden Centres were nominated for two awards namely ‘Best Garden Centre Retailer’ where they were up against Barton Grange (now also owned by the Blue Diamond Group), Bents, Dobbies, Garsons, Longacres, Tates and Webb and ‘Excellence in Retail Display – Multiple or Department Store’  – where they were up against Aldiss, Arnotts, Barkers Northallerton, Borough Kitchen, Harrods, Jarrolds, John Lewis and Morley’s stores.

The winners of all categories were announced at The Excellence in Housewares Awards 2025 on Wednesday 1 October 2025 at The Royal Lancaster, London where Blue Diamond Garden Centres were announced the winners in both the categories in which they were nominated! 

Tom Grinnall- Head of Home for Blue Diamond Garden Centres said,- “To win both awards, especially being up against industry giants such as Harrods and John Lewis, is a real testament to everyone’s hard work and the strength of our in-store displays. Our Home teams are passionate about their departments, and the teams’ hard work has certainly paid off. I am delighted that they have received the recognition they all deserve!”

Ali Buchan and Claire Jenner both Category Managers Kitchen and Housewares, attended at the Awards and were delighted to collect the two awards on behalf of the Blue Diamond Garden Centres.

Blue Diamond Garden Centres will be welcoming customers to a series of exclusive Christmas preview evenings, marking the beginning of the Christmas 2025 season. These special events offer a first look at this year’s enchanting new themes, thoughtfully curated to inspire and delight.

Guests will be the first to experience this year’s themed festive displays while enjoying a complimentary glass of fizz and a mince pie. With a range of live entertainment and a choice of exclusive discounts across a wide selection of festive favourites.

Blue Diamond’s Group Events Manager Rebecca Gurnett says: “The countdown to Christmas starts now. Our preview evenings are the perfect way to get into the festive spirit and make a head start on all your Christmas shopping including decorations, homeware, gifts and food.”

Blue Diamond’s key design trend for 2025 is Timeless Elegance with another 3 distinct decoration themes Alpine Shimmer, Sweet Escape and Enchanted Woodland.  Customers can scan the QR code on each themed Christmas tree to link to a shopping list to help them recreate the Blue Diamond look at home.

Head of Christmas at Blue Diamond, Taylor Baines, says: “Nostalgia is a big trend for 2025 and we’ve really embraced the traditional look in our displays this year. There are lots of classic colours, velvet bows and decorations that look like they’ve been passed down through generations.

“Thanks to our handy get the look QR codes, it’s never been easier to shop the key trends. And as our decorations have been selected by our dedicated buying team, thousands of them are exclusive to Blue Diamond so you won’t find them anywhere else but here.”

The Timeless Elegance theme is a classic festive look complete with a red and gold colour palette, natural foliage and ornate Fabergé ornaments. For 2025, bows are a real design favourite.

Alpine Shimmer has a winter wonderland vibe filled with iridescent crystals, bold botanicals and velvet bows to create a serene and stylish look. For a real nostalgic treat, Sweet Escape is brimming with candy canes, gingerbread men and teddy bear decorations. Illuminated ornaments add an extra festive glow.

And Enchanted Woodland will transport you to a magical forest full of frosted fruit and berries, woodland creatures and festive foliage. It’s the perfect way to bring the beauty of the outdoors into your home this Christmas.

Shopping evening exclusive offers:

Diamond Club members will receive an exclusive offer on the evening. For every £50 spent, they will receive £5 loaded onto their Diamond Club card to use on their next visit.

Van Hage, Great Amwell & Frosts Woburn Sands will offer customers 10% off all departments during the shopping event.

Le Friquet customers will benefit from 20% off all departments during the shopping event.

The Exclusive Christmas Shopping Evenings will take place at 48 of its centres from 6pm-9pm on three chosen dates in October and November. 

Great Anwell, Van Hage and Le Friquet are all ticketed events. Customers can pre-book tickets here events.bluediamond.gg

Date: 9th October 2025

Locations: Van Hage Great Amwell, Blackdown, Beckworth Emporium.

Date: 16 October 2025

Locations: Brambridge, Bridgemere, Cardiff, Chenies, Derby, East Bridgford Garden & Home, Endsleigh, Melbicks, Mere Park, Newbridge Nurseries, Springfields Home & Garden, Trentham, Wilton House, Woburn Sands.

Date: 13 November 2025

Locations: 3 Shires, Beckworth Emporium, Bicester Avenue, Blackdown, Brambridge, Bridgemere, Cadbury, Canterbury, Cardiff, Chenies, Derby, East Bridgford Garden & Home, Endsleigh, Evesham, Fermoy's, Fosseway, Fryer's, Grosvenor, Harlestone Heath, Harlow, Hereford, Huntingdon, Le Friquet, Lower Morden, Matlock, Melbicks, Mere Park, Nailsworth, Newbridge Nurseries, Orchard Park, Percy Thrower's, Peterborough, Redfields Home of Garden & Living, Sanders, Springfields Home & Garden, Trelawney, Tunbridge Wells, Wilton House , Yarnton Home & Garden, World's End Garden Centre, Willington Garden Centre, Worcester.

RocketGro are very excited to be able to announce yet more investment and behind the scenes growth of their business. With an additional bagging line being installed this week, RocketGro will now be able to handle seasonal demand of more than double the volumes seen in 2025.

With projected growth in 2026, RocketGro have taken further steps to ensure they are two years ahead of demand. Being able to bag product more quickly and in greater volume with two lines running at once grants RocketGro efficiencies, the ability to continue running if a line is interrupted, and makes sure their clients receive stock on time.

Managing Director Toby Thomas commented: “After an exceptional year for us, and a big uplift in sales forecast for 2026, investing now, ahead of the curve, is essential to maintain our smooth running without hiccups or hold ups. This is the first big step this autumn, with more to come, as we announce investment and growth across every facet of the business. We have proved our capabilities to our clients and to prospective clients. And this investment shows that we are serious about expansion, service levels, capacity and customer satisfaction.’’

Find out more

If you want to learn more about RocketGro or are keen to discuss adding its product portfolio into your 2025/26 offering, please contact Toby Thomas (hello@rocketgro.co.uk /07936 928 981) or Andy Abraham (andy@rocketgro.co.uk / 07446 937902). View the full range and discover more about the RocketGro story at www.rocketgro.co.uk

Hot off the press from the Choice Conference 2025!

We're incredibly proud to announce the latest addition to the growing Corby + Fellas Choice portfolio: Fairweathers has chosen to implement WinRetail!

Fairweather’s is a highly respected, family-run, independent garden centre located in the picturesque village of Beaulieu, Hampshire. Celebrating 60 years of trading, they are renowned for stocking the highest quality garden plants, gifts, and accessories, alongside popular features like the award-winning Steff's Kitchen and Patrick's Patch.

This implementation will see the powerful WinRetail solution streamline operations across their comprehensive retail and hospitality offerings, further strengthening Fairweathers' position as a leading destination garden centre.

Patrick Fairweathers, Managing Director says: "The implementation has gone really well -throughout the planning stage to going live we have been very well supported with good communication and training.

"Our team are already enjoying the benefits of many of the new features including the handheld ordering in the café and kitchen screens..

"Thanks to Matt, Jacob and Jamie for their professional approach to the project!"

Check out their wonderful centre here: https://fairweathers.co.uk/

This exciting collaboration is a testament to the powerful, comprehensive solutions WinRetail brings to the retail sector and strengthens our commitment to serving the Choice membership, now almost 20 businesses in the group!

Stay tuned for more updates on this successful rollout and more to follow in the next few months!