Dobbies Garden Centres Group Ltd has just published it's accounts for Financial year 2024 and 2025 which were held back due to the Restructuring Plan the company went through last year.  Turnover in 2024 was £271m falling to £257m in 2025.

As the restructurning plan only completed as FY 2025 came to a close these figures do not indicated the perforance of the group, now slimmed down to 53 centres and without lease arrangments that the company said were making somme sites unprofitable.  For that performance we will have to wait until this years published accounts in Spring 2026.

Read the full Dobbies accounts statement below and link to the published reports here

Here is our summmary of Dobbies Garden Centres Group accounts for the past four years:

Dobbies CFO, Jonathan Vass, explained about the effect of the Restructuring Plan on the filed accounts: "Due to the restructuring plan a number of very material accounting adjustments were required across the two reporting periods which materially impact our reported statutory profit loss numbers. So in FY 24, which was the period preceding the Restructuring Plan, we are reporting a statutory loss of £367 million, predominantly reflecting a non-recurring exceptional impairment charge of around £300 million. This charge was in part driven by the RP and the resulting store closures.  In FY 25, the period we actually undertook the RP we are reporting a statutory profit of 121 million.

"I fully acknowledge that this feels counterintuitive, but it is driven by the accounting. So in FY 25, we recognized the discharge of lease related liabilities related to 24 closed stores. Due to the timing of the RP, under the relevant accounting standards, we are required to recognize the impairment in FY 24 and the discharge of those lease liabilities in FY 25."

Asked if the business is back on track towards profitability following the Restructuring Plan, Dobbies CEO, David Robinson said: "We're trading much better, obviously helped by the weather, and part of that is the strategic initiatives. We're investing back in the estate both in restaurants and garden centres Brighton, Cadnam, Hungerford, Beaconsfield, just completed. And then we signed up the capital for six more. Bury St Edmunds and Royston are the next two off the block. So yes, onwards and upwards."

Dobbies annual accounts to 23 February 2025

Dobbies Garden Centres Group Limited has filed its historic Annual Report and Financial Statements for the Group and its subsidiaries. These accounts are for FY24 (the 51 weeks to 25 February 2024) and FY25 (52 weeks to 23 February 2025) both being filed following the successful completion of a Restructuring Plan.

For FY24, whilst turnover was in line with FY23, Dobbies continued to experience difficult trading conditions as a result of adverse weather conditions during the peak spring/summer 2023 trading season, exacerbated by continued macroeconomic cost headwinds. As a result, underlying EBITDA was a loss of £1.7m in the year (FY23:

£5.2m loss).

During FY25, the Board undertook an extensive review of Dobbies’ financial position, particularly in the context of unsustainable property leasing agreements linked to historical acquisitions. The Board instigated a turnaround plan, including a Restructuring Plan. This allowed Dobbies to exit the leases of 24 over-rented, loss- making stores and secure rent concessions on a further two loss-making sites. As a result, underlying EBITDA was a loss of £6.2m.

Following successful completion of the Restructuring Plan, Dobbies now operates a streamlined estate of 53 stores and is focused on returning to profitability through delivery of its strategy, led by a new Executive team and supported with a new working capital facility (£28m) to enable investment in the business.

Building on a solid foundation for growth, the strategy is focused on expanding the ranges, developing the restaurant offer and investing in stores. Through the delivery of this strategy, improved supplier engagement and better stock availability (together with the benefit of a sustained period of favourable spring/summer weather), overall business performance is improving significantly, including double-digit sales growth (on a like-for-like basis) in the year to date. Over £4m is being invested in store development, with four stores completed and a further six currently underway.

One of the most eagerly sought after catering awards that GTN ran in the past was for The Greatest Afternoon Tea Team.  The judges really had a tough job going out and tasing them all!

This year, if you believe your team currently serve The Greatest Garden Centre Afternoon Tea, you have the opportunity of bringing your Afternoon Tea to Glee to be displayed on the “Feed Your Business Stage” and judged by a panel of experts who will decide an overall Afternoon Tea Team winner plus regional awards too.  The judges will also be looking for The Greatest Garden Centre Scone, and The Greatest Garden Centre Traybake within the Afternoon Teas displayed.  Both sweet and savoury Afternoon Teas can be entered.

The competition takes place at 3:00pm on Wednesday 17^th September with the entered Afternoon Teas taking pride of place on the “Feed your Business Stage”.  There will be a food prep area available for your team to compile your Afternoon Tea ready for display and judging.

To reserve your teams place in the display and be in with a chance of winning The Greatest Garden Centre Afternoon Tea Award please send an e-mail to Trevor@pottingshedpress.co.uk stating why you think your team should be part of the competition.

Every good garden centre Food & Drink operation is only as good as the back of house support they get from their Wash-up teams, their Marketing Teams and increasingly their EPOS teams.

This award is for The Greatest teams that keep it all going without ever being seen by the customers.  For that reason, to enter your Catering Support Teams all you need to do is send an e-mail to trevor@pottingshedpress.co.uk with:

• photos of the team
• their names and roles
• plus a 200 word citation as to why they should be crowned The Greatest Garden Centre Catering Support Team at Glee on Wednesday 17^th September at 5:00pm.

We can’t wait to receive your nominations.

As customer service and customer satisfaction are the keys to the ongoing success of garden centre catering, the winners of The Greatest Food & Drink Team awards will be decided by the number and quality of customer votes your teams receive before the closing date of September 7^th 2025.

Your customers can vote online by scanning the QR code or you can get them to vote in store and then send completed voting forms to the GTN office for counting.

To get your customers voting, all you have to do is download the voting posters and voting forms artwork from the links below  display them in your restaurant or coffee shop and add voting links into your websites and social media pages.

GTN's Greatest Food & Drink Team Awards Voting Poster

GTN's Greatest Food & Drink Team Awards Voting Forms

GTN's Greatest Food & Drink Team Awards Voting QR Code

Or, access the poster, voting forms and QR code via this dropbox link

As well as overall Greatest Food & Drink Team Awards for different sizes of garden centre catering operations there will be regional awards too.  What better way to promote your Food & Drink offerings during the Autumn than with a GTN Greatest Awards win, especially as it will be thanks to your customers.

Customer voting is live now and runs until midnight on Sunday 7^th September, when the votes will be counted in readiness for the presentations at Glee.

Please contact trevor@pottingshedpress.co.uk if you have any questions about the voting process.

Your customers will be the judges of Greatness.

As customer service and customer satisfaction are the keys to the ongoing success of garden centre catering, the winners of The Greatest Food & Drink Team awards will be decided by the number and quality of customer votes your teams receive before the closing date of September 7^th 2025.

Your customers can vote online by scanning the QR code or you can get them to vote in store and then send completed voting forms to the GTN office for counting.

To get your customers voting, all you have to do is download the voting posters and voting forms artwork from the links below  display them in your restaurant or coffee shop and add voting links into your websites and social media pages.

GTN's Greatest Food & Drink Team Awards Voting Poster

GTN's Greatest Food & Drink Team Awards Voting Forms

GTN's Greatest Food & Drink Team Awards Voting QR Code

Or, access the poster, voting forms and QR code via this dropbox link

As well as overall Greatest Food & Drink Team Awards for different sizes of garden centre catering operations there will be regional awards too.  What better way to promote your Food & Drink offerings during the Autumn than with a GTN Greatest Awards win, especially as it will be thanks to your customers.

Customer voting is live now and runs until midnight on Sunday 7^th September, when the votes will be counted in readiness for the presentations at Glee.

Do you serve The Greatest Garden Centre Afternoon Tea?

One of the most eagerly sought after catering awards that GTN ran in the past was for The Greatest Afternoon Tea Team.  The judges really had a tough job going out and tasing them all!

This year, if you believe your team currently serve The Greatest Garden Centre Afternoon Tea, you have the opportunity of bringing your Afternoon Tea to Glee to be displayed on the “Feed Your Business Stage” and judged by a panel of experts who will decide an overall Afternoon Tea Team winner plus regional awards too.  The judges will also be looking for The Greatest Garden Centre Scone, and The Greatest Garden Centre Traybake within the Afternoon Teas displayed.  Both sweet and savoury Afternoon Teas can be entered.

The competition takes place at 3:00pm on Wednesday 17^th September with the entered Afternoon Teas taking pride of place on the “Feed your Business Stage”.  There will be a food prep area available for your team to compile your Afternoon Tea ready for display and judging.

To reserve your teams place in the display and be in with a chance of winning The Greatest Garden Centre Afternoon Tea Award please send an e-mail to Trevor@pottingshedpress.co.uk stating why you think your team should be part of the competition.

Who has The Greatest Catering Support Team?

Every good garden centre Food & Drink operation is only as good as the back of house support they get from their Wash-up teams, their Marketing Teams and increasingly their EPOS teams.

This award is for The Greatest teams that keep it all going without ever being seen by the customers.  For that reason, to enter your Catering Support Teams all you need to do is send an e-mail to trevor@pottingshedpress.co.uk with:

• photos of the team
• their names and roles
• plus a 200 word citation as to why they should be crowned The Greatest Garden Centre Catering Support Team at Glee on Wednesday 17^th September at 5:00pm.

We can’t wait to receive your nominations.

Bridgemere Show Gardens, an RHS Partner Garden and owned by Blue Diamond Garden Centres, is one of the entrants in this year’s Horticultural Society (RHS) Partner Garden of the Year competition.

Bridgemere Show Gardens is unique as it is the only place in the UK, and even the World, where visitors can see so many former RHS award- winning show gardens all in one place.

Across its 6-acre site, there are a total of 16 gardens,  9 gardens of  which previously appeared at RHS Chelsea, RHS Hampton or RHS Tatton Flower Shows where they were awarded RHS accolades. The award-winning show gardens date back to the 1980’s with the  most recent addition being ‘The Octavia Hill Garden by Blue Diamond Garden Centres’ which is a version of the garden that was awarded People’s Choice, Children’s Choice and a Silver-Gilt medal at last year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

Bridgemere Show Gardens are a worthy entrant in this year’s competition, which is now in its fifth year. This annual competition aims to uncover the nation’s favourite gardens from 231 stunning RHS Partner Gardens from across the country and the world. Open to all garden lovers to vote, this year’s competition theme is ‘joy.’

Dr Tim Upson, RHS Director of Gardens and Horticulture, says, “We're delighted to be running the RHS Partner Garden of the Year competition once again. Gardens have a unique way of uplifting us, and the gardens in our scheme are truly special, each offering a unique experience for visitors. Now is your chance to ensure your favourite garden gets the recognition it deserves – cast your vote and help celebrate the joy and beauty of these incredible spaces."

One winner is announced in each region with an overall UK winner.

Voting closes on Monday 29 September at 12pm. The winners will be revealed in December and will receive a special plaque to display at their garden as well as a professional photoshoot of their garden (UK gardens only).

RHS Members, RHS Partner Garden visitors and any members of the public interested in gardens can vote in the competition at www.rhs.org.uk/pgoty. All voters will be entered into a prize draw to win a £100 RHS Garden gift voucher.

Alan Roper, Managing Director of Blue Diamond Garden Centres, says, “This year’s RHS Partner Garden of the Year competition and the theme of ‘Joy’ is one that can be so easily applied to Bridgemere Show Gardens. With 16 individual gardens at Bridgemere, including a Cottage Garden, Victorian Garden, Folly Garden and Forge Garden, to name but a few, every visitor will experience some level of joy, whatever their garden preferences. Bridgemere Show Gardens really are a special place and one that visitors return to time and time again throughout the seasons. I do hope the public will visit Bridgemere Show Gardens and vote for them, not least to give the gardeners keeping these wonderful gardens in top condition, the accolade they all deserve.”

There are currently 231 gardens in the RHS Partner Gardens scheme, including 15 new gardens in 2025, which RHS Members can visit free of charge at selected times of the year. They comprise some of the most famous gardens in the world as well as privately-owned hidden gems, including organic gardens designed with nature in mind to kitchen gardens, private gardens with beautiful design and heritage landscapes with manicured topiary. Beyond the UK, RHS Partner Gardens can be found in eight countries, including Barbados, Japan, and South Africa.

Bridgemere Show Gardens are owned by the Blue Diamond Garden Centre Group and are located within Bridgemere Garden Centre, one of the largest garden centres in Europe. The 6-acre (28,000 m2) gardens, dating from 1985, were designed to inspire amateur gardeners. It is comprised of 16 separate gardens, 9 of which are recreations of former RHS award-winning show gardens from RHS Chelsea, Hampton Court and Tatton Park Flower Shows, the Garden Festivals in Hanley and Liverpool as well as the garden in which the 1994-1997 television series 'Gardener's Diary' was filmed.

For more information on Bridgemere Show Gardens visit bridgemereshowgardens.co.uk

Blue Diamond is a real Guernsey success story, owned and managed in the island, tracing its roots back to 1904 when it was founded as a grower and exporter of produce grown locally in Guernsey. Blue Diamond has grown to become one of the premium Garden Centre retail groups in the UK and employs approximately 4,500 people at its head office and 51 garden centres across the UK & Channel Islands.

For more information on Blue Diamond please visit: www.bluediamond.gg 

Squire’s Garden Centres has made a donation of £6,300 to Greenfingers Charity, raised through the sale of carrier bags across its 17 centres over the past year.

Greenfingers Charity creates therapeutic gardens for children’s hospices around the UK, offering children with life-limiting conditions and their families calming, inspiring outdoor spaces. The donation from Squire’s will help fund projects like the new garden currently in the early planning stages at Naomi House near Winchester - a specially designed space that will support play, relaxation and wellbeing for children and their families.

The new garden at Naomi House aims to create a space that is accessible for all children, their families and carers, with a structure which will ensure the garden can be used throughout the seasons. Importantly, the garden will be a special space that offers an opportunity for fresh air, for play and activities, physiotherapy, or as a space for counselling or therapy.

Cont’d …

Sarah Squire, Chairman of Squire’s Garden Centres, comments: “We are delighted to continue supporting Greenfingers Charity through the proceeds of our compostable carrier bag sales. Knowing these funds contribute to gardens like the one at Naomi House, which offer peace, joy and a sense of escape for families facing the toughest of times, is incredibly meaningful to all of us at Squire’s.”

Linda Petrons, Director of Fundraising & Communications at Greenfingers Charity, comments: “We are incredibly grateful for Squire’s continued generosity and belief in our work. Their support helps us bring the comfort and joy of therapeutic gardens to life-limited children and their families. With new projects now in the early planning stages, these funds will play a vital role in helping us reach even more families, creating spaces that offer moments to play, learn, remember, care and grow during the most challenging times.”

For more about Greenfingers Charity, visit greenfingerscharity.org.uk

Glee 2025, the UK’s leading garden and outdoor living trade show, is delighted to welcome FYRON as one of its newest exhibitors. From 16^th – 18th September at the NEC Birmingham, visitors will have the opportunity to discover FYRON’s Grill Guru and Inferno ranges, two dynamic collections of outdoor cooking solutions set to heat up the UK market.

As a Netherlands-based manufacturer with a strong European presence, FYRON is bringing its signature style and performance to British garden retailers for the first time.

Ahead of their Glee debut, we caught up with JoeFormisano, Sales Director at FYRON, to find out what visitors can expect. “We chose Glee as it’s the ideal platform to introduce the Grill Guru and Inferno ranges to the UK market” says Formisano. “The timing aligns perfectly with the launch of our 2026 collection, which includes new Kamado models, gas BBQs, and other innovative cooking devices.”

FYRON will showcase its flagship Grill Guru range, premium kamado grills available in four sizes, a gas BBQ range, and a comprehensive accessory range. Known for their durable refractory ceramic construction, excellent insulation, and ease of use, Grill Guru products strike the ideal balance between performance and affordability. Each ceramic shell is backed by a 20-year warranty, making it an exceptional value proposition for retailers and end-users alike.

Visitors can also expect an exclusive first look at the Inferno series, FYRON’s new entry-level kamado line. Available in two sizes and presented with a tailored accessory package, Inferno models are supplied on ready-to-go display units designed for effortless in-store merchandising.

“We’re creating a dynamic and engaging experience on our stand,” adds Formisano. “There’ll be an outdoor demonstration area where visitors can see our products in action and experience their quality and performance up close.”

With a sharp focus on helping retailers maximise sales potential in the outdoor cooking category, FYRON’s participation in Glee is all about building lasting partnerships.

“Glee provides a focused and targeted environment where key buyers from across the UK garden and DIY retail sector are guaranteed to be present,” says Formisano. “Our goal is to leave with a handpicked group of enthusiastic retail partners who are ready to help us successfully launch and grow the Grill Guru and Inferno brands in the UK market.”

Don't miss FYRON at Glee 2025, stand 12A20-B21, to discover a new standard in kamado grilling and outdoor cooking innovation.

Glee 2025 promises garden buyers an unrivalled opportunity to discover an exceptional mix of new, returning and long-standing exhibitors. From fresh innovation to trusted favourites, the show is the ultimate destination to explore the latest products, connect with industry leaders, and gain valuable insights into emerging trends. Make sure to mark your diaries for 16th–18th September 2025 and be part of the event that continues to define the future of garden retail.

For more information, to register your interest in exhibiting, or to secure your free ticket to Glee 2025 please visit www.gleebirmingham.com or call +44 (0)203 3545 9752.

Garden Centre Association (GCA) and Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) members can now access the latest GCA Garden Retail Online Workshops (GROW) course and this time it’s designed to help their plant area teams.

The Herbaceous Plants course is the 97^th workshop to be added to the GCA’s award-winning e-learning platform.

Antony Snow, GROW’s Instructional Designer, explains: “Herbaceous plants are very popular with gardeners as many are easy to grow and provide seasonal interest throughout the year.

“Due to their popularity, this versatile group of plants make up a significant proportion of sales in the plant area and are hugely important to our members and their businesses, so I’m delighted to offer this introduction to provide their teams with the knowledge and confidence to inspire their customers.”

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

Peter Burks, CEO at the GCA, says: “GROW is an essential, cost-effective staff training and personal development tool that our members rate highly. It’s available 24/7, 365 days of the year, making it ideal for garden centre employees to use it when convenient for them.

“If you’d like to explore GROW further, or find out more about this course and the other 96 that are available through this wonderful, easy to access, online platform, please contact Antony direct or take a look at our dedicated webpage www.gca.org.uk/gca-grow-information. You can also get in touch with Antony by emailing grow@gca.org.uk.”

GROW started as an initial idea, 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. There are currently 97 courses and more than 12,000 GROW users throughout the UK.

These courses 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.

The new course is accessible immediately to existing subscribers.

The GCA represents more than 200 garden centres nationwide.

Through sharing information and its inspection programme, the GCA helps members to achieve high standards in customer service, plant quality and reliability.

Members with the highest standards receive awards at its regional summer events and its Annual Conference in January each year.

Tickets for the GCA’s 2026 Annual Conference are now on sale via the members’ section on the body’s website or via https://gca.digitickets.co.uk/.

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

Abercorn Plant and Garden Centre is the first UK retailer to stock the Buzz Box Beekeeper’s Starter Pack – a new-to-garden-centres product designed to help more people take up the vital hobby of beekeeping.

With growing awareness among gardeners of the need to support pollinators and boost biodiversity, interest in beekeeping is on the rise. However, the UK still lags far behind its European neighbours; we need more beekeepers. 

According to the National Bee Unit, the UK has around 49,000 registered beekeepers, or roughly 1 per 1,370 people. In comparison, Germany has about 1 per 690 people, France 1 per 970, and Slovenia—widely considered the beekeeping capital of Europe—leads with 1 per 182 people.

“This is an ideal new product for garden centres. Beekeeping equipment has not been widely available through mainstream retail channels before,” says Mark Meadows, founder of Buzz Into Beekeeping Limited, “and more people will take up beekeeping if they’re see the equipment for sale in their local garden centre.”

The Buzz Box starter pack lowers the barriers to entry. It includes a complete hive, a suit and gloves and tools, plus information about setting up the hive and where to get honeybees from — everything needed to begin beekeeping with confidence

“So far, we’ve had loads of comments about the setup and plenty of people have been looking at the hive and opening the windows,” says Ian Bayliss from Abercorn, “We’re planning to get Mark from Buzz Into Beekeeping to come and give a talk about beekeeping for our customers.”

As environmental awareness keeps growing, it’s a great time for garden centres to stock products that do more for the planet—and offer something genuinely different for customers who already own every gardening gadget imaginable.

Come and see a Buzz Box at Glee - Stand 9D91, part of the GLEE FIRST area.

Buzz Into Beekeeping Limited: https://www.buzzintobeekeeping.co.uk/

Abercorn Plant & Garden Centre: https://www.theabercorngardenfactory.co.uk/online-shop/Beekeepers-Beehive-Starter-Pack-Kit-Includes-Beehive-Suit-Smoker-Tools-&-Much-more-p750161441

Buyers are in for a treat at Glee this year, as Durstons reveals it has something big in store for the show – an announcement that will mark an exciting new chapter for the company.

The family-run business is teasing a major new development that will be unveiled to visitors at Glee next month. Whilst the Somerset compost producer is keeping full details under wraps for now, the change is set to shake up the growing media category, challenge current perceptions of Durstons, and help retailers drive sales across the board.

The hotly-anticipated news follows a warm welcome over the past year to Durstons’ newly-formulated peat-free collection, which blew competitor products out of the water in independent trials. The range – enhanced by a sustainable game-changing material called Gro Fibre – was found to outperform both peat-based and peat-free market products during the independent growing trials, resulting in bigger plants and increased blooms.  

The high-performing compost did exceptionally well this season, even with the heatwave, and Durstons secured a number of new listings, thanks to strong stock availability and dependable distribution.

With a tried-and tested product offer in the bag that delivers a reliable and repeatable positive growing experience for consumers, and safe in the knowledge that they can provide retail customers with unbeatable service, Durstons are ready for the next exciting chapter and are eager to share it with visitors at the show.

Sales Director, Dan Durston said: “We’ve had a really positive and very busy year but still have so much more in store. We’re extremely excited to share our big news at Glee next month. It’s a real step change for us, as a company, and is likely to challenge everything you thought you knew about Durston Garden Products. We’re still as focused as ever on providing exceptional service for our customers, and the fantastic feedback we’ve had this year has reflected that, but we know we can do even more. We can’t wait to showcase what we’ve been working on, so do come and see us at Glee to find out what we’ve got planned.”

Durstons will be on stand C41 in Hall 11 at Glee at the NEC Birmingham from 16th to 18th September.

Team members at Yorkshire Garden Centres who held a multi-site spinathon on Yorkshire Day raised £1,038 for their charity of the year.

A total of 84 team members rode 267 miles on static bikes in the checkout areas at Yorkshire Garden Centres' sites at Tong, Tingley, Otley, Bingley, Pennine and Dean's York and Scarborough to raise the funds for Martin House Children's Hospice.

The initiative was organised by Yorkshire Garden Centres' People and Culture team. Group People and Culture manager, Steph Harrison, said: "The mileage represents the total distance from Martin House's base at Boston Spa near Wetherby to each of our sites. It was a tough challenge, but our customers' fantastic support and generosity kept the teams going. Our team of 14 riders raised an amazing £288 at Tong alone."

Martin House's partnership manager, Hannah Finan said: "Thank you for your continued support, it really does make the world of difference to the care we can provide. Your donation helps create moments of joy, peace, and connection for babies, children, young people and their families who need it most."

The spinathon was the latest in a series of fundraising initiatives to help the Yorkshire Garden Centres' team reach their £30,000 target for the independent charity that cares for babies, children and young people with life-shortening conditions from across West, North and East Yorkshire.

Each Yorkshire Garden Centres site has a charity champion who is committed to raising funds for Martin House and supporting local causes through the business's Kindness Pot.

BBC Gardeners’ World Autumn Fair Turns 4!

Now in its fourth successful year, the BBC Gardeners’ World Autumn Fair returns to the stunning grounds of Audley End House & Gardens from 30 August to 1 September 2025. This much-loved event offers garden brands and businesses a unique opportunity to connect directly with around 22,000 passionate gardening visitors over three vibrant days.

With the support of the BBC Gardeners’ World brand and appearances from high-profile presenters including Arit Anderson and Rachel de Thame, the Autumn Fair delivers a strong platform for exhibitors to showcase their products in an inspiring, expert-led environment.

We want to hear from you

We’re inviting applications from businesses across the gardening sector, from established names to emerging brands. We’re especially keen to hear from those offering a diverse range of garden products—whether that’s everyday essentials, items for overwintering and seasonal gardening, or larger investments such as sheds, greenhouses, and plant stores. We're also looking for lawn care specialists, pond and water feature suppliers, and those supporting wildlife habitats and biodiversity in the garden.

This is more than just a retail event, it’s an immersive experience that brings gardeners together to shop, learn, and be inspired ahead of the new season. Whether you’re launching new products, looking to build brand awareness, or eager to meet a highly targeted audience of gardening consumers, the Autumn Fair is the ideal place to grow.

HTA and GIMA members benefit from an exclusive 20% discount on stand space, making this an even more compelling opportunity.

To find out more about exhibiting at the BBC Gardeners’ World Autumn Fair, or to register your interest, get in touch with our team today. Contact 0207 150 5131 or email bbcgardenersworldlive@immediate.co.uk today for more information.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this exciting celebration of autumn gardening!

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Hornby George PR, the trusted PR agency of choice for some of the garden and home industry’s most prolific organisations, is delighted to announce the appointment of Sally Jee as Senior PR Account Director. The appointment follows a period of significant growth for the agency, which has seen a major expansion of its client portfolio over the summer.

Hornby George PR’s reputation for delivering standout campaigns and results has cemented its position as the go-to agency for leading organisations, including Glee, GIMA (Garden Industry Manufacturers' Association), the Greenfingers Charity, plus over 20 UK and internationally based brands across the garden, horticulture, home, lifestyle, and interiors sectors.

Following a string of successful pitches in recent months, the agency has significantly broadened its roster of clients - from emerging challenger brands to household names - reflecting the growing demand for its creative, story-led PR approach.

With over 20 years’ experience spanning entertainment, lifestyle, parenting, events, and tech, Sally Jee’s appointment adds a heavyweight skillset to the team. Sally has worked at top-tier agencies including The Outside Organisation, Cohn & Wolfe, With PR, and Braben, and has also held senior in-house roles, notably as PR Director at NBC Universal for E! Entertainment Television, where she led UK and EMEA publicity for flagship shows like Keeping Up with the Kardashians.

Her client portfolio boasts a ‘who’s who’ of media and consumer brands, including Sky, Netmums, Paramount, Clear Channel Entertainment, P&G, BBC Education, and Setanta Sports. Sally has also led PR for major events such as the BAFTA Television Awards, BT Digital Music Awards, BST Hyde Park, Festival of Marketing, and Bett in the edtech space.

Sally’s passion for interior design and home décor makes her a perfect fit as Hornby George PR continues to grow its presence in the interiors and lifestyle arena.

Speaking about her appointment,Sally commented: “It’s fantastic to be joining Kimberley and the team at Hornby George PR, especially at such an exciting time for the agency. With a growing client base and some brilliant new product launches on the horizon, I’m looking forward to getting stuck in. Homes, garden design and décor have always been a passion of mine, so this is a perfect match.”

Kimberley Hornby, Founder and Director of Hornby George PR, added: “We’ve been incredibly fortunate to see a period of rapid growth over the summer, welcoming new clients and expanding into exciting new sectors. As the business evolves, it was essential to build a team that could meet that demand head-on. We searched high and low for the right person, and Sally’s expertise, energy, and instinct for a great story were exactly what we needed. She’s already making a huge impact, and I couldn’t be happier to have her on board as we step into this next chapter.”

Founded by Kimberley Hornby George, Hornby George PR has become synonymous with excellence in garden retail communications. Over the past two decades, Kimberley and her team have worked with some of the biggest names in the industry, gaining an unparalleled understanding of both trade and consumer markets.

In addition to her work with Hornby George PR, Kimberley is the Co-Chair of the Garden Media Guild – a position that reflects her dedication to promoting exceptional storytelling and communication within the gardening world. This dual role enhances Hornby George PR’s ability to deliver services rooted in deep industry knowledge and a commitment to celebrating all aspects of garden retail.

The latest update on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation, including the plan for modulated fees has now been confirmed by The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).  According to BHETA, the new rules – and especially their steep financial penalties - represent a seismic and potentially costly shift in packaging compliance for both suppliers and retailers.

EPR in general shifts the full cost of managing household packaging waste away from local authorities and onto the businesses that place packaging on the UK market.  The latest update, however, is about the introduction of modulated fees and a new Recyclability Assessment Method (RAM) for 2026.  While 2025 sees producers paying based on the volume and type of packaging, the forthcoming modulated fees will be calculated based on two key factors:

1. Recyclability of the packaging (how easily and widely it can be recycled by UK local authorities)
2. Recycled content (how much post-consumer recycled material is included)

RAM then scores packaging formats against criteria such as collection rates, sortability, and reprocessing. Under this system, packaging that scores poorly — referred to as ‘red product’ — will incur a 20% uplift in compliance costs starting in 2026, with a 200% increase in base fees by 2028. 

Red product is likely to include:

• Black plastic trays (which are difficult for optical sorters to detect)
• Multilayer films or laminates (used for bags, sachets, or pouches)
• Blister packs with card and plastic (common in tools, screws, and accessories)
• Packaging with mixed materials that are hard to separate
• Formats without sufficient post-consumer recycled content

As a consequence, says BHETA, suppliers and retailers must:

1. Undertake a Full Packaging Audit to determine current footprint with a view to phasing out high-risk types

2.Use the Recyclability Assessment Method (RAM) to assess impact. BHETA member and official Business Support Provider, Wastepack can help members navigate RAM scoring.

3. Understand the potential tax increases between 2026-2028 for any “Red” and “Amber” rated products and assess whether to redesign packaging with Eco-Design in Mind

4. Collaborate Across the Supply Chain

5. Review On-Pack Labelling and Messaging

BHETA’s Marketing Director, Steve Richardson commented, “This is a rapidly evolving policy area, and businesses need to stay informed. BHETA, in partnership with Wastepack, runs regular EPR Advisory Webinars for members, as well as best practice webinars from brands who are already leading in this field.  Our webinar with Tesco on September 18^th is one good example.

“EPR is a significant new tax for many suppliers and retailers, and I want to highlight that for any products rated as “Red” under the new RAM assessment, the tax will increase by 20% in 2026 and by 100% by 2028, unless organisations take steps to change that packaging. It’s important that whoever is responsible for packaging in any business understands this potential increase and the potential costs of change.”

For more information on BHETA retailer networking, market data supply, export and lobbying  / legislative advice contact BHETA Member Services on 0121 237 1130 or via www.bheta.co.uk.

Hillier Nurseries and Garden Centres has announced the passing of John Hillier – a respected plantsman, devoted family man, and beloved figure in the horticultural world.

Born in Winchester as the eldest son of Sir Harold Hillier, John grew up surrounded by plants and the family’s horticultural legacy. Wartime relocation to Devon, his mother’s birthplace, left a lasting love for the South Hams, where he returned yearly. At 17, the family moved to Jermyns House, where his father developed the renowned Sir Harold Hillier Gardens. John's sporting spirit remained strong; he played hockey for Winchester and excelled in rugby and cricket in his school years.

After working briefly in the family business, John served National Service in Libya before gaining experience in U.S. nurseries, including Monrovia in California. There, he observed pioneering container plant production - knowledge that helped modernise Hillier Nurseries on his return.

John’s long association with the RHS Chelsea Flower Show began in 1958. Over 60 years, he led Hillier’s award-winning exhibits, achieving an astounding 74 consecutive Chelsea Gold Medals.

A chance encounter led him back to Valerie Barlow, a childhood acquaintance. They married in 1962 and raised four children together.

At Hillier Nurseries, John managed production and despatch before co-leading the company with his brother Robert. He skilfully balanced commercial needs with his love of plants, refining the range to meet modern gardeners’ needs while supporting the introduction of new, reliable varieties.

His passion extended nationally. He joined RHS committees, helped judge Wisley Trials, and advocated for the RHS Award of Garden Merit as a trusted guide for gardeners. He was also a regular judge at RHS shows and served as President of Plant Heritage Hampshire, promoting garden plant conservation.

Internationally, John travelled widely with groups like the International Dendrology Society, exploring native habitats and retracing the paths of legendary plant hunters. He worked closely with Roy Lancaster on later editions of the Hillier Manual of Trees and Shrubs, a staple reference for gardeners.

In recognition of his contributions, John was awarded the RHS Victoria Medal of Honour in 1996, following his father and grandfather’s achievements to receive the Society’s highest accolade.

John retired from the Hillier board in 2018 at the age of 83. He was a devoted husband to Val, proud father of Pepe, Andrew, Martin, and James, and loving grandfather to nine grandchildren. He treasured his faith, time with his family, his own garden and daily walks in the arboretum where his passion for plants thrived.

John Hillier leaves behind a legacy rooted in knowledge, kindness, and horticultural excellence. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Six Horticultural students have recently taken part in the Student Development Tour which forms part of the Smart Garden Products Scholarship run by the Colegrave Seabrook Foundation. The students, all winners of the 2025 award, had the opportunity to see the working of six very different aspects of the horticultural industry:

• Retail – Baytree Garden Centre, Spalding
• Commercial Plant Production – Bridge Farm Horticulture
• Field Crop Production of Bulbs for retail – Taylors Bulbs, Holbeach
• Ornamental Horticulture and Gardens - Springfields Festival Gardens, Spalding
• Horticutural Science and Research – Bridge Farm Bioscience
• Product Creation, Development and Wholesale Distribution – Smart Garden Products

The objective of the tour, led by four Trustees of the Foundation, is to give students the opportunity to see firsthand a variety of aspects of commercial horticulture in action. From walking the bulb fields, where daffodils are being harvested for sale in garden centres and other retail outlets this autumn, to the cutting edge latest technology in plant science, or getting an understanding for the supply chain from innovation to finished product and distribution to retailers at Smart Garden Products, through this scholarship students get, “real world insights of modern horticulture” said David Dowd, Head of Horticulture at CAFRE in Northern Ireland.

Marion Durose, CEO, Springfields Horticultural Society who manage the Festival Gardens in Spalding said: “It was great to meet the students and trustees. I am very passionate about education and signposting for students about the careers and opportunities in the horticultural sector, so thank you for bringing the students to see the Festival Gardens”

The scholarship scheme, supported financially by Paris Natar and the team at Smart Garden, who have been innovative in their creation and support of these students, recognise the importance of their customers – garden centres – having access to well qualified, skilled horticulturalists in the future hence being the catalyst in this opportunity.

Bridge Farm Bioscience is at the forefront of plant research and development in the UK. Their industry leading experts in cultivation, extraction, and plant chemistry have been  applying their knowledge alongside the latest technology and innovation, to harness the transformative properties of plants and were keen to share some of their knowledge with the students, stimulating the comment from Emmeline Yourston  an apprentice Crop Technician at Bransford Webbs who is studying at Pershore Horticultural Collage: “It was inspiring to see UK academic research put into practical, commercial horticultural applications, further examples of career diversity in the industry.”

As well as the opportunity to expand their knowledge, a further objective of the Student Development Tour is helping people extend their network of contacts in the industry. Sandy Carney, studying for her BSc in Horticulture at CAFRE said: “Through strong relationship-building, encouraging team-driven innovation and embracing significant risks, no wonder Smart Garden Products have achieved the impressive turnover growth and reputation they have. We can all learn from their belief in considered product selection, solid customer relationships and streamlined distribution.”

The application season for the 2026 scholarship awards will be open in the autumn of this year and students wanting to apply for these and other scholarship opportunities can find further details on the charity’s website www.colegraveseabrookfoundtion.org.uk where information for companies who would like to be involved with the work of the Foundation can also find details.

The comment from one participant sums up the whole experience best. Nicole Harding a Crop Technician Apprentice at Wyevale Nurseries in Hereford and studying at Pershore College said: “This tour was a once in a lifetime opportunity and I am so honoured that I was given the chance to experience everything we saw on the tour organised by the Foundation and Smart Garden Products."

Roger Seabrook, one of the Foundations Trustees supporting this year’s tour, expressed his gratitude to all the companies and their people who so willingly gave up their time to devote to the students, and to Smart Garden Products for their support, without whom, this would just not happen. “These students are the future of our industry; they need and deserve our support.” he said.

In a hugely successful regional event, with sustainability at the heart, HTA members were treated to a tour of RocketGro’s site, including the recently-added CO2 capture plant. Attendees were also given an insight into the next chapter of the British peat-free growing media producer’s journey to become Climate Positive.

As RocketGro celebrates a record year, it welcomed 50 HTA members to its site in Somerset, opening up the doors to its bio-gas facility, bagging line and the greatly-anticipated CO2 capture plant, which proved a real highlight for visitors on the day.

In a presentation given by Managing Director, Toby Thomas, guests were updated on RocketGro’s climate positive journey so far and given a sneak peek at plans to improve sustainable practices even further, including production of compressed natural gas from the CO2 capture plant. This next step will enable RocketGro to run its fleet of lorries and, eventually, all tractors using its own green renewable energy.

Toby also unveiled plans for the next phase, which includes a huge new solar plant on unused land, right next to the biogas plant.

With its drive to operate in a way that benefits the planet, RocketGro was the perfect host for the HTA’s inspirational event, which focused on sustainability, lowering carbon footprints and being organic. 

Attendees also heard from chef, writer and influencer, James Strawbridge who talked about ‘plot to plate' and 'sustainable growing' with 'Organic low Carbon living', along with Ecotribo, a business that specialises in turning Ocean plastic and Plastic Waste into outdoor and horticultural products, whilst PlanetMark & HTA discussed Net Zero Planning. Guests rounded off the day with a delicious hog roast lunch in the sunshine, and the chance to network. 

RocketGro Managing Director Toby Thomas commented: “It was an absolute pleasure to welcome members to our Somerset base and play host such to such an exciting and though-provoking event. My team and I really enjoyed the chance to talk to like-minded businesses and to be able to share more about our own journey; revealing what we hope to achieve in the coming months and years. The HTA’s southwest regional event was such a fantastic opportunity for members to come together, share ideas and find solutions, with a firm focus on helping to reduce our impact on the environment. It was a real privilege to be involved.”

RocketGro has a busy few months ahead, as the British brand is set to take centre stage in September as headline sponsor of the first-ever Yeo Valley Organic Garden Festival – billed to be a celebration of sustainability, soil and spectacular gardening. 

The event, which also takes place in Somerset, aligns perfectly with RocketGro’s ethos, as it sets out to inspire people to ‘get greener in the garden’. Speakers include Arit Anderson, who will present on gardening for the climate, and Alys Fowler, who will discuss perennial vegetables that promote a healthy ecosystem, just to name a few. 

Find out more

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

The Corby + Fellas team had a productive week on the road, implementing WinRetail software at three distinct garden centres – Chepstow Garden Centre, Norton Garden Centre, and Iron Acton Garden Centre.

Chepstow Garden Centre opened in 2002 and quickly became a key part of its community. In 2006, they expanded by opening Newhall Farm Shop. This shop helps them support local farmers and offer fresh, high-quality local produce.

Established in 2003, Norton Garden Centre has built a strong reputation on its unwavering commitment to excellent customer service. Its consistent dedication to this core value has fuelled its growing popularity over the years. In 2020, Norton Garden Centre underwent a significant refurbishment, which included the addition of a brand-new 68-seat cafe and a modern canopied area for plants.

Opening its doors in the spring of 2010, Iron Acton Garden Centre is the newest addition to this group of garden centres. While the site originally functioned as a garden centre, it underwent an extensive transformation, including a substantial extension and a complete rebranding before its relaunch. Since then, the centre has continually invested in improvements, evident in its new walkways, enhanced displays, and a refreshed Garden Cafe.

Corby + Fellas are delighted for collaborating with such a vibrant and dedicated group of garden centres. The successful implementation of WinRetail across these locations signifies a significant step forward in enhancing their operational efficiency and supporting their ongoing success in the horticulture industry.

From owner James Boyle: “I’d like to say what a pleasure it was to welcome your team to our sites. They worked efficiently, diligently and were courteous, friendly, and respectful at all times. They are a credit to your company. Please pass on my thanks to all of them and to the ones that we didn’t meet.”

On the 60th anniversary of the company’s formation, Garland Products is making a welcome return to Glee and introducing 30 new products for the 2026 season.

A new range of Coco Poles has been added to Garland’s product portfolio.  The poles are made from 100 per cent natural wood and coconut material, are fully biodegradable, and perfect for supporting climbing plants, especially house plants.  To enable stockists to provide maximum exposure of the range, which comprise 60cm, 80cm, 100cm and 120cm sizes, a purposely designed display stand is available for use in houseplant areas.

Garland’s range of jute products has been extended to include three sizes of Jute Rope Nets, which are a natural way of supporting climbing plants and vegetables.  Strong, yet flexible, the nets can easily be cut to different shapes and sizes.  The heavy-duty rope nets are perfect for bean frames and can be used against a wall for climbing plants like clematis and honeysuckle.  Fully biodegradable, the nets can be added to the compost heap after use.  There are also new Jute Plant Ladders, which are a natural way of supporting climbing plants and vegetables.  They are also perfect for training houseplants up and over walls. Available in green and natural colours, the 3m long x 4cm wide ladders can be cut to size. 

Additions have also been made to the company’s Brooms & Patio Range and new lower prices have been introduced across much of the range.  The new items are a Heavy Duty 46cm wide Bass Broom and two Premium Heavy-Duty Brooms measuring 46cm and 61cm wide.  These have an all-metal handle and screw fitting to provide maximum strength, and they both include a hose fitting that enables a hose to be attached to the broom head to give improved cleaning. 

Also new to the range is a heavy-duty Dust Pan and Brush for use both indoors and outdoors.  Lastly in the range is a new Patio Knife that is perfect for scraping out weeds and moss from between block paving and patio joints.

Garland’s best-selling Outdoor Furniture Cover Range has been extended to include five new covers that cater for the increasingly popular low lounge sets available in most garden centres. The covers fit sofa sets that have a low coffee table and each cover is available in two different fabrics.

The company’s sales director, Mark Dedman said: “We are excited to be showcasing our ever-expanding range of garden and hardware products at Glee this year at the same time as we mark 60 years since the formation of Garland Products.  We are also celebrating the opening of yet another brand-new warehouse facility as a mark of our continued investment in the future and our ongoing commitment to British manufacturing.  This new building is located on the same site as our Pensnett factory, ushering in the next chapter in our continued evolution.  Not only does the new warehouse bring more space and opportunity, it also brings with it a brand new, even larger showroom and conference facility.  This new hub of business finally brings everything under a single roof and it will become a new central point to our distribution network”.

The Garland Products Group specialises in the manufacture of plastic injection moulded products and is one of the fastest growing suppliers to the garden industry.  The products available to both keen or hobby gardeners have beendesigned through the company’s own experience as keen gardeners. 

GTN August 2025. In this issue:

• BGC thanks the industry - GTN exclusive
• Hat’s off to our growers – industry views on excellent plant supplies this year
• The heritage behind Durston Garden Products
• GTN’s Greatest Food & Drink Awards – Enter NOW!
• Power Up – a new lease of life for Pelsis Doff
• Greenfingers Summer FUNdraising update
• 200 years of Henry Bell
• SOLEX 2025 review – winners and new products
• Invest in the experience with Fordingbridge
• Latest innovations from Spoga+gafa 2025
• All the regional winners of the 2025 GCA inspections
• Get ready for PATS25 in Birmingham
• Show Stopping Plants – GTN Planteria
• Never a dull moment - HTA Viewpoint