In This Issue
Summer starts at SOLEX 2026 – register today
Olympic legend Sir Jason Kenny named as a headline speaker at 2027 GCA Conference
GIMA to launch international trade service Gardenex
Hot May highlights the value of gardens as garden centres navigate rising costs
Dobbies confirmed as first-ever sponsors for Discover Scottish Gardens map
Summer Showroom Directory in GTN May-June 2026 Issue
Get your copy of GTN Xtra
Wyevale Nurseries to exhibit at HTA National Plant Show
Farplants to showcase award entries, Christmas Ranges and new initiative at National Plant Show
Webb secures BBC Gardeners’ World Best Buy recognition
RHS Badminton Flower Show to feature largest ever show garden alongside first exhibit by music icon Will Young
RHS joins the 50th anniversary celebrations for Whichford Pottery
Registration opens for 78th AIPH Annual Congress
The best of last week's
Blue Diamond Garden Centres and Diddly Squat Farm Announce Exclusive Retail Partnership
GIMA Awards 2026 attracts record-breaking interest as judging day approaches
Toolbank drive to success at the GIMA Charity Golf Day
Blue Diamond to buy all the stock from AMES
Retailers give GET OFF Paws Away the thumbs-up
The Greenfingers Kilimanjaro team get ready for the ultimate challenge as they arrive in Tanzania
Go Floral on Friday to support the Greenfingers Killimanjaro team
Rainforests, rock walls and the roof of Africa – the adventure awaiting the Greenfingers team
Celebrities send video message of support
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Toolbank drive to success at the GIMA Charity Golf Day
Record-breaking turnout delivers GIMA's biggest Golf Day yet

The Toolbank team of Paul Maxwell, Graham Cardus, Phil Hartson and Dan Cueto were the winners of the annual GIMA Charity Golf Day 2026 held last week at Belton Woods Golf, Spa and Hotel in Grantham 

 

A record-breaking 100 golfers teed off for a day of sporting competition, networking and fundraising – all in aid of the Greenfingers Charity, playing a Stableford competition with the added jeopardy of the yellow ball challenge sponsored by Vitax.

 

Despite facing strong winds and challenging conditions throughout the day, spirits remained high as garden industry professionals from across the sector came together for what proved to be the largest GIMA Golf Day ever held. With even more guests joining the evening celebrations and prize-giving dinner, the event once again demonstrated the strength of support that exists across the garden industry for both GIMA and the Greenfingers Charity.
 
This year’s top golfers were…


When the final scorecards were counted, it was Toolbank that emerged as winners of the main team competition, narrowly edging out Hyve/LBC(ULTRALIGHT) Boots in second place, with APAC securing third position.
 
Elsewhere on the leaderboard, Woodlodge 2 claimed victory in the ever-popular Yellow Ball competition, whilst Monty's Miracle ensured they were dressed to impress, taking home the award for Best Dressed Team.
 
The individual hole competitions delivered plenty of standout moments throughout the day, with:
•    Nearest the Pin – Hole 4: Michail Michailou (MorePeople)
•    Nearest the Pin – Hole 8: Jacob Lewis (LBC(ULTRALIGHT) Boots)
•    Nearest the Pin in Two – Hole 9: Si Holdsworth (Primeur)
•    Nearest the Pin – Hole 15: Daniel McAlpin (Hyve)
•    Longest Drive – Hole 18: Daan Cueto (Toolbank)
 
Finally, there was a rush on ‘Beat the Pro’ bragging rights with Mark Bickerdike, Casey Warwick, Rob Fox, Chris Clark, Andy Bestwick, Simon Neate, Alan Burdon, Dan Durston, James Bodle, Charlie Burgess, Jacob Lewis, Pete Barham and Tom Lay all receiving a four-ball prize for managing to land their ball closer to the pin than the on-course pro.
 
A day made possible by generous sponsors and supporters
GIMA is hugely grateful to all sponsors and donors who made the event such a success. This year’s sponsors list included Vitax, Evergreen Garden Care, Westland Horticulture, Durston Garden Products, Smart Garden Products, APAC, Keter, Charles Bentley, Meadow View Stone, Hex Living, Imprint, Toolbank, Husqvarna UK, Greenfingers Charity, Hornby George PR, CM Ventures, Handy Distribution, Primeur, Decco, GARDENA, Rectella, David Austin, Gtech, Kärcher, Hozelock, Glee and BRITA.  Together these brands sponsored everything from the on-course banners, drinks stations, spot and hole prizes, plus also kindly providing prizes for the raffle and auction.
 
Special thanks also go to the many businesses and individuals who generously donated raffle prizes and auction lots. Their support played a vital role in helping to maximise the event's fundraising efforts and ensuring Greenfingers Charity can continue creating magical outdoor spaces for life-limited children and their families spending precious time together in hospices across the UK.
 
Martin Ward, Director of GIMA, said: "This year's Golf Day has exceeded all expectations. To welcome a record number of golfers is a fantastic achievement and a clear demonstration of the commitment, generosity and camaraderie that exists within our industry.
 
"The weather certainly gave everyone an extra challenge, but the atmosphere throughout the day was exceptional. Events such as these are about far more than competition on the golf course. They provide an opportunity for businesses to come together, strengthen relationships, support an incredibly important cause and enjoy the unique sense of community that makes the garden sector so special.  On behalf of GIMA, I would like to thank every sponsor, prize donor and participant for helping to make this our largest-ever Golf Day. Thanks to their support, we continue to raise awareness and valuable funds for the Greenfingers Charity whilst bringing the industry together for a truly memorable event."
 
Linda Petrons, Director of Fundraising and Communications at Greenfingers Charity, added: “We are truly grateful for the continued support of GIMA and its members. The funds raised from the Golf Day make a tangible difference to the lives of children and families in hospices across the country – thank you for helping us grow more magical gardens.”
 
To see more events upcoming at GIMA, or for more information regarding membership, please visit www.gima.org.uk or contact the GIMA Press Office on (01959) 564947 or info@gima.org.uk


GIMA is a membership organisation of around 230 companies representing the majority share of suppliers and manufacturers operating within the UK gardening industry, together with an estimated £4billion in annual trade
 
GIMA’s goal is to promote the commercial, trading and industrial interests of its UK and EU-based members supplying the UK garden retail industry. Run by a small team of dedicated professionals, and governed by a Council of members, GIMA is funded by membership subscriptions and services. The range of services and support provided for members is extensive, offering something for all members, regardless of their size or heritage.

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GIMA Golf Day 2026 GTN040626 001.jpg
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