Following on from Griffon Corporations announcement last week that "as result of these actions, beginning with Griffon’s second quarter 2026 reporting, AMES UK will be reported as discontinued operations" GTN Xtra has now learned they will be ceasing operations in the UK as from March 31st 2026.

GTN Xtra has asked both AMES UK and Griffon Corporation for comment.

Rumours started to abound yesterday after staff were given notice of a consultation period for potential redundancy.

Today several retailers and buying groups learned of the planned closure of the business.

Retailers are being encouraged to secure early orders for Webb’s new Webb Eco X-Series cordless garden machinery range, with first stock arriving shortly for the 2026 season. 

Following exceptionally strong performance from Webb’s existing Webb Eco 20V platform – now the brand’s best-selling range – the X-Series represents a timely opportunity for garden centres and dealers to respond to a clear shift in customer buying behaviour towards higher-powered battery equipment for larger gardens.

Developed specifically to meet rising consumer demand for cordless machinery that can comfortably manage medium to large outdoor spaces, the Webb Eco X-Series delivers dependable 40V performance without the noise, fuel storage and maintenance requirements of petrol alternatives. Powered by two interchangeable 20V lithium-ion batteries working together, the Webb Eco X-Series combines the convenience customers increasingly expect with the strength and runtime needed for more demanding tasks — positioning it as a natural next-step purchase for households upgrading their garden equipment.

The launch builds directly on the success of the Webb Eco 20V series, giving retailers a clear trade-up path for customers already familiar with the platform and looking for more capability as their gardening needs grow. With interest in battery-powered garden machinery continuing to accelerate, early availability of a credible, higher-performance cordless system is expected to be a strong driver of seasonal sales, as Mark Moseley, Sales & Marketing Director at Handy (owner of the Webb brand) comments: “We’ve seen a very clear trend over the past two seasons — customers want the ease and cleanliness of battery power, but they don’t want to compromise on performance as their gardens get larger. The Webb Eco 20V range proved just how strong the appetite is for well-designed cordless machinery. The X-Series takes that confidence and extends it into a higher-power platform that we expect to be in strong demand from day one.”

Covering all major categories of garden care — from lawnmowers and grass trimmers through to hedge trimmers, blowers, vacuums, chainsaws and scarifiers — the Webb Eco X-Series has been engineered as a complete cordless ecosystem rather than a single-tool offering. Brushless motor technology across the range ensures improved efficiency, longer runtimes and extended product life, helping retailers present a compelling long-term alternative to petrol equipment at a time when consumer expectations are evolving quickly.

All products are supported by a three-year warranty and full spares availability, providing additional reassurance for both retailers and end users as demand for higher-performance cordless machinery continues to grow.

Retailers are encouraged to place orders early to secure stock ahead of the spring season and ensure availability of what is anticipated to be one of Webb’s most sought-after launches to date.  To explore the full Webb Eco X-Series range and purchase at trade pricing, email sales@handys.co.uk or visit www.handys.co.uk.

The annual Hillier Garden Centre Awards took place on 11th February 2026, offering an opportunity to reflect on the past year’s successes and challenges within the horticultural industry, while also celebrating the outstanding contributions of suppliers and staff across various categories.

The event highlighted the dedication, passion, and hard work of individuals and teams that make Hillier a renowned name in this industry.

The awards evening recognised achievements across a wide spectrum, from external suppliers across various categories to individual Hillier Garden Centres, including the coveted Garden Centre of the Year, and special recognition awards for individual members of staff. It was a momentous occasion celebrating both internal teams and Hillier’s extensive network of suppliers.

The awards coincided with the company’s Supplier Showcase at Newbury Racecourse. More than 70 suppliers attended the event, presenting their latest 2026 product lines to the Hillier Garden Centre teams. Over 400 Hillier team members visited the event to prepare for the upcoming season, marking an important opportunity for professional development and collaboration. Brands represented included Burgon & Ball, Fothergills, Gardena, Woodlodge, Smart Garden, David Austin, Evergreen, Westland and many more!

Greeting guests to the awards evening, George Hillier, Chairman of Hillier Nurseries and Garden Centres reflected on the successes of the past 12 months: “It was great to get together and celebrate another year in the gardening world, and what a year 2025 was! It started with a spring that felt almost too good to be true - wall-to-wall sunshine and highs of 21.3°C in March - and our teams did a brilliant job of making the most of it. But as spring turned to summer, the heat and challenging conditions tested us. From protecting plants to managing increased demand, every single one of our team delivered, and I couldn’t be prouder.

“I also want to thank our suppliers, whose support and clear communication throughout the year were invaluable, and the team at our support centre who worked tirelessly to make things happen behind the scenes.

“What excites me most is seeing how our centres continue to be more than just places to shop. They are spaces of joy, inspiration, and connection for our customers, and that’s thanks to our teams who understand what motivates every customer and deliver experiences that go above and beyond. In a world where sustainability, community, and wellbeing matter more than ever, we have a real opportunity to lead.”

Carl Milton, Director of Retail, said: “It has been a pleasure to welcome so many valued suppliers to the Hillier Supplier Showcase - my first since joining the business six months ago and a fantastic way for me to meet more of the wonderful people within this incredible industry. The Supplier Showcase and Hillier Garden Centre Awards provide an important opportunity to recognise both the dedication of our internal teams and the strength of our supplier partnerships.

“The success our teams have achieved over the past year is the result of strong collaboration, shared expertise and a collective commitment to quality. Our suppliers play a vital role in enabling us to deliver the range, innovation and service our customers expect. Equally, the people across our nurseries, garden centres and support teams, and their passion for our customers, have been central to making the last 12 months so successful. It’s easy to reflect on the numbers, but the real story of Hillier is not just what we sell - it’s what we create for our customers. Garden centres are community hubs, places to unwind and reconnect, and our customers recognise Hillier as one of those spaces thanks to the kindness and friendliness of our staff.

“As our centres continue to evolve as destinations within their local communities, it is these trusted partnerships that position both Hillier and the wider sector for a resilient and exciting future.”

The awards culminated with George Hillier asking Adam Dunnett, Director of Amenity to join the stage to celebrate the company’s recent International Grower of the Year awards including the coveted Gold Rose Award. Adam said ‘We have an incredible team across Hillier, with every department - from marketing and L&D to sales - working together to achieve these awards. A special thanks goes to Phil Hall, Martin Hillier, Charles Carr and Jo Fell. This group of growers is world-class and delivers outstanding results every single day. I couldn’t be prouder to be standing here with them and celebrating this success.’

The 2026 Awards Winners List

• Home and Leisure Supplier of the Year 2025- Woodlodge Products Ltd
• Home and Leisure Shop of the Year 2025 – Hillier Garden Centre Lechlade
• Garden Shop Supplier of the Year 2025 – Smart Garden Products Ltd
• Garden Shop of the Year 2025 – Hillier Garden Centre Aldermaston
• Horticulture Supplier of the Year 2025 – David Austin Roses
• Plant Area of the Year 2025 – Hillier Garden Centre Ruislip
• Restaurant Supplier of the Year 2025 – Beanworks
• Restaurant of the Year 2025 – Mulberry & Thyme Eastbourne
• Coffee Shop of the Year 2025 – Mulberry & Thyme Hemel Hempstead
• Gardening Club Champions 2025 – Hillier Garden Centre Syon Park
• Brentry Nursery & Warehouse Special Recognition Award – Claire Coates &      Tracy Doyle
• Garden Centre Special Recognition Award – David Green, Hampton in Arden
• Hillier Support Centre Special Recognition Award – Matt Jarvis
• Garden Centre of the Year 2025 - Hillier Garden Centre Botley

Following the recent announcement of Alwyn Williams as Chairman, LOFA has announced that he will now be joined by Andrew Hutchison, Finance Director at Pacific Lifestyle, who has been elected as Vice Chairman.

Alwyn, Sales & Customer Operations Manager at Zest Outdoor Living, brings over 31 years of experience in the outdoor living industry. At Zest — a fifth-generation British company renowned for its sustainable wooden garden products — he has played a key role in championing environmentally responsible design and driving innovation across the sector.

Andrew adds significant financial and commercial expertise, gained over 16 years at Pacific Lifestyle. The Yorkshire-based brand has more than 50 years of heritage in home and outdoor living design, with a strong reputation for quality and market insight.

Together, Alwyn and Andrew combine deep industry knowledge, strategic leadership, and commercial strength. Their partnership will help guide the association as it continues to represent and support the UK’s dynamic garden and home living community.

Gina Hinde, General Manager of LOFA, said: “We are delighted that Andrew will be joining Alwyn in this leadership role. Their combined experience, industry understanding and collaborative approach will further strengthen the association and help drive future growth across the sector.”

The Garden Centre Association is urging members to get nominations in for its new-style 2026 Rising Stars Academy – designed to help develop the industry’s most talented individuals – by February 28.

The revised Westland Horticulture-sponsored Academy offers those participants the chance to be mentored by experts from the horticultural industry, have training masterclasses and to visit some industry locations and events.

GCA Inspector and Rising Stars mentor, Gordon Emslie says: “Rising Stars is evolving to respond to the challenges our industry is now facing. Taking place across six days, the Rising Stars Academy will now combine visits to industry locations and events with training masterclasses on valuable skills, helping garden centres to build the skill set of their teams

“An eligible candidate, in a garden centre’s opinion, should be a rising star or have the potential to be one within your garden centre and hold a position below management level. They need to be available to attend several events throughout the year.”

Applications, which are available through the Members’ Area of the GCA website here: www.gca.org.uk. They should be completed and submitted by February 28, 2026.

Gina Lewis, Head of Content at Westland Horticulture, says: “We’re very proud once again to partner with the GCA to support the next generation of industry talent. This year’s new-look academy gives participants hands-on experiences, alongside targeted training in marketing, communication, merchandising and much more.”

After all the nominations are received, they will be reviewed, and successful candidates will be invited to join the academy for 2026, with the first session on March 11 at Westland in Peterborough.

The opening day sets the foundation for the Rising Stars journey. Delegates will receive an introduction to the Rising Stars Academy and the Westland product offering, followed by a session led by industry expert Gordon Emslie on ‘What does good look like in a garden centre?’ The afternoon will feature a dedicated Communications & Marketing Masterclass delivered by Westland, designed to strengthen participants’ customer engagement and promotional skills.

Peter Burks, GCA Chief Executive, says: “The Rising Stars Academy continues to evolve to meet the challenges facing our industry today. By changing up and combining real‑world site visits with high‑value masterclasses, we’re equipping garden centre teams with the skills they need to thrive in an increasingly competitive landscape.

“Rising Stars 2026 is designed to build confidence, capability and creativity. Each training day offers actionable, practical learning that delegates can take straight back to their garden centres – making an immediate impact on team development and business performance.

“By bringing together tours of leading industry locations including our GCA Garden Centre of the Year, GLEE and Ball Colegrave with expert-led masterclasses, Rising Stars offers an unrivalled development opportunity for ambitious team members in our sector.

“Our goal is simple: to elevate emerging talent and help garden centres future‑proof their teams. The insights gathered during the programme will culminate in a presentation delivered by some volunteers from this years’ group at our 2027 GCA Conference.

“If garden centres think they have a team member who is a ‘rising star’ within their organisation, they need to put them forward today, so no one misses out on this tremendous opportunity.”

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.

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

The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) has responded to the publication of the Business & Trade Committee’s Small Business Strategy. The response follows the HTA’s written evidence submitted last year.

Jennifer Pheasey, Director of Policy and Public Affairs at the HTA, commented:

“Environmental horticulture is an industry where over 90% of businesses are SMEs, and we welcome the recognition of their importance, their role in the economy and as potential drivers for green growth. Our sector that contributes £38 billion to UK GDP and supports over 722,000 good, green jobs. In environmental horticulture alone, we know that with the right policy environment, we have the potential to grow that contribution to £51.2 billion by 2030.

“This inquiry highlights some of the challenges felt acutely by SMEs, and our members are telling us that the 'cost of doing business' pressure is having a real impact. We know that recent changes to the National Minimum Wage and National Insurance have added an estimated £134 million in cumulative costs to our industry. This is on top of broader regulatory and economic pressures, such as business rates hikes, Extended Producer Responsibility bills, trade friction, inheritance tax relief changes and the projected £3.68 billion UK-wide increase in energy transmission (TNUoS) charges, which will inevitably feed through to our members' overheads via energy retail prices and standing charges.

“The Committee’s findings highlight some specifics we know are hitting our sector hard, with retail crime as an example and one which we have long been calling for action on. Other recommendations we support are the current and future skills pipelines SMEs need, better cross-Whitehall co-ordination on policies and regulatory impacts, and, of course, the missed opportunities in public procurement for SMEs. As a sector with huge potential to deliver even more for the UK’s green infrastructure, green spaces, tree-planting and environmental targets, we would welcome more direct engagement to work with UK growers, suppliers and landscapers to make this happen. SMEs are the lifeblood of UK environmental horticulture, and we hope swift and targeted government action on the committee’s recommendations and on the cost of doing business challenge will help unlock confidence and growth.”

Seed Revolution is on a mission to make gardening exciting to a whole new generation.

Founded by 27-year-old Gloucestershire entrepreneur Max Mancroft, Seed Revolution is shaking up a tired seed industry by turning seeds from a commodity into a movement.

Whether its growing wildflowers or organic vegetables, Max believes that growing should be simple, joyful and accessible to everyone.

From gardens and allotments to balconies, patios and windowsills, Seed Revolution helps people boost biodiversity and support bees and pollinators wherever they live.

The company made its first trade show appearance at Spring Fair.

The brand connects with eco-conscious consumers, food lovers who want to grow their own, and a fast-growing community of under-40s rediscovering gardening.

Research shows that gardening took off with people aged 18-34 during the Covid lockdowns and 83% of young people describe it as ‘cool’.

This engaging new brand with attitude is perfect for retailers, supermarkets, garden centres and gifting companies looking to tap into new customers.

With dozens of native British wildflowers to choose from, simply rip open your chosen packet of seeds, scatter them where you like and watch them grow.

Max, who grew up in the Gloucestershire countryside, worked in corporate finance in London before setting up Seed Revolution in a quest to save Britain’s natural beauty. The company’s non-executive directors include Mark Murphy, a former International Product Director for Tesco.

Seed Revolution also has an exclusive organic vegetable seed partnership with celebrity chef Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall’s River Cottage with 19 varieties to choose from.

Max said: “Nature is in crisis but we know people – especially younger people – want to grow. The problem is that the seed industry is still stuck in the 1950s, a vast yet stagnant multi-billion-pound industry dominated by legacy brands, with almost no consumer-facing innovation.

“We’re on a mission to change that and to disrupt the market one seed packet at a time.

“We’re making seeds exciting and ridiculously easy for a whole new generation of growers. We’re doing this with branding that cuts through, playful, vibrant packets made for the Instagram shelf not the back of the shed, and a set price of £2.99 across the range.

“Since the 1930s we have lost 97% of our wildflower meadows in this country and it’s time to do something about it.

“We’re offering a diverse range of seeds for different soils and situations, emphasizing native British species like poppies, cornflowers and daisies. Our movement, though, is not just focused on ecological restoration through simple actions.

“We’re also redefining seeds as gifts of potential – helping people connect with nature through small packages that hold the promise of growth, enjoyment and connection.

“Gifting is a £7 billion market in the UK alone – and yet seeds barely feature, with only 1% of people currently considering them a gifting category.

“We know that 78% of consumers say they prefer meaningful, experience-based gifts. Seeds offer exactly that and, when positioned emotionally, they carry enormous margin-uplift potential.”

All its seeds RRP at just £2.99 and come with shelf-ready packaging, clip strips and FSDUs available to bring a colourful, exciting look to stockists.

https://seedrevolution.co.uk/

The Colegrave Seabrook Foundation, in partnership with Hillier Nurseries, has launched an exciting new bursary offering aspiring horticulturists a rare opportunity to gain hands-on experience at one of the world’s most respected nurseries. This bursary is funded by The Royal Horticultural Society Bursaries Committee.

The new bursary will support two successful candidates to undertake two weeks of immersive work experience at Hillier Nurseries in Hampshire, a globally recognised centre of horticultural excellence with a proud history spanning more than 160 years. Hillier was recently named International Grower of the Year, cementing its worldwide reputation at the forefront of commercial plant production.

Production and Amenity Director at Hillier Nurseries, Adam Dunnett said: “This is a unique learning experience at a world-class nursery. The placement is designed for students, and those at the start of their horticultural careers, who are keen to deepen their practical knowledge of large-scale, professional plant production. This will involve a two week work experience opportunity in either container grown ornamental plants, or field grown tree production. The team here at Hillier are keen to tailor the work experience according to the candidate’s main areas of interest.”

Successful candidates will be awarded a bursary of up to £1,750, designed to cover travel, accommodation, and food costs for the duration of the placement, ensuring the opportunity is accessible to all talented individuals from across the UK. The work placement will take place over two weeks at a mutually agreed time between May to September 2026.

Don’t delay – it’s time to get your application in for this Colegrave Seabrook Foundation bursary. The simple online application process is open only until the 29th March 2026.

Colegrave Seabrook Foundation Chairman, Stuart Lowen added: “We are very grateful to the RHS Bursaries Committee for their financial support of this bursary. We all recognise we need commercially minded people with skills and experience in our industry, and what a brilliant way for people to grow their careers. This is a pilot year we are running with Hillier Nurseries with a view to rolling it out through a variety of nurseries in future years as a partial solution to the skills shortage in our industry.”

All the details of this amazing opportunity and how you can apply to the Colegrave Seabrook Foundation, can be found on their websitealong with a short video outlining the bursary opportunity (click on the link below).

Production Horticulture Work Experience Bursary - Colegrave Seabrook Foundation  
...and remember to get your application in by the 29th March 2026.

The British Ornamentals Association (BOA) is urgently calling on growers across the UK ornamentals sector to support Horticultural Crop Protection (HCP) Ltd, helping to safeguard continued access to essential Plant Protection Products (PPPs) for 2026 and beyond.

HCP plays a critical role in securing authorisations for PPP use in ornamental crops, working with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to obtain Extensions of Authorisation for Minor Use (EAMUs) and, where necessary, Emergency Authorisations (EAs). These authorisations include both new approvals and renewals of existing products.

The BOA estimates that around 70% of the PPPs used by the ornamentals sector rely on EAMUs. Without them, if applications are not submitted or renewed, UK production of a wide range of ornamental crops would become commercially unviable, putting significant parts of the UK’s tree and plant production industry at risk.

Over recent years, HCP has demonstrated its value and impact for the ornamentals sector, delivering a very high success rate in securing vital authorisations.

The BOA recognises and sincerely thanks the growers who have already supported HCP through voluntary contributions. However, contributions to date have been too unevenly spread across the sector to sustain this work long-term.

Put simply, a funding model that benefits the many but is funded by the few will not last. Without broader and more consistent support, the sector risks losing access to essential PPPs that underpin commercial production.

To avoid confusion and ensure a consistent approach, the BOA and HTA have confirmed that voluntary contributions in 2026 will not be invoiced or collected directly by BOA or HTA.

The only route to contribute in 2026 is via the British Growers Association (BGA), which provides secretariat support and administers the process on behalf of the sector, with oversight from the ornamentals committee.

All voluntary contributions are passed through to support HCP’s operations, with only a small amount retained to cover the administration of invoicing and payment processing. Neither BOA nor HTA retain any profit or commission from contributions.

Subscription years and re-signing up to contribute

The sector is currently collecting voluntary contributions for the April 2025 – March 2026 subscription year.

Collections for the April 2026 – March 2027 subscription year will begin in April 2026.

BOA would also like to highlight that even if your business has previously contributed via BOA or HTA, you will still need to re-sign up using the current BGA process in order to continue supporting HCP going forward.

This ensures contributions are correctly recorded, processed, and aligned with the centralised approach now in place for the ornamentals sector.

BOA Chair: “This is about protecting the future of UK ornamental production”

Commenting on the urgent need for wider sector support, Derek Jarman, Chair of the British Ornamentals Association, said:

“Access to effective plant protection products is fundamental to the viability of UK ornamental production. HCP’s work in securing and renewing EAMU and Emergency Authorisations supports the crops we grow, the businesses we run, and the wider supply chains that depend on them.

This is a shared sector requirement, and it’s vital that support is shared across the sector too. If your business benefits from these authorisations, and most do, we would strongly encourage you to contribute. It is one of the most direct and practical ways we can safeguard the future of our industry.”

How to contribute

Growers and businesses who wish to support HCP can find full details and access the contribution process online via either of the following pages:

• BOA: https://britishornamentals.org/horticulture-crop-protection-ltd/

• HTA: https://hta.org.uk/hcp/scheme-particulars

Warrington based Bents Garden & Home has won a major national award after being named winner of the Garden Centre Association’s (GCA) Worrall Cup, recognising the UK garden centre judged to have the strongest marketing campaign in 2025.

The award was presented for Bents’ creative and highly successful marketing of its immersive light trail, Alice in the Hidden Gardens, which attracted visitors from across the region and beyond. Inspired by the classic tale, the event provided a magical evening experience and proved a highlight of the year.

The Worrall Cup is one of the GCA’s most respected accolades, celebrating excellence in creativity, innovation and customer engagement. Adding to its success at the recent GCA Awards, Bents was also named as one of only ten Garden Centres of Excellence in the UK, placing it among the very best garden centres in the country.

The recognition follows further national acclaim in December, when Bents was awarded Best Christmas in the UK (Destination Garden Centre), reflecting its reputation for creating memorable seasonal experiences.

Said Matthew Bent, Managing Director at Bents Garden & Home: “Winning the Worrall Cup for our Alice in the Hidden Gardens campaign is a fantastic achievement and a real testament to the creativity and hard work of our team. We’re incredibly proud to bring something so special to our local community and to see it recognised on a national stage.”

The awards cap an outstanding year for Bents, reinforcing its position as a much-loved local destination and one of the UK’s leading garden centres.

Award-winning Indian food brand, Aagrah Foods, has announced a significant retail listing for four of its ‘hero’ SKUs with Dobbies.

The new listing will see Aagrah’s popular Mango Chutney, Poppadoms, Plain Naan Breads and Garlic & Coriander Naans roll out from February into the food halls of 48 Dobbies stores nationwide.

The launch comes at a time when demand for authentic Indian food continues to expand.  The Indian retail sector, across all grocery channels is worth approximately £1.2b, growing year on year, driven by a rising interest in world cuisine and premium at-home dining.

Shezad Aslam, Managing Director of Aagrah Foods, said: “These products are some of our most popular accompaniments as they enable consumers to add tasty and importantly, truly authentic, finishing touches to home-cooked dishes.

“We are delighted that they will now be available in Dobbies stores across the UK especially as Indian food, now a quintessential part of British cuisine, continues to grow in popularity,” he added.

“Products like these are store-cupboard staples in many homes, and although consumers are increasingly drawn to experimenting with different flavours and the rich diversity of Indian cuisines, they still seek out traditional favourites to enhance and complement the dishes they cook and enjoy at home.”

Aagrah’s restaurant heritage and authentic recipes provide a strong point of difference in a crowded marketplace.  The Dobbies listing is the company’s third major UK retail listing; its growing retail presence also now sees it on the shelves nationally in Tesco and Morrisons, as well as in leading independent retailers, farm shops and online.

Beyond its award-winning cooking sauces, Aagrah Foods offers a vibrant range of authentic Indian products, including flavour-packed chutneys, aromatic spice blends and marinades, and breads and snacks such as naan and poppadoms.

Garden Centre Association members are invited to put team members forward for the GCA Trust Dick Allen Scholarship Award Scheme with the chance of three people benefiting this year.

The scheme is open to GCA garden centre staff and recipients of the award will be invited to the International GCA (IGCA) Congress in Munich and Bavarian region of Germany in August.

Will Armitage, GCA Trust Chairman, says: “At the recent GCA Conference, the GCA Trust was delighted to announce that after several years of sending two delegates to the annual IGCA Congress, this year up to three applicants could be chosen. Applications are now open with a closing date of February 21, so we’re urging people to apply soon to avoid disappointment.” 

The Dick Allen Scholarship Fund will cover the registration costs of each delegate, apart from travel, which the employer is encouraged to fund.

Will continues: “This is an amazing opportunity for any aspiring members of garden centre teams to see how our industry operates in Germany, while furthering their personal development with the chance to network with other garden centre operators from all over the world in a more informal environment.”

Will adds: “Within the congress itinerary, The Next Generation Study Tour focuses on inspiring the next generation within our industry, encouraging new networks, global connections and, as previous attendees will attest, so much more in gaining friendships, experience and confidence. Active participation is essential! Full details of how many innovative and modern retailers are on the list of visits can be found on the IGCA Congress website: www.IGCA2026.com.

“We’re sure the delegates will come back bursting with new ideas and enthusiasm for this exciting industry, as all the garden centres who have been enlightened enough to encourage their staff to go for it in the past will readily verify. The delegates are also asked to give short feed-back of their experiences and the benefits to both them and their centres at the GCA conference in 2027.”

Applications must be made online here www.gca.org.uk/bursaries-and-grants/ and must be endorsed and supported by the applicant’s employer. The closing date for applications is February 21,2026 and the winners will be informed on March 21, 2026.

The GCA Trust will cover the full Congress registration fee including accommodation, but travel expenses will need to be met by the employer. Other than personal expenses and travel insurance, there are no further costs involved.

The object of the GCA Trust is to advance among the general public and, in particular among horticultural students, education in horticulture, and particularly garden centres, by the provision and administration of scholarships and bursaries, including prizes to foster such education.

The Trust also aims to assist horticultural students to study, research into and gain experience of horticulture.

Golfers are invited to mark their diaries as the GIMA Charity Golf Day returns on Thursday 4th June 2026, promising another winning combination of great golf, brilliant networking and fundraising for a fantastic cause.

Taking place once again at Belton Woods Golf, Spa and Hotel in Grantham, this much-anticipated annual event will be played on the Woods Course, bringing together colleagues, customers and friends from across the garden retail industry for a day of friendly competition on the fairways – all while raising vital funds for Greenfingers Charity.

Players can look forward to a four-ball team competition, with the best two scores counting, a two-tee start and a variety of on-course challenges designed to keep things competitive and fun throughout the day. From Longest Drive and Nearest-the-Pin to sponsored challenges and novelty competitions, there’s something for everyone, whether you’re playing for glory, bragging rights or simply the enjoyment of the game.

Adding an extra twist, teams are also encouraged to bring their A-game in style, with a Best Dressed Team Award up for grabs. Meanwhile, the ever-popular Yellow Ball Competition, sponsored by Vitax, will return, giving players yet another chance to get involved and win.

This year’s event will also see a bigger and better prize fund, meaning even more chances to walk away a winner. Further details on prizes will be revealed nearer the day.

Beyond the golf itself, the day offers plenty to enjoy off the course. Players will be welcomed with refreshments on arrival, kept fuelled during play, and invited to celebrate the day’s successes with a relaxed post-round dinner and awards presentation. As always, the event provides a fantastic opportunity to network with industry peers, strengthen existing relationships and make new connections in a sociable, informal setting.

Importantly, the GIMA Charity Golf Day continues to support Greenfingers, with fundraising activities taking place throughout the day, including a charity raffle and auction. Businesses are encouraged to donate prizes or get involved on the day to help maximise funds raised, supporting Greenfingers in its mission to create and maintain magical, therapeutic gardens for children’s hospices across the UK.

Sponsorship opportunities available

Companies looking to raise their profile within the garden retail industry are invited to get involved through a range of sponsorship and support opportunities, offering excellent brand exposure to a highly relevant and influential audience. From on-course branding to competition sponsorship, there are multiple ways for businesses to align with this well-loved industry event.

Sign up today

Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or simply keen to enjoy a great day out for a meaningful cause, the GIMA Charity Golf Day 2026 promises a memorable experience with real impact. Team and individual entry options are available, with prices starting from £139 + VAT. Places are limited, so early booking is recommended.

To find out more, visit  www.gima.org.uk/events/gima-golf-day-2026 for full event details, booking information and sponsorship opportunities.

In the meantime, any businesses interested in joining GIMA are invited to contact the GIMA team on (01959) 564947 or info@gima.org.uk. Full details regarding GIMA’s multiple member benefits can be found at www.gima.org.uk

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Hillier Garden Centre Weyhill has announced that its restaurant will undergo an extensive refurbishment with the refreshed space set to reopen next month. The substantial investment forms part of Hillier’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the customer dining experience and refreshing the popular garden centre. 

During the refurbishment period, the restaurant will remain open, offering a temporary menu of drinks and cakes, ensuring customers can continue to enjoy a relaxed stop-off while visiting the garden centre. The improvements are designed to be short but worthwhile, delivering meaningful upgrades to the space. 

The refurbishment will introduce comfortable new seating alongside a stylish new décor and design, creating a more modern and welcoming environment. As part of the changes, the restaurant will also unveil a new name at its grand reopening, serving as a thoughtful nod to Hillier’s impressive history and heritage.

A key focus of the refurbishment is enhancing the overall customer experience. This includes improved ordering options, ensuring the easy, quick and reliable service Hillier customers expect, alongside a continued emphasis on outstanding customer care. In line with Hillier’s reputation, the restaurant will continue to offer high-quality food and excellent value for money, with a new seasonal menu complemented by much-loved favourites such as afternoon teas, hearty meals and warming specials. 

Additional improvements to the restaurant include a dedicated dog-friendly seating area, upgraded toilets, and improved climate control, including air conditioning, to ensure a comfortable and inviting dining experience throughout the warmer months. This significant investment reflects Hillier’s continued commitment to delivering exceptional experiences for customers, both within the garden centre and beyond. 

Plant care specialists Envii and border design experts Garden on a Roll have announced a new collaboration between two independent British garden brands, brought together by shared values around quality, sustainability and helping gardeners succeed.

The partnership has been shaped by years of mutual admiration, with both brands known for their thoughtful approach, practical expertise and hands-on involvement across everything they do. Rather than a superficial co-branding exercise, the collaboration has been developed to offer meaningful, built-in support for gardeners as they establish and care for new borders.

The collaboration launches in phases across February, beginning with the introduction of a collaboratively designed pack of Envii’s Root Well formula. Combining mycorrhizal fungi, beneficial bacteria, and seaweed, Root Well supports early root development and plant establishment and will now be included with every Garden on a Roll border, giving plants the best possible start from the moment they are planted.

Designed to support gardeners from day one

Rather than feeling like an add-on, the collaboration has been designed to sit naturally within the Garden on a Roll experience. From the moment customers open their delivery, they will now find additional support built in to help their plants establish quickly and perform well long after planting day.

Next, following the Garden Press Event in mid-February, the collaboration will also introduce an exclusive co-branded Border Care Bundle, available via the Garden on a Roll website. Created specifically for Garden on a Roll customers, the bundle brings together Envii’s trusted growing essentials, including Allgrow plant fertiliser, Feed & Protect, the brand’s leading slug deterrent and plant booster, and Activearth soil improver in a specially produced 500g pack.

Together, the products are designed to support healthy soil, stronger growth and natural protection, helping gardeners get the very best from their borders throughout the growing season.

Commenting on the partnership, Olly Peabody, CEO at Envii, said: “This collaboration came together incredibly naturally and marks the start of what we hope will be a long-term partnership. We’ve admired Garden on a Roll for a long time, not only for the beauty of their borders, but for the care, knowledge and attention they put into helping customers succeed. By working together, we’re able to support plants from the moment they’re planted and give gardeners even more confidence, combining thoughtful design with proven growing solutions that help plants to thrive.”

Antony Henn, founder of Garden on a Roll, added: We are really excited about our new collaboration with Envii, it feels like such a natural relationship! It will enable our two companies to help people plant their perfect garden borders and have success with their gardens well into the future. We provide the plants and biodegradable paper template and Envii supply the beautifully designed, nature-friendly products that help the plants grow stronger and healthier when used at the planting stage. Creating videos together to show how the two products work hand in hand is going to be a lot of fun too!

Showcased at the Garden Press Event

The Garden Press Event on 17th February will mark the first opportunity for press to see the collaboration brought together in full, meet both teams and preview what’s coming next. Envii and Garden on a Roll will be exhibiting on a shared stand, where visitors can explore the co-branded products and learn more about how the partnership will evolve across the season.

While the collaboration is already underway, both brands see this as the beginning of a longer-term relationship, with further product development, seasonal support and educational initiatives planned for the months ahead.

Find out more

To learn more about Envii and its commitment to helping gardeners grow healthier plants with confidence, visit www.envii.co.uk. To discover Garden on a Roll’s expertly designed, ready-to-plant borders and see the collaboration in action, visit www.gardenonaroll.com.

Wyevale Nurseries is providing free expert advice this year on plants garden centres can offer customers that will both survive very wet and drought conditions.

As one of the UK’s longest‑established commercial horticultural businesses, the Hereford-based company prides itself on offering practical support to retail customers so they can best assist gardeners with their requirements.

Kersten Catella, Sales Director at Wyevale Nurseries, explains: “Underpinning our service this year is free advice on a range of trees and plants that are much more durable in the extremes of conditions we’re starting to see. We’ve evaluated trees and plants for drought and heat tolerance, as well as how well they do in wet conditions and how they help manage and control surface water runoff, particularly in urban areas. We’ve also highlighted their pollinator value, so gardeners can plant with beneficial insects in mind, which is another key issue that we’re hearing from our garden centre clients that their customers are keen to address.”

Wyevale Nurseries is already well-known for its focus on climate‑resilient trees and high‑performing hedging, supported by a native‑first approach delivering biodiversity gains for gardeners who purchase via garden centres and its website www.wyevalehedges.co.uk.  

Its diverse production units – spanning trees, transplants and container shrubs – provide depth of availability. While consolidated loads, delivery‑window scheduling and reduced packaging, all ensure logistics that protect plant quality on arrival but also reduce carbon footprint too.

Kersten adds: “Environmental stewardship is integral to our business. We invest heavily in soil health and biodiversity and have developed new on‑site reservoirs to enhance water capture and reuse, reduce mains abstraction, increase resilience during dry periods and alleviate flooding. These innovations support our peat‑free production policy and facilitate more precise irrigation, protecting plant quality while cutting waste.

“Our dedicated retail assisting staff provide real‑time feedback on seasonality and customer preferences, strengthening our nursery’s ranges and ensuring we keep ahead of plant trends. Meanwhile, our knowledgeable team also offers aftercare guidance, giving our garden centre customers comprehensive support after stock has been delivered. In addition to this, our traceable stock, robust plant health protocols and UK acclimatisation standards help reduce plant failure risks and this is good for both garden centres selling our stock and gardeners planting it in their gardens.

“As we look to the future, our mission remains clear: to protect natural biodiversity for generations to come and to provide plants that survive climate changes and help reduce them too. With a focus on native, resilient, high‑quality plants, retail customers can depend on our products to flourish – and that they help build a more sustainable landscape for us all, whether the consumer has a small urban garden or a larger country one.”

Wyevale Nurseries has a product selection and a highly knowledgeable and experience team that’s admired across the industry.

Its main business is to supply landscape contractors, local authorities, foresters, landowners and garden centres with a comprehensive array of trees, shrubs, hedging, herbaceous and specimen plants.

For further details about Wyevale Nurseries or to find out more, please call 01432 845 200 or visit www.wyevalenurseries.co.uk.

The Apple Tree Restaurant at Brimsmore Gardens in Yeovil has been awarded Gold in the Café/Tearoom category at the Taste of the West Hospitality and Retail Awards.

Described by the judges as a ‘real gem in the Somerset countryside’, The Apple Tree Restaurant, which is part of The Gardens Group, shone through for its commitment to local sourcing, welcoming atmosphere and customer service.

As well as receiving praise for procuring much of its produce from within a 25-mile radius, The Apple Tree Restaurant was also commended for clearly communicating this with diners, by providing producer names and locations on the menu.

Judges also applauded the variety, value and execution of the dishes on the menu, describing them as creatively plated and very inviting. Praise was also heaped on the team for their presentation, knowledge of the menu and suppliers, and their engaging and attentive service in a busy environment.

Kate Soan, manager of The Apple Tree Restaurant, said; “This is such a fantastic result for the whole team, who work incredibly hard to create a warm and welcoming space for our community. Sustainability is a core value for us, so we take extra care to ensure everything we are serving can be traced back to its origin and take great pride in sharing this with our customers. To have our core ethos and principles recognised by Taste of the West is the best seal of approval we could ask for – giving us a wonderful accolade to spotlight what we have worked hard to create here at The Apple Tree Restaurant.”

Notcutts has appointed Martin Cave as Food and Beverage Director, highlighting a continued investment in the success of its 18 restaurants nationwide.

Two new roles have also been created for greater support within Notcutts’ F&B team, including a Systems Coordinator and Health, Safety and Food Hygiene Coordinator.

Martin Cave joins Notcutts with a wealth of experience in the hospitality sector, with previous roles at Frankie & Benny’s, Chiquito, Grosvenor Casinos, and most recently as Operations Director at Bella Italia. At Notcutts, Martin will oversee all kitchen and restaurant operations, driving commercial growth and expertise, inspiring menu design, and excellent customer service, maintaining Notcutts’ core values as a family-owned garden centre and restaurant group. Mr Cave also joins Notcutts as an Executive Board Member.

Speaking of his appointment, Martin Cave said: “Through my varied career across both kitchen and front-of-house roles, I know how important it is to support and develop high performing, motivated teams that consistently deliver great food and outstanding customer service. I’m delighted to join Notcutts and I look forward to working with our restaurant teams across the country, building on their successful customer focussed hospitality offering.”

The appointments follow the departure of Kevin Boyle this March who has held the F&B Director role since 2017. Mr Boyle was instrumental in transforming Notcutts’ restaurants over the years, with involvement in full restaurant redevelopment projects and introducing strategic design ideas to streamline kitchen and service operations. Mr Boyle was renown for his creative menu ideas, building Notcutts’ reputation for affordable, premium quality, seasonal meals that customers love.

Nick Burrows, CEO, Notcutts, said: “I would like to share our heartfelt thanks to Kevin Boyle, whose exceptional focus and passion has resulted in a transformational success across our 18 restaurants and we wish him the very best for the future.

“As we say farewell to Kevin, I am delighted to welcome Martin Cave to the team. Martin brings an exceptional depth of operational expertise and hospitality leadership. His energy, vision and hands-on approach will be instrumental as we continue to elevate and strengthen our food and beverage offer across the business.”

Founded in 1897, Notcutts operates 19 garden centres across the country, with a restaurant at each location except Maidstone (Kent). Notcutts’ restaurants serve a wide range of breakfast, two or three-course hot and cold lunches, luxury afternoon teas and a selection of popular home-made scones and cakes. For more information visit www.notcutts.co.uk

The shift to a circular plastics economy can’t happen alone – it requires collaboration across materials, infrastructure, technology, and policy. The RECOUP Summit, sponsored by WRAP and Ecosurety, is where the UK’s plastics community comes together.

On 4 March 2026 in Leeds, leaders, innovators, and decision-makers from across the plastics, packaging, and recycling value chain will gather for a focused day of discussion on the systems, technologies, and partnerships driving circularity in the UK.

Following the success of the 2025 Summit, this year’s event will explore how materials innovation, advanced recycling infrastructure, and AI-driven insights are creating a more resilient, effective circular economy. Attendees will benefit from expert-led breakout sessions, followed by collaborative discussions tackling shared challenges and identifying actionable opportunities.

Session themes include:

• Materials of Tomorrow: Innovation Driving Circular Change
• Rebuilding the UK Recycling System
• AI and the Future of Plastics

Contributors include PepsiCo, Borealis, Enviroo, Reconomy, Sherbourne Recycling, WRAP, Asda, Greyparrot, and other leading organisations shaping the future of recycling and resource efficiency.

With a focus on practical insight and cross-sector collaboration, The RECOUP Summit is your chance to move beyond ambition and start delivering real-world solutions.

Attendance is limited – don’t miss your opportunity to join this essential conversation. Ticket Sales close on 24 February 2026

Leeds | 4 March 2026

Secure your ticket and view the full agenda at: https://www.recoup.org/news-events/the-recoup-summit/

The National Garden Scheme has announced additional funding for a second apprenticeship in Botanical Horticulture at the National Botanic Garden of Wales.  

Commenting, Chief Executive of the National Garden Scheme, Dr Richard Claxton said: “We are delighted to be able to support a second apprentice at the National Botanic Garden of Wales (NBGW) this year, plugging a funding shortfall and continuing our support of horticultural apprenticeships who are vital to the success of many of the world’s great gardens.” 

Head of Horticulture, Learning and Nature at the National Botanic Garden of Wales, Don Murray, adds: “The apprenticeship programme has been developed to address a critical skills gap in horticulture, while also widening access to the profession and supporting the National Garden Scheme’s long-standing commitment to education, stewardship, and the future of gardens. The additional funding from the National Garden Scheme means that we can now support a second apprentice this year, allowing us to scale the programme responsibly, creating peer learning, resilience, and continuity within the horticultural team.” 

Current apprentice, Kate Cobley says: “The apprenticeship at the garden has breathed life into a new passion for me and I feel genuinely joyful at the thought of going to work every morning. It has given me all the skills and contacts I need to build a career in the industry, and I love that I go home each day having learned something new.” 

The additional funding means that since 2016 the National Garden Scheme will have funded eleven apprenticeships in Botanical Horticulture at the NBGW.  

Funding is generated from admission fees at over 3,200 gardens that open for the National Garden Scheme each year. In 2026, 307 gardens will open in Wales, you can find them all here Wales - National Garden Scheme 

The Horticultural Trades Association welcomes publication of the government response and proposals following its consultation on reform of its approach to key aspects of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).

The HTA has led lobbying for the UK plant trade to secure reform of this legislation that is pragmatic, modernised, and reflects industry needs, whilst balancing the CITES objective of protecting key species.

The key developments set out in the proposals and advocated for by the HTA include:

• removing import permits requirements for artificially propagated plants, which will remove permit fees and administrative costs to businesses
• reducing paperwork and processing times, making compliance simpler and faster for businesses.

Jennifer Pheasey, Director of Policy and Public Affairs, said:

“The HTA has been an active and constructive voice supporting the urgent need to reform CITES to reflect modern propagation techniques, horticultural business needs, digital systems and trade supply-chains. We have seen many of our members simply stop trading certain species, or even be required to destroy stock, due to bureaucratic burdens and outdated processes, which in turn have increased business costs and reduced consumer choice.

“We welcome the announcements on removing permit requirements for artificially propagated plants and recognition of the need to speed up the process, which the HTA has long called for. Now, it is critical to know when HTA members will feel the benefits of these changes, and we note that key areas, such as fee reform, are yet to come. This will leave many businesses apprehensive, when already facing a wave of costs this spring.

“We are now working through the details of the proposals and liaising with members to identify the opportunities and outstanding issues.”

Members can access previous HTA webinars on CITES via the website here: hta.org.uk/cites-webinar

Jane Leese has joined phs Greenleaf as its Biophilic Design Consultant as the interior and exterior planting business continues to grow across the UK.

Jane has 12 years of experience in the horticulture market and has worked with some of the world’s biggest brands and multinational companies to bring ambitious biophilic designs to life.

Jane’s role at phs Greenleaf will see her deliver interior and exterior schemes from concept to installation, including multi-site customers across the UK.

“Biophilia is the concept that humans have an innate connection to nature,” explains Jane. “In commercial and public spaces, biophilic design aims to bring elements of the natural world inside because there is strong evidence that this improves health, wellbeing, performance and organisational outcomes.

“Including plants, trees, flowers and other natural materials into interior spaces serves a greater purpose than creating a nice aesthetic. It can deliver real tangible benefits, including improved productivity and reduced sick days. Even NASA has advocated for plants to be used in offices to help purify air.”

“It is more complex that putting a potted plant in the corner of your meeting room however,” continues Jane. “It is about putting the right plant in the right place and thinking outside the box to meet your goals. Plants can go inside, on or even around a building – there are no limits.

“ESG is a focus at every stage of the process. We want designs to reduce CO2, promote sustainability and use recyclables wherever possible.”

Stephen Dieppe, Managing Director of phs Greenleaf, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Jane to phs Greenleaf at a time when demand for high-quality biophilic design is growing rapidly across the UK.

“Jane brings a wealth of horticultural expertise and a deep understanding of how thoughtful planting can transform commercial and public spaces. Her passion for plants and her ability to deliver ambitious, sustainable schemes at scale will be invaluable as we continue to grow across the UK.”

phs Greenleaf supplies over 8,000 customers with interior and exterior planting across the UK and makes over 25,000 customer site visits every year. It provides a full range of horticultural services, including indoor and outdoor plants, artificial and live planting, living walls, grounds maintenance and Christmas trees and decorations, as well as expert maintenance services.

Garden, home and leisure PR agency, Hornby George PR, has announced a significant wave of new client partnerships, marking a period of rapid growth and strategic expansion for the specialist communications agency.

Following a transformative 2025, the agency has welcomed a diverse portfolio of new clients in recent weeks, with more expected to be onboarded before the end of quarter one. New clients include the wildlife technology brand FeatherSnap, modular ecosystem innovator Eggologic, creative craft brand Nicole’s Jungle, sustainable gardening specialist Envii, female gardening membership directory WeWeed, and the ambitious New Build Manifesto, a movement aiming to reshape how UK housebuilders prioritise garden spaces, ensuring greener, more meaningful outdoor environments become standard for future homeowners.

These new partnerships join an already strong and established roster of long-term clients, including leading industry organisations and events such as Glee, GIMA and the Greenfingers Charity, alongside a wide range of suppliers and manufacturers spanning the garden, home, leisure and lifestyle sectors.

The influx of new clients reflects Hornby George PR’s continued positioning at the intersection of gardening, lifestyle, sustainability and purpose-led storytelling, all sectors experiencing growing momentum as consumer interest in nature, wellbeing and outdoor living continues to rise.

Reflecting on the agency’s growth, Founder Kimberley Hornby George said: “The past year has been hugely important for Hornby George PR. Following a strong 2025, we’ve taken time to refine how we work, have invested in our resources and evolved our approach to ensure we can deliver deeper strategic value for our clients.

“What’s particularly exciting about this new wave of partnerships is that each organisation shares a clear purpose, whether that’s connecting people with nature, improving biodiversity, supporting sustainable gardening or rethinking how outdoor spaces are designed and used. We’re seeing a real shift towards brands that want to tell meaningful stories and create lasting impact, and we’re proud to support them on that journey.”

Aside from her day job, Kimberley Hornby George is also the Co-Chair of the Garden Media Guild, further reflecting the agency’s strong ties to the horticultural media landscape and its commitment to supporting collaboration and innovation across the sector.

With an expanding client portfolio and a growing focus on education-led campaigns, partnerships and sector-wide initiatives, Hornby George PR enters the coming year poised for further growth.  The agency plans to further develop its expertise across gardening, lifestyle, environmental innovation and community-driven projects, while continuing to invest in strategic tools and collaborative resources that help clients build meaningful, long-term engagement.

To learn more about Hornby George PR’s work, partnerships and strategic approach to storytelling-led communications - or to find out more about its clients and how they can support editorial plans - visit www.hornbygeorgepr.com or contact kimberley@hornbygeorgepr.com.

Allbrighton BGC, Munro’s, Sunshine, Birkacre, Gates Oakham, Caulders Linlithgow and Longacres Bagshot have picked up Greatest Garden Centre Christmas Team golds in GTN’s Greatest Christmas Awards, presented at Spring Fair on Monday. Kaemingk walked away with The Greatest Christmas Supplier gold...

Here are all the winners:

The Greatest Centre Christmas Teams, as voted for by Customers

EAST GOLD AWARD: Fakenham

EAST SILVER AWARD: Summerhill

EAST BRONZE AWARD: Blofield Garden Centre@ Norwich Camping & Leisure, Perrywood Tiptree

Finalists

• Blofield Garden Centre at Norwich Camping & Leisure 
• Fakenham Garden Centre 
• Perrywood Buckhatch 
• Perrywood Sudbury 
• Perrywood Tiptree 
• Summerhill Garden Centre

HOME COUNTIES & SOUTH GOLD AWARD: Longacres Bagshot

HOME COUNTIES & SOUTH SILVER AWARD: Keydell

HOME COUNTIES & SOUTH BRONZE AWARD: Ransoms Jersey

Finalists

• Chessington Garden Centre 
• Conkers Garden Centre 
• Dobbies Ashford 
• Haddenham Garden Centre 
• Henry Street Garden Centre 
• Keydell Nurseries 
• Longacres Bagshot 
• Ransoms Jersey 
• Wolvercroft Garden Centre

MIDLANDS GOLD AWARD: Allbrighton BGC

MIDLANDS SILVER AWARD: Garden King

MIDLANDS BRONZE AWARD: Wolseley Bridge BGC

Finalists

• Albrighton BGC 
• Botany Bay Garden Centre 
• Byrkley Park Klondyke 
• Garden King 
• Newton Regis BGC 
• Planters Tamworth 
• Rowena Leicester 
• Rugby BGC 
• Trowell Garden Centre 
• Wolseley Bridge BGC

NORTH GOLD AWARD: Birkacre

NORTH SILVER AWARD: Bents

NORTH BRONZE AWARD: Woodbank

Finalists

• Arcadia BGC 
• Bents 
• Birkacre 
• Harrogate BGC 
• Langlands BGC 
• Owl Lane Farm Nurseries 
• Woodbank Garden Centre

SCOTLAND & NORTHERN IRELAND GOLD AWARD: Munro’s

SCOTLAND & NORTHERN IRELAND SILVER AWARD: Hillmount Belfast

SCOTLAND & NORTHERN IRELAND BRONZE AWARD: Gouldings, Kirktown

Finalists

• Glendoick Garden Centre 
• Gouldings Valley View 
• Hillmount Bangor 
• Hillmount Belfast 
• Hillmount Carrickfergus 
• Kirktown Garden Centre 
• Mains of Drum 
• Munros

SOUTH WEST GOLD AWARD: Newquay

SOUTH WEST SILVER AWARD: Monkton Elm

SOUTH WEST BRONZE AWARD: Trevena Cross

Finalists

• Bow Garden and Aquatic Centre 
• Chacewater Garden Centre 
• Monkton Elm 
• Newquay Garden Centre 
• Old Well Garden Centre 
• Trevena Cross Nurseries

WALES & WEST GOLD AWARD: Snowdonia

WALES & WEST SILVER AWARD: Trioscape

WALES & WEST BRONZE AWARD: Fron Goch

Finalists

• Brockworth BGC 
• Fron Goch 
• Gloucester BGC 
• Old Railway Line 
• Snowdonia Nurseries 
• Trioscape Garden Centre

The Greatest Centre Christmas Teams, as voted for by Customers

OVERALL UK GOLD AWARD: Allbrighton BGC

OVERALL UK SILVER AWARD: Birkacre

OVERALL UK BRONZE AWARD: Fakenham

Finalists

• Snowdonia
• Newquay
• Munro’s
• Birkacre
• Allbrighton BGC
• Longacres Bagshot
• Fakenham

The Greatest Small Garden Centre Christmas Teams (Sponsored by Woodmansterne)

GOLD AWARD: Munro’s

SILVER AWARD: Cooks

BRONZE AWARD: Pengelly, The Garden Society

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Snowdonia

Finalists

• Cooks
• Munros
• Pengelly
• Poundbury
• Snowdonia
• The Garden Society

The Greatest Mid-Sized Garden Centre Christmas Teams (Sponsored by Kaemingk)

GOLD AWARD: Sunshine

SILVER AWARD: Jacksons Boutique

BRONZE AWARD: Brimsmore

Finalists

• Bosworths
• Brimsmore
• Coolings Lifestyle
• Fakenham
• Glendoick
• Haddenham
• Jacksons Boutique
• Kirktown
• Morris of Usk
• Moss & Moor
• Newquay
• Parkers
• Pughs Wenvoe
• Silverbirch
• Southwood
• Sunshine
• Trioscape

The Greatest Large Garden Centre Christmas Teams (Sponsored by Smart Garden Products – Three Kings)

GOLD AWARD: Birkacre

SILVER AWARD: Castle Gardens, Henry Street, Old Railway Line

BRONZE AWARD: Summerhill, Wentworth

Finalists

• Birkacre
• Castle Gardens
• Fron Goch
• Henry  Street
• Old Railway Line
• Perrywood Sudbury
• Poplar Nurseries
• Pughs Radyr
• Raemoir
• St Peters
• Stewarts
• Summerhill
• Wentworth
• Woodbank

The Greatest Giant Garden Centre Christmas Teams (Sponsored by Kaemingk)

GOLD AWARD: Gates Oakham

SILVER AWARD: Bents

BRONZE AWARD: Bronze

Finalists

• Bents
• Garsons Esher
• Gates Oakham
• Perrywood Tiptree
• Simpsons
• Webbs

The Greatest Group Small Garden Centre Christmas Team 

GOLD AWARD: Caulders Linlithgow

SILVER AWARD: Harrogate BGC

BRONZE AWARD: Burford House BGC

Finalists

• Allbrighton BGC
• Burford House BGC
• Caulders Cupar
• Caulders Linlithgow
• Charlecote BGC
• Daleside Klondyke
• Harrogate BGC
• Squires Reigate

The Greatest Group Large Garden Centre Christmas Team (Sponsored by Festive)

GOLD AWARD: Longacres Bagshot

SILVER AWARD: Van Hage Blue Diamond

BRONZE AWARD: Garden King

Finalists

• Barton Grange BD
• Gloucester BGC
• Langlands BGC
• Blackdown BD
• Brigg BGC
• Byrkley Park Klondyke
• Derby BD
• Garden King
• Haskins West End
• Morton Hall Klondyke
• Longacres Bagshot
• Squires Twickenham
• Van Hage BD

The Greatest Winter & Christmas Houseplant Team (Sponsored by Melcourt)

GOLD AWARD: Webbs Wychbold

SILVER AWARD: Hayes BGC

BRONZE AWARD: Gates Oakham, Knights Betchworth

Finalists

• Gloucester BGC
• Hayes BGC
• Langlands BGC
• Brimsmore
• Byrkley Park Klondyke
• Daleside Klondyke
• Deans of York
• Derby BD
• Duchy of Cornwall
• Fron Goch
• Garden King
• Gates Oakham
• Morton Hall Klondyke
• Knights Betchworth
• Notcutts Solihull
• Poplar Nurseries
• Snowdonia
• Sunshine
• Webbs Wychbold

The Greatest Outdoor Plant and Christmas Tree Team (Sponsored by Doff/Pelsis)

GOLD AWARD: Barton Grange Blue Diamond

SILVER AWARD: Bosworths

BRONZE AWARD: Castle Gardens, The Old Well

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Sunshine

Finalists

• Barton Grange BD
• Bosworths
• Botany Bay
• Byrkley Park Klondyke
• Castle Gardens
• Caulders Linlithgow
• Coolings Rushmore hill
• Deans of York
• Fron Goch
• Garden King
• Millbrook Staplehurst
• Munros
• Notcutts Solihull
• Old Railway Line
• Old Well
• Pengelly
• Perrywood Tiptree
• Polmont
• Pughs Wenvoe
• Ruxley
• St Peters
• Sunshine

The Greatest Gardening as a Christmas Gift Sales Team

GOLD AWARD: Planters Tamworth

SILVER AWARD: Gates Oakham

BRONZE AWARD: Castle Gardens

Finalists

• Castle Gardens
• Fakenham
• Gates Oakham
• Old Railway Line
• Planters Tamworth
• Wentworth

The Greatest Christmas Gifts Team (Sponsored by Museums and Galleries)

GOLD AWARD: Birkacre

SILVER AWARD: Gordale

BRONZE AWARD: Duchy of Cornwall, Gates Oakham

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Haddenham

Finalists

• Birkacre
• Duchy of Cornwall
• Fron Goch
• Gates Oakham
• Glendoick
• Gordale
• Haddenham
• Holt
• Old Railway Line
• Raemoir
• Notcutts Rivendell
• Squires Twickenham
• Trentham BD
• Wentworth

The Greatest Christmas BBQ & Outdoor Leisure Team – The SOLEX Sizzle (Sponsored by SOLEX)

GOLD AWARD: Polhill

SILVER AWARD: Knights Betchworth

BRONZE AWARD: Trioscape

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Gordale

Finalists

• Blofield Garden Centre @ Norwich Camping & Leisure
• Cambridge Home & Garden
• Fakenham
• Fron Goch
• Gordale
• Knights Betchworth
• Polhill
• Trioscape

The Greatest Christmas Food & Drink Pop up (Sponsored by Food @ Glee 2026)

GOLD AWARD: Bents

SILVER AWARD: Gates Oakham

BRONZE AWARD: Ruxley Manor

Finalists

• Bents
• Birkacre
• Codsall & Wergs
• Gates Oakham
• Gates Stapleton
• Henry  Street
• Ruxley

The Greatest Festive Retail Food Team (Sponsored by Pleydell Smithyman)

GOLD AWARD: Poplar Nurseries

SILVER AWARD: Gates Oakham

BRONZE AWARD: Morris of Usk

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Barton Grange Blue Diamond, Ruxley Manor

Finalists

• Barton Grange BD
• Bents
• Derby BD
• Gates Oakham
• Longacres
• Morris of Usk
• Notcutts Solihull
• Poplar Nurseries
• Pughs Radyr
• Raemoir
• Ruxley
• Stewarts
• Wentworth

The Greatest Christmas Wild Bird Care & Pet Team

GOLD AWARD: Haddenham

SILVER AWARD: Fairways Ashbourne

BRONZE AWARD: Fakenham

Finalists

• Barton Grange BD
• Castle Gardens
• Fairways Ashborne
• Fakenham
• Haddenham
• Howden Klondyke
• Munros
• Notcutts Solihull
• Old Railway Line
• Ruxley
• St Peters
• Webbs

The Greatest Garden Centre Grotto Team

GOLD AWARD: Gouldings

SILVER AWARD: Chessington

BRONZE AWARD: Hayes BGC, Ruxley Manor

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Coolings Lifestyle, Keydell

Finalists

• Barton Grange BD
• Baytree
• Hayes BGC
• Burford House BGC
• Chessington
• Coolings Lifestyle
• Dobbies Chesterfield
• Garden King
• Gordale
• Gouldings
• Keydell
• Planters Tamworth
• Rosebank
• Ruxley
• Wentworth

The Greatest Garden Centre Christmas Promotion

GOLD AWARD: Henry Street

SILVER AWARD: Trioscape

BRONZE AWARD: Botany Bay

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Glendoick

Finalists

• Allbrighton BGC
• Langlands BGC
• Botany Bay
• Bow Aquatics
• Glendoick
• Gordale
• Henry  Street
• Morton Hall Klondyke
• Monkton Elm
• Pughs Radyr
• The Garden Society
• Trioscape

The Greatest Christmas Supplier

GOLD AWARD: Kaemingk

SILVER AWARD: Gisela Graham, Smart Garden – Three Kings

BRONZE AWARD: Festive

Finalists

• Festive
• Gisela Graham
• Heaven Sent
• Kaemingk
• Premier
• Smart Garden

Watch out for The Greatest Christmas Awards photo tours of the centres in future issues of GTN Xtra and in the next issue of GTN magazine.

From the beginning of March, Fothergills will be sending out its new Self-Water Growing Kit, which was awarded Best New Product at Glee @ Spring Fair this week. 

Already a tried and tested success in Australia, the kits, which are part of the Oh Sow Simple range, come in a choice of three herbs with everything needed to grow them from seed in a coloured glass jar. 

“Mr Fothergill's is aiming to grow the whole category rather than just grow our section of the category, which is why we have launched the Oh Sow Simple range. We want to make it as easy as possible for people to succeed with seeds, which this new product will do, and it’s a nice little gift too,” said Richard Keegan, Head of Field Sales.

“We've got a limited amount of stock for this season and already had a lot of interest from our key customers who got a sneak preview just before Christmas. But we are taking the next steps and developing the range,” he adds.

Judges praised the product for its appeal to gardeners, non-gardeners and particularly children.

Glee returned to Spring Fair with real energy this week, delivering strong buying momentum, high-quality conversations and a clear sense that the industry had embraced the opportunity for an early-season gathering. From meaningful retail discussions and new partnerships, to celebrating innovation and recognising excellence across the sector, the event reinforced its position as a valuable commercial moment in the garden retail calendar.

Strong buying momentum and quality conversations set the tone

From the opening day, exhibitors reported a positive atmosphere across the show floor, with orders being placed throughout the event and new retail partnerships taking shape. Garden centre buyers made a clear beeline for the Glee area, engaging with brands focused on relationship-building, early-season planning and strategic buying decisions.

The spring format proved particularly valuable for brands looking to connect with buyers in a more focused environment, allowing deeper conversations about ranges, merchandising and long-term growth opportunities. LV Bespoke noted that the event created valuable time to walk buyers through its wider product offering, investing in meaningful discussions rather than rushed transactions, whilst the team at Fern & Forge reported strong interest in its latest product launch, with order books quickly filling as retailers looked to introduce new outdoor cooking innovations to customers.

Brands offering products outside the traditional garden core also found new audiences. Botanica International engaged both garden and gift buyers, using the show to demonstrate how its all-natural herb creams, washes and sprays can sit confidently within a garden retail environment, expanding cross-category opportunities.

The Glee community in action – celebrating innovation and excellence

Beyond commercial activity, Glee @ Spring Fair played an important role in bringing the industry together, with awards moments highlighting both innovation and the achievements of the wider garden retail community.

Innovation remained central to the show’s appeal, with buyers gathering for the New Product Showcase awards ceremony, where products demonstrating strong design, clear retail appeal and commercial potential were recognised.

This year’s overall winner was Mr Fothergill’s with its “Oh So Simple” self-watering grow jars. The judging panel – made up of Trevor Pfeiffer, Roger Crooke, Neil and Nikki Gow, and Boyd Douglas-Davies – commented: “A simple idea that appeals to both gardeners and non-gardeners alike. It’s a great way of getting into growing, even if you don’t have a garden. It appeals to children, is sensibly priced for retailers with good margins, and the Kilner-style jar is visually appealing on shelf.”

Second place was awarded to LV Bespoke for its 3D Glass Orb garden décor, described by judges as a product that “sells itself at retail” and stands out as something genuinely different within the garden category. Third place went to Hunter Stoves for its Hive Outdoor wood burner, recognised for its superb build quality, UK manufacturing and strong engineered design, successfully bringing advanced indoor stove technology into the outdoor living market.

The New Product Showcase win translated quickly into tangible buyer interest on the show floor. A spokesperson for Mr Fothergill’s said the show proved “a great exercise in securing early-season sales and strengthening conversations”, adding that the win helped drive new buyers to the stand, with one retailer commenting that they wanted the product “in every one of their centres”.

Monday also saw the announcement of the Greatest Christmas Awards, organised by Garden Trade News, recognising excellence across festive retail and reinforcing the collaborative spirit of the Glee community. Gold award winners included Allbrighton BGC (Overall UK Gold), Birkacre (Large Garden Centre Christmas Team), Munro’s (Small Garden Centre Christmas Team and Scotland & Northern Ireland), Longacres Bagshot (Home Counties & South and Group Large Garden Centre Christmas Team), Sunshine (Mid-Sized Garden Centre Christmas Team), Webbs Wychbold (Winter & Christmas Houseplant Team), Barton Grange Blue Diamond (Outdoor Plant and Christmas Tree Team), Planters Tamworth (Gardening as a Christmas Gift) and Kaemingk (Greatest Christmas Supplier).

The awards drew a packed audience of retailers and suppliers, creating moments of shared celebration while offering inspiration as businesses begin planning for Christmas 2026 and beyond.

Reflecting on the significance of the awards and the wider show momentum, Matthew Mein, Event Director at Glee and Autumn Fair, said: “Glee @ Spring Fair has returned with real energy and a hugely positive response from across the industry. It’s been fantastic to see buyers and exhibitors embracing this additional spring touchpoint, with quality conversations, strong commercial engagement and a genuine buzz across the show floor. The event has been a great showcase of the innovation, creativity and resilience within the garden sector, highlighting what brands are doing to support retailers early in the season. We’re incredibly encouraged by the momentum we’ve seen this week and excited about the potential to continue growing our presence at Spring Fair, creating even more opportunities for the Glee community to connect, collaborate and do business.”

Looking ahead – Europe’s biggest buying moment returns this September

Looking ahead, the next key destination for garden retail buyers will be Glee in September (8^th – 10^th), this year co-located alongside Autumn Fair (6^th – 9^th) to create the biggest and most valuable buying event in the second half of the year. From the garden into the home, September will be the place to source across garden, gifts, home and lifestyle, offering buyers an unrivalled opportunity to plan ranges, discover new brands and maximise commercial potential ahead of peak trading.

To find out more – whether to book exhibition space or stay up to date with the latest developments from Glee 2026 – visit www.gleebirmingham.com or call +44 (0)203 3545 9752.

Winter is the ultimate test for any outdoor structure. Freezing temperatures, moisture, snow, rain and wind quickly reveal which products are truly built to last. At Jagram, endurance is one of the foundations of our design philosophy.

Two long-standing bestsellers from our standard offer, the Double Slatted Mjosa Fence and the Privacy Diamond Trellis, are proof that quality garden architecture can withstand even the harshest weather conditions.

Both products are manufactured from durable pine and spruce softwood, pressure impregnated to ensure long-term protection. Thanks to this treatment, they can remain outside all year long, maintaining their strength, stability, and visual appeal even through the unpredictable winter weather. For customers, this means a low-maintenance and long-lasting investment that performs season after season. 

The Double Slatted Mjosa Fence is a modern enclosed wooden fence designed for contemporary landscaping. Its timeless horizontal layout fits perfectly into various garden styles. Thanks to the versatility and solid construction, it will enhance your outdoor space.

The Privacy Diamond Trellis, inspired by classic English lattice style, combines charm with stability. Its densely woven diagonal slats provides privacy throughout the year, while in warmer months it becomes the perfect support for climbing plants. Delicate in appearance yet robust in construction, it’s a guarantee of an reliable performance.

With Jagram fences and trellises, your garden doesn’t go into hibernation when winter arrives. Choosing our products is not a choice for a single season, but for years to come. Built to endure frost, moisture, and winter winds, they emerge from the cold ready for what’s next –  strong, reliable, and unchanged by the passing of seasons. 

It is a perfect moment for the wholesalers to place an order with Jagram as we have a special occasion for a full container load in a very attractive price. Don’t hesitate to contact us for more details!

Contact info: 
Jagram S.A.  
Call: +48 575750037 
Mail: contact@jagram.com 
www.jagram.co.uk 

Melcourt, the UK’s peat-free pioneers, today announced that their SylvaGrow range has this year, been recognised four times by Which? Best Buy:

• SylvaGrow Multi-Purpose Compost – Patio Pots
• SylvaGrow Seed Compost – Young Plants
• SylvaGrow Tub & Basket Compost – Patio Pots
• SylvaGrow Multi-Purpose Compost – Young Plants

This means that the SylvaGrow range has received this independent recognition a total of 27 times since 2015, reaffirming the company’s commitment to responsibly-sourced, peat-free horticulture and consistent, highest-grade results.

Why recognition matters

Which? is the UK’s consumer champion, a not-for-profit organisation that tests thousands of products each year to help consumers make informed decisions. A Which? Best Buy is only awarded to products that meet high standards of quality and performance following rigorous testing.

“This new seed compost uses the same basic ingredients as its wood fibre, bark and coir composts, but has a finer texture. Our tests show it’s a great choice for both seeds and young plants. Young plants were better than those grown in a professional peat-based compost, with larger tomato plants and better-flowering snapdragons."

Recognition from Which? gives gardeners clear and independent reassurance that the product they’re choosing will perform to the high standards they expect. Products in the tests were compared with professional peat-based controls.

Nikki Burton, Managing Director at Melcourt said: "We’re so proud to be recognised again in this way. These endorsements further reinforce our science-led approach, and our commitment to providing customers with products that deliver superb results time after time."

Where to find SylvaGrow

SylvaGrow is available from garden centres and stockists across the UK. Gardeners should look out for the Which? Best Buy stickers on SylvaGrow point of sale displays.

Another week, another new customer joins the ever expanding, Corby + Fellas portfolio – Smiths Nurseries in Uxbridge.

Kim Corby-Hill, Sales & Relationship Manager, said: "Smiths has established itself as west London’s premier destination for quality shrubs and plants, and we are delighted to be awarded the business to implement our acclaimed Epos, stock control and our unrivalled reporting and loyalty systems.

"This is the second of 18 implementations over the next few months – if you’d like to join us, we would be delighted to hear from you to see how we can turbocharge your technology within your business."

01493 658800
kim@corbyfellas.com
www.corbyfellas.com

GTN January 2026 - Christmas Awards Finalists & Sustainability Directory. In this Issue: Gardening for Good - Interview with Dr Richard Claxton, GTN’s Greatest Christmas Awards – The Finalists and Customer Vote Top 50 by Regions, Adapt or Die, a new, exclusive series from international experts including John Stanley, Spring Fair Preview – Christmas exclusives, GTN’s Sustainability Directory for 2026, GIMA’s sustainability champions  , Spotlight on sustainability from the Harrogate Christmas & Gift Fair, Get ready for Garden Re-Leaf Day on March 20th 2026, Gold Medal Standards – GTN Planteria , Picture your Future - HTA Viewpoint.