The Leisure and Outdoor Furniture Association (LOFA) has announced that Jim Carter, acclaimed actor and beloved star of stage and screen – best known for his iconic portrayal of butler Mr Carson in the global hit series Downton Abbey – will be attending the LOFA Charity Christmas Lunch in aid of Greenfingers Charity.

As a patron of Greenfingers Charity, Jim Carter has long championed the charity’s work, inspired by his own lifelong love of gardening. Greenfingers Charity creates therapeutic gardens for children and families in hospices across the UK, offering a space for relaxation, reflection, and precious moments together.

The LOFA Charity Christmas Lunch will take place on 28 November at The Dorchester Hotel, London, bringing together members of the garden and leisure industry for a festive celebration with purpose. All proceeds from the lunch will go directly to Greenfingers Charity.

Gina Hinde, General Manager at LOFA, said: “We are thrilled and honoured that Jim Carter—who not only graces our screens but also serves as a devoted Patron and champion of Greenfingers Charity – will be joining us at this year’s Charity Christmas Lunch. His passion for gardening and his support for Greenfingers truly embody the spirit of our industry and this event.”

There are now less than 40 seats remaining, so guests are encouraged to book early to avoid disappointment. The afternoon promises a festive lunch, inspiring stories, fundraising activities, and the opportunity to help make a real difference to children and families in hospices across the country.

For more information about the event or to reserve tickets please use this booking link 

As a key part of our Greatest Christmas Awards, thousands of customers are already having the final say on just who are The Greatest Garden Centre Christmas teams in 2025, even posting their votes directly to us!  Voting is live on-line and in store from now until 22^nd December and the first 50 centres to register on-line votes are:

• Albrighton BGC
• Arcadia BGC
• Birkacre
• Blackdown
• Blofield at Norwich Camping & Leisure
• Blue Diamond Bicester
• Blue Diamond Cardiff
• Braintree BGC
• Bromsgrove BGC
• Cambridge Home & Garden
• Charlecote BGC
• Chipperfield BGC
• East Durham BGC
• Elm Farm Florist and Nursery Billericay
• Fakeham Garden centre
• Garsons Titchfield
• Glendoick
• Harrogate BGC
• Hatton BGC
• Havant BGC
• Hemel Hempstead BGC
• Henry Street
• Hillmount Bangor
• Hillmount Belfast
• Hillmount Carrick
• Hillmount Newtownards
• Longacres Bagshot
• Louth BGC
• Meadow Croft
• Monkton Elm
• Newton Regis BGC
• Notcutts Rivendell
• Old Railway Line
• Owl Lane Farm Nurseries, Ossett
• Parker’s Garden Centre
• Pennells Lincoln
• Perrywood Buckhatch
• Perrywood Sudbury
• Perrywood Tiptree
• Plants Galore Garden Centre
• Poplar Nurseries
• Rowena
• Rugby BGC
• Southwood Garden Centre
• Summerhill
• Thatcham BGC
• Trioscape Garden Centre
• UpCountry Garden Centre & Bakehouse
• Wolseley Bridge BGC
• Wolvercroft Garden Centre

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here is a link to the Voting QR code:

GTN Greatest Christmas Awards Voting QR code

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

The garden industry came together in style last week for the sold-out 2025 GIMA Awards, held at the magnificent Celtic Manor Resort in Newport. The night was a true celebration of creativity, innovation, and dedication, as the industry’s leading suppliers and manufacturers were recognised for their outstanding achievements over the past year.

Across 18 categories, winners were chosen for their exceptional products, initiatives, and contributions to the ever-evolving world of garden retail. This year’s judging panel brought together voices from across the sector, combining national and independent retail experience with media insight and expert perspective.  Sarah White of Hillier Garden Centre, Bradley Piziura from B&Q, Anthony Gould from Goulds and Choice Marketing, and Casey Warwick from Decco offered valuable viewpoints from both independent and national operations. Representing leading independents, Katrine Taylor of Fron Goch Garden Centre and Helen Lloyd from Stratford & Warwick Garden Centres brought further depth to the panel, alongside Jo Iddon of QVC and Adam Szabo of Charlies Stores. Completing the well-rounded group of judges, Trevor Pfeiffer, editor of Garden Trade News, and Kim Stoddart, editor of Amateur Gardening, added an editorial eye for excellence.

Helping to kick off the evening’s celebrations in style was Patrick Kielty, whose warmth, humour, and sharp wit set the perfect tone for a night of celebration. His quick-fire energy and easy rapport with the audience made for a lively and memorable start to proceedings.

Reflecting on the evening, GIMA Director Vicky Nuttall said: “Tonight has been a fantastic celebration of everything that makes our industry so special. The room has been buzzing with excitement, and our winners truly reflect the creativity, commitment, and forward thinking that continue to drive garden retail forward.

“Huge thanks go to our brilliant judges, our generous sponsors, and of course to everyone who entered this year’s awards. It’s been another unforgettable night for GIMA and for the industry as a whole.”

See GTN Xtra's photos from the evening below:

GIMA has announced the winners of the prestigious 2025 GIMA Awards which was held earlier tonight at the stunning Celtic Manor Resort in Newport. This evening’s ceremony recognised the finest innovations, outstanding performances, and remarkable contributions that have been made within the garden retail sector by a host of dedicated and passionate suppliers and manufacturers.

GIMA AWARDS 2025 – THE WINNERS

Sword of Excellence 

Winner: GARDENA UK – Gardena AquaBloom L

Gardenex Export Achievement Award 

Winner: Smart Garden Products Ltd

In recognition for exceptional European investment and Growth, specifically within France, Germany, The Netherlands, Belgium, Italy and Spain.

Finalists: Phoenox Textiles, Pelsis Doff

GCA Supplier of the Year – Small to Medium Business

Winner: Meadow View Stone

Finalist: MAD Ltd

GCA Supplier of the Year – Large Business

Winner: Woodlodge Products

Finalists: Smart Garden Products, Westland Horticulture

Sustainability Award

Winner: Elho – Green Basics Composter 200L

Best Point of Sale Material

Winner: Meadow View Stone – Aggregates and Paving POS with Augmented Reality

Weather‑proof steel sample trays with real chipping swatches sit alongside a high‑res lifestyle image—letting customers see, touch, and envision products in their own gardens for faster, more confident buying. QR codes unlock augmented‑reality visualisations in customers’ immediate surroundings or home environments, while ‘premium washed’ and ‘100% recycled bag’ icons appeal to quality and sustainability‑driven gardeners.         

Finalists: Elho – Green Basics Composter Promo Kit; Solar Centre – New Mushroom Display; Westland Horticulture – Peckish All in One Display; GARDENA UK – Dual Hose Box POS

Point of Sale Sustainability Category Champion

Winner: Elho – Green Basics Composter Promo Kit 

Eye-catching design with bold visuals and clear messaging. ‘Re-use your waste’ and ‘100% recycled & recyclable’ instantly communicates the product’s purpose and eco-values. Integrated QR code invites shoppers to discover more, linking them to deeper product insights and informative videos on the Elho website.

Best Multi-Media Marketing Campaign

Winner: Elho – Smart Pebble Multi-Channel Marketing Campaign

A visually rich, insight-driven launch presentation introduced the Smart Pebble across all channels, highlighting its AI-powered features and consumer relevance through quantitative research. The campaign spanned digital and physical touchpoints—featuring in-store POS displays, influencer-led social media, and a compelling educational video to demystify smart plant care.

Finalists: Meadow View Stone – Augmented Reality Customer Visualiser;  Evergreen Garden Care – Bringing Gardens to Life campaign; Fandango Fire Tools – Kindling Cracker™ Carefully Curated Use Generated Content Campaign; Webb Garden Power – Create Your Perfect Garden 

Associate of the Year

Winner: Hornby George PR 

Finalists: CM Ventures, Wright Obara , MorePeople , Aspin 

Garden Care

Winner: Vitax – Vitax Dahlia Feed      

The perfect balance of tailored nutrients to help gardeners to achieve outstanding displays of dahlias. Clear, concise packaging gives gardeners the confidence they are buying the right feed for these hugely popular, on-trend plants.    

Finalists:

Empathy by PlantWorks Ltd - Empathy Bioactive Compost Improver

Evergreen Garden Care (UK) Ltd - New Miracle-Gro Lawn Care Range     

Westland Horticulture - Westland Premium Pine Bark        

Westland Horticulture - Westland Mini Bale 25L compost range

Garden Care Sustainability Category Champion                

Winner:  PlantWorks Ltd– Empathy Bioactive Compost Improver 

Enriched with rootgrow™ mycorrhizal fungi and beneficial bacteria for stronger roots, vibrant growth, and more flowers and fruit. Backed by three years of trial data in peat-free compost, it is eco-friendly and effective treating three 50L compost bags and comes in recyclable, weather-resistant packaging.                

Growing Planting Equipment & Sundries

Winner: GARDENA UK – Growing P E S Gardena AquaBloom L

The solar-powered AquaBloom L keeps up to 30 plants thriving without the need of an outside tap or power source. The system uses intuitive Micro-Drip technology which not only saves a substantial amount of water, but also encourages healthy plant growth, as it waters directly at the roots, where plants need it most. The system uses patented ‘Quick&Easy’ connection technology for easy five-step instalment and can be adjusted at any time.              

Finalists:

Westland Horticulture - Flopro Cobra Expanding Hose 15m/25m                

Elho - Green Basics Composter 200L              

GARDENA UK - AquaPrecise 

GARDENA UK - Dual Hose Box 25m                  

Growing, Planting, Equipment & Sundries Sustainability Category Champion

Winner: Elho    – Green Basics Composter 200L 

Transforms kitchen and garden waste into nutrient-rich compost with ease—ideal for eco-conscious gardeners of all levels. Thoughtfully designed with a 200L capacity, ventilation slots, and a hinged lid for optimal airflow and composting efficiency. Lightweight, durable, and made from 100% recycled plastic—perfect for small gardens, patios, and urban spaces.         

Garden Tools, Machinery & Implements

Winner: GARDENA UK – Gardena StarCut pro L set

StarCut Pro L Set, Bypass Cut, Telescopic Pruning Lopper with Saw and Adapter

Ultra-light and ergonomic, the easy-to-use StarCut tree pruning lopper that can cut branches up to 6m high. The enclosed pulling mechanism prevents any tangling while pruning. High quality power-coated blades that ensure a clean, healthy cut. The cutting head is tiltable so it can cut branches in awkward areas easily. The integrated hook allows you to take down cut branches safely to the ground.                  

Finalists:

Burgon & Ball - BoronGreen® RHS-endorsed gardening tools         

Westland Horticulture - The Kent & Stowe Capability Digging Spade         

Spear & Jackson UK Ltd - Kew Gardens Collection 6" Folding Garden Saw            

GARDENA UK - Gardena PremiumCut Pro Secateurs Set 

Garden Tools Sustainability Category Champion               

Winner: Burgon & Ball – BoronGreen® RHS-endorsed gardening tools 

Boron steel is stronger, tougher and more durable than high-carbon steel. BoronGreen boron steel delivers gardening tools with performance above and beyond that of a like-for-like tool in carbon steel. With steel made from 80% recycled materials, it’s believed BoronGreen’s steel marks a first in UK tools: a unique combination of boron steel performance with more sustainable sourcing. Each tool has a 25-year guarantee.

Outdoor Leisure

Winner: Woodlodge Products Ltd – Eco Cushions

Using fabric made from recycled water bottles, the label of each water repellent cushion specifics the number of 500ml plastic bottles recycled to make the product.

Finalists:

Woodlodge Products Ltd - Costa Rica 4 Seat Round Dining Set & Emperor Parasol        

Homefire - Homefire Coffee Briquettes         

Eco Fuego - El Campo Fire Pit               

Maze - Deluxe Linear Outdoor Kitchen           

Outdoor Leisure Sustainability Category Champion 

Winner: Woodlodge Products Ltd – Eco Cushions                  

Plants, Seeds & Bulbs

Winner: Mr Fothergill's Seeds – DT Brown Vegetable Seeds Range              

A compact range of 120 herbs and vegetable seeds across two display stands aimed at cooking enthusiasts to celebrate and promote home-grown veg for freshness and the best flavour. Each packet design incorporates an image of the mature vegetable and a culinary image of the veg in use.             

Finalists:             

Mr Fothergill's Seeds Ltd - Johnsons Cut Flower Seed Range          

Johnsons Lawn Seed - Nature’s Lawn             

Plants, Seeds & Bulbs Sustainability Champion                 

Winner: Johnsons Lawn Seed – Nature’s Lawn         

Combines UK native perennial wildflowers with lawn grasses to attract and sustain pollinators like butterflies and bumblebees, enhancing lawn ecology. Nature’s Lawn thrives without the need for fertilisers or selective weedkillers and mowing can be tailored to suit each lawn owner's preferences. Once established, it provides a rich habitat for pollinators, attracting them for up to six months each year and is still useable as a lawn. We produce our own native wildflower seed. 

Garden Landscaping

Winner: Keter UK Ltd – Keter Potting Shed   

More than just a storage solution: a dedicated workspace and vibrant creative hub for all your hobbies.         Hybrid roof design, featuring a translucent section that brings in natural sunlight and an opaque section to protect plants and tools from unpredictable weather. Five user-friendly windows that open for ventilation plus two fixed corner windows, for a bright and airy environment. 

Finalists:

Meadow View Stone  - Flexi Fix Edging 

Meadow View Stone - Porcelain Stepping Stones  Versatile Shapes

Altico Garden Products Ltd - British Nature Stepping Stones          

Altico Garden Products Ltd - British Wildlife Stepping Stones        

Garden Landscaping Sustainability Category Champion 

Winner: Keter UK Ltd  – Keter Potting Shed                   

Garden Clothing & Gifts

Winner: Primeur – Bree Merryn Doormat Collection              

The Bree Merryn Doormat Collection combines exceptional artistry with everyday functionality, transforming a practical home essential into a beautiful, giftable piece. A collaboration between Primeur and renowned Yorkshire wildlife artist Bree Merryn, this exclusive range brings fine art to your doorstep.          

Finalists:

E P BARRUS - Dragonfly Garden & Gifting Range     

Burgon & Ball - Burgon & Ball Collector Hand Tools               

LBC (ULTRALIGHT) BOOTS - ULTRALIGHT Olive Chelsea Boots    

Deco-Pak- Pebble Kind             

Garden Clothing & Gifts Sustainability Category Champion

Winner: Primeur – Mighty Mats Eco Doormat Collection 

The Mighty Mats Eco Doormat Collection is a stylish, sustainable range designed to deliver high performance and long-lasting value.  Each mat has been made from recycled materials, offering a solution for consumers who want to maintain a functional home while supporting sustainability.

Pet Care, Aquatics & Wild Bird Care

Winner: Reveal HoldCo UK – FeatherSnap Smart, Solar Powered Bird Feeder    

Smart solar powered feeder that utilises a 4MP camera powered by a removable lithium-ion battery to capture photographs and video footage directly to a user friendly, intuitive mobile app on your device.   

Finalists:

Smart Garden Products Ltd - Titan 4-Way Garden Hanger                 

Westland Horticulture - Peckish Woodland Feast Multi Feeder    

SealStop - SealStop valve       

CJ Wildlife - Penn 2-in-1 Bird Feeder

Pet, Wild Bird & Aquatic Sustainability Category Champion

Winner: SealStop – SealStop valve 

SealStop is an automatic water shut-off device that attaches to hosepipes to fill buckets, containers, or troughs. It stops the flow when the water reaches the top, preventing overflow. Saves water and time by eliminating waste, mess, and the need to monitor filling making it ideal for gardeners, growers, home use and anyone using large containers. Made in the UK, supporting local manufacturing and sustainability while delivering a durable, reliable solution.                                 

Garden Lighting, Water Features & Ornamentation

Winner: Altico Garden Products – Whirlpool Water Feature

Innovative centrepiece featuring a vortex whirlpool effect enhanced by integrated LED lighting, delivering a striking visual impact unlike traditional water features. Elegant detailing embossed with tropical leaf patterns in calming grey-green tones with white accents offer a refined, contemporary aesthetic.      

Finalists:

Treadstone Products - Orchard Garden Sculptures               

Smart Garden Products Ltd - Galaxy Festoon Firefly String Lights                

LV Bespoke - Glass & Steel Garden Feature Stakes Collection      

Smart Garden Products Ltd - Firefly DécorCan        

Altico Garden Products Ltd - Courtyard Water Feature       

Garden Décor Sustainability Category Champion 

Winner: L V Bespoke – Glass & Steel Garden Feature Stakes Collection                  

Create interest year-round with a collection of glass and steel combined products, made in UK. Encourage all ages to embrace gardening by utilising our photography ball finish.Long-life product range made from UK steel components and hand finished in Norfolk. 

Decorative Pots & Planters

Winner: Woodlodge Products – Liberty          .

Lightweight pots with a high-end glazed ceramic effect – ideal for both indoor and outdoor use. Made from 100% recycled materials and fully recyclable after use, including eco-conscious packaging. Available in 10 stylish colours and three versatile sizes, offering both aesthetic appeal and affordability.  

Finalists:

Keter UK Ltd - Keter Signature Planters and Elevated Bed Family                  

Primeur LTD - Garden Central Value Planters             

Strata Products - Amalfi Planters       

Keter UK Ltd - Keter Tetra Pak Medium Planter          

Decorative Pots & Planters Sustainability Category Champion

Woodlodge Products – Liberty

Festive Productions Ltd has announced an exclusive distribution agreement with Christmas Inspirations, a leading Dutch supplier specialising in licensed Christmas decorations and lighting.

From 2026, Festive will become the exclusive UK distributor for Licensed Infinity products, featuring some of the world’s most recognisable brands — including Disney, Marvel, Harry Potter, DC, and new for 2026, The Grinch.

As the largest distributor of Infinity products in the UK, Festive will further expand its range by incorporating Christmas Inspirations’ licensed designs into its 2026 collection. The collaboration brings together Festive’s extensive distribution network and market expertise with Christmas Inspirations’ creative portfolio of licensed products.

The Grinch, widely tipped as the standout licence for Christmas 2026, will headline the new range. Festive’s launch will include around 12 new Grinch Infinity items, available across a variety of sizes and price points, combining playful design with strong retail potential.

This new partnership strengthens Festive’s position as a market leader in decorative lighting and innovation, while broadening the scope of licensed Infinity products available to UK retailers.

“We’re delighted to be partnering with Christmas Inspirations,” said Rob Fox, Sales Director at Festive Productions. “Their licensed Infinity range adds even more depth and excitement to our offer. The Grinch collection in particular is set to make a big impact for 2026, and we’re looking forward to sharing it with our customers.”

Altico Garden Products is proud to announce the launch of GardenScape, a stylish new range of smaller decorative aggregate packs designed to meet the evolving needs of modern retailers and homeowners.

GardenScape is set to bring convenience, aesthetics and versatility to garden and home décor in 2026. With four variants for every space, GardenScape offers a curated selection of premium aggregates, each chosen for visual appeal and versatility.

Smaller Packs, Bigger Possibilities

With its lighter-weight format, GardenScape opens the door to new markets and customers, especially those tackling small to medium garden and home projects. The compact size makes it ideal for patio displays, indoor spaces and apartment balconies. It is also well suited to smaller retail environments, offering a more manageable pack size for transport and handling.

Each variant is showcased on a bespoke lifestyle stand with integrated POS, designed to inspire, and drive sales. The vibrant, floral-themed, full-colour packaging enhances shelf appeal and reinforces GardenScape’s brand identity.

Make Any Garden Beautiful

The arrival of GardenScape comes as Altico launches its most inspiring campaign yet: Make Any Garden Beautiful. In collaboration with expert garden designer Katie Rushworth, Altico is set to inspire outdoor spaces across the UK in 2026. The campaign features two stylish garden themes designed by Katie, combining Altico’s decorative aggregates and rockery with plants and other accessories sold in garden centres.

With Katie’s expert advice featured across new Altico aggregate displays, shoppers will gain trusted guidance and instant inspiration. Eye-catching feature boards, QR-code-linked video content and clear signposting will enhance the shopper experience, drive multi-category sales, and help garden centres unlock new opportunities.

For retailers ready to add something fresh and inspiring to their landscaping category, contact the Altico team at salesoffice@altico.co.uk to join the Make Any Garden Beautiful movement.

Sipcam Home & Garden is proud to unveil its latest innovation in houseplant care – Flourish by Fito®, a brand-new product designed to boost houseplants and make growing easier for indoor plant lovers.

Born from a passion for simplifying plant care, the Fito® brand began with the popular and original drip feeders, delivering 15 days of continuous nutrition. Today, Fito has evolved to also offer all-in-one houseplant care solutions helping plants stay healthy and thriving with minimal effort.

The Challenge to Keep Houseplants Thriving

With 46% of Brits purchasing houseplants*, it’s clear that the nation’s love for greenery is thriving. Yet, many plant owners still worry about keeping their plants alive and healthy - especially during warmer months or while away from home. That’s where Flourish steps in.

Everything You Need for Healthy Houseplants

Growing beautiful houseplants has never been easier. With Flourish you can water, feed, and protect your plants in one simple step. Free from chlorine and limescale, Flourish is a ready-to-use gel that pours directly onto the soil within plant pots, to provide healthier, greener plants. Designed to give you peace of mind and plant success, Flourish provides the right care, every time.

When it comes to your houseplant care regime, look no further than Fito®. Users can look forward to vibrant growth, with gel enriched with minerals for lush leaves and healthier plants.

Flourish provides all-in-one protection with no risk of over-watering or unwanted pests. With just one easy routine applying every 7-10 days, this is the perfect stress-free houseplant solution for busy lives and holidays.

• No more guesswork: Slow-release gel delivers the right care every time.
• Vibrant growth: Enriched with minerals for lush leaves and healthy roots.
• Peace of mind: Perfect for busy lives and holidays.
• One easy routine: Apply every 7–10 days, that’s it!
• All-in-one protection: No pests. No stagnant water. No stress.

Speak to Sipcam Home & Garden today (enquiries@sipcamhg.co.uk) to discover Flourish by Fito® and see how this one-step solution can transform your houseplant offering and delight your customers.

*Horticultural Trade Association. (2023, October). From Nursery to Nature: The Value of Plants. HTA: The Value of Plants Report. Retrieved November 22, 2023, from https://hta.org.uk/resources/get?mediaId=15076

Garden birds have established territories and rely heavily on a regular supply of available food and water on ‘their patch’ during the winter months, when natural foods are scarce. Honeyfield’s resident wild bird expert Simon Smethurst, who is head of sales at Honeyfield’s, has produced some tips to help your garden bird loving customers attract and support the many species of bird spending winter in the UK.

“During winter it’s vital to provide a regular food supply for your feathered garden friends,” says Simon. Higher fat feeds, will keep energy levels up to help them through the long nights and winter months.” 

Simon also recommends increasing the number of feeders at various stations around the garden to help everyone peacefully gain access to their share. He says:

“Providing food obviously benefits your ‘resident’ birds but as most species are driven by a flock mentality, those that do not normally feed with you will be attracted when they follow similar species to a recognised food source. This leads to more competition at your feeders and may result in birds spending less time feeding and more time aggressively defending what they perceive to be ‘their’ feeding site. More feeders should result in less competition, and a more peaceful time topping up on valuable nutrients to help get through the harsher weather.”

Keeping a regular supply of fresh water is also imperative during the colder months, especially as temperatures drop below freezing causing local natural supplies to freeze over. 

“Always break or melt ice with warm water, preferably several times a day,” advises Simon. “Never add salt to your bird water source to prevent freezing as this has a detrimental effect on bird health.”

Finches and Tits 

These species are likely to increase in numbers during the winter, as their flocks are bolstered by birds flying in from the continent, more rural areas and further north.  

Attract them with: 

• Low wheat seed mixes.
• Tit species particularly like suet over seed.
• Sunflower hearts. 
• Nyjer Seed fed from a Nyjer Seed feeder. 

Bramblings and Redpolls, Nuthatches and Woodpeckers 

These colourful winter residents may become more inquisitive as the weather hardens and are likely to visit gardens if food is presented in the right way.

Attract them with:

• Accessible seed feeders. 
• High quality no mess, no grow mixes. 
• Quality Sunflowers. 
• Peanuts. 
• Keep seeds, sunflowers and peanuts available in different feeders as many species have different preferences and feeding abilities. 
• Many birds do not like to visit a busy feeder, so choice and location are key.
• Hide some feeders under bushes or lower down. You’ll be surprised which birds find them!

Winter Thrushes 

Visitors such as Fieldfare and Redwing are a welcome garden addition in winter but are unable to feed on standard wild bird hanging feeders and prefer flat surfaces such as the lawn or a shed roof.

Attract them with:

• Windfall apples
• Suet pellets
• Mealworms 
• Natural berries

Remember to keep pets safe: If feeding on the ground, ensure dogs don’t have access as some foods, especially fats and raisins are a serious health risk to them.

“In short, more feeders and a wider the variety of feed options will open your garden to a greater variety of visiting birds in winter, says Simon. “Most people who feed birds do not offer a water source, so this is an excellent way to ‘steal’ your neighbour’s birds. Birds cannot survive without water, and they soon learn where the key sites are!”

Honeyfield’s offers an exceptional range of wild bird feeds designed to support wildlife throughout the changing seasons. From high-energy sunflower hearts and nutritious seed mixes to suet treats and mealworms, there’s a feed for every species and dietary requirement.  An innovative variety of feeders are also available to help your customers create a thriving, natural environment where birds and other wildlife can flourish.

The ranges are competitively priced for consumers to be able to feed the best, while retailers can benefit from good margin structures and introductory stocking incentives.

To find out more about the Honeyfield’s range visit: https://www.honeyfieldswildbird.co.uk/

Corby+Fellas are honoured to partner with Holt Garden Centre, by implementing our acclaimed WinRetail Stock, Epos and Retail Management and Restaurant System.

Nestled within 2,250 acres of scenic grounds and woodland, the garden centre sits at the heart of The Kelling Estate, home to a collection of luxury holiday and long-term let properties.

C+F Managing Director Alan McCammon commented: “It’s a privilege to work with Hayley, Aaron, and the wider team to implement our systems in both the retail and hospitality spaces. We have been looking to grow our portfolio of Garden Centres, Farm Shops, and destination shopping experiences closer to our home in Norfolk . We have over 110 customers across the UK, and Holt joins our rapidly expanding customer base in East Anglia”

Holt will be working closely with C+F to introduce exciting new applications to enhance the customer’s experience.

Please get in touch if you’d like to know more – sales@corbyfellas.com

The Old Railway Line Garden Centre is once again spreading Christmas cheer with the release of its 2025 Christmas video, A Christmas Star. Continuing its much-loved tradition of creating magical festive videos, this year’s story has already captured the hearts of viewers across social media, drawing thousands of views within days of its release.

This year’s film tells a heartfelt story of a father and son rediscovering the magic of Christmas. Full of warmth, nostalgia, and festive spirit, A Christmas Star reminds us that Christmas is about family, traditions, and the moments that bring us together.

“The response has been amazing again this year,” said Matthew Lewis, Retail and Event Manager at The Old Railway Line Garden Centre. “We put so much heart into these Christmas videos every year, so it’s lovely to see how much people are enjoying this one. I’ve really enjoyed taking on a leading role alongside my son Freddie. It’s been a special experience for both of us. I also had great fun filming and editing the video, and we’re all really proud of how it’s turned out.”

The video showcases the garden centre’s signature festive charm and highlights why it has become a beloved destination during the Christmas season. Families, customers, and community members have already been sharing the video widely online, praising its emotional story and heartwarming message.

Visitors are invited to experience the same magic in person by exploring The Old Railway Line Garden Centre’s stunning Christmas displays and discovering their own festive memories this season.

To watch A Christmas Star and learn more about this year’s festive events, visit www.oldrailwaylinegc.co.uk.

British Garden Centres has launched its new heartwarming festive TV advert to light up Christmas this year.

This year’s campaign, ‘Light Up Christmas,’ invites families to create magical memories and brighten their homes with festive decorations, lights, and neighbourly community spirit.

The advert captures the magic of Christmas through the eyes of a young girl determined to create a winter wonderland at her home. When she shares her dream, the family heads to British Garden Centres, heralded as the home of Christmas, to find everything they need, from decorations and trees to sparkling lights and festive deals.

As the preparations for the big day begin, the girl’s excitement inspires the whole community around her. Neighbours gather to help transform the family's house into a sparkling wonderland on her street, echoing the true spirit of the season and bringing people together to create festive memories.

The advert showcases the joy and togetherness that define Christmas, reminding everyone that “there’s only one place to go” for their Christmas décor and gifts.

Amy Stubbs, Managing Director of British Garden Centres, said: “This advert is about helping families bring their Christmas plans to life and positioning British Garden Centres as the destination offering everything needed to make this festive season extra special. From our own Fern Christmas collection featuring dazzling cluster lights, light-up snowmen, reindeer, and a full spectrum of light up decorations, it’s easy to fill your home and garden with sparkle. Whether it’s transforming a mantelpiece, lighting up your tree, or making outdoor displays glisten, your local British Garden Centre makes it simple to come together. We hope to inspire everyone to ‘Light Up Christmas’ in their own unique way.”

You can watch the British Garden Centres 2025 Christmas advert on www.youtube.com/@british.garden.centres

Vitax has announced an exciting new partnership with gardening for health charity – Thrive.

A national charity working across three centres in London, Birmingham and Reading, Thrive is a leading provider of Social and Therapeutic Horticulture in the UK, delivering training for professionals and a range of programmes to support people experiencing ill health, disability or disadvantage.

Improving people’s physical, mental and social health through gardening, over the next 12 months the new partnership will see Vitax support Thrive’s Life Changers programme in Birmingham.

Commenting on the collaboration Anja Gooding, Vitax’s CEO, says: “Thrive is a fantastic charity and we are particularly thrilled to be able to support the Life Changers programme in Birmingham.

“Gardening has the power to transform lives and the charity's focus on Social and Therapeutic Horticulture not only helps to improve mental health, but enhances physical wellbeing and fosters a sense of purpose and social inclusion.

“We are excited to work with Thrive to witness the positive impact the programme will have on both individuals and local communities, and the far-reaching benefits gardening can bring.”

Thrive’s Life Changers programme provides a vital lifeline to people living with a life changing illness, injury or long-term health condition, or who have experienced a life changing event, such as those recovering from a stroke, cancer, surgery or living with diabetes, multiple sclerosis, long covid or other health conditions.

Already delivering the Life Changers programme in London and Reading, Vitax’s generous backing has enabled the charity to expand this life changing work in Birmingham, reaching more individuals who need it most.

Ben Thomas, CEO of Thrive, says: “We’re proud to partner with Vitax to deliver our Life Changers programme in Birmingham.

“As a long-established, family-owned company with a deep commitment to gardening and the environment, Vitax shares many of the values that underpin our work, from promoting wellbeing through nature, to ensuring that gardening is accessible and meaningful to everyone, regardless of background or ability.

“With Vitax’s support, we can reach more people in Birmingham who are facing challenges, and together we can help to rebuild confidence, develop new skills, and find renewed purpose through therapeutic gardening.”

Vitax’s ongoing mission is to promote horticulture and produce premium-quality products that nurture and protect the growing environment.

This partnership with Thrive extends that mission beyond gardens to the wider community, helping to bring the joys and benefits of gardening to even more people.

For more information about Thrive, visit http://www.thrive.org.uk

On 4 November, the Horticultural Trade Association (HTA)’s Director of Policy and Public Affairs, Jennifer Pheasey, welcomed His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Europe, Ceri Morgan, alongside partners from Union Fleurs, VGB and Royal Flora Holland at the annual Trade Fair Aalsmeer in the Netherlands.

The visit, held during International Trade Week, recognised the vast significance of UK-EU horticultural trading supply chains and business relationships.

The Commissioner toured the trade fair and met with several businesses before delivering the opening address at a roundtable discussion with leading organisations. The high-level visit provided an opportunity to reaffirm the UK’s ambitions for the EU-UK reset in trade relations.

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

“The visit from the UK’s Trade Commissioner for Europe, Ceri Morgan, was a significant opportunity for her to see first-hand a diverse range of horticulture and floricultural products and, more importantly, to speak to businesses facing numerous trading challenges and also future opportunities.

“As the HTA representative for UK environmental horticulture, I was able to set out the trade barriers our members currently face and express our clear ambitions to boost British horticulture. These ambitions are critical: we seek swift delivery and implementation of the EU-UK reset aims for a common SPS area to remove bureaucracy and border costs, easements and action on challenges faced today at UK borders, as well as close collaboration with the industry to ensure full preparedness for future opportunities to export more, trade more and grow UK horticulture.”

Recent HTA trade work - delivering for UK horticulture 

The HTA continues to keep international trade high on the agenda, working closely with UK members and European partners to address ongoing challenges in horticultural trade between the UK and the EU. The association also plays an active role in the UK Domestic Advisory Group (DAG) as part of the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement.

Last month, Jennifer represented the HTA at GreenItaly, where she discussed key trade issues, including costs, delays, damages, and the capacity of Border Control Posts. Strengthening these international links further, the HTA’s Technical and Trade Policy Manager, Sally Cullimore, visited the Netherlands and Belgium to meet European counterparts, nurseries, and suppliers, and attended a high-profile reception hosted by the UK Ambassador to the Netherlands.

The HTA also recently welcomed Union Fleurs – the International Flower Trade Association – to the UK for a visit to New Covent Garden Market, which included discussions with Defra’s Lizzie Chatterjee on border challenges, SPS negotiations, and the UK-EU Reset. The HTA also joined global sector representatives at the AIPH Annual Congress in Ghent. Collectively, these activities highlight the HTA’s leadership in driving forward international collaboration and ensuring UK environmental horticulture remains globally connected.

The HTA has also welcomed the publication of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) Committee report, ‘UK-EU Trade: Towards a Resilient Border Strategy’, which concluded that the UK’s commercial animal and plant imports system is “inadequate” and lacking effective oversight. The HTA submitted detailed written and oral evidence to the Committee, and is pleased that the final report reflects several of its key recommendations. These include adopting a hybrid inspection model that combines Border Control Post and Place of Destination inspections to reduce plant damage, delays, and improve biosecurity; recognising the increased costs, administrative burdens, and supply chain disruption facing horticultural SMEs; and calling for greater transparency and consultation, including the publication of quarterly inspection data and closer collaboration between Defra and industry.

The environmental horticulture sector continues to be significantly affected by the current border regime, with regular reports of delays, damage, and added costs. The HTA strongly supports the UK–EU reset announced in May 2025, which, once implemented, should help remove barriers and bureaucracy for the trade of plants and plant products. In the meantime, the HTA continues to urge the government to explore all possible easements to support SMEs facing uncertainty and competitive pressures.

A well-functioning border system must safeguard biosecurity, restore business confidence, and support long-term competitiveness. The HTA is actively working with government agencies to identify issues raised by members and to seek swift, practical resolutions.

Later today, Sally Cullimore will attend a Business Exchange with the Economic and Trade Section of the EU Delegation to the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland. This is expected to be the first in a series of meetings aimed at strengthening collaboration as UK–EU trade discussions continue.

HTA members can get updates via the HTA website and also download the HTA's position paper on the forthcoming SPS Agreement.

British garden equipment brand Webb has expanded its Webb Eco cordless garden machinery range with the introduction of the X-Series. The new Webb Eco X-Series brings impressive 40V performance, versatility, and ease of use to gardeners looking for reliable power across every task.

Powered by two interchangeable 20V Lithium-ion batteries working together to deliver 40V, the Webb Eco X-Series combines cordless convenience with robust power across a full family of tools. From lawnmowers and trimmers to hedge trimmers, blowers, vacuums, chainsaws, and scarifiers, the range provides a complete garden care solution. 

The new X-Series builds on the success of the existing 20V Webb Eco range, which is well suited to smaller gardens and everyday maintenance. By introducing the 40V X-Series, Webb now offers a more powerful option for tackling larger gardens and tougher jobs, giving retailers a cordless solution that meets the needs of customers transitioning from petrol to cleaner, quieter alternatives. 

Designed to deliver high performance and long runtimes, every tool in the X-Series features advanced brushless motor technology for greater efficiency, less maintenance, and extended product life. The result is smooth, consistent output with reduced noise, zero emissions, and no trailing cables. 

Easy to use, the X-Series gives gardeners the freedom to work anywhere with confidence and control. Each machine is backed by Webb’s 3-year warranty and full spares availability for complete peace of mind. 

“The new 40V range marks the next generation of cordless garden power from Webb,” said Mark Moseley, Sales and Marketing Director at Handy. “The Webb Eco X-Series delivers a real step forward in performance and sustainability for medium to large gardens, offering exceptional power, efficiency, and ease of use – all at an accessible price point.” 

Order now for the 2026 season! 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 to apply for a trade account. 

RECOUP has launched Rstuff, an evolution of its long-running Pledge2Recycle Plastics campaign, designed to help communities and educational establishments think beyond recycling and embrace reuse, repair, and waste reduction.

Building on over a decade of experience delivering national recycling communications and working with local authorities, schools, and community groups, Rstuff expands RECOUP’s reach with accessible, practical resources that make sustainable living simple and engaging.

The launch comes at a time when the UK’s resource consumption is equivalent to using 2.6 planets’ worth of resources every year - a stark reminder that recycling alone is not enough. Rstuff aims to empower people to make small but meaningful changes that collectively reduce waste and overconsumption.

To celebrate the launch, Rstuff has unveiled its Christmas Toolkit, a free online package designed to support schools, councils, and community organisations in sharing positive messages around recycling, reuse, and waste minimisation during the festive period.

The toolkit includes:

• Key facts and tips on recycling and reducing waste at Christmas.
• Ready-to-use social media posts and graphics.
• Classroom and community resources to inspire discussion and action.

Other seasonal resources now available through Rstuff include:

• Christmas Jumper Swap Toolkit - promoting reuse and community spirit through clothing swaps.
• Coat Swap Toolkit - supporting families and individuals to stay warm sustainably while reducing textile waste.

“Rstuff represents the next step in RECOUP’s public engagement journey,” said Katherine Fleet, Head of Sustainability & Circularity at RECOUP. “While recycling remains vital, we know we must help people think more broadly about reuse, repair and waste prevention. Rstuff provides the tools and inspiration to make those everyday sustainable choices easier.”

RECOUP will continue to work closely with local authorities on recycling communication campaigns under the RECOUP brand, while Rstuff extends this work to community and educational audiences.

All resources, including the Christmas Toolkit, can be accessed at www.rstuff.uk.

As Scoop enters its 15th year, founder and curator Karen Radley is embracing a theme that feels like a love letter to the show’s spirit itself: Whimsical.

“For me, Whimsical is about curiosity, imagination and that distinctly British sense of humour that never takes itself too seriously,” says Radley. “It’s about craftsmanship meeting creativity - a place where elegance and eccentricity dance together.”

Taking place at Olympia National from 8–10 February 2026, Scoop is recognised by designers, fashion buyers, and industry experts as one of the UK’s leading fashion and lifestyle trade shows. From its inception, Scoop has stood apart from conventional trade shows. Set within an atmospheric and curated space, it’s a showcase that feels more like an art exhibition than a buying event. Each season, Radley transforms the space into a world of discovery, one that celebrates individuality, style, and the joy of design.

Whimsical, invites exhibitors and visitors alike to embrace the unexpected. Think colour stories with personality, and textures and silhouettes that tell stories of playfulness and poise. “Whimsy isn’t frivolous,” Radley adds. “It’s the spark that keeps fashion alive - that instinct to surprise, to delight, to make people smile.”

As Scoop celebrates 15 years as one of Europe’s most influential fashion trade shows, Whimsical feels like both a reflection and a renewal. It honours the event’s heritage of discovery and the brands that have shaped its story, while inviting a new generation of designers to reimagine what British creativity can look like in 2026.

The Autumn/Winter ’26 theme is brought to life visually in Scoop’s new campaign artwork, a vibrant illustration that captures the playful elegance of Whimsical. Featuring bold colours, imaginative characters, and storytelling details, from the stylishly adorned figures to Perry, Radley’s beloved dog, beneath an enchanting night sky, the artwork reflects the show’s spirit of curiosity, creativity, and delight. It sets the tone for a season that celebrates individuality, artistry, and the unexpected moments that make fashion magical.

Launched in February 2011 by Karen Radley, Scoop has evolved from a womenswear-exclusive event into a comprehensive showcase that now includes luxury homewares, beauty, lifestyle, and men’s collections. Each season, the exhibitor list is carefully curated to focus on emerging international designers and lifestyle brands, many of whom select Scoop as their only trade platform.

with all the news direct to your e-mail inbox.  The best news service every weekend and all the breaking news as it happens.

Subscribe for free using this link

Haskins Garden Centres has welcomed Wendy Axford as its new Chief Financial Officer to spearhead the brand’s long-term business strategy and drive ongoing transformation across its garden centre portfolio.

Wendy brings a wealth of experience to Haskins, having worked in high-level financial positions across sectors including retail, FMCG, manufacturing, and agriculture. She held previous roles at Hillier as Finance Director, and Vitacress, where she worked as Finance Director for its UK tomato business.

She commented: “I met Warren Haskins and Julian Winfield several years ago and was impressed by their industry knowledge and experience, so I’m thrilled to now join them and become part of an established, trusted garden retail brand. Haskins is known and loved by its customers for its high-quality offering across its sites. It’ll be great to bring fresh perspectives to help strengthen the brand’s existing reputation in the industry.”

Haskins’ new appointment comes as the brand introduces new enhancements across the business to adapt to changing customer needs, including new digital capabilities. The brand launched a new customer app on iOS and Android earlier this year, giving users access to special offers, competitions, and purchase tracking.

Haskins is also continuing to invest in its centres, with its West End site due to undergo a significant refurbishment across its restaurant and retail spaces at the end of the year.

Wendy continued: “It’s an exciting time to join Haskins as it undergoes a period of transformation, and I’ll be focussing on adding value by applying learnings from my previous career experience. For me, efficiency is critical to driving profitability and managing costs, ensuring every aspect of a business is working seamlessly together.

“The retail industry is constantly facing significant challenges, from economic pressures to changing consumer behaviours. It’s more important than ever before to have a solid business model in place to navigate such challenges. Haskins is in a strong position as all areas of the business emulate its consistent, high-quality standards. I look forward to working closely with teams across the whole business to futureproof the brand’s success.”

Haskins has approximately 750 employees, with five garden centres across the south of England including Dorset, Hampshire, Sussex, and Surrey. The business also owns Birdworld in Farnham. To find out more about the brand, visit https://www.haskins.co.uk/.

The GCA's garden centre members are being asked to nominate their Associate Member of the Year 2025 – with the winner crowned at the industry body’s Annual Conference in January (January 25 until 28, 2026).

The award recognises companies or individuals that have contributed to the success of the sector and that are highly regarded and valued by garden centres.

GCA CEO, Peter Burks, explains: “We’re inviting our member garden centres to share their nominations for who they believe should be named our Associate Member of the Year 2025.

“This award is our way of recognising the significant contribution to the success of garden centre businesses that Associate Members make. The award is highly regarded and valued by our Associate Members.

“There are no strict criteria for the selection of the winning supplier, members can simply vote for the company that has helped their centre the most, with service, new products or marketing, for example.

“The deadline for voting is 5pm on Friday, December 31, 2025, and all votes should be submitted by email to info@gca.org.uk. We will be presenting the Haskins Stewarts Cup to the winner at our 60th anniversary Annual Conference this January.”

The GCA’s Annual Conference will be held at Carden Park, Chester from January 25 until 28, 2026 and places can still be booked via https://gca.digitickets.co.uk/.

The GCA members conference pages on the body’s website have full details. There is also a dedicated email for any queries members, and those wishing to book for the event, may have: conference@gca.org.uk.

Peter continues: “Many garden centre suppliers don’t realise that they can join us. We welcome applications from any supplier offering products or services relevant to our garden centre members. We offer the opportunity to communicate and network with more than 200 of the UK’s leading garden centres. Anyone interested in joining and potentially becoming one of our Associate Members of the Year in the future, can find out more at https://gca.org.uk/suppliers/.”

Pictured: Last year’s GCA Associate of the Year winners Lyme Bay Winery.

spoga+gafa, the leading global trade fair for garden lifestyle and BBQs, will present itself with a revised concept in Cologne from 22 to 24 June 2026.

Under the title "growing forward", the trade fair is bundling the innovations with which it is responding to the dynamic market developments, changed consumer behaviour and the demands in modern trade fairs. The concept was drawn up in close cooperation with the industry.

"growing forward represents the consistent further development of spoga+gafa in the interests of the garden industry," said Claudia Maurer, Director of spoga+gafa. "We are addressing key outdoor trends, creating clear structures and promoting the exchange between our theme worlds – to ensure a trade fair experience that provides orientation and opens up targeted business opportunities. In this way, spoga+gafa will also underline its role as a central business platform and source of inspiration for the international garden lifestyle." 

New theme worlds and experiential areas 
The trusted focal themes Living (Decoration & Furniture), Creation&Care (Equipment and technology for garden design, plants and plant care) and BBQ remain to be the central pillars of spoga+gafa. They will be enhanced by new sections in 2026, which address the current market trends and additional target groups. 
 

Outdoor Adventure

The new theme world Outdoor Adventure reflects the growing design in everyday life for exercise, nature and adventure. Whether camping, hiking, fishing or games and sport in the garden: Outdoor Adventure unites products for small adventures directly on one's doorstep, a modern outdoor lifestyle and functional leisure solutions for young and old. As such, spoga+gafa targets a wide trade audience: Dealers from the sports, camping, travel and outdoor lifestyle segments as well as DIY stores, discounters, department stores and eCommerce stores and many more. 
 

Object.Europe - 100% design. 100% selected

In the scope of Object.Europe a new curated section is being created, which showcases top-level European outdoor design. Object.Europe stands for high quality standards, sustainable production, fair working conditions, predominantly short supply chains as well as for transparency, design tradition and innovation – a platform where design becomes a lifestyle. The area is being developed and curated by and with Angelika Müller, Editor and Publishing Director of the premium magazine, H.O.M.E. The new section targets architects, interior designers as well as decision-makers from the hospitality, property business and premium trade segments.
 

Flavour Market

As of 2026, spoga+gafa will enhance the offers of its BBQ hall every two years to include the Flavour Market. Flavour Market – an experiential area focusing on enjoyment and exchange. Product presentations meet tastings here. For example, the focus lies on sauces, marinades, spices and beverages as well as on meat and sausage, stationary cooling solutions and fresh herbs. 
Connecting BBQ, food and lifestyle themes creates new cross-selling potentials and among others addresses the specialised trade and buyers from the grilling, BBQ, food & beverage, delicatessen, outdoor lifestyle sections, the retail and DIY trade as well as from the food service area.
 

Garden Sourcing Hub

The new Garden Sourcing Hub offers Asiatic exhibitors with high-volume or low-priced products a dedicated section. Corresponding group participants will also be represented here in future. Buyers will thus be able to find a clear overview of competitive sourcing solutions from the garden lifestyle, BBQ and Outdoor Adventure sections here. Established and internationally known brands with larger and more individual stand areas will continue to exhibit in the other theme worlds.

spoga+gafa growing forward – together with the industry, market and people 
With clearly structured theme worlds, an optimised hall layout and improved visitor guidance, spoga+gafa 2026 is betting on orientation, efficiency and experiences. The targeted address of new target groups and sales channels strengthens its role as an international business platform. Emotionally engaging experiential areas and interactive formats create additional attractions, inspiration and promote the sense of community within the industry. 

spoga+gafa 2026 is being staged in Cologne from 22 to 24 June. For further information see www.spogagafa.com

A new industry report has uncovered the UK’s top online plant brands for 2025. 

Salience Search Marketing's annual online UK plant sector report uncovers the industry's leaders based on their online prominence and visibility. 

The report analysed 11 crucial performance indicators for online plant brands to reveal the industry's most successful names, including year-on-year visibility, search volume trends, and brand awareness. The full report is available to view here. 

The Market Leaders 

The industry’s market leaders are determined by estimations for each brand’s year-on-year organic traffic score. Based on keywords from the top 100 organic search results for each brand, sourced by Ahrefs, a site’s search traffic is estimated for each keyword based on its ranking position, monthly search volume, and an estimated click-through rate. An estimation is then calculated for each keyword.

The organic traffic score indicates overall website growth and decline. While these aren’t accurate representations of traffic in Google Analytics, they are performance metrics relative to domains.

The findings crown Bloom and Wild as the online plant industry’s market leader, by some distance. With an impressive organic traffic score of 544,323, the UK retailer tops all other brands in the industry, securing its leading position for the second consecutive year.

Meanwhile, other brands such as Dobbies and Thompson Morgan are also in the top five with 348,265 and 284,315 organic traffic scores, respectively. These scores indicate excellent organic visibility and a well-planned strategy, which resulted in strong traffic figures.

Other brands in the top ten include RHS Plants, J Parker’s and Sarah Raven.

The Best-Rated

A' score' was calculated to determine each brand's ranking by analysing its Trustpilot average star rating and the total number of reviews.

Bloom and Wild has been revealed as the best-rated UK online plant brand. It has a respectable review score across a healthy portion of online feedback, highlighting top-quality customer service. Bloom and Wild has a 4.6 review score across over 65,023 reviews. 

Other top performers include Long Acres, with a review score of 4.7 across 37,688 reviews and You Garden, which also made the top three, recording an average review score of 4.2 with 100,385 pieces of feedback.

The online plant industry is highly competitive; many brands record extensive online feedback. Overall, seven of the top ten brands recorded over 20,000 reviews.

The Most Prominent

The report identifies the most prominent brands within the online plant industry based on consumer familiarity with the brand through online searches or social media interactions. 

By merging branded search metrics with social media performance, the report determines which brands stand out across various channels, offering insights into their overall prominence in the market.

Bloom and Wild leads the way in terms of brand awareness this year. Overall, the brand records over 165,000 monthly brand searches with an owned social score of 876.

Dobbies and Farmer Gracy follow with 482 and 695 owned social scores, respectively, demonstrating their commitment to maintaining and improving brand awareness. 

Other online plant brands that made the top ten include Farmer Gracy, Sarah Raven and Patch Plants, each recording a healthy amount of monthly brand searches.

The Biggest Online Growth 

Central to this analysis is each brand's online visibility ranking, which is determined by the organic search traffic its website attracts. This metric is vital for understanding the website's overall growth or decline.

These five online plant brands have experienced the most significant growth in online visibility over the past twelve months, with Bloom and Wild securing the top spot. This brand has increased its traffic score by over half (55%), from 351,867 in 2024 to 544,323 in 2025, demonstrating clear efforts to boost online visibility.

Mr Fothergill’s experienced the most impressive surge, increasing visibility by more than triple (232%), from 24,327 to 80,646 in traffic, marking an impressive twelve-month period.

The Biggest Decline in Online Visibility 

The report also uncovers the brands facing the biggest drop in online visibility. 

On the opposite end of the scale, Crocus have seen traffic fall by 16% over the past twelve months. For 2025, the brand’s traffic score now sits at 134,687. 

Additionally, Hortology (20%) and Jackson Nurseries (26%) experienced turbulent years, while Hayes Garden World lost 100% of its visibility, following a site migration in early 2025.

Brett Janes, Managing Director at Salience Search Marketing, said: “Our latest Online Plants Report has highlighted the brands to watch in this incredibly competitive industry, with Bloom and Wild revealed as the UK’s market leaders, highlighting a very successful strategy.

“Additionally, it was great to see so many brands boost it’s online visibility this year, with Bloom and Wild, Dobies and RHS Plants all experiencing growth in 2025. It’ll be interesting to see how this develops over the next twelve months and if a new brand will emerge as the UK’s online plant market leader.”

The full UK Online Plant Report 2025 is available to read and download here.

Leading garden and grounds care machinery manufacturer STIGA has been appointed Official Groundskeeping Partner of England’s Rugby Football Union (RFU).

In this role, STIGA will support both the senior men’s and women’s teams, as well as grassroots rugby clubs nationwide. With over 90 years of technical expertise in garden care, STIGA blends cutting-edge technology with sustainable solutions to deliver professional-quality performance on any surface.

The multi-year partnership with England’s Rugby Football Union (RFU) reflects STIGA’s commitment to easing the load on volunteers and grounds teams in pitch maintenance, while ensuring world-class playing surfaces for sports players at every level, contributing to nurturing rugby from the ground up. As part of the agreement, the garden care brand will support the maintenance of pitches and green spaces across the country, from elite England Rugby training facilities to grassroots clubs, by providing access to its cutting-edge autonomous robot mowers and battery-powered equipment. Designed to deliver professional-quality results with minimal effort, STIGA’s intelligent, wireless mowing technology helps optimise turf care, reduce workload for grounds teams, and ensure consistently high-quality playing surfaces for players at every level of the game.

James Gordon, Managing Director of STIGA UK, said: “We’re proud to be the Official Groundskeeping Partner of the RFU. Rugby is built on strong foundations, and we believe great games start with great grounds. By showcasing the quality and innovation of STIGA products, we will support clubs, inspire fans, and elevate standards across the sport.”

Claudio Borges, RFU Executive Director of Commercial and Marketing, said: “We are very excited to start this partnership with STIGA. We have aligned values and are excited to see where we can take this new relationship. Having the best pitches and training facilities is paramount to any professional team’s performance, and we are delighted that we will be getting support on this from STIGA.”

The partnership will be showcased through joint activations, branding across the Union’s channels, as well as those of the senior men’s and women’s teams and grassroots clubs, alongside a strengthened presence during key matches. Furthermore, demonstrating its commitment to the wider rugby community, STIGA will introduce an exclusive discount programme for all England Rugby clubs, the players and their members...available via stiga.com. A portion of proceeds from these purchases will be reinvested directly into the RFU community, further reinforcing STIGA’s dedication to strengthening rugby from the ground up, while supporting clubs at every level of the game.

This unprecedented partnership between STIGA and RFU strengthens the brand’s presence in the sports sector and complements its existing collaborations with clubs such as Stade Toulousain in France, Bayer 04 Leverkusen in Germany, Benetton Rugby in Italy, Lech Poznań in Poland, and many others across Europe. This alliance aligns with STIGA’s recent expansion into the professional segment, leveraging over 90 years of expertise in lawn care.

A member of the leadership team at Google’s Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) HQ in Dublin will be speaking at the Garden Centre Association’s (GCA) Conference at Carden Park Chester (January 26, 2026).

Edoardo Bortolato, who heads Google’s Large Customer Sales Team for Italy, Spain and Portugal, is speaking at the GCA’s 60th anniversary year event in a personal capacity about AI.

GCA Chairman Elect and Operations Director of Haskins Garden Centres, Ben Harrison explains: “We’re delighted that Edoardo has taken time out of his busy schedule to be able to join us on Monday, January 26 to give delegates some useful pointers. He will be speaking on how AI could help improve the efficiency of our businesses and/or improve the customer journey.

“I would like to stress that Edoardo is joining us outside of his work remit and will not be representing Google’s point of view on this topic but will be bringing his personal opinions and vast experience to the podium for his talk.”

Prior to joining Google in 2018, he collected extensive international experience from roles at BCG in Italy and the Middle East, as well as Tesco in the UK and STMicroelectronics in Italy and Japan, spanning sales, business development and strategy.

Beyond his corporate career, Edoardo is also the founder of the footwear and accessories fashion brand Bote A Mano.

Peter Burks, GCA CEO adds: “It’s a coup for us to have an internationally renown customer sales expert, who is able to speak about AI, on our roster of speakers for our 2026 Annual Conference. We’re sure Edoardo will offer lots of interesting insights and hints and tips for our members to take away and use back at their garden centres after the event.

“To find out more and to book tickets, please visit the conference pages in the members’ section of our website or go directly to https://gca.digitickets.co.uk/. For any further queries, please contact the dedicated conference email: conference@gca.org.uk. If non-members are interested in joining us to attend the event, please email info@gca.org.uk.”

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.

The 2026 GCA Conference takes place at Carden Park Chester from January 25 until 28.

For further information and to book tickets for the 2026 GCA Conference, please visit www.gca.org.uk.

Southport in Bloom has won the Royal Horticultural Society’s (RHS) Britain in Bloom UK Finals Competition 2025, securing a RHS Gold, winning the Coastal category and achieving the accolade of Overall Winner. The results from the national competition run by the charity were unveiled on BBC The One Show this evening.

Having impressed Bloom judges at the regional round of the competition, 44 groups were selected to represent their regions in the Finals, competing in eight categories for a RHS award: gold, silver gilt, silver or bronze.

The Bloom judges were bowled over by Southport in Bloom’s passionate dedication to environmental improvement and community involvement as well as their outstanding horticultural accomplishments. They praised Southport’s ‘absolutely stunning’ Rotten Row, a popular attraction to the seaside town and one of the UK’s longest continuous herbaceous borders. Stretching over 3,843 square metres, Rotten Row was saved from being grassed over in 2011 by a team of 30 volunteers, who have since enhanced it with 250,000 new plants – from heritage varieties of Rudbeckia to the striking pineapple flowers of Eucomis.

Southport Botanic Gardens made a lasting impression on the judges, particularly as they marked their 150th anniversary this year. Ongoing efforts to enhance and evolve the gardens were commended, with special mentions going to the lovingly tended Grade II listed fernery as well as more recent developments such as a Wellness and Dementia Garden and creation of a new garden at the Town Hall. Originally planted with plants left by local people commemorating the victims of the town’s 2024 tragedy, the site has since evolved into a pink and white themed garden reflecting the colour of the ribbons left in their memory. Now, in accordance with the wishes of the families affected, the gardens will be transformed into a welcoming and family-focused space for open-air performances. 

Elsewhere the judges were delighted by Southport’s ‘orchid roundabout’, which has been carefully managed with restricted mowing and as a result is now a haven for native orchids and other wildflowers. Judges also commended the inspiring efforts to involve local children and young people in gardening, notably through the Schools Garden Competition.

Darren Share, Chair of the RHS Britain in Bloom judges, said: “We are delighted to announce Southport as Overall Winner of the Britain in Bloom UK Finals 2025. In a year when community was so important, Southport have admirably demonstrated the power of gardening together. Securing Gold across all three judging categories – horticulture, environment, and community – they have made an outstanding contribution to improving their local area, benefitting residents and visitors alike.”

Other notable category winners include:

• Aberdeen Communities Together, winner of the Small City & City category. Aberdeen displayed strong community spirit, from engaging residents to get involved in restoring the city following damage caused by Storms Eowin and Floris this year, to projects helping disadvantaged people regain control of their lives. The Winter Garden was highlighted for its design and planting scheme including an extensive display of pelargoniums.
• Filby in Bloom, winner of the Village & Large Village category, demonstrated a strong focus on biodiversity, with a new wildflower meadow already home to 100 species of moths and 11 species of bats.
• Community Champion winner Annette Whitney, Head Gardener for Rockdale Housing retirement flats, has implemented various ways for residents to get involved with horticulture, including a fruit and vegetable area where they are encouraged to grow and harvest their own produce.
• Young Champion winner Olivia, aged 8, has been recognised for her enthusiasm and dedication to horticulture, having helped with the planting of a new wildflower meadow near Thornbury town centre. Judges were particularly impressed by Olivia’s skills in identifying various wildflowers.

Sarah Galvin, RHS Head of National Community Programmes, said: “We were highly impressed with the standard of entries this year, with all of the finalists having such a positive impact on their local communities. Each group showcased exceptional community spirit and a strong commitment to enhancing their local environment, demonstrating the core values of community, sustainability, and horticulture at the heart of the RHS Britain in Bloom competition.”

The winners were presented with their awards at the RHS Britain in Bloom Finals Competition 2025 awards ceremony, hosted today in Brighton by RHS judge James Alexander-Sinclair and garden designer, broadcaster, writer and RHS Ambassador, Arit Anderson.

For the full list of Britain in Bloom results, please visit:  www.rhs.org.uk/get-involved/britain-in-bloom/bloom-awards-results

Trans-Continental, whose brands include SnowTime and SunTime, has announced a change of direction. From 2026 the company will concentrate on supplying customers predominantly by direct containers: the warehousing operation will be slimmed down and the direct despatch arm of the business discontinued.  

Chairman Michael Withers commented: “Times change and companies must change with them. Many of our customers have moved to ordering full containers of products, allowing them to compete with other retailers who benefit from the economies inherent in this process. Warehousing and distribution has become more and more expensive and the regulations of the process increasingly onerous.

"This move represents the next stage in the company’s growth and we look forward to continuing to source excellent products and serving our customers in the years to come."

The company also announced the signing of an exciting new licence to market branded Christmas products, the revealing of which will take place next month.

Westland Horticulture has appointed Colum Donnelly as its new Technical Director, bringing with him a wealth of expertise and leadership from across the horticulture and fresh produce sectors.

Colum joins Westland from his most recent role as Group Technical Director of MM Flowers and Managing Director of Apex Horticulture. His earlier career includes senior positions at Bakkavor and Marks & Spencer, where he built extensive experience in technical excellence, product innovation, and supply chain leadership.

In his new role at Westland, Colum will lead technical product innovation across the entire group, ensuring the company continues to set the standard in horticultural excellence. He will help to shape and bring a fresh energy to our technical and innovation projects across all areas including growing media, fertilisers, controls, and seed. A key change to Westland structure will be to bring the Professional division under the stewardship of Colum. This will ensure a seamless approach to growing media, plant nutrition and additives programmes from grower to retailer, and ultimately consumer. Colum joins at the same time our new Research & Development Centre is fully operational. The state-of-the-art facility is focused on developing the next generation of medium, additives and plant nutrition.”

Colum Donnelly commented: “I am excited to be joining Westland at such a pivotal time for the industry. With the opening of the new Westland Research & Development Centre, and the company’s strong commitment to innovation, quality and consistency, there is a huge opportunity to shape the future of horticulture. I look forward to working with the talented Westland team to drive forward growth and technical excellence.” 

Keith Nicholson, Group Marketing Director, at Westland, added: “We are delighted to welcome Colum to Westland. His proven track record in technical leadership and product development will be an invaluable addition to the team. Colum’s expertise will ensure Westland remains at the forefront of the industry, delivering the highest quality solutions for both professional growers and home gardeners.”

Notcutts Garden Centres has received a gold accreditation for the Best Employers Eastern Region Awards. The accreditation, awarded every two years, recognises Notcutts’ positive approach to the wellbeing and development of teams across its garden centres in Woodbridge, Norwich, Brampton and Peterborough, as well as its support office team in Woodbridge.

The Best Employers awards, created by Pure Resourcing Solutions and Eras over a decade ago, celebrates the region’s top employers, identifying excellent workplace culture, team, engagement and leadership.

Colleagues at Notcutts’ 19 garden centres nationwide complete an employee survey, with the results from the centres in the eastern region entered into the Best Employers awards. Successfully achieving survey scores in the top 25 per cent gives companies the opportunity to be awarded accreditation.

Notcutts were honoured to receive their Gold accreditation at the Best Employers Eastern Region Award Conference on 15th October at Newmarket Racecourse, joined by leaders, innovators and culture champions from across the region.

Sarah Dempsey, HR Director at Notcutts, said: “We are delighted to have achieved Gold accreditation in the Best Employers Eastern Region awards.  This recognition reflects the dedication and passion of our teams across the company and builds on the momentum from our Silver accreditation in 2023.  It’s a proud moment that reinforces our commitment to creating a workplace where people feel valued, supported and inspired to grow.

“Colleagues across our garden centres, restaurants and support office teams completed the Best Employers survey to give their feedback about working at Notcutts. The Best Employers judges praised our ‘well-rounded people strategy, highlighting strengths in recognition, development, wellbeing, diversity and community impact’. Our regular employee surveys are the cornerstone of our commitment to listening and learning from our colleagues and provide valuable insight into how our teams experience life at Notcutts and this feedback helps us shape a workplace where people can truly flourish.”

For more information about the Best Employers programme visit www.bestemployers.prs.uk.com. For more information on Notcutts visit www.notcutts.co.uk.

Pictured above: Sarah Dempsey, HR Director (centre with certificate) sharing success with Notcutts Woodbridge garden centre, restaurant and support office colleagues [Credit/Copyright: Notcutts Ltd].

British garden equipment manufacturer and distributor Handy has taken a major step in its sustainability journey with the installation of a state-of-the-art solar power and storage system at its Swindon headquarters. The project reflects Handy’s commitment to reducing its environmental impact, improving operational efficiency, and leading innovation in the garden machinery sector.

At the heart of the project is the Solis 50 kW hybrid inverter, paired with 20 kW of battery storage. This innovative technology, one of the first installations of its kind in the UK, enables Handy to store surplus energy for later use, power its entire HQ, and reduce reliance on the grid. The system is managed via the Solis Cloud platform, giving Handy access to detailed monthly reports, live performance data, and historic records, allowing real-time tracking of usage, savings, and energy strategy.

Since going live in 2024, Handy’s solar and battery system has delivered substantial clean electricity to its Swindon headquarters. The 194 high-performance 435 W UK solar panels have generated a total of 51,066 kWh, with 76% (approximately 38,788 kWh) directly consumed on-site and 24% (around 12,278 kWh) exported to the National Grid. In addition, 3,376 kWh has been drawn from the 20 kW battery to further supplement operations. Overall, around 60% of Handy’s total electricity consumption of 76,763 kWh has come from renewable sources, while the remainder was imported from the grid. According to Handy’s Solis Cloud monitoring platform, the system has already delivered significant energy and export benefits since installation, helping the business reduce its environmental impact and reliance on the grid.

“This investment is about more than just reducing costs,” said Steve Bartlett Managing Director. “By being one of the first commercial companies in the UK to deploy a 50 kW Solis hybrid with battery storage, we’re demonstrating Handy’s commitment to innovation, sustainability and leadership in our industry. It’s an investment in the future of our business, our customers and the environment.”

The system, installed by WRB Group in November 2024, was completed in just one week, with no disruption to production or day-to-day operations.

This new solar and storage installation is the latest step in its long-term sustainability strategy, which aims to reduce environmental impact, improve efficiency and set a positive example for the garden machinery sector.

“From the very start, we worked closely with the team at Handy to design a system that met their exact needs,” said Hugh McManus, Managing Director at WRB Group. “Our in-house team developed a tailored solution and completed the installation within a week, with minimal disruption to their operations. It was a pleasure to work with Handy on this project. After a full handover, we continue to support them to ensure the system delivers maximum performance and long-term value. This project shows what’s possible when organisations take a proactive approach to energy, and we look forward to helping more businesses across the UK and Ireland realise the benefits of renewable solutions.”

A family-owned company for more than 80 years, Handy operates from a purpose-built 70,000 sq. ft Swindon site, home to more than 45 staff. It’s garden machinery brands include Webb Garden Power and The Handy, and it is a distributor for other well known brands, including Greenworks. 

For more information on garden machinery manufacturer Handy, go to handys.co.uk or visit Solar PV Supplier & Installer WRB Group www.wrbni.uk 

Having enjoyed a record year in 2025 and delivered exceptional market leading service levels for their clients, RocketGro further expands its production capacity with the acquisition of more storage capacity.

RocketGro has until now had the ability to hold 1100 full pallets of product at any one time. With this acquisition, RocketGro will be able to hold 6100 full pallets at any one time. A massive increase that will ensure garden centres always receive their order on time through 2026 however busy the year.

RocketGro are delighted to have secured enough ‘concrete,’ only 1 mile away from their production plant, to enable the company to have on hand at any one time enough pallets to fill 254 Artic lorries. Having two storage locations (1100 & 5000 pallets) also enables RocketGro to double the number of Artic lorries that leave the business every day. And being so close to their manufacturing plants keeps the Carbon footprint of transport to a minimum.

The company matures its compost for at least 9 months. Bags fresh, and stores complete pallets for a minimum time period, ensuring garden centres receive product in tip top condition. This new storage capacity will maintain that approach and at the same time embrace the needs of garden centres who sometimes urgently need a delivery within 48 hours during peak periods and need reliable supply.

RocketGro Managing Director Toby Thomas commented: “This development is hugely significant for us. This season we have managed exceptional service levels for our clients and we are super proud of our team for delivering that. Being able to store 5x more complete pallets on a revolving basis is a massive step forward in ensuring we maintain those service levels and ensure we will not run out of completed stock in 2026. We expect to increase sales by 30% in 2026 over 2025. This added space so close to our farm is a game changer and sets us up for further success.”

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

Blue Diamond Blackdown - GTN's Greatest Christmas Awards 2025 judges visit, 22nd October 2025

See the gallery of photos below

Ransoms Jersey - GTN's Greatest Christmas Awards 2025 judges visit, 20th October 2025.

See the gallery of photos below

Summerhill Garden Centre- GTN's Greatest Christmas Awards 2025 judges visit, 22nd October 2025.

See the gallery of photos below