Garden Trade News (GTN) has been shortlisted in the prestigious Garden Media Guild Awards in the Industry & Association Publication of the Year.

GTN takes its place in the final five alongside The Dirt (Horticulture News Daily), The Organic Way, HortWeek and Pro Landscaper.

Judged by leading gardening professionals and media experts, the GMG Awards are the trusted benchmark for horticultural accuracy, creativity and excellence in media.

The winners will be announced at the GMG Awards Lunch on 20 November.

The latest HTA Market Update (October 2026) reports encouraging news, with garden centre sales, including catering, increasing year-on-year. But while higher turnover is welcome, it doesn't automatically mean higher profit.

For many garden centres and nurseries, rising employment costs, inflationary pressures and increasing operating expenses mean profitability is under greater scrutiny than ever. The challenge is no longer simply generating more sales. It's ensuring every labour hour delivers value.

Demand across a garden centre is rarely consistent. A busy café doesn't necessarily mean additional staff are needed in the plant area. Weather changes, seasonal peaks, local events and customer behaviour can all significantly impact where and when resource is required.

When costs rise, reducing staffing levels can seem like an obvious solution. However, fewer team members often result in longer queues, reduced customer service, missed sales opportunities and increased pressure on existing staff. Cutting labour costs without understanding customer demand can prove a false economy.

The real opportunity lies in deploying the right people, with the right skills, in the right place at the right time.

WorkForce Manager has been developed specifically for garden centres and nurseries to help managers achieve exactly that. Its new SMART Rota feature considers departmental demand, employee skills and availability, contractual requirements, weather forecasts and local events to create more effective schedules.

The result? Better labour cost control, reduced administration, improved service levels and more informed decision-making.

As garden centres look ahead to 2027, the most successful businesses may not be those employing the fewest people, but those making the smartest use of the teams they already have.

Looking to make better use of your existing team?

Book a free demonstration to see how WorkForce Manager helps garden centres and nurseries deploy the right people, with the right skills, in the right place at the right time.

www.workforce-manager.co.uk

info@workforce-manager.co.uk

01604 697101

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

RocketGro is thrilled to be able to announce the release of its second TV advert. Incorporating vibrant, eye catching, intense images and audio, RocketGro has produced a stunning second advert that takes the company up a level and places a marker down by elevating what can be done in the world of growing media.

By avoiding the traditional advert form that may be associated with the gardening sector, RocketGro is attempting to take a modern forward thinking position that embraces both the youth and the nostalgia of older generations.  

With yet more projected growth in 2027, RocketGro is making sure their marketing spend really pays off and grabs eyes across online platforms. RocketGro is not a gardening sector household name…yet. That is changing fast and the brand grows from strength to strength. More and more customers now walk into garden centres and ask if they sell RocketGro. 

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

Watch the advert here

Find out more

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

As wild birds prepare for winter, autumn offers garden retailers a timely opportunity to drive sales while helping customers support garden wildlife, says Honeyfields.

Wild birds face changing conditions in the autumn, with increasing demands on their energy reserves. Resident birds are preparing for colder weather, migrants are stopping to refuel and many species are moulting. 

“Autumn is a season of preparation,” says Sarah Kitson, Head of Marketing at Honeyfields. “It’s an ideal time for retailers to engage customers with the importance of consistent bird feeding, while highlighting products that provide the energy and nutrition birds need as temperatures fall.”

Honeyfields recommends stocking energy-dense foods such as sunflower hearts, peanuts, suet and quality seed blends. Sunflower hearts and suet products, including blocks, pellets and fat balls, are a convenient way for customers to provide high-energy food for garden visitors, while seed blends can attract a broader range of species.

Retailers can expect customers to notice feeders emptying faster than during the summer. Simple advice around checking and replenishing feeders regularly can help establish consistent feeding routines - and encourage repeat purchases.

Hygiene is another important part of the customer conversation. Honeyfields advises regular feeder cleaning, access to fresh water and the removal of wet or uneaten food to help maintain a healthy feeding environment.

For garden retailers, autumn is more than a change in season: it is an opportunity to combine practical advice with relevant product solutions, encouraging customers to make bird care part of their year-round garden routine.

To find out more, contact your Regional Sales Manager or call 0845 257 0232.

It's full steam ahead for Corby + Fellas at Morris of Usk Garden Centre where the company has installed its WinRetail retail management system.

The Morris’ story began in 1982, when Chris and Jane Morris purchased The Nurseries in Llanbadoc.

Growing demand led to the garden centre opening in 1990, and today it remains family owned and run, with a garden centre, farm shop and restaurant, alongside its own two-acre nursery.

Pictured are Jac, Gillian, Kate and Helen from Morris of Usk, alongside Jacob and Jamie from C+F. Jac has taken the driving seat on the vintage tractor – with WinRetail installed, it’s full steam ahead!

The Horticultural Trades Association’s October Market Update shows garden centre sales rose 6% in September 2026. Gardening category sales were up 11% year on year after a difficult August, while overall sales were 13% higher than in September 2024.

The rise in gardening category sales may reflect people returning to their gardens after the extremely hot, dry summer and a longer gardening season thanks to warmer-than-usual weather later in the year. However, September usually accounts for only 7% of annual garden centre sales, so the increase has had a limited effect on the year-to-date figures.

Fran Barnes, Chief Executive of the HTA, said: “September brought some welcome recovery for garden centres, but it is important to keep this in perspective. Gardening sales are still behind last year, showing how difficult it has been to recover the ground lost over the summer. A change in the weather does not mean the effects of the extreme conditions have gone away.

“Consumer confidence has risen for three months in a row and is now at its highest level since August 2024, but remains negative at -13. People are still cautious about spending, which continues to make trading difficult for retailers.

“The weather remains a serious concern, with Temporary Use Bans continuing to affect around 30 million people. The Environment Agency says rainfall will need to reach 120% of the average over the coming months for the country to be out of drought by spring. While funding for reservoir construction, changes to the abstraction licence application process and the new Flood and Drought Resilience Taskforce are welcome steps, more support is needed to help horticultural businesses secure reliable water supplies and invest in resilience. The HTA continues to call for practical measures and long-term investment in water storage and infrastructure so members can manage increasingly unpredictable conditions and keep growing the plants people, communities, and the environment depend on.

“At the same time, higher employment, supply chain and fuel costs are squeezing margins. Sales growth is welcome, but it does not necessarily mean better profits. Our members are working hard to adapt, but they need a supportive business environment and policies that recognise horticulture’s contribution to jobs, local economies and the UK’s green infrastructure.”

This month’s headline data show sales of hardy plants, shrubs, trees and seeds were up 20% from September 2025. Indoor plant sales increased 11%, and bedding and other plants increased by 10%. Garden furniture saw a smaller increase of 1% and remained 11% below September 2024, while sales of barbecues and heating products fell by 8%.

The number of transactions, excluding catering, rose 2% year on year. Average transaction value increased 5% to £22.20 excluding VAT, ahead of the latest CPIH inflation rate of 3.3%. Café and restaurant sales rose 7%, boosting overall performance, while non-gardening sales excluding catering rose 1%.

For the year to the end of September, overall garden centre sales were 2% higher than in 2025 and 12% higher than in 2024. Excluding catering, sales were unchanged from 2025. Gardening category sales were still 1% behind 2025, although the gap has narrowed since August, and 8% ahead of 2024. Non-gardening sales, including catering, were 6% higher year on year, with catering sales up 9%.

September was the UK’s fourth-warmest on record, with temperatures 1.7°C above the long-term average. Rainfall across the UK was 104% of the long-term average, and sunshine was near average. However, the national picture does not show the regional differences or the continuing impact of the prolonged dry weather.

The HTA’s monthly Market Update brings together garden centre sales data with consumer confidence, weather, inflation and other economic measures affecting the horticulture sector. HTA members can find more detail in this month’s Market Update on our website.

The Greenfingers Charity has announced it will host its first-ever Golf Day at Staverton Park on Thursday, 15th April 2027, bringing keen golfers and businesses together for a fun-filled event to help further fund the creation of magical gardens at children’s hospices across the UK.

Players are invited to enter individually or in teams of two for a day of golf, friendly competition and fundraising, with every player who participates helping to make a difference to children with life-limiting conditions, their families and carers.

The inaugural event offers a wonderful opportunity to enjoy time on the course with friends, colleagues and fellow supporters, whilst raising vital funds for a charity whose gardens provide precious places to play, care, learn, grow and remember.

Linda Petrons, Director of Fundraising & Communications at Greenfingers Charity said: “We’re delighted to be launching our first Greenfingers Golf Day and look forward to welcoming familiar faces and new supporters to Staverton Park. It promises to be a fantastic day, bringing people together for some friendly competition while supporting a cause close to all our hearts.

“Every team that joins us and every sponsor who lends their support will help us create more magical gardens where children and families can enjoy precious time together. We’d love to hear from anyone keen to play, sponsor the event or donate a prize.”

As well as inviting players to sign up, Greenfingers is also calling on businesses and individuals to support the Golf Day through sponsorship.

Backing this debut event offers businesses an opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to the charity’s work and connect with its supporters. Greenfingers would welcome conversations with organisations interested in sponsorship packages, donating prizes or contributing to the day in other ways.

Whether entering a team or becoming a sponsor, showing your support for this dedicated new fundraising initiative will help Greenfingers bring the benefits of beautiful outdoor spaces to more children and families.

To register your interest in playing contact: Kirsty@greenfingerscharity.org.uk, or to discuss sponsorship opportunities, email: Linda@greenfingerscharity.org.uk

British garden equipment brand Webb Garden Power has made new product videos, product photography and lifestyle images available to help garden centres, machinery dealers and other retail stockists refresh their marketing and showcase the Webb range at its best.

Designed for use across product listings, website banners, social media and email campaigns, the latest assets released by Webb give retailers fresh content to explain product features and help customers choose suitable machinery for their gardens.  It enables retailers to update existing listings, introduce new products and keep their promotional channels current throughout the gardening year. Combining product information with imagery and video can help customers understand how individual tools fit into their garden care routine.

The new material covers Webb Eco 20V and X-Series 40V cordless garden machinery ranges, the latter of which has been launched this year, along with the highly popular Webb pressure washers, plus further products across the range. Product photography provides clear views of the machinery, while lifestyle imagery and video help bring the features and garden applications to life.

The asset refresh follows the introduction of the Webb Eco X-Series in 2026, extending the brand’s cordless offering into higher-powered machinery for medium to large gardens. Using two interchangeable 20V lithium-ion batteries together to deliver 40V performance, the X-Series gives retailers an option for customers seeking greater capability for larger spaces and more demanding tasks.

The range spans lawnmowers, grass trimmers, hedge trimmers, blowers, vacuums, chainsaws and scarifiers. Products suited to autumn and winter maintenance include the 40V brushless axial blower, blower and vacuum, hedge trimmer, chainsaw and four-in-one multi-tool, providing opportunities for retailers to build seasonal campaigns around leaf clearance, hedge maintenance, pruning and garden tidying.

Alongside the X-Series, the established Webb Eco 20V platform caters for smaller gardens and everyday maintenance.

Together, the two cordless ranges help retailers present a choice of tools for different garden sizes and requirements, supported by photography and video that customers can explore before purchasing.

Webb’s wider portfolio also includes corded electric and petrol machinery, with product categories ranging from lawnmowers and line trimmers to hedge trimmers, blowers and vacuums, chainsaws, scarifiers and cultivators. This breadth enables stockists to offer customers a choice of power sources and equipment to suit their gardening needs.

For access to the latest Webb Garden Power photography and videos, or for further support, please go to https://handytrade.co.uk/help-support/

Supporters from across the horticultural industry came together in London for Perennial’s annual Dig Deep fundraising lunch, raising vital funds to support people working in horticulture and their families.

The event brought together horticultural businesses, professionals, supporters and friends on Friday 9 October to raise vital funds for the charity that supports everyone facing challenges in horticulture.

Hosted by horticultural celebrities James Alexander-Sinclair and Joe Swift, the event featured lively conversation, entertainment from magician David Redfearn, and a live auction, helping to raise over £46,500 to support Perennial’s vital work.

The highlight of the afternoon was the presentation of Perennial’s Silver Shovel Spotlight Awards which were presented by Perennial’s President Alan Titchmarsh CBE VMH DL.

The awards recognise individuals and organisations that have gone above and beyond to support Perennial through fundraising, sponsorship, expertise and practical help. The 2026 winners were Wright Landscapes, Bury Hill Landscape Supplies, Ben Pope, London Lawn Turf and longstanding Fullers Mill Garden volunteer Jude Law.

The fundraising comes at an important time for Perennial. Just one year into its ambition to double the number of people it supports within five years, nearly 20,000 horticulturalists have now accessed its preventative programmes – an increase of almost 12%. The charity is also supporting more people before they reach crisis, with 87% of those seeking help now supported at an earlier stage.

Jamie Gault, Perennial CEO, said: “Dig Deep is a wonderful reminder of what we can achieve when our industry gets behind its own. The continued support we receive from businesses and individuals is vital to enable us to be there for people when they need us. Demand for our services is growing, and we are looking to reach many more people working in horticulture and their families over the coming years. The generosity shown at Dig Deep will help us turn that ambition into action. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who sponsored, donated, fundraised, volunteered or joined us on the day.”

Jill Kerr, Group Relationship Manager at Blue Diamond Garden Centres, said: “Blue Diamond Garden Centres are delighted to be supporting Perennial as headline sponsor of this special charity lunch. Perennial’s vital work supports people who work in horticulture and their families when they need it most. As a business rooted in gardening and horticulture, we’re proud to play our part in supporting this important cause and helping raise awareness and funds for the invaluable work Perennial provides.”

Perennial would like to thank everyone who attended, donated, sponsored, provided prizes or helped make the event possible, including headline sponsor Blue Diamond Garden Centres, MorePeople, Russell Winteridge, Kingston Landscape Group, The Plantman & Co and the British Floristry Association.

The funds raised will help Perennial continue providing free, confidential support to people working in horticulture and their families, helping them tackle financial, health and life-changing challenges before small problems become crises.

To find out more about Perennial and how you can support its work, visit perennial.org.uk

Specialist business property adviser Christie & Co has been instructed to market Park Hall Farm Countryside Experience, a multi-award-winning family visitor attraction near Oswestry, Shropshire.

The well-established attraction occupies an extensive 123-acre site and has built a strong reputation as one of the region's leading family destinations, attracting over 64,000 visitors annually.

Originally established as a working farm museum and subsequently developed into a purpose-built visitor experience, Park Hall Farm offers an exceptional turnkey opportunity for operators, investors, leisure groups, educational providers or family attraction businesses seeking a proven, profitable operation with substantial future growth potential. 

Park Hall Farm's appeal is underpinned by an extensive and diverse range of attractions, including four museums, indoor and outdoor play facilities, animal encounters, adventure activities, educational experiences and the unique World War One Trenches Experience.

The attraction's position close to the England-Wales border, provides access to multiple catchments across Shropshire, Cheshire, North Wales and the wider Midlands. The business benefits from loyal customers with over 2,000 annual memberships as well as a strong schools market, welcoming 4,822 educational visitors in the latest reported period.

With long leasehold tenure arrangements extending until 2097, there are significant opportunities to expand events, food and beverage sales, retail offering and visitor numbers. The site also includes a three-bedroom cottage available from October 2026, suitable for owner occupation, staff accommodation or rental income.

Tom Glanvill, Director - Retail & Leisure at Christie & Co, who is managing the sale process, comments: “Park Hall Farm represents one of the most compelling visitor attraction opportunities to come to the market in recent years. The business combines scale, profitability, strong visitor numbers and an exceptionally diverse offering, all within a highly accessible location serving both England and Wales.

“With a loyal customer base, multiple income streams, extensive infrastructure already in place and clear opportunities for further growth, it offers purchasers a rare chance to acquire a genuine destination attraction with significant future potential. We anticipate strong interest from both existing operators looking to expand and new investors seeking entry into the thriving family leisure and attractions sector.”

The long leasehold for Park Hall Farm Countryside Experience is on the market leasehold with an asking price of £999,999.

For more information about the property, visit: https://www.christie.com/4290102/

York Christmas Trees from Yorkshire has been crowned Champion Christmas Tree Grower of the Year 2026 and will supply a real British-grown Christmas tree for display outside No. 10 Downing Street this Christmas.

The title of Champion Festive Wreath of the Year 2026 went to Santa Trees from Cornwall for their naturally decorated wreath. The business will supply the festive wreath for the door of No. 10.

Welford Christmas Tree Farm from Northamptonshire was named runner-up for Champion Christmas Tree Grower of the Year 2026 and will supply the Christmas trees displayed inside No. 10.

Organised by the British Christmas Tree Growers Association (BCTGA), the annual competition has been running since 1999 and is open to its 300 members across the UK.

The awards are an important moment in the British Christmas tree growing calendar, shining a spotlight on the growers and businesses who work throughout the year to produce the festive centrepieces enjoyed in homes and businesses across the country.

The 2026 competition was held on Wednesday 14 October at Sutton Hall Christmas Trees in Barcombe, East Sussex, with headline sponsor DigiTickets, who provide flexible ticketing and EPOS solutions for Christmas tree growers and visitor attractions across the UK.

The overall winners were chosen by BCTGA members attending Competition Day. Growers voted for the best technically grown tree and best crafted wreath from the competition entries. Providing the trees and wreath for No. 10 Downing Street provides a high-profile showcase for real British-grown Christmas trees and the growers behind them.

The Photo of the Year award invited members to submit photographs on the theme ‘British Christmas Trees in the British Countryside’, celebrating Christmas tree growing within the wider rural landscape.

Cadeby Tree Trust from Warwickshire was named Photo of the Year winner, with Clayton Fold Christmas Tree Farm from Cheshire taking the runner-up spot. As part of the accolade, the Photo of the Year winner will supply a Christmas tree for the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office this Christmas.

New at the Competition Day for 2026 were the Best Retail Tree and Best Retail Wreath awards. Selected by the BCTGA Committee, the new categories introduce a retail perspective to the competition, recognising the trees and wreaths with the greatest overall appeal to consumers.

Croft Christmas Trees from North Yorkshire won the inaugural Best Retail Tree award with a Nordmann Fir, while Bishops Offley Christmas Trees from Staffordshire took home the first Best Retail Wreath award.

Russell Parkins, Chair of BCTGA, said: “Competition Day is a real celebration of the skill, dedication and expertise of British Christmas tree growers. With over 100 entries, the standard this year was exceptionally high.

“Our members work throughout the year to produce trees and wreaths of the very highest quality, and all of our winners should be immensely proud of what they have achieved.

“Seeing our winners supply the trees and wreath that take pride of place at No. 10 Downing Street is a wonderful opportunity to showcase the very best of our industry. Every tree entered in the competition was grown here in the UK, and that’s a message we want shoppers to hear as they choose their tree this Christmas. Buying a real British-grown tree supports local growers and rural businesses, and the ten or so years each tree spends growing provide a valuable home for wildlife.”

Awards included:

Champion Christmas Tree Grower of the Year – suppliers of the 2026 trees for 10 Downing St

Winner: York Christmas Trees from Yorkshire (Nordmann Fir) – tree for outside No. 10

Runner Up: Welford Christmas Tree Farm from Northamptonshire (Nordmann Fir) – trees for inside No. 10

Champion Festive Wreath of the Year – supplier of the 2026 wreath for 10 Downing St

Winner: Santa Trees from Cornwall (Naturally Decorated Wreath)

Best Nordmann Fir, sponsored by Højgård Nursery

Winner: York Christmas Trees from Yorkshire

Runner Up: Welford Christmas Tree Farm from Northamptonshire

Highly Commended: Dartmoor Christmas Trees from Devon

Best Norway Spruce

Winner: Dartmoor Christmas Trees from Devon

Runner Up: Hole Park Estate from Kent

Highly Commended: Stoke Goldington Christmas Trees from Buckinghamshire

Best Other Species, sponsored by Agrii

Winner: Dartmoor Christmas Trees from Devon (Fraser Fir)

Runner Up: Woolley Edge Christmas Tree Farm from West Yorkshire (Korean Fir)

Highly Commended: Pinewood Christmas Trees Ltd from Gwent (Noble Fir)

Best Container Grown Tree, sponsored by Hortifeeds

Winner: Croft Christmas Trees from North Yorkshire

Runner Up: Gower Fresh Christmas Trees from Swansea

Best Retail Tree, sponsored by Airflow (Nicoll Ventilators) Ltd

Winner: Croft Christmas Trees from North Yorkshire (Nordmann Fir)

Best Retail Wreath

Winner: Bishops Offley Christmas Trees from Staffordshire (Decorated Wreath)

Best Natural Wreath 

Winner: Dartmoor Christmas Trees from Devon

Runner Up: Santa Trees from Cornwall

Best Naturally Decorated Wreath, sponsored by Sussex Christmas Barn

Winner: Santa Trees from Cornwall

Runner Up: Welford Christmas Tree Farm from Northamptonshire

Best Decorated Wreath

Winner: Gower Fresh Christmas Trees from Swansea

Runner Up: Cadeby Tree Trust from Warwickshire

Photo of the Year Award

Winner: Cadeby Tree Trust from Warwickshire

Runner Up: Clayton Fold Christmas Tree Farm from Cheshire

Perrywood Garden Centres is celebrating the first anniversary of the opening of its brand new Sudbury Garden Centre, with sales almost doubling, many new jobs created and its 200-seat Coffee Shop & Restaurant proving a huge success.

Twelve months ago, Perrywood opened a brand-new building on the opposite side of its existing garden centre, significantly increasing the space available to customers and introducing a much wider range of departments and products to explore.

A year on, sales have almost doubled compared with the previous year, with the biggest increases coming from the departments that saw the largest increase in floor space.

Home & Gift, including clothing, food and Christmas, has seen particularly strong growth, alongside Outdoor Living, including garden furniture and BBQs.

The expansion has also created many additional jobs, growing Perrywood’s team in Sudbury and providing new employment opportunities locally.

Another major success has been the new 200-seat Coffee Shop & Restaurant, which has quickly become a popular meeting place for the community. The restaurant is regularly at full capacity at lunchtimes, with customers enjoying everything from breakfast, lunch and coffee to afternoon tea.

Simon Bourne, Retail Director, said: “It’s been an incredible first year for Perrywood Sudbury. Building a completely new part of the garden centre was a huge investment, but the response from our customers has been fantastic.

It’s been brilliant to see people enjoying the new spaces and making Perrywood Sudbury part of their regular routine. We’ve also been really pleased to see the growth across the different departments and, of course, the success of the new Coffee Shop & Restaurant.”

The team has also received some fantastic feedback from customers over the past year, including:

• “As regular users of the old cafe we were looking forward to trying the new, and we were not disappointed. Lovely atmosphere, great service and good quality food. Very well organised with plenty of staff, we will be back very soon.”
• “Garden centres are not really my thing, but my wife and I visited the Sudbury Perrywood to look at the Christmas stuff. I headed straight to the coffee shop. I would like to compliment your staff who greeted me at the entrance, it was like a posh hotel in London, getting shown to my table and the lovely young lady even pulled my chair out for me. I will definitely be visiting again next time my wife needs something for the garden.”
• “Wow, come on in and visit. So well worth the wait of the new garden centre. Breathtaking, so gorgeous, so much choice. Well done to the team, wishing them all well and best of luck for the future. Definitely will be returning in the near future.”
• “My favourite garden centre, always choose to come here first. Good quality plants and good options. Very happy with all the plants I’ve bought here so far. Just visited the new garden centre build, great setup, more stock of beautiful plants.”

With the first year under its belt, the Perrywood Sudbury team is looking forward to continuing to develop the garden centre and welcoming customers back for another year of gardening, shopping, eating and events.

The Horticultural Trades Association is calling on the Scottish Government to use its 2027–28 Budget on 3 December to reduce barriers to investment, back Scottish businesses and harness the economic benefits of Scotland’s environmental horticultural sector, which promotes biodiversity, supports local communities and improves the nation’s health and wellbeing.

The HTA’s budget submission to the Deputy First Minister of Scotland and Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government states that improving financial support for small businesses and prioritising water resilience, peat-free growing, energy efficiency, automation, and technology are crucial not only to future-proof the sector but also to equip businesses to deal with the challenges they face today.

Environmental horticulture and landscaping currently contribute £2.6 billion to Scotland’s GDP and support 59,700 jobs. In a letter to Jenny Gilruth MSP, ahead of the Budget on 3 December, the HTA has highlighted that those economic benefits could rise to £5.1 billion by 2030 with the right policies in place.

The Association – which represents more than 85 businesses across 144 sites in Scotland, including garden centres, growers, landscapers, designers and manufacturers - is urging the Scottish Government to support member businesses to grow, design, deliver and maintain Scotland’s green infrastructure by investing in green businesses, reducing financial and regulatory barriers, improving climate resilience and ensuring the resources to deliver a UK-EU SPS Agreement and export growth.

Fran Barnes, Chief Executive of the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA), said: “Scottish horticultural businesses, the majority of which are small and family-owned, are facing significant financial pressures from surging costs in fuel, employment, business rates, and energy. Regulatory demands are also intensifying, making it even harder for these businesses to thrive. That’s why we’ve written to the Cabinet Secretary for Finance, calling for action ahead of the Scottish budget in early December.

“Some of our members have reported dramatic increases in employment-related costs. One Scottish Garden Centre reported that National Insurance contributions and changes to the National Living Wage had increased its associated costs from £8,000 to £26,000. The current business rates system in Scotland also puts them at a disadvantage, as most garden centres are too large to qualify for existing relief schemes. Despite some government support, such as the Small Business Bonus Scheme and RHL relief, many businesses still cannot benefit.

“We need the Scottish Government to create a more competitive environment, provide support for Scottish growers to invest in things like water storage, renewable energy, automation, unlock growth opportunities, and change policies so our much-loved family businesses achieve long-term sustainability. It’s also vital that the Scottish Government recognises the wider value of gardens, trees and green spaces. Investing in greener communities will not only strengthen economic growth and improve productivity but also increase climate resilience and support the nation’s health.”

Highlights from the HTA’s Scottish Budget Submission

The HTA calls for action in the following eight key areas:

• Deliver a business rates system that does not undermine competitiveness across the four nations

The Small Business Bonus Scheme may benefit some of the very smallest businesses, but the size of garden centre/retail nurseries usually pushes them over the threshold for accessing this support. Scotland’s Retail, Hospitality and Leisure (RHL) Relief Scheme is about 40% of the equivalent RHL relief scheme which was introduced in England from April 2026. The HTA warns that if inequality in business rates persists, it will drive some companies south of the border, undermining Scotland's economic growth potential.

• Introduce a ‘Greening’ Business Rates Relief for those which incorporate and maintain at least 0.5 hectares of green space on site

Trees and plants provide effective shade, with one large tree cooling its surroundings by the same amount as ten air conditioning units working simultaneously. In the HTA’s recently published report, The Value of Green Spaces, it also states that access to green spaces makes people healthier, happier, more creative and more productive. It also reduces workplace absence.

• Invest in Scottish tree and plant growers so that more green infrastructure can be grown in Scotland

UK environmental horticulture supplied £1.6 billion of plants, trees, flowers and bulbs in 2025 with UK growers eager to deliver more. Growers, while keen to invest, often cannot raise the capital required quickly enough, especially given the volatility of weather-related demand.  The Scottish Government’s vision is to expand woodlands to cover 21% of Scotland’s land area by 2032. To deliver this, Scottish tree growers need multi-year funding certainty, including ringfenced maintenance budgets for any planting, with grants that are aligned with targets. A clear focus on delivery, including setting targets for urban planting, and measuring survival rates must be prioritised.

• Press the UK Government for an immediate review of Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)changes.

The Employment Rights Act has added considerable cost and additional administrative burden on businesses. While the HTA supports measures that provide fairness and certainty for workers, it is important that the UK Government analyse the impact on businesses as a result of the Employment Rights Act to date. Given increased costs to businesses, and irregularity within the SSP system, the Scottish Government should push the UK Government for an immediate post-implementation review with a view to updating how SSP is calculated as soon as possible.

• Establish a cross-government horticulture taskforce and develop a Scottish Horticultural Growth Strategy.

The growth of the sector will help to make communities more resilient and maximise the delivery of cross-departmental policy aims. To support this, the Scottish Government should build on the UK Government's work on the Horticulture Sector Growth Plan, identify where Scottish growers' needs differ, and develop a Scottish Horticultural Growth Strategy to grow the sector’s businesses.

• Include non-black recyclable plastic plant pots in kerbside collections across Scotland in the upcoming Household Recycling Code of Practice.

Around 300 million plant pots reach UK households each year. Non-black polypropylene pots are designed to be recyclable, but inconsistent kerbside collection means this valuable material can be lost from the circular economy. Without wider collection, horticultural businesses across the UK could face an estimated £750,000 in additional Extended Producer Responsibility fees each year. This will free up funds that can be invested elsewhere in the business and support the delivery of the government’s circular economy ambitions.

• Protect and increase funding for Social Therapeutic Horticulture services and facilities to deliver long-term health and economic benefits

85% of Scottish adults say green spaces are good for their mental health, and 77% agree they benefit their physical health. Trellis’ GP Pilot Trial in East Lothian, which ran throughout 2025/26, saw a 67% reduction in GP appointments in the three months after the programme ended, reducing waiting time for other patients and highlighting the power of therapeutic horticulture as a health intervention. There is a clear economic incentive to deliver this, and the HTA calls on Ministers to build on the pilot project to raise the profile of social and therapeutic horticulture, and suggests ringfencing funding for green social prescribing services, including Social Therapeutic Horticulture and training for practitioners, and embed social and therapeutic horticulture in core offerings made by GPs across Scotland.

• Ensure the implementation of a UK–EU SPS agreement is adequately resourced and build back supply chains and growing UK exports

Work with the sector to design and deliver a horticultural export strategy following the UK-EU SPS negotiations. Close collaboration with DEFRA will be required on the processes and systems needed to implement the SPS Agreement, ensuring they work for businesses across the UK.

The HTA Policy and Public Affairs team advocate for members across the devolved nations. To find out more about their work in Scotland, visit: hta.org.uk/policy/devolved-nations or download the Scottish Budget Submission.

One of the UK’s largest plant nurseries, Johnsons Nurseries Ltd, has continued its long-standing relationship with the five-star luxury resort, Rockliffe, supplying more than 17,000 plants and trees for its newly landscaped grounds as part of its multimillion-pound transformation.

Set within 375 acres of historic parkland near Darlington, Rockliffe has undergone an extensive transformation, including the restoration of its Grade II-listed Old Hall, enhanced accommodation, new dining experiences, and the creation of a standalone restaurant pavilion named Atlas.

The ambitious project has seen the resort's gardens and outdoor spaces transformed to complement the renovated and new buildings, creating an attractive and welcoming environment for guests.

The landscape and planting scheme was designed by Colour Landscape Architects, while Johnsons Nurseries supplied an extensive selection of shrubs, trees, instant hedging, ornamental grasses, flowering perennials and topiary, creating year-round interest throughout the newly landscaped grounds.

Among the varieties supplied were mature Scots pines, multi-stem Amelanchier lamarckii and Magnolia trees, alongside instant Carpinus betulus hedging and ornamental Taxus baccata topiary. The planting scheme also features an extensive mix of flowering perennials and ornamental grasses, including Anemone 'Honorine Jobert', Geranium 'Rozanne', Rudbeckia 'Goldsturm', Calamagrostis and Deschampsia, providing seasonal colour, texture and movement throughout the gardens.

The landscaping was carried out in-house by Rockliffe’s Estates team, led by Head of Engineering & Estates Phil Mennell. Despite one of the hottest and driest summers, the team worked tirelessly to establish thousands of plants and trees, extensive hedging and new lawn areas, overcoming challenging conditions and tight deadlines to complete the grounds ahead of the resort's reopening.

Group Managing Director at Johnsons Nurseries, Graham Richardson, said:  "We're incredibly proud to have supplied the plants for Rockliffe’s newly transformed gardens as part of this prestigious development.

From the restoration of the historic walled garden to this latest transformation, it's rewarding to see how the grounds have evolved. The finished gardens look fantastic, and we're delighted to have played a part in creating outdoor spaces that guests can enjoy for years to come."

Phil Mennell, Head of Engineering & Estates at Rockliffe, added: "This has been one of the most ambitious landscaping projects we've undertaken at Rockliffe, and I'm incredibly proud of what our Estates team has achieved. Working closely with Johnsons Nurseries has been invaluable, ensuring we had the quality and variety of plants needed to bring the designs to life. It's been fantastic to see the gardens transform, and I'm looking forward to watching them establish and mature for our guests to enjoy for many years to come."

Emma Fletcher, Director at Colour Landscape Architects, said: “Johnsons have been a great support on the delivery of the new gardens at Rockliffe, assisting us on species choices and availability from early design stages and providing flexibility in deliveries to align with the challenging project programme. We are delighted that the completed gardens have been so well received, and a large part of that is the impact that the planting beds and stock have had.”

The completed gardens complement the resort's historic parkland setting, enhancing the guest experience and marking another chapter in Johnsons' long-standing relationship with Rockliffe, which reopened at the beginning of September.

GTN September-October 2026. In this issue: Exclusive Interview with Sam Dickson MD at Squires, Fantastic at Food - GTN’s Greatest Restaurant & Food Hall Team Award winners, Wall art additions at Woodmansterne, Launch of the 2026 Greatest Christmas Awards, Report from the annual HTA Conference, Glee 2026 review, All the New Product Award winners at Glee, GTN In conversation with Dobbies CEO at Glee, Glee exhibitor news, Floral Thursday for Greenfingers at Glee, Zig Zag retailers - Adapt or Die, Retailing with values - GCA Viewpoint, Unforgettable messages - HTA Viewpoint.

GTN Magazine is printed and mailed to Garden Retailing and Garden Industry professionals in the UK. To receive a printed copy please e-mail trevor@pottingshedpress.co.uk

The search has started for The Greatest Garden Centre Christmas Teams of 2026.  The Garden Trade News team of expert judges will once again be travelling across the country to find The Greatest Christmas Teams in UK garden centres.

To be sure of a judging visit all you need to do is complete the entry form using this link. CLICK HERE.

The winners will be announced at the Spring Fair in February 2027.

Entries close at midnight on Monday 19th October 2026.

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Fast growing British wildflower seed company Seed Revolution has agreed new listings with three garden centre stockists.

It follows the showcase of the native British grown wildflower seed company’s new Spring 2027 ranges at Glee 2026.

Cherry Lane Garden Centres, Haskins Garden Centres and Longacres Garden Centres will stock 40 varieties of Seed Revolution wildflower seeds from January.

The 30+ garden centres across the country will also stock 45 varieties of celebrity chef Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall’s River Cottage Organic Vegetable Seeds, an exclusive range developed in partnership with Seed Revolution.

New wildflower seeds entering the 40 strong Seed Revolution range include Wild Garlic, Bluebell and Ragged Robin, while new vegetable seeds in the 45 strong River Cottage range include three types of Tomatoes, Lettuces and a larger herb range including Oregano and Mint.

Since the 1930s, the UK has lost 97% of its wildflower meadows. Seed Revolution was founded as a movement to do something about it, to shake up the seed industry and make growing wildflowers simple, accessible and exciting for everyone.

Customers are encouraged to ‘rip, scatter and wild’ its boldly branded, visually appealing and affordable packets of seeds and then to leave them alone and let them grow. The company’s wildflower seeds support pollinators and biodiversity and empower individuals to contribute to nature conservation. 

Using wildflowers as companion plants in vegetable gardens boosts biodiversity, attracts pollinators, deters pests and enhances the overall health of a crop.

Seed Revolution founder Max Mancroft, 28, who is based in Gloucestershire, said: “We’re delighted to be stocked in an increasing number of garden centres across the country.

“I’m really proud that what began as a small idea to make growing wildflowers simple, accessible and fun for all – and to make growing more affordable - has developed into an expanding network of stockists and customers helping to bring wildflowers back into gardens, allotments, balconies and window boxes across the country.

“Working in collaboration with Hugh, and adding organic vegetable seeds to our offering, was a natural extension of what we’re doing to drive a revolution in gardens and urban spaces.”

Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall said: “I’m delighted with the response to our collaboration with Seed Revolution, and that we’re expanding our range of River Cottage Organic Vegetable Seeds for Spring 2027.

“Our organic seed collection offers customers some of our favourite varieties of organic vegetables, whether they’re a seasoned gardener or just starting. It means they can sow, grow, pick and take the finest, freshest vegetables from their garden straight to their kitchen and get cooking.”

The GardenPRO product line from Original Loewe (Original LÖWE) is designed for users who need to prune regularly – in viticulture, fruit growing, tree pruning and professional landscaping.

Those who prune vines, fruit trees, shrubs or branches on a daily basis have different requirements for garden pruners than those who use them occasionally for personal projects. Clean cuts, reliable power transmission, ergonomic designs and the ability to replace wear parts as needed are crucial. The GardenPRO pruners from Original Loewe are designed for such recurring tasks at a professional level.

The product range covers a variety of cutting tasks. Depending on the application, anvil, hybrid, or bypass pruners may be the best choice. Anvil pruning shears reduce the effort required for cutting and are particularly suitable for old, dry or hard wood.

Bypass pruners are suitable for fibrous or delicate woody plants and enable clean cuts at bud points or along the stem.

For professional daily use, the PROFESSIONAL series offers additional features. The blade is mounted externally with a nut and can be replaced without completely disassembling the pruners. The handle width can be adjusted continuously. For anvil and hybrid shears, this contributes to a service life for the blade and backing plate that is twice as long.

Even within the series, the models differ based on the desired cut profile and work pace. “FAST CUT” is designed for fast work, “EASY CUT” for an effortless cut, “POWER CUT” for powerful cutting of thicker branches, and “CLEAN CUT” for clean, precise cuts. This allows users to select the right tool for the specific task – from pruning grapevines and fruit trees to the regular maintenance of green spaces.

Original Loewe emphasizes the long-term availability of replacement parts and a repairable design for its pruners. For professional users, this is not only a matter of sustainability but also of cost-effectiveness: tools that are used regularly must be maintainable in day-to-day work.

GardenPRO is thus not merely seen as a pair of garden pruners for the home garden, but as a range of tools for people who prune frequently, cleanly and to high standards. What matters is not the single use, but the repetition: cut by cut, season by season.

EGO has launched its first single-sided hedge trimmer for commercial users. Part of EGO’s ever-growing PRO X series, the tool is the latest addition designed specifically for professionals and grounds maintenance teams that require heavy, all-day usage. 

The HTX7500S features a 75cm single-sided blade, which significantly lowers the overall tool weight to just 3.5kg without a battery. In addition to the benefit of reducing user fatigue, this strong and well-balanced machine helps users achieve longer, straighter cuts in both horizontal and vertical use.  

Dual-action, triple-sharpened blades pair with a blade gap of 30mm, ensuring precise and efficient cutting for dealing with fresh growth as well as thicker, well-established branches. For even greater control, EGO has incorporated a digital three-speed selector with a variable trigger to help users optimise the cut during precision pruning or large-scale clearing tasks. Meanwhile, a helpful debris scoop sweeps clippings away from the hedge to ensure a tidy finish, healthier hedges and a reduction in clear-up time. 

For simple tool care and maintenance, the hedge trimmer also features a handy blade alignment screw to make cleaning and sharpening easier, resulting in smoother cutting and minimising excessive vibration and strain, which can lead to damage. The tool is also fitted with a magnesium alloy gearbox with a convenient lubrication point.  

Crucially, like all PRO X tools, EGO has also integrated Bluetooth connectivity to assist with tool and charging management via the EGO Connect and EGO Fleet apps. Here, grounds managers can complete over-the-air product and software improvements and manage charging schedules. And, like all tools in the EGO range, the HTX7500S uses the same 56V battery system, ensuring cross-compatibility with other tools in the range.  

Neil McGuinness, OPE Product Development Manager at EGO, said: “Our PRO X series has been designed for professional grounds teams and local authorities, helping them to switch to battery technology while still achieving a full day’s work. Our innovative overnight and on-site charging system keeps crews productive across large estates or dispersed sites, while helping to improve the experience of green space users through quieter operation and cleaner air. 

“With the HTX7500S, we’ve focused on the practical demands of commercial hedge cutting; long periods of use, consistent cut quality and reduced physical strain. The lightweight, ergonomic design and single-sided blade give operators the control and precision they need to deliver clean, straight finishes all day, while minimising fatigue and downtime on demanding maintenance schedules.” 

To learn more about EGO’s PRO X range, visit: https://egopowerplus.co.uk/ranges/professional-x-range

Ever dreamt of bringing a garden to life with BBC Gardeners’ World? Applications for next year’s BBC Gardeners’ World Beautiful Borders competition are now open. With three live events to choose from, why not take up the challenge and share your imagination and love of plants with tens of thousands of gardening fans.

Always popular with visitors, the Beautiful Borders are compact, 9m² gardens, brimming with fresh inspiration for small garden spaces. From first-time designers and amateur gardeners to experienced horticulturalists, the Beautiful Borders are a fantastic way to share a vision, express creativity, tell a story or realise an ambition. For charities and community groups, creating a Border is a memorable and impactful way to raise awareness or attract donations for a cause or campaign. Student teams and schools can grow their knowledge and skills, enjoy team working, and share a sense of purpose and achievement.   

Every year, there’s a new creative theme to stimulate ideas. Celebrating 60 years of BBC Gardeners’ World, the Beautiful Borders theme for 2027 is ‘BBC Gardeners’ World Inspired Me To …’. Every Border is a blank canvas made from wooden sleepers, filled with topsoil. Entrants can select either a square or rectangular plot. The BBC Gardeners’ World events’ horticultural team supports entrants every step of the way, from application to build and final reveal. Limited bursaries of £300 are available for plants and props.

Completed Borders are assessed on site by a panel of esteemed professional show garden assessors, with medals, awards and constructive feedback for every entry. The top awards are for Best Beautiful Border, Best Interpretation of the Theme, and Best BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Subscriber Border, with a People’s Choice award for visitors’ favourite designs.

The BBC Gardeners’ World Spring Fair takes place at Beaulieu in Hampshire from 30 April – 2 May 2027. Entrants for BBC Gardeners’ World Live will be part of a very special moment as the event opens at its exciting new location at the Packington Estate near Coventry in Warwickshire from 17 – 20 June. The BBC Gardeners’ World Autumn Fair takes place at English Heritage’s Audley End House and Gardens from 3 – 5 September.

Isobel Mills, Horticultural Events Manager at Immediate Live, the organisers of BBC Gardeners’ World events, said: “BBC Gardeners’ World events are all about inspiration and achievable ideas to try at home, and the Beautiful Borders are a much-loved highlight. We really enjoy seeing visitors and Border teams deep in conversation about the plants, colours and design features used, and the stories behind them. Entering a Border is no small undertaking, but we know from designers’ feedback each year that they really enjoy the experience and the support they get throughout the process. We can’t wait to see next year’s entries which, along with BBC Gardeners’ World Live’s exciting move to the Packington Estate, will be a wonderful way to mark BBC Gardeners’ World’s 60th anniversary.” 

This year’s ‘best in show’ Beautiful Borders were:

BBC Gardeners’ World Spring Fair: A Garden of Many Hands by New Forest Day Opportunities and Minstead Trust, a charity working with people with learning difficulties and autism. This woodland design was inspired by an original New Forest folk tale, written by people supported by Minstead Trust. After the Spring Fair, the Border was rebuilt at Furzey Gardens.

BBC Gardeners’ World Live: The Pioneering Spirit by East Sussex-based designer, Mark Selby. Inspired by wild countryside adventures and camping, this Border featured a water-harvesting table made from coppiced chestnut and British wool.

BBC Gardeners’ World Autumn Fair: Reflection by Manchester-based Edward Doherty, a nostalgic journey through memories of growing up in Donegal, and a reminder of how early life experiences can shape future gardening adventures.

Mark Selby, winner of Best Beautiful Border at BBC Gardeners’ World Live this year, said: “This was my first show garden and I was very happy, if a bit overwhelmed, to win the award. Creating the garden was a lot of work, but it was a great learning journey, particularly the positive feedback from the assessors. I’m launching my own garden design business, and this was a great event to showcase that.”

Entries for 2027 are open at www.bbcgardenersworldlive.com and www.bbcgardenersworldfair.com. Application deadlines are 22 January for the BBC Gardener’s World Spring Fair and BBC Gardeners’ World Live, and 30 April for the BBC Gardeners’ World Autumn Fair.

Tickets for the BBC Gardener’s World Spring Fair and BBC Gardeners’ World Live are on sale now.  Autumn Fair tickets go on sale in the spring. Highlights include show gardens, Beautiful Borders and floral displays, stage talks and top tips from the BBC Gardeners’ World TV presenters, the BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine team and a host of gardening personalities, talks, garden tours and workshops, plant experts and specialist nurseries, plant, garden and outdoor lifestyle shopping, and great food, drink and live music.

www.bbcgardenersworldlive.com

www.bbcgardenersworldfair.com

The Old Railway Line Garden Centre has announced the return of its annual Spooky Halloween Walk, open from now until Sunday 1st November 2026. The much-loved community event is bringing plenty of family-friendly frights, spooky surprises and Halloween fun, while raising funds for an important local cause.

This year, all voluntary donations from the Halloween Walk will go towards The Bracken Trust, The Old Railway Line’s Charity of the Year for 2026.

Based in Llandrindod Wells, The Bracken Trust provides vital support to people affected by cancer across Powys, as well as their families, carers and bereaved relatives. The charity provides Nursing, Therapy and Counselling services from its centre in Llandrindod Wells and hubs across the county, including Brecon.

Matthew Lewis, Retail and Events Manager at The Old Railway Line Garden Centre, said: “The Spooky Halloween Walk has become such a popular part of our autumn events, and we love seeing families coming along and enjoying it each year. It’s even more special when we can use it to raise money for a charity that does such important work in our local community.

“The Bracken Trust is our Charity of the Year for 2026, so we’re really pleased to be able to support them through the Halloween Walk. We hope lots of families will come along, enjoy the spooky experience and make a voluntary donation to help us raise as much as possible.”

Each year, part of The Old Railway Line’s Plant Area is transformed into the Spooky Halloween Walk, creating a playful, spine-tingling trail filled with eerie decorations, spooky sound effects and plenty of surprises. Designed to be family-friendly, it’s perfect for children, families and anyone who enjoys a little Halloween fun without anything too frightening!

The walk is open now until Sunday 1st November 2026, with visitors able to make a voluntary donation at the entrance or exit. All donations will go directly towards The Bracken Trust.

The Old Railway Line is proud to support local charities and community organisations throughout the year, and the Spooky Halloween Walk is one of several fundraising activities taking place in support of The Bracken Trust during 2026.

For more information, please contact The Old Railway Line Garden Centre on 01497 847055 or visit www.oldrailwaylinegc.co.uk.

This year Burgon & Ball has introduced the first phase of a major review of its RHS-endorsed cutting ranges. The update is designed to make the range easier to navigate, clearly communicating the benefits of buying the tools. Three new tools have joined the line-up too!

Burgon & Ball offers the only cutting tools endorsed by the RHS, that trusted name that gardeners look for. The endorsement is an assurance of quality and good   design. Each cutting tool in the range, large and small, carries a ten-year guarantee. These ranges are the perfect partner to the much-loved RHS-endorsed stainless range, also now joined by the RHS-endorsed BoronGreen® tool range in boron steel.

A fresh new look

The changes in presentation have been developed to make the cutting range simple to navigate, helping the gardener easily find the right tool for the task they’re tackling.

The new packaging uses colour and graphics to clearly highlight each tool’s purpose and cutting power. The new look has also slashed the plastic content of packaging by over 50 per cent.

To help the gardener get a feel for the tool, the handles are fully clear of the backing card, allowing the shopper to try the weight, size and movement before buying. Different coloured handles help pick out the different groups of tools, such as orange handles for everyday essentials, blue handles for the professional range.

And new tools, too!

What’s more, three new cutting tools have joined the line-up. There’s a micro snip for precise cutting. It’s ideal for herb harvesting, and other detailed cutting tasks. In addition, all-metal flower scissors are perfect for harvesting cut flowers and for floristry.

At the other end of the scale, a new anvil action ratchet secateur offers powerful cuts and easier everyday cutting. The four-stage ratchet action easily cuts stems and branches up to 2cm in diameter. The exceptional cutting power and ease of use of this design is believed to position it as best ratchet secateur on the market.

With clearer navigation, try-before-you-buy handles, over 50 per cent less packaging plastic and a ten-year guarantee on every tool, Burgon & Ball’s refreshed RHS-endorsed cutting range gives retailers a simpler, stronger proposition for gardeners.

The Royal Horticultural Society has announced its endorsement of the TreeHugger range of sustainable tree guards from Agrovista Amenity, a supplier of professional turf care, landscape and amenity solutions.

Tree guards are planted to provide protection for the successful establishment of young trees or whips (slender, unbranched shoots or plants) and reduce damage from grazing and browsing animals.

But the Agrovista Amenity TreeHugger range offers something extra: an environmentally friendly alternative to plastic tree shelters and guards.

The shelters biodegrade completely in soil at the end of their useful life, removing the need to collect and dispose of single-use plastic tree guards. This helps reduce both maintenance costs and environmental impact.

Manufactured in the UK in accordance with the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), the tree guards are made using loom state organic cotton encapsulated in renewable FSC pine tree rosin and have a minimum lifespan of five years, providing valuable protection during a tree's critical establishment period.

The Tree Hugger range has also earned the TÜV Austria OK biodegradable SOIL certification, which confirms that the shelters break down naturally and safely without leaving behind plastic, toxins or microparticles.

The aim of the RHS endorsement is to help promote more sustainable planting solutions and support best practice across the horticultural and landscaping sectors. It covers the entire TreeHugger range of sustainable tree guards, vole guards, shrub shelters and hedge wraps.

The RHS endorsement logo will be used across relevant marketing materials and advertising, on social media and on the Agrovista Amenity website. 

The endorsement was launched on the Agrovista Amenity stand at APF 2026 (24-26 September) exhibition, the UK’s largest forestry, woodland, arboriculture, firewood, fencing, trees and timber trade show.  Please see attached full release and images and come back to me with any questions.

Homes installing EV charging points are increasing rapidly as the adoption of EVs in the UK continues to boom, according to Digging Up Britain 2026, the annual report from safe digging expertsLSBUD. Data shows online search requests for installing services skyrocketed by a massive 397% in 2025, while searches for driveway works also grew by 36%.

Further to this, EV sales continue to grow, with the latest SMMT data showing that in July’s year to date, more than 1.2 million EVs were registered in the UK – up 9.5% on the previous year.

Google Trends Data echoes this. Google searches for ‘EV at home chargers’ and ‘How to install an EV charger at home’ have both increased by more than 5,000% over the past year. This comes at a time where EVA England reports that charging vehicles at home is significantly cheaper, with public charging coming in up to 10 times more expensive in some cases.

As the number of EV registrations increases year on year, the spike in home charger installations is only going to grow. Indeed, according to Zapmap, there are around 19 million households in the UK with a dedicated parking spot or driveway. At the end of 2025, only approximately 1.4 million EV chargers had been installed in homes with driveways. This shows the room for rapid growth.

Richard Broome, Managing Director of LSBUD, says: “There is no question that the EV market has reached a tipping point. There is real change in how consumers are behaving and an appetite like never before to install EV chargers at home.

“We expect this trend to continue into 2027 and beyond as more people look to EVs as a viable option. With this surge comes the need for proper installation, and as part of that, there simply must be an underground asset search. By doing so, people can ensure that when it comes to installing their EV charger, they, and their home, remain safe.”

Find out more about LSBUD and its safe digging service and read the full Digging up Britain 2026 report.

The Horticultural Trades Association has been invited to join the Government’s Flood and Drought Resilience Taskforce, which will meet in person for the first time on Wednesday 14 October during Flood Action Week. The HTA has been calling for a more joined-up approach to managing water resilience and preparing for both flooding and drought.

Chaired by Emma Hardy MP, Minister for Water and Flooding, the Taskforce will give HTA Chief Executive Fran Barnes the opportunity to raise the challenges facing horticultural businesses and highlight the sector’s role in helping the UK prepare for increasingly unpredictable weather.

The Taskforce was established in September 2024 as the Floods Resilience Taskforce. Its expanded remit brings flood and drought resilience together, focusing on improving preparedness, coordinating action, and accounting for the experiences of affected businesses and communities.

The HTA has long called for a coordinated, year-round approach to water resilience, recognising that businesses can face both excessive rainfall and prolonged dry conditions, sometimes within the same year. The Association believes planning for these extremes together is essential to protecting businesses, communities and the environment.

Fran Barnes, Chief Executive of the HTA, said: “We welcome the first meeting of the Flood and Drought Resilience Taskforce during Flood Action Week, and the opportunity to bring the environmental horticulture sector’s experience to the discussion.

“We have been calling for a more joined-up approach to water resilience for some time. Businesses can face too much water one season and too little the next, and we need to move beyond responding to individual crises towards a long-term approach that helps us manage water more effectively throughout the year.

“Our sector has a vital role to play in helping the UK adapt to extreme weather. Horticultural businesses grow, supply and maintain the plants and trees that help cool our towns and cities and manage rainwater. But they also need reliable access to water to continue operating and delivering these wider benefits.

“We want to see practical action that helps businesses invest in water storage, rainwater capture, recycling and efficient irrigation, alongside better planning for the future. We look forward to working with the government and other stakeholders to help turn this more integrated approach into meaningful progress.”

The HTA hopes this is an important step towards a long-term UK water resilience strategy, which it has been calling for, alongside measures to remove barriers to investment in water storage and make water resilience grants more accessible to horticultural businesses of all sizes.

More than 90% of the environmental horticulture sector comprises small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The HTA believes existing planning requirements and grant thresholds can make it difficult for businesses to invest in practical resilience measures, including reservoirs, rainwater capture, water recycling and efficient irrigation.

The Association also calls for water resilience to be built into new developments from the outset, including through rainwater storage, and for the horticultural sector’s expertise in sustainable landscape design, drought-tolerant planting, and Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) to be used more effectively.

As the Taskforce begins its work, the HTA will continue to press for a permanent, joined-up approach to water resilience that supports horticultural businesses, strengthens the UK’s preparedness for extreme weather and recognises the contribution of green infrastructure to more resilient communities.

Photo credit: British Garden Centres

The Association of Professional Landscapers Awards, a flagship event in the landscaping and design calendar, will feature 117 finalists across 20 categories in 2027. The finalists were announced on Tuesday (13 October) at the end of the APL Annual Meeting, held during the landscaping industry event FutureScape in Farnborough.

Every year, the APL Awards showcase and celebrate excellence among the Horticultural Trades Association’s (HTA) landscaper and garden designer members. Projects are recognised for their quality, and members are praised for their professionalism across the industry.

The judging process begins more than a year before the awards ceremony. Earlier this year, the panel of esteemed judges whittled down entries for the 2027 APL Awards to 130 shortlisted projects. After visiting projects across the country, the panel held a further round of judging almost two weeks ago, spending three intensive days evaluating the shortlist at the HTA’s Horticulture House in Oxfordshire. Led by respected industry professionals, the judges used their wealth of knowledge and experience to select the best from a bank of outstanding projects for awards ranging from Bronze to Gold.

This year’s expert judging panel was chaired by Bob Sweet (BBC Gardeners’ World Live) and included Rod Winrow (Garden House Design), Laura Anstiss (Oakmore Green), Rupert Keys (TASK Academy), Robin Templar Williams (Robin Williams & Associates) and Phil Tremayne (APL General Manager).

There was also a mentorship day for the new judges for the 2028 Awards: Adam Vetere (Adam Vetere Landscape and Garden Design) and Claudia de Yong (Claudia de Yong Garden Design).

Bob Sweet, APL Awards 2027 head judge, commented: “This summer has been challenging for all involved in the landscaping industry and the skills of the landscaper have never been more important in finding solutions to construction and planting in these conditions. Garden designers have contributed by adjusting to sustainable planting schemes. The judges have witnessed some remarkable achievements from the APL entries this year through pure skill, adaptation and innovation. The industry should be proud of the extremely high standards achieved and the professionalism of APL landscapers and designers”.

Rupert Keys, APL Awards 2027 judge, added: “The APL Awards are a fantastic celebration of everything that makes British landscaping such a skilled and rewarding profession. Having been involved in judging for the past seven years, I never tire of seeing the craftsmanship, creativity and sheer dedication that goes into creating these wonderful gardens.

“Every project tells its own story, not just through the finished garden, but through the hard work, problem-solving and attention to detail that brings it all together. For me, these awards are about recognising the talented people behind the projects, celebrating the pride they take in their work and inspiring the next generation of landscapers to continue raising standards across our industry. A huge congratulations to all the finalists, who should be immensely proud of their achievements.”

Phil Tremayne, General Manager of the Association of Professional Landscapers (APL), said: “Every year, we talk about how difficult it is to judge the APL Awards, and once again, the standard of entries has been exceptional. What continues to impress me is not just the quality of workmanship, but the creativity, innovation and attention to detail demonstrated by our member designers and landscapers. Judging these projects is always a highlight of my year, and this year certainly hasn't disappointed. The finalists are a fantastic reflection of the talent, professionalism and expertise within the APL membership and the wider industry.”

The winners from the total of 117 projects across 20 categories will be announced during a special awards ceremony on Friday 12 March 2027, at The Brewery, 52 Chiswell Street, London EC1Y 4SA.

APL Awards 2027 - Finalists

The companies listed as finalists are in alphabetical order. Some may also feature in more than one category.

• Alice Meacham Gardens
• Aoba Landscapes
• Arlington Landscapes
• Artisan Landscapes
• Artisan Landscapes & Riverdale Falls
• AS Landscapes Design & Build Ltd. / Distinctive Gardener
• Atlantes Landscapes Ltd
• B7 Limited
• Bramley Apple Garden Design
• Bramley Apple Garden Design and Conway Landscapes
• Bushy Business Ltd
• C J LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION LTD
• Chiltern Garden Design
• Cobham Court Landscaping
• Cobham Court Landscaping & Inspired Earth Design
• Craft Landscapes Ltd
• Craig McGibbon Ltd
• Creative Landscape Co. Ltd
• Designscape
• East London Garden Design
• Eliza Gray Gardens
• Ellicar
• Fairdeck and Beetlestones
• Farm Lane Landscaping
• Fenton Gardens Ltd
• Fuchsia Green
• Gadd Brothers Trees and Landscapes
• Gardens of the Future LTD
• Gardenscapes Design & Build Ltd
• Gartenart Swimming Ponds
• Gerbera Designs (Garden Design) and Torbruad Landscapes
• Green Bear Landscaping Ltd
• GreenArt Garden Care & Development Ltd.
• Habitat Landscapes Ltd
• Haldon Construction Limited
• Hardwood Landscapes Limited
• Inspired Earth Design Ltd
• J Freeman Builds Limited
• J Paxman Landscapes Limited
• Kent Best Landscapers
• Kingston Landscape Group Ltd
• Landform Consultants Ltd
• Landscapes By Design Limited
• Landscapes By Design Limited & Designscape
• Lucy Bravington Design Ltd
• Lucy Bravington Design Ltd & Taylor Landscape & Design Ltd
• Maïtanne Hunt & The Garden Builders
• Marsland-Roberts Landscapes Ltd
• Melissa Morton Garden & Landscape Design
• MettaGarden
• MJL Garden Design
• Nordland Landscapes
• Nordland Landscapes & Fiona Lamb Garden Design
• North Hill Garden Design Ltd.
• Rachel Bailey Studio
• Raine Garden Design
• Richard Adam Landscapes
• Riverdale Falls
• Roger Gladwell Landscapes
• Studio Windsor
• Taylor Landscape and Design Ltd
• The Distinctive Gardener
• The Essex Garden Company
• The Garden Builders
• Wildroof Landscapes
• Willow tree landscapes
• Winslade Landscapes Ltd
• Winslade Landscapes Ltd, Raine Garden Design Ltd and Gecko Stonework
• WW Landscapes Ltd

For the full list of finalists and images of the projects, visit: hta.org.uk/apl-awards/finalist 

To book your place at the APL Awards 2027 ceremony, visit: hta.org.uk/apl-awards/visitor-booking-form/

The Horticultural Trades Association has welcomed confirmation that the UK-EU summit will take place in Brussels on 20 November, hoping it will advance an agreement to cut the costs and red tape facing its member businesses trading plants and plant products.

Jennifer Pheasey, Director of Policy & Public Affairs at the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA), commented: “We welcome the confirmation of a date for the summit. Our members have dealt with additional costs, delays, and paperwork when trading with the EU for years. An agreement to ease these barriers cannot come soon enough.

“The HTA has long called for a meaningful UK-EU SPS agreement, and we want to see the detail agreed and the benefits delivered as soon as possible. Rebuilding supply chains and restoring trading opportunities will be important for businesses that have lost trade since Brexit.

“It is vital that the details of the agreement work for environmental horticulture. Plant health and biosecurity must remain a priority, and we need clarity on what the agreement will mean for plant protection products and plant variety rights. Businesses need to be involved in these discussions and given clear guidance on any changes.

“We should also be looking at what can be done now to make trading across the border easier, rather than waiting for the agreement to be fully implemented. More work is needed to reduce unnecessary costs and disruption for businesses.

“We want to work with Government and our European counterparts to get this right. The reset needs to deliver real improvements for businesses, helping them rebuild supply chains, trade with confidence and invest in growth.”

The RECOUP Plastics Assembly 2026 brought together industry leaders, policymakers, academics and sustainability experts to explore the practical actions needed to accelerate the transition to a circular plastics economy.

Through a programme of expert-led panel discussions, delegates examined the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of plastics, from designing products for circularity and investing in recycling infrastructure to enabling sustainable consumer behaviours, tackling plastic pollution, advancing material innovation and navigating an evolving policy landscape.

While discussions covered a diverse range of topics, a clear message emerged throughout the day: achieving a circular plastics economy will require greater collaboration across the entire value chain, supported by investment, innovation and policy certainty.

"One of the most rewarding parts of organising the Assembly was seeing the conversations that happened throughout the day. From the conference sessions to informal networking, there was a genuine sense of people wanting to learn from each other and explore practical ways to drive progress. That's exactly what the event is designed to achieve," said Rebecca Davis, Membership and Events Manager, RECOUP.

The event provided a valuable platform for sharing expertise, challenging perspectives and identifying practical solutions that can help keep plastics in use for longer and maximise their value as a resource. 

Adrian Whyle, Vice Chair, RECOUP, added: "At RECOUP, we're dedicated to driving real change in the way communities approach recycling and sustainability. Our recent Assembly in Peterborough was a fantastic example of collaboration and innovation, bringing together representatives from industry, academia and government to share ideas and explore solutions. The event highlighted the importance of working together to tackle challenges and accelerate progress towards a more circular future, and we're excited to build on that momentum in the months ahead."

A full write-up of the discussions, key insights and session highlights is now available on the RECOUP website.

Read the full event summary

GARDENA revealed the winners of the second annual Top of the Plots competition at the prestigious Blenheim Palace, celebrating the UK's most inspiring allotments, gardens and community growing spaces.

The 2026 winners were selected following one of the most challenging growing seasons in recent years. Faced with record temperatures, drought conditions and hosepipe bans in parts of the country, entrants demonstrated remarkable resilience, innovation and determination, finding creative ways to keep their plots thriving despite the weather.

Launched in 2025 and supported by the National Allotment Society to celebrate Britain's thriving grow-your-own community, Top of the Plots invites gardeners, allotment holders, schools and community groups from across the nation to showcase their growing achievements. Following a successful debut that attracted hundreds of entries, the competition has quickly established itself as a platform for recognising the passion, skill and dedication of the UK's growers.

With even more entries received this year, judges reported that the standard was every bit as impressive as the inaugural competition. Entrants showcased vibrant, productive and imaginative spaces that not only delivered impressive harvests, but also supported wildlife, strengthened communities and inspired others to get growing.

The initiative aims to celebrate the creativity, resilience and ingenuity of Britain's plot-proud growers while encouraging more people to discover the benefits of growing their own food, no matter the size of their space.

Maha Elkharbotly, President of Gardena, told the audience: "We launched Pop of the Plots because it goes to the very core of what Gardena believes. We're not a brand that exists to sell tools. We exist to champion real gardeners. The person who gets up on a cold Saturday morning because something needs tending or watering. The community that transforms a forgotten patch of urban land into a place of food, friendship and belonging. The gardener who teaches a child to grow their first carrots and without knowing it, plans something far more lasting.

"Gardening changes lives. It connects people to the seasons, to each other, and to a kind of quiet purpose that is increasingly rare. And at Gardena, we believe those stories, the real ones from real people, deserve to be told loudly and celebrated properly. That's exactly why the property exists, and this is why the people in this room the press, the creators, the retailers, the gardeners who make these tools accessible to every gardener matters so much to us."

"Today represents something we believe in deeply, that when people are given the space, the support, the right tools to guide them with joy and purpose, remarkable things grow. Not just plants, but connections, confidence, and a community.

"To every finalist in this room. Thank you. Thank you for your passion, your perseverance, perseverance, and for showing all of us, especially those of us who work in this industry, exactly why this matters. Thank you."

Meet the 2026 winners

Top of the Plots Winner and Best Garden Plot: Rebecca and Jean Reno from Morpeth

Rebecca and Jean were recognised with Huw's Pick after transforming an overgrown plot into a thriving permaculture garden. Their space features rescue chickens, wildlife ponds and a productive food forest that also helps raise funds for SSAFA.

Best Allotment: Marketa Bolton from Coventry

Marketa was named winner of the Best Allotment category for her show-stopping plot in Coventry. Described as "an emotional escape from my busy and stressful city life", the allotment overflows with fruit, vegetables, flowers and wildlife, inspired by childhood memories of her parents' allotment in the Czech Republic.

Huw's Pick of the Plots: Liena Legzdina from Derbyshire

Liena took home the Best Garden title for a space filled with what she describes as "little living threads". Bringing together family heirlooms, childhood memories, abundant harvests and thriving wildlife, her "living patchwork" garden combines seasonal flowers, homegrown food and treasured family connections.

Best New Plot: Francesca Sporle and her husband, from Surrey

Francesca and her husband were crowned winners of Best New Plot following what they describe as "a successful first year" of learning, growing and creating. Their developing allotment features fruit trees, wildlife ponds, flower-filled borders and productive vegetable beds.

Commenting on the plot, Huw Richards said: "This first-year allotment showcases what can be achieved through careful planning and dedication."

Best Small Plot: Mark Riches from Somerset

Mark's winning small plot proves that gardening success is not measured in square footage. Measuring just 11ft by 18ft, the highly productive garden uses hydroponics, vertical growing and innovative planting techniques to maximise every inch of space.

Best Community Plot: Missenden Walled Garden in Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire

The Best Community Plot award went to Missenden Walled Garden for a therapeutic horticulture project that grows far more than plants. The initiative helps adults with learning disabilities develop practical skills while cultivating fruit, vegetables, flowers and beehives.

Kids on the Plot: Trawden Forest Primary School in Lancashire

Trawden Forest Primary School was named winner of the Kids on the Plot category for its vibrant school garden. Home to everything from melons and squash to a much-loved pink banana plant, the garden brings food growing, wildlife conservation and sustainability to life for pupils. As the school explains, they are "not just growing fruit and vegetables" but also "growing curiosity, confidence, kindness and a lifelong connection with nature."

Huw Richards, bestselling author and GARDENA ambassador, said: “It was a real privilege to judge this year's Top of the Plots competition. What stood out most was how the finalists pushed against the norms and created spaces that reflected their own personalities, whether that was Rebecca's jungle-like food forest or Mark's tiny but highly productive garden.

“What I loved most was seeing what can be achieved when you work with what you have. Gardening doesn’t have to be perfect, and this year brought plenty of challenges for growers. Yet the winners have created productive, thriving spaces through patience, care and a willingness to keep learning and adapting.

"The winners have shown what can be achieved through creativity, resilience and a willingness to adapt. Their plots are a fantastic reminder that there is no single right way to garden, and I hope they inspire more people to get growing."

Mike Farrell, Chairman of the National Allotment Society said: "Once again, Top of the Plots has showcased the incredible talent, passion and dedication that can be found in allotments and gardens across the UK. The standard of entries this year was exceptionally high, with entrants demonstrating not only impressive growing skills, but also creativity, sustainability and a real commitment to making the most of their green spaces.

"What makes this year's winners even more impressive is the way that many of them adapted to a season that presented its fair share of challenges. Whether managing periods of dry weather, protecting crops or making careful use of resources, entrants showed the resilience and ingenuity that are at the heart of successful growing. Congratulations to all of this year's winners and finalists for the inspiration they provide to gardeners everywhere."

The full line-up of winners demonstrates the diversity, creativity and enthusiasm thriving across Britain's growing community. From productive allotments and wildlife-friendly gardens to therapeutic projects and school growing spaces, the 2026 Top of the Plots winners show that gardening is about far more than harvests alone. It is about creating places that nurture people, communities and nature alike.

See GTN Xtra's gallery of photos from the Blenheim Palace event below

The inaugural winners of the Allensmore Great British Bloom Off trophy are Chepstow Garden Centre, awarded for the best mixed display of roses and perennials. 

Hannah Groome and Geoff Caesar presented Dan Bennett and his team with the trophy and a staff hamper for their inspirational displays through this summer. 

Roses and perennials are natural partners in the garden and make for a great garden centre display which Chepstow Garden Centre excelled at, inspiring customers and boosting sales.

Pentland Plants raised £3,400 for the Scottish Action for Mental Health charity from ticket and raffle sales at its fashion show.

We had our charity fashion show last Thursday evening and I thought you might like to include it in the next issue?

The 15 models were family, friends, customers and team members of Pentland, some of whom have been taking part in the fashion shows for the 10 years. 

Emma Morwood, who lives locally and was a finalist in the Great British Sewing Bee, joined the models on the catwalk. 

“It was a fantastic night and it was a delight to see our clothing and accessory ranges brought to life to a superb selection of music,” said Pentland Plants director Carolyn Spray.

GIMA has confirmed that Martin Ward has left his role as Director of the Association, with the GIMA team thanking him for his contribution and wishing him every success for the future.

Following his departure, the GIMA Council and wider team have taken proactive steps to ensure the continued strength and stability of the Association, including putting additional interim support in place across key areas of activity. These arrangements will ensure that GIMA maintains its momentum, with membership services, events and wider initiatives continuing as planned.

Craig Hall, GIMA President, said: "GIMA remains firmly focused on supporting its members and building on the progress made in recent years. We are fortunate to have an engaged membership, a dedicated Council and team, and a shared commitment to ensuring the Association continues to deliver for the businesses we represent.

"While periods of transition naturally bring some change, our priorities remain the same. We have an ambitious programme of activity ahead, and I'm confident that the strength, experience and enthusiasm across our membership, Council and wider team will ensure we continue to move forward, developing new opportunities and responding to the evolving needs of the industry.

"There's also plenty to look forward to in the coming weeks, not least the GIMA Awards. I'm really looking forward to welcoming everyone to what promises to be a fantastic evening, celebrating the innovation, achievements and people that make our industry so special."

The GIMA Council will continue to review the Association's longer-term organisational requirements, ensuring that its structure and resources remain aligned with the evolving needs of its membership and its ambitions for future growth.

Find out more

Members can continue to access GIMA's full range of services and support as usual, with its programme of events and initiatives continuing as planned.

For further information about GIMA and its membership services, please visit www.gima.org.uk.

Sarah Dyke, MP for Glastonbury & Somerton, is a driving force within parliament to have the peat ban brought into law, and RocketGro was thrilled that she chose to visit the company’s farm and baggin plant.

The MP was able to learn more about how RocketGro is leading the way in producing a reliable peat-free range of products that delivers on price, consistency, effectiveness and an all-round organic eco message that consumers want.

Sarah Dyke commented: “It was very useful to visit RocketGro and see first-hand the work being done here in Somerset to produce peat-free growing media, alongside the farm’s wider use of renewable energy and resources. 

“Somerset is one of only two counties in England where peat extraction continues, despite the vital role our peatlands play in storing carbon and supporting nature. The horticultural industry needs a clear direction of travel from Government if we are to protect these irreplaceable habitats while giving businesses the certainty they need to invest and adapt. 

“Companies such as RocketGro demonstrate that British-produced, peat-free alternatives are already being developed here in Somerset. What is now missing is clarity from Ministers. 

“I have written to the Government asking it to set out a clear timetable for ending the sale of horticultural peat and to provide the certainty growers, producers and consumers need to make that transition successfully. 

“I would like to thank Toby, Tim and Andy for taking the time to show me around and discuss both the opportunities and challenges facing the sector.”

RocketGro Managing Director Toby Thomas commented: “We are delighted that Sarah came to visit us. We have been in contact with Sarah for some time, assisting with information sharing and updates around our success and the viability of our message, products, range and story.

“RocketGro are a truly great representation about what is possible when Peat is taken out of the growing media chain. We have never touched Peat as a business, and in a county (Somerset) that has mined so much Peat over the centuries, and still to this day actively mines and destroys Peatland habitats, the story is even more powerful. We look forward to the Peat ban coming into force. Having invested huge sums in building our business and preparing for our continued year on year growth of 30%, we have the capacity in place and are ready for the ban to go live.”

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

Greenkey Garden & Home, long recognised by retailers for their quality watering solutions and innovative sprayers, is strengthening its position as a value driven supplier with a major expansion to its irrigation range for 2027.

Last year, Greenkey introduced a series of new micro pot irrigation systems that were very well received by garden centres, delivering strong sell through, and proving that customers are actively seeking smarter, water saving ways to care for their gardens. As demand continues to rise for efficient, sustainable watering, Greenkey is stepping forward once again with an extended range designed to help retailers meet that growing customer appetite.

New Water Saving Sprayer Irrigation Systems

Greenkey is proud to introduce two new watering systems, designed to prevent water waste and take the hassle out of watering. The 12 Micro and 20 Micro Sprayer Irrigation Systems are water saving irrigation solutions that uses low pressure pipes paired with small spray nozzles. Sprayer irrigation systems offer greater coverage per outlet when compared to micro pot systems. While micro drip systems are ideal for use on pots and small containers, micro sprayer systems offer an ideal solution for watering raised beds, larger containers, and lawns. They deliver water directly to the soil, roots, or small plant clusters ensuring hydration goes exactly where it’s needed.

Both systems provide targeted watering, reducing waste by focusing water at roots. With low pressure efficiency they make watering for eco-conscious garden enthusiasts easy. Both systems can be adapted for pots, borders, veg patches, and small garden areas. With recent hosepipe bans in the UK due to droughts, these systems are set to increase in popularity as they help plants thrive during dry spells as they offer consistent moisture without using unnecessary amounts of water.

Watering Automation

To support the spray systems and Greenkey’s wider watering range, three new electronic watering aids are launching for 2027:

This includes a Digital Single Outlet Water Timer, which turns any outdoor tap into an automatic watering system - ideal for busy gardeners or those wanting reliable, scheduled hydration for their garden.

Perfect for gardens with multiple zones, Greenkey will be offering a Dual Outlet Bluetooth Water Timer. This smart timer allows users to control two separate watering functions from one device, offering independent scheduling for each outlet, providing greater flexibility for lawns, borders, pots, and irrigation networks. 

To help gardeners manage water consumption more effectively, the Digital Water Flow Meter is being launched. This enables real time tracking of water usage in gallons or litres. It connects to taps, hoses, and irrigation systems, giving customers confidence in their water‑saving efforts.

Your Go‑To Supplier for Watering & Gardening

With the expanded irrigation range and new digital watering aids, Greenkey continues to build its reputation as the go to supplier for all things watering and gardening. Retailers can rely on Greenkey’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and customer‑friendly product design. The new irrigation products will be available for the 2027 season, supported by Greenkey’s reliable, retailer focused support with next‑day delivery and a low minimum order value of just £250.

To explore the new irrigation range and discuss ordering opportunities, get in touch with the Greenkey team today to plan a successful 2027 season – sales@greenkey-garden.co.uk

GIMA Buyers Guide & New Product Digest - Autumn 2026 - A valuable reference for the UK Garden Trade

New Products for the UK Garden Trade for 2027 from GIMA Members: Altico, Angro, Auto Pot Global, Backdoor Shoes, Bees Seeds, Burgon & Ball, Cerland, Charles Bentley, Claber SPA, Durstons, Ecoo BV, elho, Emerald Eternal Green BV, Evergreen Garden Care, Floramadia, GreenKey, Glee, GRDN Living, Greenman Garden Tools, Handy, Hortiwool, Husqvarna, Jeyes, Johnsons Lawn Seeds, Lava-Lite, Lodi UK, Lohas Fertilliser, LV Bespoke, Meadow View Stone, Melcourt, Mims Pottery, Museums & Galleries Ltd, Norfolk Leisure, PlantWork, Sipcam, Super Ninja, The MAD Company, Toro, Vitavia, Vita, Woodmansterne, Zero - STV, Zest and the GIMA Member Directory.