British Garden Centres Charles Stubbs with his daughters Libby and Amy

British Garden Centres opened its first new store out of seven in Gosforth this weekend with queues of excited shoppers eager to experience the transformation and see inside the new store, along with hundreds of signs up to the group's Family Card. 

The refurbished centre and restaurant were packed with happy customers, signalling a roaring success and a welcome addition to the local community.

Gosforth Garden Centre was officially opened by celebrity gardener David Domoney at the weekend who cut the ribbon and gave visitors a talk on all things gardening.  

The new store features plants, sundries, garden accessories, homeware, gifts and the Fern Living outdoor furniture range, exclusive to British Garden Centres.  The largest family-run group are also running exclusive opening week offers and Best Buy deals on a wide selection of garden products to welcome both old and new customers back to the store.

Gosforth Garden Centre also continues with popular concessions, including Regatta and Klass, Julian Charles, Maidenhead Aquatics and Weird Fish within the centre.

The Gardener’s Retreat Restaurant is now home to a brand new carvery and has been given a refreshing new look.

The centre is fully accessible to wheelchair users, has plenty of free parking, and even offers a home delivery service for larger items. Gosforth Garden Centre is also dog-friendly, so you can bring your four-legged friend along too.

Malcolm Buckle, Centre Manager at Gosforth Garden Centre, said: “We’re so excited to be part of the Gosforth community. We’ve worked hard to bring life and enjoyment to the site so that it’s not just a garden centre but a destination for local people.”

British Garden Centres has acquired seven Dobbies stores since the start of 2025 with the opening dates as follows:

Gosforth: 22nd and 23rd Feb

Shinfield: 1st and 2nd March

Gloucester: 8th and 9th March

Heighley Gate: 8th and 9th March

Rugby: 15th March

Havant: 16th March

Northampton:  TBC

British Garden Centres (BGC) is the UK’s largest family-owned garden centre group with 72 centres around the country. The group is owned and led by The Stubbs family, who also own and operate Woodthorpe Leisure Park in Lincolnshire.

BGC was launched in 1987 with the opening of Woodthorpe Garden Centre by brothers Charles and Robert Stubbs. Since 2018 it has expanded rapidly with the acquisition of 50 garden centres allowing it to grow from its heartland to the business it is now with 72 garden centres spread from Carmarthen to Ramsgate, Wimborne to East Durham.

The group has a team of 3000 colleagues working across the garden centres, restaurants, growing nurseries, distribution centres, Woodthorpe Leisure Park, and Woody’s Restaurant & Bar.

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Website: www.britishgardencentres.com

GTN February 2025. GTN's Greatest Christmas Awards Special issue: Christmas Greatness Awarded at Spring Fair, Retailing at its best – GCA Conference Awards, Forging ahead with UK Firepits, Christmas through the eyes of a Greatest Awards judge, Greatest Christmas Award Winners including: Birkacre, Gates, Brigg, Cook’s, Munro’s, Coolings, Monkton Elm, Pugh’s, Alton, Duchy of Cornwall Nursery, Newquay, Harrogate, Webbs, Ruxley Manor, Polhill, Studley, Perrywood, Baytree, Notcutts Solihull, Wolesely Bridge, Albrighton, Glendoick, Garsons, Castle Gardens, Wentworth, Old Railway Line, Arcadia, Newbridge, Gouldings, Poundbury, Bents, Rivendell, Sanders and many more, Moments of Christmas Brilliance, 10 years at Greenfingers for Linda Petrons, New Plants Galore at IPM Essen, Politics doesn’t matter – EHG Column, Focus for 2025 – HTA Column, Adapting to changing climates – LOFA Column, A year of reset and growth? – GIMA Column.

The UK's leading manufacturer of outdoor wooden garden products has increased its manufacturing output of its award-winning 'Grow it' range.

The 'Grow it' range which comprises of traditional styled outdoor planting products with the distinctive Charles Taylor colour and design has become increasingly  popular with its vast customer base.

Richard Ball, Director, said:  “We are delighted to announce record breaking figures,We are currently manufacturing and delivering circa ten thousand pieces a week of the Grow It Range which has increased by approx 20% on last year.”

The addition of highly profile buying groups and the gain of new key accounts have increased our footprint within the industry.

Charles Taylor has invested heavily in manufacturing and storage facilities to offer speedy deliveries and with our zero minimum order value has really increased demand.

"We are aware of the seasonal demand and we have to react to our customer requirements,” added Richard.

Corby + Fellas are delighted to announce the successful launch of the Customer Loyalty App for Squire’s Garden Centres ‘Friends of Squires’.

Squire’s Garden Centres, Corby + Fellas and Spring Marketing have worked incredibly hard to design, develop and deploy this fantastic rewards app.

The programme has been defined and shaped from Squire’s customer feedback and is designed to reward and thank customers for their continued support.

The easy-to-use rewards app unlocks a range of exclusive benefits, from personalised vouchers to exclusive offers, ensuring that every visit to Squire’s Garden Centres is even more special, including a welcome offer of 50% off any one plant.

Whether shopping for plants, picking up garden essentials or enjoying a relaxing hot drink in the Café Bar, their members are encouraged to scan every time they shop, so offers can be tailored and based on their purchases.

Sarah Squire, Chairman, comments: "As a long-established business of almost 90 years, customer loyalty is very much valued and appreciated. We’ve introduced the Friends of Squire’s loyalty programme as a way of recognising this and giving back to our customers – it is our way of saying ‘thank you’.  Our simple, convenient app is packed with treats to surprise and delight, designed to make every visit to one of our centres even more enjoyable."

Corby + Fellas Managing Director Alan McCammon also commented: “We are delighted to realise Squire’s vision for rewarding their loyal customers old and new, with our fully integrated APP,  delivering class leading communications and insights, powered by WinRetail.  Thank-you to Karen and all the Squire’s team.  I’d like to also thank Spring Marketing for their collaboration and all the C+F team for ensuing this project was delivered on time, ready for the new season. Exciting times indeed.”

Claire Robertson, Head of Digital at C+F commented further: “Our new Geo Location functionality has brought more relevant information to the customer’s fingertips. Within this APP customers have: the ability to order food; collect hot drink stamps to earn a free drink; collect stamps for money spent within the centres to earn a money off voucher… to name just a few of the things Squire’s is rewarding their loyal customers with. I am proud to have been part of this project.”

Friends of Squire’s is available to download in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

Photo: Three generations of the Squire family proudly display the new ‘Friends of Squire’s’ app on their phones. Colin Squire – Chairman Emeritus (centre) with his daughter, Sarah Squire – Chairman (left) and granddaughter, Felicia Baily – Squire’s Sustainability Lead (right).

The team at a Bradford-headquartered garden centre group is celebrating after being shortlisted for a prestigious national HR award.

Yorkshire Garden Centres Group has reached the final in the People Team of the Year (500-1,000 employees) at the British HR Awards which celebrate organisations and individuals that are driven by delivering a world-class people experience.

"We have a great team at Yorkshire Garden Centres so we're very proud that they have been recognised with a place in the final of this fantastic award," said Yorkshire Garden Centre's Head of People and Culture, Neil Barwise-Carr.

"We are delighted and proud that our commitment to attracting, nurturing and developing our team has been rewarded with a place in the final against stiff competition."

Nate Harwood, Founder of New Possible and British HR Awards judge said: "We were humbled by the record number and quality of entries this year. It was incredible to see such ingenuity in action, reflecting the outstanding skill, passion and hard work of teams and individuals up and down the UK. Congratulations to all the Finalists."

The stellar lineup of 16 judges includes representatives from Shelter, The AA, Taylor Wimpey and The Open University.

Yorkshire Garden Centres faces competition from City of Bristol College, Global Procurement Group, iamproperty, London Luton Airport and M & A Doocey Civil Engineering.

 The winners will be announced at a celebration event in Central London on 2nd April.
 

The British HR Awards is powered by New Possible, a next-generation employee insight platform. New Possible helps leaders build healthier organisations by providing meaningful insight that can drive real change.

The Yorkshire Garden Centres (YGC) family of destination garden centres includes Tong, Tingley, Otley, Bingley and Pennine Garden Centres plus Dean's in York and Scarborough.

Pictured, from left to right: Stacey Parkinson, Steph Harrison, Neil Barwise-Carr and Robyn Winstanley from the People and Culture team.

Westland Horticulture, home to market leading brands such as Jack’s Magic, Boost, Big Tom, Resolva, Peckish, Kent & Stowe and Unwins, is thrilled to announce the 2^nd edition of The Westland Garden newspaper. The highly anticipated publication will soon be arriving at garden centres across the UK and ROI.

Following the success of last spring’s debut edition, which reached almost half a million households, this year’s distribution will double to 1 million copies, allowing many more keen gardeners to be inspired to make this season’s garden their best yet. Copies will be available for consumers to pick up free from garden centres during March and April.

The free 32-page newspaper, written by a host of horticultural journalists, aims to be a quality guide that helps anyone to achieve success in their garden. From planting and sowing to pruning and watering, the newspaper offers seasonal advice and practical tips to help readers maximise their outdoor spaces, allotments, patios, and even indoor jungles.

This year’s UK cover star is comedian Tom Allen, who shares an exclusive interview about what gardening means to him. Other highlights of the 2^nd edition include:

• Gardendesigner Adam Frost on the story of his stunning Lincolnshire garden
• The experts at David Austin Roses share some of their best roses this season
• Michael Perry,aka Mr Plant Geek,shares his top suggestions for on-trend planting
• Luxury houseware designer Abigail Ahern highlights how houseplants can add structure, texture and style in any home
• Mental Health charity, Mind, provides an insight on why it’s encouraging the nation to get outside and garden more.

Keith Nicholson, Marketing Director, at Westland, commented: “The feedback from our first edition of The Westland Garden newspaper was overwhelmingly positive from both our retail partners and consumers alike. Our latest edition continues to inspire consumers and offer expert advice on how to achieve a stunning outdoor space and a thriving indoor jungle.

“We urge garden centres to place the freestanding display units and newspaper copies in high-traffic areas to encourage customers to pick up their free copy. It’s a valuable resource that will help inspire purchases, drive repeat visitors, and empower the nation to enjoy their garden.”

Weber and Blackstone Products have entered into a definitive agreement to combine their businesses. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Weber is recognised as an iconic global barbecue brand, with a 70-year-plus history of innovation and delivery of exceptional quality and consumer value. It offers a wide portfolio of grill products and services to customers in more than 70 countries.

Blackstone, founded in 2008 by Chief Executive Officer Roger Dahle, is the U.S. pioneer in outdoor griddles, where its products are recognized as high-quality, easy-to-use, and affordable. The company has grown significantly as consumers continue to demonstrate their enthusiasm for Blackstone’s innovative griddle products and outdoor cooking accessories.

The combination will bring together two iconic brands in outdoor cooking, joining Weber’s portfolio of grilling products with Blackstone’s complementary griddle product lineup. Weber and Blackstone share strong entrepreneurial cultures and rich legacies of innovation grounded in their respective histories as a family-founded company and a founder-led business. Bringing together their robust product development engines will position the combined company to provide consumers with an expanded lineup of high-quality offerings while maintaining two distinct brands. In addition, Weber’s global customer relationships and distribution infrastructure will support international expansion opportunities for Blackstone.

“We share Blackstone’s customer-centric emphasis and deep commitment to continuous innovation, and we believe that combining will allow both brands to better serve existing and new customers with the best-in-class outdoor cooking products they seek,” said Alan Matula, Chief Executive Officer of Weber. “Roger Dahle and his team have built a dynamic brand in outdoor griddles that has demonstrated both impressive growth and enduring appeal. We are excited by the enhanced opportunities this combination will create for our customers.”

“We are thrilled to join with Weber and bring together two outdoor cooking industry innovators to create immense value for our customers and team members alike,” said Dahle. “With our complementary portfolios and similar cultures, I could not have imagined a better partner for Blackstone than Weber. We look forward to delivering an enhanced lineup of high-quality products to those with a passion for outdoor cooking, both here in the U.S. and internationally.”

Following the close of the transaction, Dahle will serve as CEO of the combined company. He will also maintain a significant equity stake in the combined company.

At that time, Matula will retire from the company after serving as CEO of Weber since 2022. Under his leadership, Weber has successfully pursued key transformation initiatives that have strengthened the company and executed against a long-term strategy of delivering high-performing, high-quality and innovative experiences to customers around the world.

The transaction is expected to close in early 2025, subject to regulatory clearance and other customary closing conditions. Until that time, Weber and Blackstone will continue to operate as separate, independent companies. Upon completion of the transaction, the combined company will maintain a presence in both Palatine, Illinois and Logan, Utah.

About Weber LLC

Weber LLC, headquartered in Palatine, IL, is an iconic global barbecue brand. The Company’s founder George Stephen, Sr., established the outdoor cooking category when he invented the original kettle charcoal grill more than 70 years ago. Weber offers a comprehensive, innovative product portfolio, including charcoal, gas, smokers, and accessories, designed to bring people together to create amazing memories and delicious food. Weber offers its products, services and experiences to a passionate community of millions across 70 countries.

About Blackstone

Blackstone Products, headquartered in Logan, UT, is fundamentally redefining how people cook outdoors. The company specializes in outdoor griddles which allow users to cook a wider variety of foods faster and more often. Blackstone’s robust product line features innovative and easy-to-use griddles, accessories, and consumables that enhance outdoor cooking and make it more enjoyable and accessible to all for every meal. Blackstone believes in helping people create an experience with food that brings family and friends together.

In a bid to help gardeners achieve better results from peat-free compost, British growing media producer, Durston Garden Products Ltd are collaborating with horticultural retailers, manufacturers, NGOs and trade bodies to provide consistent guidance and messaging.

Keen to help accelerate the UK’s transition away from peat and arm gardeners with the right knowledge to grow successfully, the partnership has launched a new concise peat-free guide that has been agreed by 20 horticultural organisations, including Durstons, the British Growers Association, Bulrush Horticulture, Defra, Garden Centre Association (GCA), the Gardens Group, and the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA).

The move fosters greater collaboration right across the horticulture sector, with the key aim of cutting through confusion in the compost sector and helping gardeners make more sustainable choices.

The need for more consistent and reliable advice was highlighted by new research, which found that more than one in five gardeners – from complete novices to expert growers – are confused about different compost types and what makes them sustainable.

The independent research, commissioned by Enrich the Earth, also showed that many gardeners are reluctant to make a switch, with 43% stating that they stick to composts they know. Unsurprisingly, this trend was particularly prevalent amongst those over the age of 55 and the more experienced gardeners surveyed. Equally, whilst 67% of gardeners said they care about sustainable composts, only 30% consistently buy peat-free.

Durstons have been vocal about their commitment to a peat-free future for years now and are working to plug the knowledge gap amongst consumers and retailers alike. The family-run business welcomes the industry’s collaboration to boost peat-free gardening and offer gardeners the helping hand they need. The timing is particularly important, as nearly 90% of amateur gardeners say they support a complete ban on the sale of peat products, however, many continue to buy peat-based compost.

Durston Garden Products Ltd Director, Dan Durston explains: “We have spent years researching and developing peat-free alternatives that really work. Finally, we have a peat-free collection that we are extremely proud of; one that is outperforming peat-free and peat-reduced competitors in independent trials and helping gardeners achieve outstanding results. However, we know that there is a distinct lack of education around peat-free, with inaccurate and inconsistent information available for growers.

Unfortunately, this has lead to gardeners not achieving the results they want or shying away from peat-free altogether, which isn’t great news for anybody. The ongoing delays and uncertainty over the peat ban haven’t helped but we do know a commercial ban is inevitable, so it is vital we do what we can now to remove gardeners’ reliance on peat.

“We were delighted to join the peat-free partnership and come together with key players in the industry to give gardeners the support they need and bring us all a step closer to a peat-free future.”

The campaign is also being supported by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), which has made its new free advisory service available for gardeners if they have any questions about peat-free growing (peatfree@rhs.org.uk), whilst the conversation can be tracked under the hashtag #peatfreesuccess.

Professor Alistair Griffiths, RHS Director of Science and Collections, added: “It is a really positive step to have come together with so many organisations to help provide these top tips for gardeners, to make sure they can grow successfully peat-free. At the RHS, we know the simple action of choosing peat-free compost keeps peat in the ground, where it has a vital role in storing carbon, regulating water in the landscape and as a habitat for wildlife. We are pleased to be able to offer a dedicated peat-free email, so anyone can get in touch with our expert advisors if they have further questions about using these composts. Gardeners can follow this guidance on the leaflets to get the best from peat-free compost and take an important action for our planet.”

www.durstongardenproducts.co.uk

The latest HTA Market Update presents a mixed picture for UK garden centres in January 2025, with overall sales declining by 2% compared to January 2024. However, underlying this headline figure are notable differences across various categories.

Fran Barnes, Chief Executive of the HTA, said: "January is typically a quieter month for gardening, but the adverse weather, including storms Éowyn and Herminia, coupled with temperatures that were nearly 1°C lower than in January 2024, put additional pressure on plant sales, leading to a 12% decline in gardening category sales. However, slightly more sunshine and lower rainfall helped offset this, and garden centres continued to be a welcoming space for customers, with non-gardening sales rising by 3% and café revenues increasing by 6%, which provided crucial off-season income and helped maintain steady footfall.

"Looking ahead, the spring season will be pivotal. If weather conditions improve, we expect a strong rebound in plant sales. This update comes just after our Garden Press Event with GIMA, where the strength of the UK garden retail sector was showcased, with exciting new products, plants, and initiatives, highlighting the industry's ongoing ambition.

"We also launched our latest HTA stats booklet, revealing that an estimated 203 million visits were made to garden centres in 2024, with 68% of UK adults visiting at least once. Garden centre cafés and restaurants saw 148 million visits, with 56% of UK adults visiting. Plus, the garden retail sector remains robust, with £9 billion spent on garden retail products in 2023, £2 billion on outdoor plants and £700 million on houseplants.

"The HTA will continue to support our members, ensuring they have the insights and resources needed to navigate the months ahead and make the most of the opportunities the peak season will bring."

HTA members can access further insights in this month’s Market Update on our website

Mark your calendars for 26th June 2025 and seize the opportunity to be part of something truly extraordinary – the Greenfingers Charity Floral Ball. This glittering event will not only celebrate the charity’s remarkable 25-year journey but also provide a unique platform for brands to shine in front of hundreds of influential guests who are passionate about making a difference.

The Floral Ball, set in the stunning surroundings of Coombe Abbey – a breathtaking 12th-century hotel nestled in the Warwickshire countryside – will be a night to remember. Bringing together loyal supporters, industry leaders, and special guests, this prestigious event will honour the incredible impact Greenfingers has had on life-limited children and their families. Thanks to the generosity of so many during the last quarter of a century, Greenfingers has created almost 70 therapeutic gardens in children’s hospices across the UK, each providing essential spaces of comfort, joy, and reflection. Now, as the charity embarks on the next 25 years it is asking others to consider playing a pivotal role in support of this incredible milestone event. 

A call for sponsors

Like any event, the success of the Greenfingers Floral Ball is reliant on the support and generous contributions from brands and individuals. An event of this stature offers a multitude of sponsorship opportunities from the champagne reception which will take place overlooking the formal gardens once landscaped by Capability Brown, to the table centres, raffle prizes, menus or end of night bacon sandwiches for hungry guests who have danced the night away.  The options are endless.

This is your chance to be part of an evening filled with inspiration, celebration, and generosity. To explore sponsorship opportunities please contact Linda Petrons, Director of Fundraising & Communication at the Greenfingers Charity by emailing linda@greenfingerscharity.org.uk

Find out more

To find out more about Greenfingers Charity, and how to get involved in a range of fundraising events please visit www.greenfingerscharity.org.uk. You can also join in the conversation by joining Greenfingers on social media - https://www.facebook.com/Greenfingerscharity/, @GreenfingersCha on Twitter, and @Greenfingerscharity on Instagram and LinkedIn. 

The Hillier Garden Centre Awards took place on 19th February 2025, offering an opportunity to reflect on the past year’s successes and challenges within the horticultural industry, while also celebrating the outstanding contributions of suppliers and staff across various categories. The event highlighted the dedication, passion, and hard work of individuals and teams that make Hillier a renowned name in the horticultural industry. 

For the first time, the awards ceremony was moved from November to February, coinciding with the company’s inaugural Supplier Showcase at Newbury Racecourse. More than 70 suppliers attended the Supplier Showcase, presenting their latest product lines to the Hillier Garden Centre teams. Over 400 Hillier team members visited the event to prepare for the upcoming 2025 peak season, marking an important opportunity for professional development and collaboration. Brands represented included Bryant’s Nurseries Ltd, Woodlodge, Evergreen, Decco Ltd, Gardena, Smart Garden, Burgon & Ball, Westland Horticulture and many more! 

Chris Francis, Director of Retail and Wholesale, said: “It’s an exciting time to welcome these incredible suppliers to our first-ever Hillier Supplier Showcase. Bringing everyone together in one place is such a fantastic opportunity, and it’s equally rewarding to give our teams the chance to spend quality time with the suppliers, deepening their understanding of the products ahead of the peak season.” 

Welcoming guests to the awards evening, George Hillier, Chairman of Hillier Nurseries and Garden Centres, touched on the difficult weather that characterised 2024 saying: “I know we’re all here to celebrate another year in the gardening world, but let’s be honest - at times, it felt like the weather had other ideas. With relentless rain and floods, a spring with at least three false starts, and a wind that seemed determined to rearrange every outdoor display carefully set up, it felt like we got through the alphabet twice on named storms, it was tough! I think we’ve all earned a medal just for keeping the show on the road in the last year.” 

Hillier continued by praising the teams for their commitment and dedication noting how remarkable this achievement was in the face of such adverse conditions: “It’s interesting to see how people and businesses react in a dynamic and challenging situation, I’m extremely proud of how we have responded and adapted to meet the latest challenges whatever they are, that’s what makes us both different and successful. In an unpredictable weather pattern year, we saw the group consistently reviewing progress, and changing processes to ensure that we protected margins remaining profitable, it’s so easy to get that wrong, but we didn’t, we challenged ourselves and delivered a plan for success so that we can continue to invest in our people, our offer, and the centres, taking garden centre experiences to the next level.” 

Looking to the future, Hillier noted some major external factors that will continue to challenge garden centre retail and wider business in the UK, in particular around sustainability: “We are in a concerning time for our planet and its environment, we all see it, the changes to weather patterns. We see it as much as anyone because we are tuned in to what the weather conditions are telling us, and we know how important it is to our trade. I think we all know that horticulture is part of the solution. It is making a difference, putting people in touch with their gardens, and giving them a window to see how climate change is real. The mental health and wellbeing benefits of being at one with nature with hands in the earth is so significant. We must continue to inspire the creation of green living spaces for now and the future, as we have always done.” 

The 2025 Awards Winners List

• Home and Leisure Supplier of the Year 2024- Bramble Foods Ltd 
• Home and Leisure Shop of the Year 2024 – Hillier Garden Centre Newbury 
• Garden Shop Supplier of the Year 2024 - Woodlodge Products 
• Garden Shop of the Year 2024 – Hillier Garden Centre Botley 
• Horticulture Supplier of the Year 2024 – Allensmore Nurseries 
• Plant Area of the Year 2024 – Hillier Garden Centre Banbury 
• Nursery Employee of the Year 2024 – Gill Dowling 
• Garden Centre Department Manager of the Year 2024 – Kevin Moss, Aldermaston 
• Garden Centre Employee of the Year 2024 – Lucy Cuckney, Banbury 
• Gardening Club Champions 2024 – Hillier Garden Centre Hemel Hempstead 
• Restaurant Supplier of the Year 2024 – Creed Foodservice 
• Restaurant of the Year 2024 – Hillier Garden Centre Horsham 
• Destination Restaurant of the Year 2024 – Hillier Garden Centre Eastbourne 
• Garden Centre of the Year 2024 - Hillier Garden Centre Horsham 
• Destination Garden Centre of the Year 2024 - Hillier Garden Centre Eastbourne 

For more information about Hillier visit www.hillier.co.uk

Kernock Park Plants, organisers of the South West Growers Show, have announced that 2025 is already looking to be a superb edition of this annual show. Early Bird Booking demand has been outstanding, with over 60% of 2024 exhibitors choosing to immediately re-book their space for this year already.

The South West Growers Show is the west country’s ONLY trade event that is aimed at growers and plant buyers from local authorities, garden centres, other retailers and the landscaping industry.

Last year, alongside the strong lineup of exhibitors & our now widened awards ceremony, we also saw added value for visitors with excellently attended talks held by both the HTA & RHS Peat Free Teams.

More details about the show can be found on www.swgs.co.uk, and with stand spaces being booked fast, be certain to secure your stall space today by contacting us here.

The Garden Press Event 2025 brought together around 400 members of the garden press and media at the Business Design Centre in London on 18 February. Organised by the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) and GIMA, this premier one-day exhibition featured 100 exhibitors, showcasing a diverse range of gardening and environmental horticulture businesses, brands, and events. 

A highlight of the event was the announcement of the winners of two key awards: the Bob Maker Memorial Award for Best Stand Display and the Best New Product Award. The latter was determined by votes from the attending press throughout the day.  

Best New Product Award 

The coveted Best New Product Award was won by The Dipping Tank Company for the second consecutive year, this time for its innovative new accessories designed to enhance the storage of harvested rainwater. 

Andrew Cousins from the Dipping Tank Company said;  “It’s amazing to receive this award, and to win it two years in a row is incredible! Last year, we were recognised for the core idea of our product, which offers a new way to store harvested rainwater. This year, we’ve been honoured again for the innovative accessories that make it even better. My heartfelt thanks to everyone who voted.” 

Best Stand Display Award 

HSK Gardening and Leisure received the Best Stand Display Award, marking an exciting milestone for the company’s first appearance at the event. 

HSK Gardening and Leisure representatives shared their excitement; "I’m absolutely speechless! This is the first time we’ve actually done the show, so it's amazing! We were  testing the waters this year as we’ve got new products to launch and it's so nice to get this recognition. It’s been a fantastic team effort and we have our new branding too which we love, and now other people have agreed with us. How exciting!” 

The Greenfingers Charity has announced the return of two of its most exhilarating fundraising events for 2025 – the Dragon Boat Race and the adrenaline-pumping Wing Walk. Following their incredible success in previous years, both events promise unforgettable experiences while raising vital funds to support children’s hospices and their families through the creation of magical gardens.

Dragon Boat Race

After making waves in 2024, the much-anticipated Dragon Boat Race is set to return on 6th July. Last year saw fierce competition, with the Westland Warriors emerging victorious. Now, the challenge is back, inviting teams from across the sector and beyond to compete in this thrilling spectacle.

Taking place at Grendon Lakes, Northamptonshire, this event offers an incredible opportunity for teams to come together for a day of camaraderie and competition. Friends and family are welcome to join in the fun, whether by rowing or cheering from the shoreline.

In true Greenfingers Charity style, there are plenty of sponsorship opportunities available for businesses looking to show their support. From sponsoring event photography and refreshments to donating raffle prizes, every contribution ensures the smooth running of the event and boosts the fundraising total. Brands keen to be a part of this spectacular day should get in touch to discuss sponsorship packages.

A high-flying fundraising challenge

For those who prefer their fundraising with a shot of adrenaline, the Greenfingers Charity Wing Walk is set to return once again on 28th August.

A staple in the charity’s fundraising calendar, this breathtaking event offers thrill-seekers the chance to experience the ultimate challenge – being strapped to the top wing of a WWII biplane before taking to the skies at speeds of up to 140mph.

Taking place at the renowned AeroSuperBatics at RAF Rendcomb Airfield, Gloucestershire, participants will experience heart-stopping flypasts, zoom climbs, steep dives, and daring banks, all while family and friends cheer them on from the ground.

Among those already signed up for this extraordinary feat is Greenfingers’ very own Fundraising Administrator, Bev Clark, who will be celebrating a milestone birthday in unforgettable style! Also taking part is Becky Rose of JBM Sales Ltd, who is returning to conquer the infamous loop-the-loop.

Find out more

To find out more about the Greenfingers Dragon Boat Race or the Wing Walk please visit www.greenfingerscharity.org.uk. You can also join in the conversation by joining Greenfingers on social media - https://www.facebook.com/Greenfingerscharity/, @GreenfingersCha on Twitter, and @Greenfingerscharity on Instagram and LinkedIn. 

A pioneering new tool to promote damaged peat bogs being restored using the most sustainable methods across the UK has been created by Dalefoot Composts’ parent company, Barker & Bland Ltd.

Developed for the IUCN UK Peatland Programme*, this innovative digital tool calculates the carbon cost of different approaches to restoring damaged blanket and lowland raised bogs. It is an ‘add-on’ to the internationally recognised Peatland Code and has been developed in collaboration with the University of Cumbria, with funding from UK Research and Innovation.

Peatlands are the UK’s largest terrestrial carbon store, capable of holding up to 20 times more carbon than trees when healthy. However, extensive damage from peat harvesting—including for horticulture—has led to the release of carbon into the atmosphere instead of its natural storage.

Professor Jane Barker, who heads Dalefoot Composts, and Barker & Bland—one of the UK’s leading peatland restoration specialists—has been working with the University of Cumbria to develop the new tool, alongside one of her team’s three PhD students. It calculates the greenhouse gases emitted during peatland restoration projects, considering machinery, materials, and restoration techniques.

“This brand-new addition to the Peatland Code provides the industry with a formal way to measure the impact of restoration efforts, marking a significant step forward in our collective fight against climate change,” said Professor Barker. The tool is currently being rolled out by the IUCN UK PP, with plans underway to expand its use to include restoration statistics for lowland fens.

“As a ‘climate friendly’ business committed to sustainability, we continue to innovate and push to improve all our practices, including our peatland restoration work,” she said. “Natural fertilisers are the potent ingredients of our growing media range, harvested from across Dalefoot farm and the Lake District Fells. All our compost nutrients are organic and help gardeners move away from inorganic, heavily oil-based fertilisers used in many high street composts. This means our supply chain is much more ‘regenerative’ as well as our farming practices here at Dalefoot.”

Restoring peatlands for biodiversity at RSPB Scotland Airds Moss

Professor Barker and her team are also actively restoring part of the RSPB Scotland Airds Moss nature reserve in East Ayrshire—an internationally important habitat for endangered bird species such as curlew and lapwing, both of which are red-listed due to significant population declines.

Working across 43 hectares, the team is restoring damaged drains, peat hags, and eroding gullies to reinstate a thriving blanket bog. Their efforts will create a mosaic of healthy wetland habitats, supporting vital bird and plant species.

The Dalefoot Composts sustainable gardening range

Dalefoot Composts is renowned for its high-quality, peat-free composts made from sheep’s wool, bracken, and comfrey—an innovative mix that provides slow-release nutrition for plants, reducing the need for feeding and watering. Comfrey, a carbon capture crop, is grown on a commercial scale at Dalefoot Farm in the Lake District and harvested up to four times a year. The company also sources bracken from Cumbria supporting diverse farming communities and local landscapes.

Dalefoot’s entire range, including composts for potting, bulbs, seeds, vegetables, tomatoes, clay-busting, and a double-strength blend, is certified organic by the Soil Association.

For more information on Dalefoot Composts’ pioneering work in peatland restoration and sustainable gardening, visit www.dalefootcomposts.co.uk.

Hyve Group has announced the exciting co-location of Autumn Fair and Glee at the NEC Birmingham in 2026. Autumn Fair will take place 6-9 September 2026 and Glee will take place 8-10 September 2026.

This strategic move by two industry-leading trade exhibitions unlocks multiple benefits for their respective sectors, creating a stronger, future-proofed platform that supports the long-term retail growth and successes of the industries they represent. Driven by industry feedback, extensive research, and considered planning to streamline the buying calendar the co-location will deliver new opportunities, maximise return on investment and enhance the experience for both exhibitors and visitors.

Sitting alongside Autumn Fair, the UK’s leading home, gift, and fashion exhibition with a four-day content programme, Glee, the premier event for the garden retail sector, will continue as a dedicated three-day showcase for the garden, leisure, and pet industries. Each show will continue to bring their distinct identity, voice, and ethos.

Delivering tangible value across the board, aligning both events unlocks extensive commercial opportunities. Exhibitors gain access to a broader network of high-quality buyers spanning home, gift, and garden sectors. Meanwhile, the thousands of retail buyers attending Autumn Fair and Glee will benefit from expanded cross-sector buying opportunities, accessing a wider range of suppliers, trends, and innovations.

Enhancing return on investment for all participants, the co-location delivers cost and time efficiencies, providing strong insight into broader consumer trends that are driving growth opportunities for both audiences. Ultimately, co-location will foster new business partnerships, streamline the sourcing experience, strengthen innovation, and drive increased sales for all involved, resulting in an exceptionally powerful and uniquely comprehensive trade event.

Jackson Szabo, Retail Portfolio Director, Hyve Group, comments, “We’re excited to announce the alignment of Glee with Autumn Fair from September 2026. The Hyve Group’s heritage across its retail portfolio, Spring Fair, Autumn Fair and Glee, has been delivering commercial opportunities to brands and buyers for over 75 years. Looking to the future, the co-location aligns with our mission to support and spearhead growth within the UK retail and garden sectors.  We are excited about this next step for Autumn Fair and Glee and look forward to welcoming our communities to an even more dynamic and commercially rewarding event in 2026.”

Autumn Fair and Glee continue to connect industries by driving innovation, fostering collaboration, and inspiring growth. To learn more or to register interest in exhibiting at Autumn Fair 2025 (7th – 10th September, NEC Birmingham), visit www.autumnfair.com and Glee 2025 (16th – 18th September, NEC Birmingham) visit www.gleebirmingham.com

Dobbies Garden Centres is announcing its brand-new partnership with Alzheimer’s Research UK today (Tuesday 18 February) as the retailer marks 160 years of helping British gardeners to grow.

Dementia is the UK’s biggest killer and right now, almost one million people in the UK are living with it, putting precious memories and lives at risk. This partnership with Alzheimer’s Research UK will see Dobbies highlight the benefits of garden living for brain health, and through colleague and customer activity raise vital funds to support research to help find a cure for dementia.

This new partnership follows on from a successful national appeal made by Dobbies to charities across the UK. The partnership will launch from March 2025 with a year-round programme to educate on the impact of dementia and encourage donations that will fund research.

Dobbies Garden Centres’ CEO, David Robinson said: “When we were looking for a new charity partner that would be the right fit for us, and resonate with our customers, Alzheimer’s Research UK stood out as an ideal choice.

“As well as fundraising to help research into a cure for dementia, our aim through this partnership is to inspire people to keep their brains healthy. Gardening can really help this through stimulating both body and mind, and staying connected with other people is also very important. In our stores of course we have everything needed to help people garden, and through our restaurants and events we also help bring people together.

“As we celebrate 160 years of helping British gardeners to grow, we’re really proud to be embarking on this important new partnership.”

Chief Executive Officer at Alzheimer’s Research UK, Hilary Evans-Newton, said:
“Alzheimer’s Research UK is incredibly excited to join forces with Dobbies. Brains are like gardens, when well-tended and looked after, they can flourish. We’ll work together with Dobbies to inspire their community to protect their brain health through activities like gardening, while raising vital funds for a cure for dementia.

“If nothing changes, one in two of us[will be directly affected by dementia – either by caring for someone with the condition, developing it ourselves, or both. Alzheimer’s Research UK exists to change this. With Dobbies standing with us, we will speed up our progress and end the heartbreak dementia causes sooner.”

For more information about the partnership with Dobbies Garden Centres and Alzheimer’s Research UK, visit | Dobbies Garden Centres

To mark 25 years of creating inspiring gardens for life-limited children, Greenfingers Charity is thrilled to announce its presence at BBC Gardeners’ World Live 2025 with a specially designed anniversary show garden.

Titled “The Greenfingers Charity Anniversary Garden”, this beautifully designed space will bring to life the five key elements that define every Greenfingers garden: Play, Learn, Remember, Care, and Grow. The garden, designed by Pip Probert, draws inspiration from her recent visit to Claire House Children’s Hospice in The Wirral, where Pip, alongside the Greenfingers team met with hospice staff and explored an existing Greenfingers space.

The news of the show garden is a true full circle moment for the charity, as it was at this event that the charity was first launched 25 years ago. The 2025 show provides the perfect opportunity to celebrate this milestone while showcasing the importance of gardens and how they can bring comfort, joy, and connection to children, families, and hospice staff.

An immersive space designed for all

Spanning 15.5m x 15.5m, The Greenfingers Charity Anniversary Garden, will be a multi- sensory, inclusive space designed to engage children of all abilities while offering places to play, relax, reflect, and connect with nature.

PLAY: The garden will feature interactive sensory elements, including a sensory pergola with coloured ribbons, a slinky wall, musical instruments, texture panels, a Lego panel, and a blackboard. Children can explore a peephole plank pathway, a tall steppingstone route leading to a raised deck, and fun seating options such as bean bags and a hammock. A slide will add an extra element of excitement and adventure.

CARE: Quiet spaces like the ‘Cosy Corner’ will offer a safe, supportive environment where children, families, and hospice staff can take time out to reflect, talk, or simply be together.

GROW: The raised planters at the front of the garden will allow children to experience the joy of growing their own food, with herbs, fruits, and vegetables forming part of an interactive planting scheme. The space will also feature a living herb wall to encourage hands-on engagement.

LEARN: Learning will be woven into every aspect of the garden, from sensory play to hands-on gardening activities. A dedicated kitchen area, positioned under the pergola, will allow children to take part in outdoor food preparation and cooking experiences.

REMEMBER: Throughout the garden, special details will provide opportunities for reflection and remembrance. A handprint-paved path, personalised hand-shaped decorations on the ivy hedge, and quiet corners will offer moments of connection and tribute to lost loved ones.

Designed with accessibility in mind, the garden will also include 1.5m-wide paths with 1.8m turning circles, ensuring easy access for wheelchair users. A mix of vibrant colours and textures will bring the space to life, whilst the use of varied materials - including setts, pebbles, cane-like bumps, and grass blocks - will offer a tactile and engaging journey.

Boyd Douglas-Davies, Greenfingers Charity Chair, said: "For 25 years, Greenfingers Charity has been creating magical gardens that bring joy and respite to life-limited children, their families and also hospice staff. BBC Gardeners’ World Live is where our journey began, making it the perfect place to celebrate this milestone. The Greenfingers Charity Anniversary Garden will showcase the incredible impact these outdoor spaces can have, inspiring visitors to see gardens as places of healing, learning, and togetherness."

BBC Gardeners’ World Live takes place at the Birmingham NEC from 12th-15th June 2025. Following the show, key elements of the garden will be relocated to children’s hospices, ensuring its legacy continues to benefit children and families in need.

Find out more

To find out more about Greenfingers Charity, and how to get involved in a range of fundraising events please visit www.greenfingerscharity.org.uk. You can also join in the conversation by joining Greenfingers on social media - https://www.facebook.com/Greenfingerscharity/, @GreenfingersCha on Twitter, and @Greenfingerscharity on Instagram and LinkedIn. 

Just a few weeks stand between now and Garden Re-Leaf Day 2025 which takes place on Friday 21st March. Here we have a look at the amazing efforts that FUNdraisers are undertaking to make this year’s event the best yet!

Sponsored Walks

North and south walkers

The much-loved sponsored walks are back and better than ever with walkers in the south able to tackle a either a 25km route or a shorter 10-mile one. In the north, the picturesque Holmfirth countryside will once again play host to the northern walkers, thanks to the organisation of Greenfingers Ambassadors Jane Lawler and Will Armitage, whilst those in the south will start and finish at Tring Garden Centre, thanks to British Garden Centres.

The special 25km route across the Chilterns will celebrate Greenfingers’ 25th anniversary and will provide the perfect opportunity for networking.  So grab your trainers and floral gear and get ready to make new connections while raising vital funds.

New South-West Walk

Organised by Kate Turner of The Underground Podcast, and supported by Peter Burks of the GCA and garden writer, blogger, and HTA Past President Alan Down, the all-new South-West walk will make this fantastic fundraising event more accessible to Greenfingers Charity supporters across the region.

Starting and ending in Dartmoor, the new route will include sections of the breathtaking Dartmoor National Park. Participants will experience its famous open moorlands, dramatic river valleys, and the iconic Dartmoor ponies as part of the challenge.

Cycle challenge: pedal power for a purpose

Cyclists, get ready to hit the road! Tring Garden Centre will once again be the hub for the Garden Re-Leaf cycle challenge. With routes ranging from 25 to 100 miles, there’s a challenge to suit every fitness level. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or dusting off your bike for the first time in years, this is your chance to go the extra mile for Greenfingers.

To help cover costs for medals, t-shirts, and other goodies, walkers and cyclists are asked to consider a £10 donation (or more!) on top of their fundraising efforts. For those who would like to lend a hand but can’t take part in the walk, the Greenfingers team would also love to hear from you about volunteering on the day.

A FUNdraising challenge for walkers & cyclists

The Greenfingers team has also set a fundraising challenge for all walkers and cyclists: can you raise at least £150 per person? If everyone at the 2024 event did this, the total would have been almost £20,000 before participants even hit the start line! As with all fundraising efforts, every penny raised will go directly towards creating magical gardens for children in hospices across the UK. Together, we can make a difference - one step, pedal, and floral-themed event at a time.

SUPPORTER EVENTS

Chris Jesson to get up close & personal with Guernsey’s coast

Garden guru and social media personality Chris Jesson will be embarking on an impressive 39-mile trek along the Guernsey coastal path. His journey, which will take in as many of the island’s picturesque bays as possible, begins on 14th March and will conclude on 21st March. Chris aims to raise £1,000 and awareness for Greenfingers Charity whilst also showcasing the stunning coastal landscapes of Guernsey.

Alitex planting workshop with Rob Jones

Rob Jones and his renowned garden design company will be teaming up with Alitex, the experts in beautifully crafted greenhouses, to host an engaging and educational planting workshop. This event will offer participants the chance to get hands-on with planting techniques while learning from industry experts, all in support of Greenfingers.

Smart Garden and British Garden Centres give back

Teams from Smart Garden Products and British Garden Centres (BGC) will be rolling up their sleeves and getting stuck into volunteering efforts at a Greenfingers Charity gardens. The Smart Garden team will be working at Helen & Douglas House in Oxford, whilst the BGC team will be spending time at Andy’s at St Andrew’s Hospice in Grimsby. Both locations have previously become home to a Greenfingers’ therapeutic garden projects, and through the efforts of Smart Garden and BGC will enjoy a refresh as spring makes itself known!

Continued support from QVC

Retail giant QVC and its network of vendors will once again be lending their support to Greenfingers Charity through various fundraising activities and promotions on the dedicated shopping channel. Watch this space for more information on how you can nab yourself a bargain whilst also supporting the Greenfingers Charity whilst you shop.

DON’T FORGET YOUR FLORALS!

This year’s theme is FLORAL! Whether you’re taking part in the ever-popular sponsored walks, hopping on your bike for the cycle challenge, or hosting a fundraising event at your garden centre or workplace, the Greenfingers Charity is inviting everyone to get dressed up in their best - or worst - floral or garden-themed outfits. From sunflower suits to flowery frocks, there’s a prize waiting for the best-dressed individuals and teams. Let’s turn Garden Re-Leaf Day into a carnival of colour!

Need inspiration?

Garden centres, suppliers, and workplaces across the UK are encouraged to get involved by hosting their own fundraising activities. From floral-themed cake sales to going green for Greenfingers, there are plenty of ways to show your support. Need inspiration? Visit the Greenfingers website – www.greenfingerscharity.org.uk - for ideas and resources or reach out to the fundraising team for advice on how to make your event a success.

Let’s make Garden Re-Leaf Day 2025 bloom!

Don’t miss out on this incredible day of fun and fundraising. Sign up now at www.greenfingerscharity.org.uk/get-involved/garden-re-leaf-day-is-coming-soonand start planning your floral-themed outfit today. For more information, get in touch with the charity’s fundraising team at fundraising@greenfingerscharity.org.uk.

For more FUNdraising ideas or to obtain a copy of the 2025 fundraising pack drop Linda a line at linda@greenfingerscharity.org.uk - she’d love to hear from you.

The Greenfingers Charity has announced that seven incredible individuals have already signed up to take on the challenge of a lifetime – climbing Kilimanjaro, the legendary ‘Roof of Africa’!

Leading the charge is Greenfingers ambassador and fundraising powerhouse, Kate Ebbens. Joining her are Heidi Towse, Jodie Rowlandson, Daniel Rowlandson, Alexa Blackmore, Sarah Edmondson, and Bob Marley.

Climbing Kilimanjaro is no easy feat so the fact that seven are so willing to do so in the name of the Greenfingers Charity is testament to the unrelenting support the charity enjoys. Standing at an elevation of 5,895m, the seven-day ascent will push participants to their limits, with summit night being the ultimate test of endurance. The reward will be breathtaking views, a life-changing experience, and the knowledge that every step taken will support the incredible work that Greenfingers does to create therapeutic garden spaces in children’s hospices across the country. 

Organised by the expert team at Charity Challenge, the guided trek will take the brave Greenfingers seven through Kilimanjaro’s diverse landscapes. The journey starts in the lush Lemosho Glades rainforest, climbs to the stunning Shira Plateau, and navigates the dramatic Southern Flank before tackling the Barranco Wall. The final push to the summit via the Barafu Route will be a moment to remember forever.

Linda Petrons, Director of Fundraising and Communications at Greenfingers Charity, said: “Seeing seven amazing individuals already committed to this challenge is truly inspiring. Climbing Kilimanjaro is a monumental undertaking, requiring months of preparation and incredible perseverance, but the impact it will have on the children and families we support is priceless. We cannot wait to see even more people join our adventurers and help take Greenfingers Charity to the top of Africa.”

Get involved!

Anyone interested in learning more about this exciting new fundraising opportunity is invited to reach out to Linda Petrons via linda@greenfingerscharity.org.uk

Find out more

To learn more about the work of the Greenfingers Charity please visit www.greenfingerscharity.org.uk.  You can also join in the conversation by joining Greenfingers on social media - https://www.facebook.com/Greenfingerscharity/, @GreenfingersCha on Twitter, and @Greenfingerscharity on Instagram and LinkedIn. 

A York garden centre has donated plants to a nursery in the city to help children learn about living things.

Neil Collins, manager of Osbaldwick Montessori, contacted Dean's Garden Centre in Stockton on the Forest when the nursery opened recently. He said: "One of the core principles of a Montessori nursery is to build better communities through having strong links with surrounding businesses and people. The nursery itself received a lot of generous support, resources and time from many local tradesmen to make it happen, and we're delighted with the generous donation of plants from the team at Dean's Garden Centre.

"We encourage the children from a very early age to show love, care and respect for all living things so to have plants in the nursery that the children can look after, water and see grow will be of huge benefit to them. It also teaches them important life skills and brings them closer to nature."

Malcolm Storey, outdoor manager at Dean's York, was happy to donate a selection of plants to the Montessori nursery: "We are a family-friendly, community-focussed garden centre, and we're delighted to support children's learning and to help foster a love of gardening at an early age. We look forward to receiving Neil's photos of how the plants are thriving."

The garden centre's donation is the latest in a series of community-minded gestures that has included donating a Christmas tree to a Haxby Care Home, supporting the Yorkshire Children's Charity and donating coats to children in need.

Dean's York Garden Centre is part of the Yorkshire Garden Centres (YGC) family of destination garden centres that includes Tong, Tingley, Otley, Bingley and Pennine Garden Centres plus Dean's in Scarborough.

The London Landmarks Half Marathon may be eight weeks away, but for 10 dedicated fundraisers, the training is now well underway. This year, runners from Poplars Garden Centre, SBM Life Science, and Evergreen Garden Care will take on the challenging course, all in support of the Greenfingers Charity.

Taking place on Sunday 6th April, this year’s Greenfingers’ runners will be Jack Goodhand, Mal Walker, Claire Walker, Adam Parke, Sam Passingham, Kate Richardson, Debbie Watson, Colin Stephens, Karen Wilkinson, and James Davies.

Together these 10 runners will each look to complete the 13-mile route whilst helping to raise much needed funds for Greenfingers. All monies raised will allow the charity to create even more therapeutic garden spaces at children’s hospices across the country.

Launched in 2014, the London Landmarks Half Marathon has been set up to shine a spotlight on not just London’s iconic landmarks, but also its quirky hidden gems. The route - which this year starts on Whitehall and ends at the historic Westminster – takes in such landmarks as the London Eye, Big Ben, Downing Street, the world’s smallest police station, the largest grasshopper, plus Guy Fawkes’ house and so much more. In 2025 over 20,000 runners are expected to participate, making it the biggest London Landmarks Half Marathon so far!  

To keep runners motivated, the route will also be adorned with musical performances, DJs, dancers and themed cheer stations, including a floral themed Greenfingers one!  All roads will remain closed for the duration of the race.

Find out more

To find out more about Greenfingers Charity, and how to get involved in a range of fundraising events please visit www.greenfingerscharity.org.uk. You can also join in the conversation by joining Greenfingers on social media - https://www.facebook.com/Greenfingerscharity/, @GreenfingersCha on Twitter, and @Greenfingerscharity on Instagram and LinkedIn. 

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On 4th, 5th, and 6th March 2025, the inspiring event Spring Days by Brands of Plants will take place. 

During this three-day gathering, Amigra Grasses & More, Magical Hydrangea, and Addenda will jointly open their doors to present their latest concepts and collections to garden centres and retailers.

Visitors will be immersed in a world of stunning garden plants, where innovation and collaboration take centre stage.

Collaboration while maintaining individual identity
Brands of Plants serves as a collaborative name, but it is essential to emphasise that Amigra Grasses & More, Magical Hydrangea, and Addenda operate independently. Each brand maintains its own identity, product development, and market approach. Through this collaboration, these companies combine their strengths to offer customers a broader and more inspiring range while preserving their unique brand values.

What to expect?
Spring Days 2025 offers a unique opportunity to discover the latest innovations in grasses, ferns, campanulas, and hydrangeas. In addition to product presentations and innovative retail concepts, there will be plenty of opportunities to engage with the sales and marketing teams of each brand. Naturally, a warm and welcoming atmosphere will be provided, complete with refreshments.

Practical information

Date: Tuesday 4th, Wednesday 5th & Thursday 6th March 2025
Time: 07:00 – 17:00 h.
Location: Molenbroeklaan 15, Honselersdijk, the Netherlands
You can register for Spring Days at www.brandsofplants.nl/spring-days

New website launched
Check out the new Brands of Plants website for more information and registration: www.brandsofplants.nl

The Royal Horticultural Society has announced its endorsement of a revolutionary new garden tool range from long-term licensing partner Burgon & Ball, the UK’s longest-established manufacturer of garden tools. 

The patent-pending BoronGreen range offers a unique innovation: a combination of Boron steel and recycled steel that combines sound sustainability credentials with strength and durability.

Uniquely, the steel used in the tool heads is 80 percent recycled, which is believed to be a first in UK gardening tools. In another environmentally focused innovation, the FSC^®-certified white ash wood used in the products is sourced from sustainably managed forests.

The tools also offer superior performance thanks to the addition of the element boron to carbon steel. This composition of steel has long been used in the automotive and agricultural sectors to deliver stronger structural components and longer-lasting wear parts. In gardening tools, boron steel offers performance above and beyond that of a like-for-like tool in traditional carbon steel.

All this is combined with Burgon & Ball’s hallmark considered design. There’s a tough powder coating in olive green to protect the steel, and a visible sharpened edge on spades, trowels and other tools. White ash for the handles and shafts is selected for its strength and shock-absorbing properties, and the grip is carefully thermo-treated for increased durability and moisture resistance.

This comprehensive range brings boron steel to 17 top-selling items that will suit new and experienced gardeners. The items include garden spades and forks, rakes, mid-handled tools, a trowel, a hand fork and more and more, at a variety of accessible price points.All these large tools and hand tools carry a 25-year guarantee.

The new RHS-endorsed products were introduced in September at Glee, the UK’s biggest and most valuable garden and outdoor living trade show, where they received an enthusiastic response.

The BoronGreen range of sustainably developed garden tools will be available from late February in RHS shops, all good garden centres and at www.burgonandball.com. These new tools join Burgon & Ball’s flagship collection of RHS-endorsed tools, the only garden tools to carry an endorsement from the Royal Horticultural Society.

Founded in Sheffield in 1730, Burgon & Ball is the UK’s oldest manufacturer of garden tools and accessories, with hundreds of years of expertise in steel manufacturing and an enviable reputation for quality and innovation. 

Cathy Snow, RHS Licensing Manager, adds: “We’re thrilled with the sustainability of the BoronGreen range, its suitability for both new and experienced gardeners alike and, of course, the astonishing strength and durability of the tools. BoronGreen gives retailers something truly unique to offer gardeners and we are sure will be another major success for our partnership with Burgon & Ball.”

Rainer Schubert, Managing Director, Burgon & Ball, adds: “BoronGreen marks a revolution in gardening tools, one which presents a truly unique and compelling proposition: advanced environmental credentials that set a new standard for sustainability along with superior benefits over traditional carbon tools. Add accessible pricing and, of course, the endorsement of the UK’s best-loved gardening charity, and the quality and appeal of this outstanding range is undeniable.”

The Young People in Horticulture Association (YPHA) is delighted to announce the first set of confirmed sponsors for the 2025-2026 period. This new sponsorship cycle supports another step forward in YPHA’s mission to engage, educate, and empower the next generation of horticultural professionals across the UK.

Amongst the first five sponsors to announce, we are proud to welcome back three returning supporters whose continued commitment highlights their dedication to fostering young talent within the industry:

• MorePeople Recruitment – A valued partner in providing career opportunities, insight, and guidance for young professionals
• Joseph Rochford Gardens – A leading grower who continues to go above and beyond in supporting YPHA’s initiatives by ensuring young horticulturists have access to industry-leading resources, expertise, and mentorship.
• English Heritage – Continuing its commitment to preserving horticultural heritage while championing the future of young professionals in the field.

In addition to these renewals, we are excited to welcome two new sponsors:

• J Parker Dutch Bulbs – A renowned supplier of high-quality bulbs, plants, and horticultural products, now extending its support to young professionals in horticulture.
• Green Solutions – A horticultural software company - providing b2b and b2c websites, webshops, newsletters, loyalty marketing, plant photos, plant data, in-store signage and more.

YPHA is incredibly grateful for the support of these sponsors, whose contributions help us deliver impactful initiatives, networking opportunities, and professional development for young people in horticulture. Their backing ensures that YPHA can continue shaping the future of our industry.

YPHA sponsorships are available at two levels:

• Supporter level, with a total of ten available sponsorships.
• Key Partner level, limited to five exclusive sponsors.

All sponsorship spaces for the 2025-2026 term are now agreed in principle, with ten further sponsors, including all five Key Partners, set to be announced soon. To learn more about YPHA’s work, please visit ypha.org.uk or contact admin@ypha.org.uk

The biggest garden and BBQ trade fair in the world is being staged with a new schedule from Tuesday to Thursday, 24 to 26 June 2025, this year and 90 percent of last year's exhibition space has already been booked.

"The industry is showing strong commitment! The very good booking situation underlines the significance of spoga+gafa as a trendsetter and the leading international platform of the garden industry," said Claudia Maurer, Director of spoga+gafa. "We are delighted that so many companies are also taking part in 2025 which means we will be able to represent the entire spectrum of garden lifestyle."

The exhibitors who have already registered include among others:

4 Seasons Outdoor, Andrea Bizzotto, Areta, Bestway, Big, Biohort GmbH, Blackstone Products, BULL Outdoor, Capi Deutschland, Coleman EMEA, Dansons Europe, dekoVries, Eda Plastiques, Edelman, Elmar Jung Product Solutions, Enders Colsman AG, Esschert Design, Freund Victoria, Glatz, Gloria, Hartman Outdoor, Intex, Koopman, Merotec GmbH, Niehoff Garden GmbH, Ooni GmbH, Otto Graf GmbH, Palram-Canopia, Petromax GmbH, Prosperplast, Scheurich, Stern GmbH & Co. KG, Suncast Corporation, Tradepoint, Teraplast, Ter Steege, Tramontina, Weber, Zebra Group GmbH.

Early opening of the ticket shop

The trade visitors can already purchase their tickets and redeem their vouchers more than four months before the opening of the fair. By opening the ticket sales earlier the organisers are particularly allowing the international guests more time to plan their trip. Tickets for spoga+gafa can be ordered from the official ticket shop immediately.

Established formats meet new ones

Whereas the existing hall allocation remains the same, spoga+gafa 2025 is setting targeted accents with new and further developed special areas. In the new Start-up Square young companies are being given the opportunity to present their products and innovations to an international audience. Members of the industry sponsor of spoga+gafa, the Industry Garden Association e.V. (IVG) can now also present their products on the new IVG Garden Boulevard. Further highlights also include the Cooling World with mobile refrigerated products, the Outdoor Kitchen World with the trends for outdoor kitchens as well as the special area BBQ for every Wallet that offers a compact overview of BBQs from all price segments.

The event programme of spoga+gafa will also set new impulses: Three theme-based stages offer lectures and discussion panels, the Boulevard of Trends & Ideas special event unites the latest trends and developments from the garden lifestyle and BBQ sections. The POS Green Solution Islands are being staged again this year together with Oliver Mathys and they will showcase revenue-generating design ideas for the point of sale for all seasons. This year's top theme "Design Gardens" will be visible and tangible for the visitors all over the trade fair.

Koelnmesse – Global Inspiration for Living, Contract and Public Spaces Koelnmesse is the world’s top trade fair organiser for the areas of Living, Contract and Public Spaces. Alongside events like imm cologne and interzum, other formats hosted at the trade fair hub of Cologne such as ORGATEC, spoga+gafa, FSB and aquanale are among the most internationally renowned and established industry gatherings. These fairs comprehensively represent the interior and design segment, the furniture and interior construction industries' supplying sections, the kitchen world, all topics for the modern working world, garden lifestyle as well as modern work environments, the garden lifestyle, public spaces, sports and leisure facilities, along with saunas, pools and wellness centres. To complement the events in Cologne, Koelnmesse is constantly strategically expanding its portfolio in key growth markets around the globe. Its foreign trade fairs include La Feria De Diseño Medellín - powered by imm cologne in Colombia, ORGATEC TOKYO in Japan, ORGATEC INDIA in Mumbai and the events in the interzum brand family: interzum guangzhou in China, interzum bogota in Colombia, interzum jakarta in Indonesia and interzum forum italy in Italy. New to Koelnmesse's Living, Contract and Public Spaces portfolio is FSB Sports Show Riyadh in Saudi Arabia.
Further information on all trade fairs from the Living, Contract & Public Spaces portfolio: https://www.spogagafa.com/trade-fair/spoga-gafa/industry-trade-fairs/

The organisers of the PLANTARIUM|GROEN-Direkt trade fair have officially set the dates for the Spring Edition 2026: the event will take place on 3 and 4 February 2026. The decision follows a successful edition earlier this month, which saw a 13% increase in visitor numbers.

Before that, the Autumn Edition is scheduled for 27 and 28 August 2025. PLANTARIUM|GROEN-Direkt combines more than 200 grower stands with the GROEN-Direkt trade fair. Here, garden centre buyers and traders from all over Europe will find more than 5,000 samples of garden plants from some 450 growers from the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany that can be ordered directly.

Strong visitor numbers and growth in sales confirm timing of the fair

The Spring Edition of this unique combination has a permanent place in the 1st week of February. The growing number of visitors confirms that this is strategically the strongest moment in the trade fair calendar. Turnover at the GROEN-Direkt trade fair also rose sharply compared to the previous year, which further underlines the correct timing of the fair.

Registration open for exhibitors and visitors

Exhibitors and visitors can now register for the Autumn Edition 2025 in August. Exhibitors can take advantage of an early bird discount until 25 May. Registration for the Spring Edition 2026 is now also open. You can register via plantariumgroendirekt.nl.

With peak season approaching, UK outdoor and garden merchants must understand shifting consumer finance trends. Exclusive Zopa Bank Retail Finance data shows more high earners using finance, bigger spending, and a strong preference for longer-term options. Adapting to these trends will be key to boosting sales and protecting margins.

Who is buying garden products on finance?

1. Millennials lead the way 

The biggest customer group using Retail Finance for outdoor and garden products are 31–40-year-olds, making up 35% of sales for the past two years. Millennials remain the dominant group in this space.

2. Spending trends on the rise 

The average Retail Finance order for UK outdoor and garden merchants reached £1095 in 2024, up 23% from £891 in 2023. With rising prices and increasing consumer demand, this trend is expected to hold as the sector enters its peak season in 2025. In Q3 2024 alone, spending on home and garden equipment hit approximately £2.1 billion.

3. Higher-income customers driving growth 

Retail finance is no longer just for lower-income shoppers. The income profile has shifted significantly:

• Customers earning £0-30k dropped from 40% in 2023 to 29% in 2024.
• 52% of financed purchases in 2024 were from customers earning £40k+, up from 38% in 2023.
• More shoppers now have stronger credit ratings—66% had a score above 627 in 2024, compared to 55% in 2023.

What finance options do customers want? 

12-month interest-free credit dominates, chosen by 70% of outdoor and garden customers in both 2023 and 2024. Shorter-term options are far less popular:

• 9-month interest-free: 15%
• 6-month interest-free: 10% (down 2.5% from 2023)

While interest-free credit remains king, most customers want to spread payments over at least 12 months. With standard Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) options of 2-6 months no longer meeting this demand, merchants should consider offering longer-term finance to capture more sales.

Balancing profit margins and finance options

Offering interest-free credit can cut into profits, especially on lower-priced items like gazebos, deck chairs, and lighting. Many long-term finance providers set minimum spend thresholds. Merchants who bundle products into single credit agreements can increase order values and protect margins, while still catering to demand for longer-term finance.

As consumer preferences evolve, businesses must adapt to remain competitive in the outdoor and garden sector. Partnering with a Retail Finance provider who can help build and implement a sustainable strategy that can be adjusted to keep profits high is key.

Source: *This data has been exclusively shared by Zopa Bank Retail Finance in February 2025, which partners with merchants selling Outdoor and Garden products including Grass Warehouse and Dusk.

Blue Diamond have been confirmed as the new leaseholder of Dobbies Aylesbury which, it was disclosed earlier this week, will be closing on March 2^nd.

The Aylesbury garden centre, previously known as Worlds End Garden Centre was set up by Jim and Len Bone in the early 1970’s and was so successful that it was sold several times for multi-million pound deals.  Those included to The Garden Centre Group (Wyevale) in 1993 and latterly to Dobbies in 2019 when the asking price from Wyevale was £13 million.

GTN Xtra understands Blue Diamond will take over the site by Monday 10^th March at the latest with all of the staff being retained.  Alan Roper, Blue Diamond Managing Director told GTN Xtra that a full Blue Diamond re-fit will happen in due course.

New for 2025: British garden manufacturer Handy has announced the arrival of its new catalogue and Monthly Dealer Promotions Calendar, both designed to provide retailers with valuable increased margins on a wide range of gardening and home products and ensure they have everything needed for the season ahead. 

The new Dealer Promotions Calendar demonstrates Handy’s ongoing commitment to providing retailers with competitively priced products.  Offering fully funded monthly promotions with improved margins and discounts, retailers can benefit from cost savings across a wide selection of gardening and home products from its ownedbrands such as Webb, The Handy and Greenworks Tools. 

To further support retailers, the new 2025 catalogue from Handy highlights the top brands and prices for the 2025 season, such as its new range of wheelbarrows, shrub shears, impact shredder, electric start lawnmower and tool only Webb Eco. 

Stocking leading brands from: 

• Webb 
• The Handy 
• Greenworks 
• Q Garden 
• AVA 
• Karcher 
• Flymo 
• Solo 
• Handy Parts 

To find out about trade prices and to place an order or to view the new Handy catalogue, visit www.handys.co.uk 

Experienced field sales professional and account manager within the gift industry with extensive contacts within the garden centre sector is now seeking a new role or established agency opportunities.

With a background of making sales, new business development and providing great customer service, I am now seeking a new role where I can bring my expertise, skills and experience to a new challenge. (East of England based).

Please email: marketonesalesandmarketing@gmail.com

British Garden Centres has announced its main charity support for 2025 – Greenfingers Charity which celebrates its 25th birthday this year.

Following on from a record-breaking fundraising year that saw the UK’s largest family-run group raise £30,000 for the charity, this year will see team members and customers from across the UK come together to support the vital work of Greenfingers in creating beautiful, therapeutic outdoor spaces for seriously ill children and their families at hospices across the UK.

Planned events for 2025 include all centres doing an event or fundraising for Garden ReLeaf Day on 21st March. Tring Garden Centre will host the Garden Re-Leaf South Walk and a British Garden Centres squad will also take on the North.

Employees from the UK’s largest family-run garden centre group showed strong support for Greenfingers last year with many FUNdraising initiatives on Garden Re-Leaf Day.  A special collaboration with Unwins saw the launch of Sweet Pea Butterfly Blue seeds, with a portion of proceeds donated to Greenfingers. Team members from Brigg and Wolseley Bridge Garden Centre also took on the challenge of climbing Snowdon, raising essential funds whilst taking on the challenging Welsh landscape, whilst a thrilling Dragonboat competition saw an exciting element of teamwork and competition, further underlining the commitment of employees to unite in support of Greenfingers' vital work.

James Ducker, Events Manager at British Garden Centres said: “Our team members across our company will be digging deep to find fun and creative ways to raise money for Greenfingers Charity this year. Greenfingers is a charity close to all our hearts as it aligns with British Garden Centres’ passion for gardening, improving wellbeing, and enhancing lives in local communities.”

Linda Petrons, Director of Fundraising & Communications at Greenfingers Charity added: “Greenfingers is delighted to have been chosen as British Garden Centres’ charity of the year. The continued support of such a well-loved name in garden retail adds huge weight to our 25th anniversary year and our Silver Appeal. With a waiting list of children’s hospices that need our help, the funds raised through this partnership will help to significantly impact the lives of many children and families."

Marketing manager Stuart Lowen is retiring from Ball Colegrave on 29 April after over 37 most enjoyable years with the company.

Stuart’s colleague Lisa Jeffs has taken on the role of Marketing and Product Coordinator. 

Lisa has until recently worked in our supply chain team and is no stranger to the marketing department, project managing our catalogues for a number of years and supported me on many other marketing projects and campaigns. Over the coming weeks I will be working closely with Lisa to handover my marketing responsibilities.

Stuart said: “As I move into this new chapter in my life, may I just take this opportunity to personally thank everyone for their incredible support over the years, it has been so much appreciated.”

Harrogate BGC, Brigg BGC, Cook’s, Birkacre, Pugh’s Radyr, Bents have picked up Greatest Garden Centre Christmas Team golds in GTN’s Greatest Christmas Awards, presented at Spring Fair on Monday. Smart Garden - Three Kings walked away with The Greatest Christmas Supplier gold...

Here are all the winners:

The Greatest Christmas Houseplant Team – Sponsored by Woodlodge

GOLD AWARD: Webbs Wychbold

SILVER AWARD: Newquay

BRONZE AWARD: Haskins Snowhill

HIGHLY COMMENDED; Studley BGC; Snowdonia Nurseries

Finalists

• Brigg BGC
• Gates
• Haskins Snowhill
• Klondyke High Legh
• Newquay Garden Centre
• Perrywood Tiptree
• Rutland Garden Nursery
• Snowdonia Nurseries
• Squires Badshot Lea
• Studley BGC
• Webbs Wychbold

The Greatest Outdoor Plant and Christmas Tree Team - Sponsored by Pelsis Doff

GOLD AWARD

Wolseley Bridge BGC

SILVER AWARD

Coolings Rushmore Hill

Gates

BRONZE AWARD

Pugh's Wenvoe & Radyr

HIGHLY COMMENDED

St Peter’s

Poundbury        

Jacksons Boutique

Finalists

• Coolings Rushmore Hill

• Elleker Lodge
• Gates
• Haskins Ferndown
• Meadowcroft
• Newbridge Blue Diamond
• Pengelly Garden Centre
• Poundbury
• Pugh's
• Wentworth
• Wolseley Bridge BGC

The Greatest Gardening as a Christmas Gift Sales Team - Sponsored by Fandango Fire Tools

GOLD AWARD

Gates

SILVER AWARD

Duchy of Cornwall Nursery

Notcutts Rivendell

BRONZE AWARD

Newbridge Blue Diamond

Finalists

• Duchy of Cornwall Nursery
• Gates
• Glendoick
• Newbridge Blue Diamond
• Notcutts Rivendell
• Wentworth

The Greatest Christmas Gifts Team – Sponsored by Museums and Galleries

GOLD AWARD

Duchy of Cornwall Nursery

SILVER AWARD

Gates

BRONZE AWARD

Perrywood Tiptree

Finalists

• Brigg BGC
• Duchy of Cornwall Nursery
• Gates
• Glendoick
• Old Railway Line
• Perrywood Tiptree
• Raemoir
• Rutland Garden Nursery
• Wentworth

The Greatest Garden Centre Christmas Promotions Team - Sponsored by Glee

GOLD AWARD

Pugh’s

SILVER AWARD

Alton

BRONZE AWARD

Albrighton BGC

Finalists

• Albrighton BGC
• Alton
• Keydell
• Old Railway Line
• Pengelly
• Pugh's

The Greatest Christmas BBQ and Outdoor Leisure Team – The SOLEX Sizzle - Sponsored by SOLEX

GOLD AWARD

Newquay

SILVER AWARD

Polhill

BRONZE AWARD

Alton

Finalists

• Alton
• Cambridge Home & Garden
• Newquay Garden Centre
• Old Railway Line
• Planters Tamworth
• Polhill

The Greatest Festive Retail Food Team – Sponsored by Pleydell Smithyman

GOLD AWARD

Pugh's Radyr & Wenvoe

SILVER AWARD

Gates

BRONZE AWARD

Notcutts Rivendell

HIGHLY COMMENDED

Beckworth Blue Diamond

Finalists

• Beckworth Blue Diamond
• Bow Garden & Aquatics
• Chessington
• Garsons Esher
• Gates
• Glendoick
• Notcutts Rivendell
• Pughs Radyr & Wenvoe
• Ruxley Manor
• St Peters

The Greatest Christmas Wild Bird Care & Pet Team - Sponsored by Marriages

GOLD AWARD

Monkton Elm

SILVER AWARD

Ruxley Manor

BRONZE AWARD

Notcutts Solihull

HIGHLY COMMENDED

Wolseley Bridge BGC

Finalists

• Fairways
• Gates
• Hillmount Ards
• Monkton Elm
• Notcutts Solihull
• Ruxley Manor
• Webbs
• Wolseley Bridge BGC

The Greatest Garden Centre Grotto Team - Sponsored by Smart Garden Products – Three Kings

GOLD AWARD

Ruxley Manor

SILVER AWARD

Gouldings Santa Experience

BRONZE AWARD

Baytree

Finalists

• Baytree
• Chessington
• Coolings Lifestyle
• Gouldings
• Hillmount Belfast
• Keydell
• Rosebank
• Ruxley Manor
• Wentworth

The Greatest Christmas Garden Centre Supplier Team – As voted for by the Garden Centre Teams visited by the judges this year

GOLD AWARD

Smart Garden - Three Kings

SILVER AWARD

Festive

BRONZE AWARD

Kaemingk

Finalists

• Coach House
• Festive
• Florasilk
• Giftware Trading
• Gisela Graham
• Kaemingk
• Premier
• Richard Lang 
• Seasonal Group
• Smart Garden

The Greatest Group Small Garden Centre Christmas Team - Sponsored by Woodmansterne

GOLD AWARD

Harrogate BGC

SILVER AWARD

Studley BGC

BRONZE AWARD

Wolseley Bridge BGC

Finalists

• Albrighton BGC
• Brockworth BGC
• Garden King
• Harrogate BGC
• Hemel BGC
• Studley BGC
• Wolseley Bridge BGC

The Greatest Group Large Garden Centre Christmas Team - Sponsored by Tildenet

GOLD AWARD

Brigg BGC

SILVER AWARD

Notcutts Rivendell

Sanders Blue Diamond

BRONZE AWARD

Arcadia BGC

HIGHLY COMMENDED 

Haskins Snowhill

Finalists

• Arcadia BGC
• Brigg BGC
• Haskins Snowhill
• Klondyke High Legh
• Notcutts Oxford
• Notcutts Rivendell
• Ramsgate BGC
• Sanders Blue Diamond
• Squires Badshot Lea

Judges Special Awards 

GOLD AWARDS – The Greatest Christmas in Adversity Teams

Pengelly 

The Old Well Garden Centres

GOLD AWARD – The Greatest Christmas Outdoor Event Team

Webbs Wychbold

GOLD AWARD - The Greatest Group at Christmas

British Garden Centres

The Greatest Small Garden Centre Christmas Team - Sponsored by Garden Radio

GOLD AWARD

Cook’s

SILVER AWARD

Munro's

BRONZE AWARD

Poundbury

HIGHLY COMMENDED

Duchy of Cornwall Nursery

Rutland Garden Nursery

Finalists

• Cook’s
• Duchy of Cornwall Nursery
• Munro’s
• Norwich Camping & leisure
• Poundbury
• Rutland Garden Nursery

The Greatest Mid-Sized Garden Centre Christmas Team – Sponsored by Kaemingk

GOLD AWARD

Birkacre

SILVER AWARD

Castle Gardens

BRONZE AWARD

Glendoick

Finalists

• Birkacre
• Bosworths
• Castle Gardens
• Glendoick
• Jacksons Boutique
• Newquay Garden Centre
• Silverbirch

The Greatest Large Garden Centre Christmas Team – Sponsored by MorePeople

GOLD AWARD

Pugh’s Radyr

SILVER AWARD

Garsons Titchfield

BRONZE AWARD

Old Railway Line

Wentworth

Finalists

• Garsons Titchfield
• Hillmount Belfast
• Meadowcroft
• Old Railway Line
• Pugh’s Radyr
• Raemoir
• Thetford
• Wentworth

The Greatest Giant Garden Centre Christmas Team - Sponsored by Kaemingk

GOLD AWARD

Bents

SILVER AWARD

Perrywood Tiptree

BRONZE AWARD

Gates

Finalists

• Barton Grange
• Bents
• Garsons Esher
• Gates
• Perrywood Tiptree
• Ruxley Manor
• Webbs Wychbold

The Greatest Christmas Garden Centre Team as voted for by customers

GOLD AWARD: Birkacre

SILVER AWARD: Allbrighton BGC      Greatest from a Group

BRONZE AWARD: Keydell Nurseries    Greatest in the South of England

HIGHLY COMMENDED

Hillmount Belfast         Greatest in Northern Ireland

Newquay                      Greatest in the South West

Old Railway Line           Greatest in Wales - equal

Snowdonia Nurseries    Greatest in Wales - equal

Trowell                         Greatest in the Midlands

Fakenham                    Greatest in East Anglia

Perrywood Tiptree       Greatest in the South East

Pugh’s Radyr    

Wolseley Bridge 

Bow Garden & Aquatic Centre  

Harrogate BGC             Greatest in the North

Munro's Nurseries        Greatest in Scotland - equal

Trioscape         

Mackenzie & Cruickshank         Greatest in Scotland - equal

Azure Garden Centre   

Brockworth BGC           

Bosworths Burton Latimer        

Top 30 2024 as voted for by customers – Finalists 

• Albrighton BGC
• Alton
• Azure Garden Centre 
• Birkacre
• Bosworths Burton Latimer
• Bow Garden & Aquatic Centre
• Braintree BGC
• Bridgnorth BGC
• Brockworth BGC
• Fakenham Garden Centre
• Garden King
• Harrogate BGC
• Hillmount Bangor
• Hillmount Belfast
• Keydell Nurseries
• Mackenzie & Cruickshank
• Munro's
• Newquay Garden Centre
• Old Railway Line
• Perrywood Sudbury
• Perrywood Tiptree
• Planters Bretby
• Pugh’s Radyr
• Pugh’s Wenvoe
• Roxton BGC
• Snowdonia Nurseries
• Summerhill
• Trioscape
• Trowell
• Wolseley Bridge BGC

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