A new canopy installed by all-weather specialists, Fordingbridge, is helping Craft Nurseries in Manningtree, Essex maximise the appeal of a recently launched family attraction by ensuring year-round usability. 

The family-run garden centre has invested in a new mini racetrack to complement its popular play barn, widen its family offer, and encourage visitors to stay longer and come more frequently. 

A new bespoke canopy designed, manufactured and installed by Fordingbridge will now ensure the imaginative new facility can be used in all four seasons. A 12m x 19m barrel-vaulted canopy shelters young drivers and spectators from downpours and cold weather conditions, while unique Opal 60 roofing also protects racers and cars from harmful UV rays and prolonged sun exposure in bright summer months. With young drivers now able to take to the track whatever the forecast, the installation ensures family fun remains firmly in pole position throughout the seasons. 

The Craft Nurseries project reflects a growing trend for garden centres to invest in family-orientated attractions that help broaden their appeal beyond traditional retail offers. Fordingbridge is also seeing a growing demand for family orientated design details across the sector including covered walkways, hybrid all-weather indoor / outdoor dining facilities and solar panel car ports with charging stations for electric family cars. 

If you’d be interested in exploring how you can drive year-round family appeal at your garden centre, get in touch with Fordingbridge’s team today.

Advice from Mark Moseley, Handy’s Sales & Marketing Director at Handy

For garden machinery dealers and retailers, autumn planning should not start when the leaves begin to fall. It should start before then.

That is the advice from Mark Moseley, Sales & Marketing Director at Handy, who believes retailers can make more of the autumn sales period by preparing their product displays, seasonal messaging and add-on sales opportunities early.

“Autumn is a very practical selling season,” says Mark. “Customers are not always browsing in the same way they might in spring. They often have a job they need to get done. Leaves need clearing, hedges need tidying, logs need cutting and lawns need preparing for winter. The easier retailers make that journey, the more confident customers will feel when buying.”

According to Mark, the best autumn displays are not just about putting machines on show. They should help customers understand the full solution.

“A customer looking at a blower may also need a garden refuse bag, a spare collection bag, a lawn sweeper or a wheelbarrow. Someone buying a chainsaw may need chain oil, fuel cans, safety equipment or a saw horse. These are natural add-on sales, but they only happen if the customer can see the connection.”

Help customers shop by task

Mark recommends that dealers think less about product categories and more about the jobs customers are trying to complete.

A Leaf Clearing Zone could bring together blowers, blower vacuums, lawn sweepers, wheelbarrows, refuse bags and spare collection bags.

A Log Cutting & Splitting Display could feature chainsaws, pruning saws, log splitters, saw horses, chain oil, fuel cans and safety kits.

Autumn Garden Clear-Up Bay  could include hedge trimmers, long-reach hedge trimmers, shredders, pruning tools and garden clearing products.

“Simple seasonal messages can make a big difference,” says Mark. “Something like ‘Clear leaves faster’, ‘Prepare logs for winter’ or ‘Tidy hedges before the cold weather’ helps customers connect the product to the job they need to do.”

Make the display do more of the selling

Autumn customers are often practical buyers. They may not know the exact product they need, but they know the problem they want to solve.

That is where good POS can support both the customer and the dealer.

“Displays should answer three simple questions,” says Mark. “What job does this product help me do? Is it right for my garden? What else do I need to complete the task?”

Good, better and best options can also help customers make quicker decisions. For example, a retailer could display an entry-level electric blower, a cordless blower for convenience and a blower vacuum for customers who want to collect and shred leaves. The same approach can work across chainsaws, hedge trimmers, log splitters and pressure washers.

Do not hide the accessories

Mark also encourages retailers to give parts and accessories a stronger presence during autumn.

“Oils, spark plugs, fuel cans, safety kits, chainsaw accessories and replacement bags should not be hidden away. When they are placed next to the machines they support, customers are more likely to buy everything they need in one visit.”

For dealers, this can help increase basket value while also improving the customer experience.

“No one wants to get home with a new machine and then realise they are missing something important. A good display helps prevent that.”

Plan early, sell with confidence

Handy’s Autumn Promotions 2026 have been created to help trade customers prepare for seasonal demand, with promotional pricing across key autumn categories including chainsaws, log splitters, blowers, vacuums, hedge trimmers, shredders, scarifiers, pressure washers, spare parts, oils and accessories. The promotion also includes extended payment terms on qualifying orders placed before the end of October, helping dealers/retailers  stock up with more confidence ahead of the season. 

“The retailers who plan early are usually the ones who make the most of the season,” says Mark. “It gives them time to secure stock, brief their teams, prepare displays and put the right products in front of customers before demand peaks.”

Whether customers are clearing leaves, cutting logs, tidying hedges, shredding garden waste or preparing lawns for winter, Mark’s message is simple.

“Autumn planning starts now. The right stock, the right display and the right advice can turn seasonal jobs into stronger sales.”

Find out more

Trade customers can visit handytrade.co.uk to sign up for a Handy Trade account, view current promotions and place orders online.

Alternatively, speak with your Handy Area Sales Manager sales@handys.co.uk  to discuss autumn stock, promotional opportunities and POS display planning.

Corby+Fellas are delighted to announce the successful implementation of WinRetail at Chessington Garden Centre, marking the beginning of what they are sure will be a fantastic partnership.

"It was a pleasure for our team, Matt Chrisostomou and Grant Davis, to work alongside Mel Johnson, Charlie Marshall, James Saville and the team throughout the implementation. With such a positive and collaborative approach from everyone involved, the project ran smoothly from start to finish -a real testament to the great team at Chessington."

Rooted in the Surrey community since 1967, Chessington Garden Centre has become a much-loved destination, combining quality plants and gardening expertise with a wonderful farm shop, butchery, café and a welcoming atmosphere that keeps customers coming back.

"We're incredibly excited to support the team as they continue to grow, helping them make the most of WinRetail and everything it has to offer in the months and years ahead.

"Thank you to everyone at Chessington Garden Centre for making us feel so welcome. We look forward to building a long and successful partnership together.

"Welcome to the Corby + Fellas family!"

#CorbyAndFellas #WinRetail #GardenCentre #GardenRetail #EPOS #RetailTechnology #FarmShop #CustomerPartnership #ImplementationSuccess

Blue Diamond Garden Centres is celebrating exceptional success at the inaugural RHS Badminton Flower Show 2026, following an outstanding week that saw both its sponsored Show Garden and its own Floral Marquee exhibit recognised with the highest honours by the Royal Horticultural Society.

The Blue Diamond-sponsored Show Garden, 'Where Grief Grows Quiet', designed by Sophie Leo in support of Maggie's, was awarded an RHS Gold Medal, together with the ‘Best Construction Award’ and ‘Best Young Garden Designer of the Year Award 2026’.

The remarkable Show Garden by Sophie Leo has been recognised by the RHS judges as one of the standout exhibits of the inaugural show. Created as a peaceful sanctuary for reflection, healing and hope, Where Grief Grows Quiet explores how gardens can provide comfort during life's most difficult moments. Its thoughtful planting palette, natural materials and beautifully crafted landscape have resonated strongly with both judges and visitors alike.

Blue Diamond Garden Centres were proud to sponsor the project as part of its ongoing commitment to supporting emerging horticultural talent and recognising the positive impact gardens can have on wellbeing.

Adding to the celebrations, Blue Diamond's own exhibit in the Floral Marquee was also awarded an RHS Gold Medal.Designed and constructed entirely by Blue Diamond's show team, and designed by Blue Diamond’s Anna King, the award-winning display featured exclusively home-grown plants from the company's six UK nurseries, showcasing the quality, expertise and craftsmanship behind the more than 13 million British-grown plants produced annually for its garden centres.

Jill Kerr, Group Relationship Manager for Blue Diamond Garden Centres, said: "This has been an incredible show for everyone at Blue Diamond Garden Centres. We are absolutely delighted for Sophie and everyone involved in bringing 'Where Grief Grows Quiet' to life. Winning an RHS Gold Medal is an incredible achievement, but to also receive the Best Construction Award and Best Young Garden Designer of the Year makes this an exceptional success.

"Receiving an RHS Gold Medal for our own Floral Marquee exhibit is also a tremendous achievement and a wonderful recognition of the passion, expertise and dedication of our nursery and show team. Plants in the display were grown by Blue Diamond in our UK nurseries, making this award especially meaningful for everyone involved."

Designer Sophie Leo added: "Creating 'Where Grief Grows Quiet' has been an incredibly personal and rewarding journey. To receive this recognition from the RHS is overwhelming, and I'm so grateful to Blue Diamond Garden Centres, Maggie's, the construction team and everyone who helped make this garden a reality."

The celebrations may not be over just yet. The garden is now in the running for the People's Choice Award, voted for by visitors to the inaugural RHS Badminton Flower Show. The winner will be announced on Friday 10 July, with everyone involved at Blue Diamond Garden Centres, Maggie's and the show team keeping their fingers firmly crossed for one final accolade.

Visitors who were unable to attend the show will also have the opportunity to see the award-winning garden when Where Grief Grows Quiet features on BBC Gardeners' World on Friday 10 July at 9.00pm on BBC Two, bringing Sophie's inspiring design and its powerful message to a national television audience.

Following the show, Sophie will donate plants from the garden to Maggie's centres across the UK, helping to extend the garden's legacy and provide beautiful, restorative spaces for the hundreds of people affected by cancer who visit Maggie's every day.

Blue Diamond Garden Centres congratulates Sophie Leo, Maggie's, the construction team and everyone involved in delivering both award-winning exhibits. This remarkable success reflects the exceptional talent, craftsmanship and horticultural excellence showcased throughout the inaugural RHS Badminton Flower Show and marks another proud milestone for Blue Diamond Garden Centres.

This year, antirrhinums are the subject of the seasonal flower trial at Floral Fantasia.

Based at RHS Garden Hyde Hall in Essex, the independent and open trial is, this summer, assessing 135 varieties.

Garden centres and their staff can visit the trial at any time while the garden is open – and a visit will certainly help inspire and inform decisions for future growing and retailing plans. Some snapdragons have also been planted within the demonstration garden in borders and containers to show how they perform with other garden stalwarts such as dahlia and cosmos.

Plants will be assessed until mid to late August depending on weather conditions.

Prospective buyers reserving a new Summerfield home this summer can enjoy a £2,000 garden furniture voucher thanks to a new partnership between two long-established Taunton family businesses.

This exclusive offer is available on reservations made before the end of September across all Summerfield developments in Ashill, Horton, Middlezoy, Taunton and Watchet in Somerset, helping homeowners create beautiful outdoor spaces from the moment they move in.

From two-bedroom homes to spacious family properties and bungalows, every Summerfield home benefits from its own private garden and incorporates the latest energy-efficient technology.

Philip Morgan, Sales and Marketing Divisional Director at Summerfield Homes, said: “Buying a new home is one of life's biggest milestones and we want our customers to enjoy every part of that experience. By teaming up with another trusted Somerset family business, we're helping homeowners create outdoor spaces where they can relax, entertain family and friends, and enjoy the summer from the moment they move in.”

“At Summerfield, we build communities as well as homes, and this partnership reflects our commitment to helping customers settle in and enjoy their new lifestyle from day one.”

Mike Lind at Monkton Elm Garden Centre said: “Outdoor spaces are an extension of a home and have become increasingly more important, providing somewhere to relax and spend quality time with family and friends. We're delighted to be working alongside Summerfield to help homeowners create gardens they'll enjoy for years to come.”

As well as creating thoughtfully designed homes, Summerfield places a strong emphasis on sustainable communities. Every development is designed with energy-efficient homes and generous outdoor spaces that encourage biodiversity, healthier lifestyles and a stronger connection with nature - values that sit at the heart of both businesses.

The partnership also brings together two businesses with deep roots in Somerset. Established in 2007, Summerfield Homes has built more than 2,000 homes across 56 developments, planted more than 1.1 million trees and contributed over £6 million to local community projects, reflecting its long-term commitment to creating sustainable communities where people and nature can thrive together.

Further information about Summerfield's current developments and the £2,000 garden furniture offer is available at www.summerfield.co.uk. Terms and conditions apply.

Headline keynote speakers, more than 20 expert-led seminars, two dedicated content stages and the return of the Glee New Products Showcase make Glee 2026 one of the industry's most valuable destinations for business insight as well as buying.

Visitors to Glee 2026 can now start planning their visit, with organisers unveiling a packed three-day content programme spanning Centre Stage and the Feed Your Business Stage. Taking place from 8th-10th September at the NEC Birmingham, the agenda has been carefully curated to tackle the biggest commercial opportunities and challenges facing modern garden retail.

Alongside Europe's biggest buying moment – which sees Glee co-locate with Autumn Fair for two days – visitors can also look forward to the return of the hugely popular Glee New Products Showcase, providing an exclusive first look at the latest launches, breakthrough innovations and retail solutions set to shape the seasons ahead.

Together, the seminar programme and New Products Showcase reinforce Glee's position as far more than a trade exhibition, offering buyers the opportunity to source new products, discover emerging trends, hear from industry leaders and take away practical ideas to help their businesses thrive.

Business insight for every retailer

Built around themes including market insight, leadership, people, productivity, sustainability, customer engagement, food and hospitality, and innovation, the programme ensures every visitor can tailor their experience to the areas most relevant to their business.

Centre Stage will welcome many of the industry's biggest names, including an exclusive keynote interview with David Robinson, CEO of Dobbies Garden Centres, who will discuss leading one of the UK's best-known garden centre businesses through a period of transformation, sharing his thoughts on leadership, customer expectations, investment and the future of the sector.

People also remain firmly on the agenda. In 'People, Pay and Perception: Fixing the Talent Challenge in Garden Retail', Guy Moreton, Managing Director of MorePeople, will explore one of the industry's most pressing issues, examining how businesses can attract, develop and retain talented people whilst changing perceptions of careers within garden retail.

The programme begins with Laura Loveridge and Harry Redman from the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA), who will present 'The State of Garden Retail: What the Data Is Really Telling Us',providing exclusive insight into the latest consumer trends, market performance and opportunities shaping the industry. Retail productivity also comes under the spotlight as Vanessa Cranford, Phil Wright and Josh Novell of Polhill Garden Centre demonstrate how better use of business data can improve operational efficiency and profitability, while Michael Perry (Mr Plant Geek) returns with his ever-popular Future Plants Walking Tour across all three days.

Wednesday sees Sam Dickson, Managing Director of Squire's Garden Centres, reflect on his first year leading the business, alongside practical discussions around smarter water management featuring Wave and the National Trust. Whilst, on Thursday, James Shorey from Planet Mark joins George Hillier to explore how Hillier is successfully combining lower carbon with lower costs, before Floral Thursday rounds off the programme with fundraising and celebrations in support of the Greenfingers Charity.

Spotlight on food and hospitality

Reflecting the growing importance of hospitality within modern garden centres, the dedicated Feed Your Business Stage returns with practical sessions designed to help operators maximise the commercial potential of their catering and food retail operations.

Sessions will cover topics including coffee trends, menu engineering, restaurant design, food safety, staffing, customer experience and creating food propositions that drive footfall, loyalty and profitability. Supporting Glee's expanded Food Hall and Food & Beverage sectors, the stage provides specialist insight for businesses looking to grow one of garden retail's fastest-expanding revenue streams.

More than a buying event

From discovering tomorrow's bestselling products within the Glee New Products Showcase to hearing from the industry's leading retailers, researchers and innovators, Glee 2026 combines buying with business learning like no other event in the sector.

The full seminar agenda is now available online - www.gleebirmingham.com/whats-on/agenda - allowing visitors to plan their visit in advance and make the most of every moment at Glee 2026. Free visitor registration is now open at www.gleebirmingham.com.

Every September, Glee shines a spotlight on the brands, products and innovations that are set to shape the future of garden retail. It's where buyers come to discover what's next, uncover exciting new suppliers and find products that can set their stores apart.

One of this year's newcomers is Marvellous Mulch – a Norfolk-based business that's taken one of gardening's oldest products and given it a thoroughly modern makeover.

Ahead of the show's opening, we caught up with Emily Dyer, UK Sales Manager, to find out why Marvellous Mulch chose Glee for its industry debut.

Giving a gardening classic a fresh twist

"Straw mulch has always been a brilliant natural product," says Emily. "Gardeners love it because it helps retain moisture, suppress weeds and improve soil health. The problem is that it can also be messy, awkward to handle and difficult to spread. We wanted to solve those frustrations without losing everything that makes straw such an effective mulch."

Produced in Norfolk, Marvellous Mulch is made from carefully chopped, dust-extracted wheat straw that's enhanced with seaweed. Cleaner to use, easier to apply and offering impressive coverage, it's been designed with both gardeners and retailers in mind.

Why Glee?

For Emily, there was only one place to launch the brand: "If you're introducing something genuinely different to the garden retail market, Glee is where you need to be. It's the biggest buying event in the industry and the place buyers visit specifically to discover new products, new suppliers and fresh ideas. That's exactly why we're so excited to be exhibiting for the first time."

Breathing new life into an established category

Innovation isn't always about inventing something completely new. Sometimes it's about taking a product gardeners already trust and making it work even better.  That's the thinking behind Marvellous Mulch.

By refining traditional straw through a specialist chopping and dust-extraction process, before enhancing it with seaweed, the team has created a mulch that's easier to spread, less messy to use and capable of covering up to eight times further than many conventional mulch products.

"We're really looking forward to seeing people's reactions," says Emily. "It's one of those products that makes sense as soon as you pick it up. Buyers can see the quality, feel the difference and immediately understand how it could appeal to their customers."

Responding to today's gardening trends

With more consumers embracing sustainable gardening practices, conserving water and looking after soil health have never been higher on the agenda.

Emily believes Marvellous Mulch is perfectly placed to meet that demand: "Gardeners want products that work harder whilst being kinder to the environment. Marvellous Mulch helps retain moisture, supports biodiversity and improves soil health, all whilst being made from natural, sustainably sourced materials. It ticks a lot of boxes for today's gardener."

See it for yourself at Glee

As first-time exhibitors, the Marvellous Mulch team are looking forward to introducing the brand to retailers from across the UK, building new partnerships and demonstrating why they believe there's room for fresh thinking within one of gardening's most established categories.

"We'd love buyers to come and have a chat, see the product for themselves and discover why we're so passionate about it," says Emily. "We're confident they'll leave with a completely different view of what straw mulch can be."

Visit the Marvellous Mulch team at Glee 2026 on stand 20K64 to experience the product first-hand through live demonstrations and discover why this exciting newcomer could become one of the show's standout success stories.

Register for your free ticket today at www.gleebirmingham.com and be part of Europe's biggest buying moment.

Every year, Glee welcomes a new generation of businesses hoping to make their mark on the garden retail industry. Some arrive with established reputations. Others launch brand new ideas, armed with little more than a handful of products, a modest stand and plenty of ambition.

For LBC Boots, then known as Leon Boots, that journey began at Glee in 2021.  Launching into the garden retail market with just over 10 products and a compact stand, the business had a clear mission – to bring a fresh perspective to gardening footwear by combining comfort, practicality and modern design.

Five years later, the business has grown into an established name within the sector. Its Glee stand has expanded, its retailer network continues to grow, and its product development is now firmly focused on lightweight, sustainable footwear with clear points of difference for both retailers and consumers.

According to Charlie Burgess, that growth has been built one conversation at a time. "Glee gave us the opportunity to get our products in front of the right people from day one," he explains. "As a new brand, that visibility was invaluable. It allowed us to introduce ourselves to buyers, start conversations and begin building the relationships that have supported our growth ever since."

Growth built on relationships

Like many young businesses, LBC Boots didn't arrive expecting overnight success. Instead, the company focused on consistently returning to Glee, refining its product range and demonstrating how the brand was evolving year after year. That steady approach has paid dividends.

"We've become much more focused," says Charlie. "Everything we develop today centres around sustainability, ultralight design and creating products that genuinely stand out. It's no longer about offering lots of products. Instead, it's about offering the right products. Glee isn't just where we sell our products. It's where we learn and listen. The conversations we have with buyers, retailers and the wider industry have been invaluable in shaping how the brand has evolved."

Alongside that product evolution has come a growing customer base, with new garden centres and retailers continuing to come on board as awareness has increased. Importantly, many of those relationships can be traced back to conversations that first began on the Glee show floor.

More than just three days

For Charlie, Glee has become much more than an annual exhibition.  "It's remained a consistent platform to showcase how the business has evolved," he says. "Every year we're able to reconnect with existing customers, introduce ourselves to new buyers and demonstrate what's new. Just as importantly, it's where we get honest feedback, understand what's changing in the market and leave with ideas that influence what we do next. That's incredibly valuable for a growing business."

That consistency has seen LBC Boots grow from a small launch stand into a much larger presence, reflecting the confidence the business continues to place in the event.

Advice for tomorrow's exhibitors

Having experienced that journey first-hand, Charlie has a reassuring message for businesses considering exhibiting for the first time.

"You don't need a huge stand," he says. "What matters is having a product with a clear point of difference, talking to as many buyers as possible and building relationships. Don't overcomplicate it – just get yourself out there."

It's advice that perfectly captures why Glee continues to play such an important role in bringing new brands into the garden retail market.  For LBC Boots, that first step was a small stand at Glee in 2021. Five years on, the business stands as a reminder that success isn't measured by the size of your stand on day one, but by the relationships you build, the conversations you have and your willingness to keep listening, learning and evolving.

Find out more

Every established brand starts somewhere. Whether you're launching a new product, entering the garden retail market for the first time or looking to accelerate your growth, Glee provides the platform to put your business in front of the buyers who matter most.

Co-locating alongside Autumn Fair for two crossover days, Glee creates Europe's biggest buying moment, delivering access to an even broader audience of buyers, more opportunities to build valuable retail relationships and unrivalled business insight – before a dedicated third day focused exclusively on the garden retail sector.

If you're ready to start your own Glee success story, visit www.gleebirmingham.com to find out more about exhibiting at Glee 2026.

Data science pioneer Clive Humby OBE, who co-founded the global consumer insights company behind the Tesco Clubcard, will be speaking at the Garden Centre Association’s annual conference in January 2027.

Clive will present on January 26 at the Crowne Plaza, Stratford-upon-Avon, sharing his expertise on data strategy, consumer behaviour and how businesses can use data to drive transformative competitive advantage.

GCA Chairman and Operations Director of Haskins Garden Centres, Ben Harrison, says: “Clive is widely recognised as a pioneer in customer analytics and data science and brings with him an incredible depth of knowledge and experience gained over more than four decades.

“His insight into how businesses can harness data to better understand customers and shape strategy will be hugely valuable to our members.”

Clive is perhaps best known for coining the phrase ‘Data is the New Oil’ in 1996, reflecting his long-standing influence on the way organisations approach and utilise data.

With more than 45 years’ experience working across 30 global markets, he has advised boards, governments and senior leadership teams on data strategy, analytics and business transformation.

Together with his business partner, Edwina Dunn, he co-founded dunnhumby, the global consumer insights company behind the Tesco Clubcard and loyalty programmes for retailers including Kroger. The business revolutionised how transaction data is used within the retail and FMCG sectors before expanding into banking, telecommunications and other consumer-facing industries.

Clive was also one of the creators of ACORN, the UK’s first geodemographic segmentation tool, and continues to be at the forefront of developments in consumer data science, including motivation-based segmentation and behavioural analytics.

Ben explains: “Clive’s work has shaped the modern data landscape and his perspective on the role of data in understanding customers and driving growth will resonate strongly with our members.”

Alongside his industry work, Clive is Visiting Professor of Data & Information Science at The University of Sheffield, where he focuses on areas including data ethics, artificial intelligence in consumer engagement and machine learning in behavioural analytics. He is also an advocate of responsible data use, with a strong focus on consumer choice, transparency and privacy.

In recognition of his contribution to data and industry, Clive was awarded an OBE in 2019. He also holds honorary fellowships across leading professional bodies and has been recognised for his impact on marketing, research and operational disciplines.

GCA CEO, Peter Burks adds: “Clive brings a wealth of insight into one of the most important areas shaping modern business. Understanding customers has never been more critical and his expertise will help our members think differently about how they use data within their own organisations.

“Our 2027 conference programme is continuing to take shape with a strong and diverse range of speakers and we’re looking forward to sharing more announcements soon.”

The GCA’s annual conference regularly attracts hundreds of members from across the UK, offering opportunities to hear from leading speakers, gain industry insight and network with peers.

The leading industry body represents more than 200 garden centres nationwide and, through sharing information and its inspection programme, helps members achieve high standards in customer service, plant quality and reliability.

For further information and to buy tickets, please visit the GCA’s online members’ section: www.gca.org.uk. There’s an early bird 10% discount available for those booking before the end of July.

The Horticultural Trades Association and the British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI) have written a joint letter to Emma Hardy MP, the Flooding and Water Minister, calling on the government to improve the way water restrictions are implemented and communicated. They warn that the current approach is harming businesses responsible for delivering and maintaining the UK’s green infrastructure, which is needed to mitigate the impacts of climate change.

The letter followed South East Water's introduction of a Temporary Use Ban after the recent spell of exceptionally hot weather. While the organisations recognise the need to conserve water during periods of shortage, they say the current approach risks undermining the very sector helping communities adapt to the UK’s extreme weather patterns.

Representing almost 3,800 businesses across the horticulture, landscaping, and garden sectors, the HTA and BALI are calling for a long-term water strategy developed in partnership with industry, alongside changes to the Drought Code of Practice to better reflect their members' needs.

Fran Barnes, Chief Executive of the Horticultural Trades Association, said: "Environmental horticulture is part of the solution to many of the challenges our towns and cities face. As this summer's extreme temperatures have shown, we need more trees, gardens and green spaces to help cool urban areas, reduce flood risk and improve people's health and wellbeing. But creating and maintaining that green infrastructure depends on sensible, proportionate access to water.

"Our sector uses just 0.15% of the UK's total water supply, yet delivers enormous environmental, economic and social value. We fully support the need to conserve water during periods of shortage, but the language used results in a disproportionate impact on our industry, and current arrangements are creating unnecessary uncertainty for businesses and risk undermining the delivery of the very green infrastructure that Government wants to see.

“For two years running, the country has seen flooding in January followed by water restrictions just six months later.  It is now imperative that the government develop a long-term water resilience strategy that focuses on storing and protecting water, while recognising the essential role environmental horticulture plays in building climate resilience. That includes ensuring Temporary Use Bans are communicated clearly and that the exemptions better reflect how plants are grown, sold and established."

The organisations highlight that the recent June heatwave saw pavements and playgrounds in London reaching temperatures of 57°C. In his Heat Ready London Plan, the Mayor of London identifies urban greening as a key part of helping the capital adapt to rising temperatures and improve air quality. Delivering those trees and plants, expanding green spaces and protecting private gardens, however, requires access to water to establish and maintain healthy planting.

While environmental horticulture relies on water, the gardens, landscapes and green infrastructure it creates can significantly reduce long-term demand through rainwater harvesting, Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS), drought-tolerant planting, permeable paving and efficient irrigation. The organisations say that messaging around water restrictions, often unhelpfully referred to as “hosepipe bans”, can have a direct and damaging impact on the sector, despite its role in helping communities become more resilient to climate change.

The organisations also raise concerns about the way Temporary Use Bans are communicated. Guidance issued following the latest restrictions created confusion over what activities were permitted, resulting in uncertainty for businesses and customers at a critical time of year.

The organisations also argue that current exemptions are too limited. While newly planted trees, hedging, saplings and whips can be watered under existing rules, perennials and shrubs, which are commonly planted during the summer months, are excluded, creating significant commercial impacts for growers, landscapers and retailers.

The HTA and BALI recognise the need to conserve water in times of shortage; however, the current position, which only allows landscapers to water newly planted gardens in advance of restrictions, effectively renders parts of the sector unable to operate during Temporary Use Bans. This is particularly concerning given that, in 2025, some restrictions, including those introduced by South East Water, lasted more than six months.

According to BALI’s Lay of the Land report, a quarter of members said water management is either challenging or very challenging for their businesses, with broader pressures from climate change and increasingly hot, dry weather patterns compounding operational difficulties. The organisations say this underlines the need for a clear, long-term and strategic approach to water management that supports both water resilience and the delivery of green infrastructure.

Wayne Grills, Chief Executive of the British Association of Landscape Industries, said:

"It’s becoming increasingly clear that extreme weather conditions are becoming more prevalent, from consistent high temperatures and drought, to flooding events. The environmental horticulture sector and wider landscaping industry play a vital role in delivering the green infrastructure needed to make our towns, cities and communities more resilient to climate change.

“While we fully support responsible water conservation, the current approach to Temporary Use Bans creates uncertainty and can prevent essential planting and establishment work from taking place, which supports long-term water management and climate adaptation.

“We need a more strategic, proportionate approach to water management with clear, consistent guidance that recognises the environmental, social, and economic value of professionally installed landscapes and provides practical exemptions that allow businesses to continue operating responsibly and with confidence.

“By working with Government and the water industry, we can protect water resources while continuing to create greener, healthier and more climate-resilient places for future generations."

In the letter, the organisations also request an early meeting with the Minister to discuss how Government and industry can work together to develop a more strategic approach to water resilience, particularly as further periods of hot weather and additional water restrictions are expected this summer.

The three-day SOLEX 2026 exhibition, which took place at the NEC Birmingham this week, has been hailed as a sizzling success with LOFA Chairman Alwyn Williams happy to agree it had been fantastic show.

Alwyn said: "SOLEX 2026 has been a fantastic show. The members have made fantastic efforts in the quality of their stands, the quality of the product that they're showcasing and I think the level of detail that people have gone to inspire the retailer of how to sell the product, has been exceptional.

"The people that have come into the show, the retailers have been quality retailers. The numbers of people visiting versus the time they spend in the show has been better than ever. The feedback from other members that I've spoken to has been the same, that it's about the quality of the people that are coming, that are making the show, what it is.

"The awards night on Tuesday was great. It gave us an opportunity to come together, to highlight the innovation, the detail that people have gone to in designing the product and making their stands what they are and to be able to award some of them.

"We're all about engaging the retailers, getting them excited about what we have and what we can offer in order for them to then take that back into their shop floor, because that at the end of the day, the product has got to sell and we need the retailers to sell those products for us.

"For me at SOLEX it’s about the fun that you have with people as well, the camaraderie between not just the retailers and the suppliers, but between members too. I always say it takes three different elements. You've got the supplier, you've got the customer and you've got the employee. And it takes all three to make things work. Not one is more important than the other.

"As the show comes to a close I just want to thank everybody, from all of our members and the hard work that they've put in over the not just the last three days, but the time they've spent to create everything that they needed to bring it to life here at the show.

"Thank you to all the retailers that have taken the time out of what is a real busy time for everybody at the moment. Without both of those there is no show. We cannot do this without the members putting the time and the effort in to coming here and the retailers coming to see us. As an association (LOFA) we only have a show because of you.

"Also a big thank you needs to go to Gina and Sam for the hard work that they put in for the whole year leading up to this to make sure that when we as as members turn up it's a seamless operation.  That only happens with hard work and these guys put it in.

"So thank you to everybody that's taken their time to do it."

LOFA's General Manager and SOLEX Event Director Gina Hinde revealed the feedback from both visitors and exhibitors had been overwhelmingly positive. Find out what she had to say about this year’s event.

Gina said: “As SOLEX 2026 comes to a close, I want to say how incredibly proud I am of all our exhibitors. Once again, they have shown exactly why SOLEX is such an important event for our industry.

“Every exhibitor brought something new and exciting to the show. The standard of the stands was exceptional – beautifully presented, clean, well-organised and thoughtfully colour coordinated. The sleek furniture collections and the exciting new colour palettes for 2027 created a real sense of inspiration throughout the exhibition.

“The BBQ sector was equally impressive, with displays both inside and outside the halls showcasing innovative new shapes, striking colours and the latest technology. It was fantastic to see so much innovation and creativity on display.

“What impressed me most was the amount of thought, passion and hard work that every exhibitor had invested, not only in their stands but also in the products they were launching. That dedication was evident everywhere you looked.

“Thank you to every one of our exhibitors for making SOLEX 2026 such a tremendous success. Your commitment, innovation and enthusiasm continue to raise the bar for our industry, and I couldn't be prouder of what we have achieved together.

“The feedback I have received from both visitors and exhibitors has been overwhelmingly positive. Time and again, people commented on the quality of the exhibition, the professionalism of our exhibitors and the welcoming atmosphere that makes SOLEX so special.

“Finally, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to everyone who visited SOLEX 2026. Your continued support, enthusiasm and engagement are what make this exhibition such a success year after year. We hope you leave feeling inspired by the innovation, creativity and passion on display, and we look forward to welcoming you back next year.”

See you next year for SOLEX 2027, 6th - 8th July 2027.

The SOLEX Award winners have been celebrating their success on the third day of the show after receiving their honours at the  exhibition's Afterparty on Tuesday.

Best Small Stand: Kadai

Best Medium Stand: Extreme Lounging

Best Large Stand: Kettler

Best Eco Friendly Product: Tripod Home Love Bench

Best Individual Product: Rago Planters – 100cm Corten Effect Cylinder Planter

Best BBQ Product: Dometic Mobile Cooking Co Uk Ltd – Carri Chef 50 Pro Folding BBQ

Phil Wood, Head of Sales, Dometic, said: “This was a very welcome surprise. Considering the quality on display within the show we feel proud to have won the award. We are also proud of the technology we have brought to the market and that this has been recognised.”

Best Furniture Product: Bramblecrest Prague Bench

Jonathan Sparkes, Head of Product, Bramblecrest, said: “We feel honoured and privileged to have won this award. SOLEX is always a fabulous show for us and this year has now been made even sweeter.”

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Family photo: Credit Alan Down

Frank P. Matthews Trees marked a major milestone with a special Open Day on 1st July, celebrating 125 years of horticultural expertise, innovation and family stewardship. 

Founded in 1901, the Worcestershire-based nursery has grown from modest beginnings into one of the country's most respected producers of fruit and ornamental trees. Operating across 500 acres in Worcestershire and now in its fourth generation of family ownership, the business has built a reputation for quality, specialist knowledge and innovation, supplying gardeners, garden centres, growers and landscape professionals throughout the UK, including the Royal estate.

The anniversary Open Day welcomed invited guests from across the horticultural industry, including customers, suppliers, media representatives and trade partners. Visitors enjoyed tractor tours around the nursery, gaining a behind-the-scenes insight into tree production, propagation and the specialist expertise that has shaped the business for more than 125 years.

The day also featured live grafting demonstrations, informal talks with members of the nursery team and discussions on the future of tree growing and plant breeding. Visitors had the opportunity to learn more about the nursery's commitment to sustainability, innovation and the preservation of heritage fruit varieties, while enjoying anniversary refreshments, including ice cream and cake, in a relaxed and celebratory atmosphere.

The Open Day forms part of a landmark anniversary year for Frank P. Matthews Trees. Earlier this year, the nursery was awarded a prestigious Gold Medal at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show for its award-winning display of Malus trees, recognising the horticultural expertise that have become synonymous with the business.

Over its 125-year history, Frank P. Matthews Trees has played a significant role in shaping Britain's orchards, gardens and landscapes. Producing over one million trees annually and working closely with some of the most respected breeders of woody plants, the nursery is recognised for introducing innovative new cultivars while also safeguarding heritage varieties that contribute valuable genetic diversity to UK horticulture. 

Speaking about the anniversary celebrations, the Frank P. Matthews Director Steph Dunn James said: "Celebrating 125 years is a proud achievement for everyone connected with the nursery. The Open Day was a wonderful opportunity to thank our customers, partners, suppliers and friends of the business for their continued support.

It was fantastic to welcome so many visitors from across the industry and to share what makes our nursery special. As we reflect on our history, we are equally excited about the future, with new varieties, continued innovation and a commitment to helping gardeners, growers and landscape professionals grow better trees."

As the company looks towards its next chapter, Frank P. Matthews Trees remains firmly rooted in the values that have guided the business since 1901: family, expertise, innovation and a passion for growing. The 125th Anniversary Open Day not only celebrated an extraordinary legacy but also highlighted the nursery's ongoing role in shaping the future of British horticulture. 

This year there’s a new gifting mini-range from Burgon & Ball. Production is strictly limited though, so retailers are advised to secure their stock early.

Bunnies and Berries is a three-piece collection of gifts which consistently top the sales charts of every range which features them: Kneelo memory foam garden kneeler, gift-boxed gardening snips, and that must-have essential - gloves.

The design has a timeless look, echoing the detailed patterns and natural motifs of the iconic Arts & Crafts movement. Look more closely, and there’s a more contemporary feel, with playful bunnies chasing through the garden, lured by juicy ripe berries.

The adorable print is in classic blue and white. It’s an ever-popular colour combination, crisply elegant and forever in fashion.

The original memory foam kneeler, Kneelo offers superb comfort for knees, with twin layers of memory foam around a lightweight, shock absorbing EVA foam core.

The snip and matching neoprene holster set is beautifully gift-boxed in recyclable card, and the snip carries a ten-year guarantee. 

The one-size gloves combine style with practicality, with padded palm for comfort and a wrist strap to keep out debris. The gloves are washable at 30°C.

The stylish ‘All You Need’ merchandising kit makes merchandising these appealing gifts easy. And with RRPs from just £12.49 up to £21.49, the ‘Bunnies and Berries’ mini range is set to have universal appeal.

Birdfy, a leading innovator in smart bird-watching technology is bringing smarter bird-watching to UK Gardens this summer with the Birdfy Birdbath Pro, an innovative smart birdbath range designed to transform garden bird-watching by combining a beautifully designed birdbath with advanced camera technology, AI bird recognition and intelligent smart features.

Available in two models, the Birdfy Birdbath Pro and the Birdfy Birdbath Pro with Stand, the new range offers flexible installation options while delivering the same immersive bird-watching experience.

The Birdfy Birdbath Pro with Stand is available now in blue and white on the Birdfy website for RRP £349.99 – CURRENTLY ON OFFER AT £199.99. Without stand – RRP £319.99 – NOW £209.99.

The Birdfy Birdbath Pro captures high quality, real time footage of birds bathing, drinking and interacting throughout the day, bringing a new dimension to wildlife watching from the comfort of home. Featuring an advanced dual lens smart camera that combines a wide angle lens with an automated tracking lens, the system captures every visit in exceptional detail while automatically following bird activity to create a richer and more engaging viewing experience. Whether recording birds bathing, drinking or socialising, the Birdbath Pro ensures memorable moments are captured with impressive clarity.

Designed to suit a variety of outdoor spaces and individual preferences, the Birdfy Birdbath Pro is available as a compact standalone unit that integrates seamlessly into existing gardens or as the Birdfy Birdbath Pro with Stand, a complete all in one solution featuring a sturdy freestanding stand for flexible positioning without the need for an existing mounting point. Both models deliver the same intelligent technology and advanced features, allowing users to choose the installation option that best suits their outdoor environment.

Packed with smart functionality, the Birdfy Birdbath Pro keeps bird enthusiasts connected to every garden visitor through instant bird arrival notifications sent directly to the Birdfy app. Advanced AI bird species identification automatically recognises visiting birds and provides intelligent bird data analysis, including daily highlights and monthly recaps of activity. Optional cloud storage enables memorable video clips to be securely stored, browsed and downloaded, while family sharing supports access across more than 20 accounts, allowing multiple members of the household to enjoy the experience together.

Installation has been designed to be quick and straightforward with a simple plug and play setup requiring minimal assembly. Routine maintenance is equally convenient thanks to a detachable camera and removable basin that make charging and cleaning easy while helping to maintain a hygienic environment for visiting wildlife. Built to perform throughout the seasons, the integrated camera carries an IP66 weatherproof rating for reliable operation in rain, wind and changing outdoor conditions.

The Birdfy Birdbath Pro has also been developed with sustainability at its core. An integrated solar panel works alongside a built in rechargeable battery to provide efficient continuous operation while reducing the need for regular charging. The durable all weather housing is manufactured using 20% recycled ABS material and incorporates UV resistant protection for long lasting outdoor performance.

The Birdbath Pro further strengthens Birdfy's growing portfolio of innovative smart bird-watching products, combining intelligent technology, practical design and sustainable materials to help people create vibrant outdoor spaces that encourage a closer connection with nature.

Jackson Szabo believes the UK has quietly become Europe's most dynamic retail market, with innovation, creativity and resilience creating new opportunities for international brands.

For years, the narrative surrounding UK retail has been dominated by familiar themes: Brexit, rising costs, inflation, store closures and squeezed consumer confidence. According to Jackson Szabo, Retail Portfolio Director at Spring & Autumn Fair, that's the problem.

“The conversation has become trapped in yesterday's headlines,” he says. “Too much of the industry is still asking whether UK retail has recovered. I think that's the wrong question. The real question is what UK retail has become.” Far from seeing a sector in decline, Szabo believes Britain has quietly become one of Europe's most dynamic retail markets, not despite the disruption of recent years, but because of it.

Having spent more than a decade working across technology, media and communications before moving into retail, he has watched multiple industries experience the same cycle. “Every industry reaches a moment where the old model stops working. I've seen it happen with broadcasting, communications and technology. It feels uncomfortable while you're living through it because everyone focuses on what's disappearing. But disruption doesn't destroy industries. It forces them to evolve. Retail is no different.”

For Szabo, that's exactly what Britain has done. Rather than clinging to traditional models, retailers have been forced to rethink how they buy, how they sell and, perhaps most importantly, how they connect with customers.

Autumn Fair brings together global brands and independent buyers seeking originality, craftsmanship and products that stand out. As retailers continue to look for ways to differentiate their offer, Autumn Fair is reinforcing its position as a gateway to international brands, bringing together exhibitors from more than 15 countries when the show returns to the NEC Birmingham from 6–9 September 2026.

According to Szabo, British retailers are increasingly seeking products with strong stories, craftsmanship and authenticity rather than simply more choice. The shift is creating significant opportunities for international brands looking to enter or grow within the UK market.

“The UK hasn't become a weaker retail market, it's become a smarter one," says Szabo. For international brands, Szabo believes that's a significant opportunity. “British retailers aren't looking for more products. They're looking for brands that help them stand apart. Consumers today buy heritage. They buy craftsmanship. They buy authenticity. They buy stories. International brands naturally bring those things because they introduce different cultures, different perspectives and different ways of thinking – and more curated and distinctive shopping experiences.”

For independent retailers, Autumn Fair has become an essential destination for discovering those unique global brands without the cost and logistics of travelling overseas.

Jo Senior, owner of MOJO and The Other Half in Twickenham said, “We love to stock international brands as it offers our customers unique pieces that they can only find locally in our shop, which is exactly what our customers are looking for. Every year we find that Autumn Fair is the perfect place to find these unique brands to stock and with so many trade shows where dates cross over, along with the addition of expensive travel costs, it's hard to visit them all. Autumn Fair is a reliable destination show to view a well-curated range of international brands.”

Nicky Mendoza-Wilson, owner of Rose & Lyons boutique in Bruton, Somerset, is also a regular visitor to Autumn Fair in search of global brands. She said: “With the cost of travelling to Europe and beyond fairly prohibitive, I can catch up with any of the international brands that I already deal with and look at their new collections, be it in the gift, home or clothing sector, as well as sourcing new brands. Most of the international brands that choose to be at Autumn Fair are already aware of the customs and shipping issues and have usually set something up to assist or adjusted their prices accordingly, so I'm not nervous to discuss that with them.”

Szabo also believes Britain's retail culture remains one of its greatest strengths. “The UK has always punched above its weight when it comes to retail. Our buyers are incredibly sophisticated, consumers are naturally curious and there's a genuine appetite for discovering something new. That's why international brands continue to perform here. British consumers don't just buy products, they buy originality.”

This year's international exhibitor line-up reflects the global nature of modern retail, with brands travelling from countries including Nepal, Turkey, Ireland, the Netherlands, Spain, Kenya, Canada, India, Sri Lanka, Ukraine, Australia, Georgia, Mexico, the United States. The diverse offering spans home décor, gifts, jewellery, fashion accessories, textiles, toys, lifestyle products and sustainable design, giving retailers access to products that help them stand out in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

Among the brands exhibiting are Aft Tekstil (Turkey), Ambiente Europe B.V. (Netherlands), APARAIS (Spain), CuteBee (USA), Dakari (Kenya), EuroScrubby (Canada), Lakshya Gems (India), Premier Socks (Ukraine), Squishable (USA), Wilderly by Mama Movement (Australia) and Kunstsokken (Netherlands), alongside many other suppliers introducing new collections to the UK market.

The international offering at Autumn Fair is set to receive a further boost this year following the UK–India Free Trade Agreement coming into force on 15 July, creating new opportunities for trade and collaboration between the two markets. The show expects to welcome a strong presence from India, including several country pavilions showcasing craftsmanship, textiles, jewellery, home décor and gift products, alongside dedicated pavilions from China, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

Nihat Berktas, Key International Development Director at Autumn Fair said, “It's fantastic to welcome so many international brands to Autumn Fair this year. The variety of products and creativity they bring gives our retail buyers even more choice and fresh inspiration. We're also looking forward to welcoming a strong presence from India. Autumn Fair is all about creating new business opportunities, and we're proud to connect brands from around the world with retailers across the UK and beyond.”

The show's international appeal extends beyond exhibitors, with leading retail organisations from across Europe continuing to see Autumn Fair as an essential destination for trend spotting, product discovery and commercial insight.

Daniel Kullmann, Head of Public Affairs at EK Retail, a European buying group representing 3,800 retailers and 7,500 stores across 11 countries said, “Autumn Fair and Glee are fixed dates in our calendar because nowhere else are the latest trends and innovations across so many sectors showcased. That's why we're delighted to be returning in September with a group of retailers and buyers from across Europe. Retailers and buyers discover trends and new products at Autumn Fair that enable them to stand out from the competition in their domestic retail markets.”

Szabo concludes; “The narrative around UK retail needs to change. This isn't a market that's survived disruption; it's a market that's been strengthened by it. The question isn't whether the UK is still worth investing in. It's whether international brands can afford to overlook one of Europe's most resilient, innovative and influential retail markets.”

Autumn Fair returns to the NEC Birmingham from 6–9 September 2026, bringing together thousands of buyers across Home, Gift and Fashion with brands from around the world.

For international businesses looking to establish, grow or strengthen their presence in the UK, Autumn Fair provides a gateway to one of Europe's most dynamic retail markets.

Interested in exhibiting? Contact Nihat Berktas at Nihat.Berktas@hyve.group

To register to attend, visit www.autumnfair.com

Spring Fair has announced the 18 winners of its 2027 Spring Fair x #SBS Small Business Sunday competition, giving a record number of entrepreneurs the opportunity to exhibit free of charge at the show's dedicated #SBS Village when Spring Fair returns to the NEC Birmingham from 7-10 February 2027.

Now entering its eighth year, the partnership between Spring Fair and retail entrepreneur Theo Paphitis continues to provide one of the UK's most valuable launchpads for emerging retail brands. This year's competition saw a significant increase in interest, with applications up by around 10% and judges commenting on the exceptional quality and diversity of entries.

A record 18 businesses have secured fully funded exhibition stands through the partnership, representing a 50% increase on previous years and pushing the total number of businesses supported to well over 100.

Theo Paphitis, TV Dragon, Retail Entrepreneur and Small Business Champion said: “The partnership between #SBS Small Business Sunday and the Spring & Autumn Fair team has now been running for eight years, and with this year’s competition we will have awarded over 100 free stands to small business owners. Year on year, the connections and relationships formed within the #SBS Village demonstrate just how valuable this opportunity is for growing businesses. It is a genuinely business-boosting experience, and I am already looking forward to meeting this year’s 18 finalists. Spring Fair continues to be a hub of opportunity, fresh thinking and new connections.”

Fay Tranter, Event Director at Spring Fair added: “Every year we're inspired by the incredible talent coming through the #SBS community, but this year's entries raised the bar again - the quality was outstanding, making the judging process incredibly difficult. These 18 businesses represent exactly what independent retail is all about - creativity, resilience, originality and entrepreneurial spirit. One of the things I love most about Spring Fair is seeing businesses at the very beginning of their wholesale journey. Through the #SBS Village we'll be able to support these brands from day one, introducing them to thousands of retail buyers and giving them the platform, confidence and connections to accelerate their growth. We can't wait to welcome them to Spring Fair 2027 and see where this opportunity takes them.”

Meet the Spring Fair x #SBS Class of 2027

The winners span every major retail category represented at Spring Fair, reflecting the breadth of innovation emerging from Britain's small business community.

Gift & Home

• Olive Tree Makes creates handcrafted clay keepsakes and uplifting gifts designed to celebrate life's meaningful moments with positivity and sentiment.
• Go Your Own Way designs bespoke 3D wooden contour maps and personalised OS map artwork inspired by Britain's landscapes, adventures and treasured memories.
• JLHPRINT produces sustainable pet-inspired gifts, artwork and personalised products inspired by founder Jasmine's rescue dogs, alongside an eco-conscious clothing collection.
• Sweet Williams creates beautifully handcrafted and personalised embroidered home and gift collections designed and made in Wales. 

Greetings, Party & Celebration

• Share A Little Frankie transforms hand-drawn wildlife and vintage vehicle illustrations into greeting cards and eco-friendly giftware manufactured in the UK.
• EllaJo Studio creates colourful illustrated greeting cards, prints and artwork inspired by nature, travel and storytelling, all produced in the UK.
• Studio Pri Art is a botanical watercolour brand producing elegant greeting cards, fine art prints and homewares featuring hand-painted floral artwork.

Beauty & Wellbeing

• Curly Girl Method Club creates a simple six-step range of UK-made curly hair products, tutorials and education designed to help women confidently embrace their natural curls. 

Food & Drink

• Saffire Chocolates is a third-generation Norfolk chocolatier producing luxury handmade chocolates in small batches, combining artisan craftsmanship with bold flavours and beautifully presented gifting collections.
• Cuppa Kindness brings hand-blended mindful tea infusions with innovative scannable tea bags that unlock positive affirmations and guided meditations, helping consumers build simple daily self-care rituals through every cup. 

Fashion & Home

• By Kala X brings vibrant Afro-chic fashion and home décor together, creating handmade statement pieces using Nigerian fabrics that celebrate colour, culture and craftsmanship.

Jewellery

• Coffee Pod Creations transforms discarded aluminium coffee pods into striking handmade jewellery, giving everyday waste a beautiful second life through sustainable design.
• SOZO Silver creates meaningful jewellery and gifts by repurposing vintage silverware into personalised keepsakes for life's special occasions. 

Kids, Toy & Play

• Magic By Post creates imaginative, screen-free potion kits and sensory play experiences that encourage creativity, storytelling and magical family moments.
• Moon & Bear designs and handmakes premium children's clothing and accessories in Essex, with original prints inspired by childhood adventure.
• Little Scandi Baby offers sustainable Scandinavian-inspired baby clothing and essentials made using certified non-toxic materials.
• The Calmness Crew has developed the world's first talking mental health plush toys, helping children build emotional resilience through breathing, grounding and mindfulness techniques.
• The Aylo Edit is a mum-founded childrenswear brand creating stylish, trend-led 100% cotton clothing for babies, children and matching families.

Taking place at the NEC Birmingham, Spring Fair 2027 will once again bring together thousands of buyers and brands across home, gift, fashion, and outdoor living, offering unrivalled opportunities for networking, sourcing and growth.

Spring Fair 2027 takes place 7-10 February 2027 at the NEC Birmingham.

The Horticultural Trades Association has extended the deadline for entries to the prestigious Grower of the Year Awards, giving more UK growers the opportunity to take part and celebrate their skills. The closing date for entries is now Friday 17 July 2026.

The annual Grower of the Year Awards celebrate excellence across UK nurseries and showcase the outstanding achievements and initiatives of growers in delivering high-quality plants, more productively and more sustainably.

Grower of the Year Awards 2026 – Categories

• Employer of the Year Award
• Young Grower of the Year Award
• Best use of Technology Award
• Grower with plant production lower than £2.5m
• Peat Transition Initiative of the Year
• Sustainability Initiative of the Year
• Biosecurity Initiative of the Year
• The Overall Grower of the Year Award will be decided by the judging panel based on the winners from each of the above categories 

The HTA Grower of the Year Awards 2026 are open to self-entries or nominations for a company or individual. For more information about how to enter, visit: hta.org.uk/goty

Winners will be announced at a celebration dinner following Horticulture, the Conference, at the Barbican Centre in London on 24 September 2026.

Home and garden retailer Robert Dyas has announced Camberwell Triangle Community Garden as the winner of its Nominate Your Community Space competition.

Established in 2022 on a council estate in South East London, the volunteer-led project was created as a food-growing space and aims to become a thriving green sanctuary that supports community connection, wellbeing, and biodiversity.

Plans include improving accessibility, creating wildlife habitats, enhancing seating and encouraging greater community participation. The judges were impressed by the group's clear vision, strong community focus and the lasting positive impact the project has the potential to make for both people and nature.

The retailer’s nationwide competition, now in its third year, encouraged people to nominate a green community space in their local area, which had the potential to be transformed for the mental and physical health of their community. It ran from 17th March to 29th May with the prize on offer £2.5k worth of gardening equipment. This includes a Forest Garden Summerhouse, Veg Trug Raised Planters, a variety of garden tools and more.

The competition was part of Robert Dyas’ ongoing Plant & Pause campaign, now in its fourth year, which encourages the nation to garden their way to better mental health. Like the campaign’s previous three years, Robert Dyas has teamed up with the gardening-for-health charity, Thrive. With over 40 years of experience, using gardening alongside Social and Therapeutic Horticulture (STH) to help improve people’s physical and psychological health, they’re a great fit for the project. 

Donna Jackson, Trade and Campaign Lead for Robert Dyas and one of the competition judges, said: "The standard of entries this year was incredibly high, so choosing a winner was no easy task. What really stood out about Camberwell Triangle Community Garden was its clear vision and well-developed plans to create a space that will deliver lasting benefits for the local community. The judges were particularly impressed by the project's commitment to improving wellbeing, supporting biodiversity and bringing people together, and we know our prize package will help turn that vision into reality. Congratulations to everyone involved." 

Shez Chung-Blake, lead volunteer and the founder of the Camberwell Triangle Community Garden, said: “We are so proud to have won this prize! Thank you Robert Dyas for the prizes that will make a huge difference in our garden! We are so proud to be part of such a fantastic community, who work together to make our estate that bit more greener and friendly for our neighbours and nature. This is a win for all council estate residents that care about where they live!"

The judges included The Sun Gardening Editor and Associate Head of Features, Veronica Lorraine; multi-RHS-award-winning Cloud Gardener and Chelsea Flower Show presenter, Jason Williams; Thrive charity’s Training & Education Officer, Mark Emery; and Robert Dyas’,Trade and Campaign Lead, Donna Jackson.

We may be in the midst of a heatwave, but the horticultural sector is already thinking ahead to Autumn and dare we say it… Christmas. But the latter time of year isn’t about endings; it’s all about opportunity. There is still plenty to enjoy in the garden while gently preparing for the seasons ahead. To support the industry and, in turn, UK gardeners, the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) has launched the next phase of its ‘Your Garden Year’ campaign.

‘Making the most of now and next year’ encourages customers to embrace autumn as a season of inspiration, planning and potential. While gardens may appear to slow down as summer fades, autumn is one of the most rewarding and important times of the gardening year, offering opportunities to enjoy seasonal beauty while preparing outdoor spaces for the year ahead.

From planting hardy trees, shrubs and perennials that establish through the cooler months, to adding spring bulbs, improving soil health and creating wildlife-friendly spaces, the campaign helps gardeners understand that the work done now can transform gardens for seasons to come.

The campaign also highlights the many ways autumn gardens can continue to bring colour, structure and enjoyment. Ornamental grasses, late-flowering plants, evergreen planting and seasonal textures all provide opportunities for gardeners to create attractive spaces throughout the colder months, while supporting nature and wellbeing.

The aim is to keep customers engaged with their gardens, driving fresh inspiration, repeat visits and renewed consumer interest at what might traditionally be considered a quieter point in the gardening calendar.

Backed by a coordinated suite of ready-to-use assets, designed for use across websites, social media, in-store displays, email marketing and media features, and a shared seasonal framework, ‘Your Garden Year’ continues to unite retailers, growers, suppliers and the media around a consistent approach to engaging gardeners and stimulating demand.

The campaign also provides practical ideas to inspire gardeners, including creating winter garden focal points, making the most of smaller spaces through fruit-growing projects, and supporting wildlife with simple actions such as creating a wild bird refuelling station.

Elia Johnston, HTA Director of Membership and Marketing, said: “Autumn is a hugely important opportunity for the horticultural sector. It is a time when gardeners are still enjoying their outdoor spaces, while also thinking ahead and planning for the seasons to come.

“Your Garden Year gives businesses the tools and inspiration they need to help customers understand the value of autumn gardening, whether that is planting for spring, creating wildlife-friendly spaces, or simply finding new ways to enjoy their gardens through the colder months. We have been encouraged by seeing our members sharing some great content across the spring and summer campaigns as well as supporting media features that get people talking about the same things at the same time and helping gardeners on their own individual journeys with helpful advice.”

Developed by the HTA Retailers Committee, ‘Your Garden Year’ provides a clear, week-by-week structure to support consistent messaging across the sector, helping to guide gardeners through the seasons, sustain engagement, and grow the market.

Further details and access to the Autumn 2026 resource and planner are available at hta.org.uk/your-garden-year.

The Horticultural Trades Association has announced the sixteen young people who have demonstrated their abilities in landscaping and horticulture and have progressed to the WorldSkills UK National Finals.

The Association of Professional Landscapers (APL), the HTA’s specialist landscaper and designer members, is an official organising partner of WorldSkills UK. APL designs the skills component of both the Construction and Infrastructure: Landscaping and Foundation Skills: Horticulture competitions to ensure industry skills meet employers' needs. The annual competition also remains an essential way to raise standards in apprenticeship and training programmes, attracting more young people into landscaping and environmental horticulture in the UK.

Following the qualifying heats in June, the sixteen people who’ve made it through to the WorldSkills UK National Finals are:

Construction and Infrastructure: Landscaping

Sponsored by: JA Jones, Makita and Landscape Plus

• James Wightman, CAFRE
• Eli Smith, CAFRE
• Luke Donald, CAFRE
• Cameron Gilbert, CAFRE
• Cody Knight, Bridgend College
• Robert Lewis, Bridgend College
• David Thomas, Bridgend College
• Charles Robertson, Suffolk New College

Reserves:

1. Callum Mason, Warwickshire College Group
2. Jacob Irish, Myerscough College

Foundation Skills: Horticulture

• Alexander Fielder, Dudley College of Technology
• Ashley Price, Pembrokeshire College
• Edward Jones, Coleg Gwent
• James Denman, Cambridge Regional College
• Pamela Heart, NPTC Group of Colleges, Neath College
• Rhyliy Bishop, Pembrokeshire College
• Russell Reeves, Elidyr Communities Trust
• Zakk Duggan, Coleg Gwent

Reserves:

1. Harrison Douglas, Cambridge Regional College
2. Harry Stansfield, Cambridge Regional College

From 17 - 20 November 2026, hundreds of competitors will showcase their talents in over 40 skill areas at the WorldSkills UK National Finals, held across various venues in South Wales.

Simon Abbott, Association of Professional Landscapers (APL) regional manager, said: “Congratulations to the confirmed finalists who have demonstrated their skills and abilities to get this far. The standard and dedication of these young professionals is extraordinary.

“APL is proud to support this competition, which highlights the importance of skills development in our industry and our efforts to encourage the next generation of landscaping and horticultural talent.

“There are various skills and pathways into horticulture, making it an industry that is accessible to all. The Foundation Skills component of the competition, overseen by Natalie Ilsley, is an excellent opportunity that encourages participation.

“We look forward to the National Finals in November where we’ll see all the finalists’ creativity and resilience in action”

The Landscaping WorldSkills UK Final, supported by the APL, starts on 17 November at Bridgend College. Individual finalists have 16 and a half hours to build the same garden to the same specifications. Their work is judged against criteria set by the APL and approved by WorldSkills UK to determine who has created the highest-quality garden. The judges also consider health and safety, as well as the competitors' work processes. For the planting section of the challenge, finalists are provided with a selection of plants to work with, but it is up to them to be creative and truly stand out.

The Foundation Skills: Horticulture WorldSkills UK Final, supported by the APL, will be held at Cardiff and Vale College, City Campus on 20 November. The competition showcases the skills of students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) or additional learning needs (ALN). Finalists will be given around two hours to perform a horticultural task that relates directly back to areas of work required in today's industry. This may include production, merchandising or maintenance. Competitors will also have to explain their choices and are judged on creativity, adherence to the given theme, Health and Safety, and work processes.

The winner of each competition will be announced at a medal ceremony on Friday 20 November 2026.

For more information about WorldSkills UK, visit worldskillsuk.org.

Accessing overseas markets has traditionally depended on distributors, agents, retailers, wholesalers, and trade shows. While those routes remain important, they are no longer the only way to reach international consumers.  Now BHETA is to hold a conference on how best to utilise international online marketplaces for direct-to-consumer opportunities for UK brands wanting to increase sales overseas.  

The event, the EU Marketplaces Forum takes place on Thursday 10th September 2026 at the Crowne Plaza, NEC, Birmingham.  The event will also include some exciting ‘Meet the Buyer’ opportunities with leading international marketplace players.

The event is designed for suppliers in the DIY, garden, housewares, and small electrical sectors who are either already exporting or considering international growth for the first time.  The day will include expert insight into EU export opportunities and challenges, the development of online marketplaces, regulatory changes, logistics, compliance, and practical routes to growth.

The dedicated Meet the Buyer sessions with leading marketplace platforms, including bol, Castorama, Joybuy, and TikTok Shop. Attendees will also be able to hear from and meet export support specialists including the Department for Business and Trade, Dachser, and BHETA Business Support Providers.

Commenting on the export opportunities of marketplaces for UK suppliers, BHETA’s sector manager for DIY and Garden, Steve Edwards said, “International marketplaces can give suppliers access to new audiences, often with lower upfront risk than traditional market entry.  They can also provide valuable insight into which products; price points and messages resonate in different territories.

“The route is not without challenges.  Suppliers need to understand the requirements of individual marketplaces, the expectations of local consumers, how to interpret product data, the local nuances, or platform-specific requirements of delivery promises, returns, customer service, VAT, duty, labelling and product compliance.  The landscape is also evolving quickly, with regulation, digital routes, and consumer expectations all in flux.

“This is why BHETA is holding an interactive face to face event with meet the buyer opportunities to help UK suppliers get to grips with this new export opportunity.”

How to get involved

BHETA’s EU Marketplaces Forum takes place on Thursday 10th September 2026, from 9am to 5pm.  To access the BHETA member rate is £150 plus VAT, with a non-member rate of £200 plus VAT.  All suppliers interested in growing international sales through marketplaces, testing new markets, or better understanding the changing export landscape should register their interest via the BHETA website https://www.bheta.co.uk/events/export-marketplaces-day.

BHETA represents suppliers in the home improvement, garden, housewares, and small electricals sectors, providing members with insight, networking, and business development opportunities.  For more information, contact BHETA Member Services on 0121 237 1130 or visit www.bheta.co.uk

The Horticultural Trades Association has confirmed the dates for the 2027 National Plant Show.

The industry’s showcase of plants and products, spanning the entire environmental horticulture supply chain, will return to Halls 1 and 2 at NAEC Stoneleigh in Warwickshire on Tuesday 29 June and Wednesday 30 June 2027.

This follows the success of the 2026 show - the largest yet - which attracted more than 1,000 visitors, saw 157 companies exhibit across 267 stands, a new networking and collaboration zone, and almost 100 entries to the New Plant Awards.

For more details about the show, visit: hta.org.uk/national-plant-show

Exhibitor priority rebooking will open on Monday 13 July 2026.

The Greenfingers Charity is extending its heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported this year's Summer Ball, following an unforgettable evening of celebration, generosity and fundraising in aid of children with life-limiting conditions and their families.

Held at the magnificent Coombe Abbey Hotel, the black-tie event welcomed supporters from across the horticultural industry and beyond for an evening of fine dining, entertainment and fundraising, all united by a shared commitment to helping the Greenfingers Charity create magical gardens at children's hospices throughout the UK.

The charity would like to extend special thanks to the many sponsors, partners and supporters whose generosity helped make the evening such a success. Garden Centre Magazine served as headline sponsor, whilst Vitax sponsored the Champagne Reception and Westland Horticulture sponsored the Champagne Auction.

Guests were welcomed through a stunning garden-inspired entrance, designed and created by Tom Cook of The Gardening Club, setting the scene for a truly memorable evening. The display was enhanced by beautiful plants kindly loaned by British Garden Centres and dramatic tree ferns supplied by HSK. APAC provided the elegant floral table centrepieces, whilst Clover Grow ensured guests were well looked after with sponsored bacon rolls at the close of the evening.

The Greenfingers Charity would also like to thank the many businesses and individuals who generously donated raffle and auction prizes. Their continued support played a vital role in helping the charity raise essential funds and added to the excitement and success of the evening.

While the final fundraising total is still being calculated, early indications suggest another hugely successful event, with the charity set to announce the final amount raised in the coming days.

For those unable to attend – or anyone who missed out on bidding during the evening – there is still time to support the Greenfingers Charity. The Summer Ball Silent Auction has been extended until the end of this week, giving supporters one final opportunity to bid on an array of fantastic prizes whilst helping to fund future hospice gardens. The auction can be viewed at: https://astarauction.com/greenfingersball2026.

Linda Petrons, Director of Fundraising & Communications at the Greenfingers Charity,said: "Our Summer Ball has become one of the highlights of the Greenfingers calendar, and once again we were overwhelmed by the kindness, generosity and friendship shown by everyone who joined us. It was wonderful to welcome so many familiar faces, alongside new supporters, all coming together to make a real difference.

"On behalf of everyone at the Greenfingers Charity, I would like to say a heartfelt thank you to our sponsors, guests, volunteers, prize donors and everyone who contributed to making the evening such a success. Every raffle ticket purchased, every auction bid placed and every donation made will help us create more beautiful gardens where children with life-limiting conditions and their families can spend precious time together.

"We look forward to sharing the final fundraising total very soon, but for now I simply want to say thank you. Your support enables us to continue creating magical outdoor spaces where children and families can play, relax, reflect, care, learn and make precious memories together."

Anyone who missed this year's event can already save the date, as the 2027 Greenfingers Charity Summer Ball will return to Coombe Abbey Hotel on Thursday 1st July 2027.

Early Bird tickets are now available, with sponsorship opportunities also on offer. To find out more, book your place or enquire about sponsorship, please contact Linda@greenfingerscharity.org.uk.

For more information about the Greenfingers Charity, and to view photographs from this year's Summer Ball, visit the charity's website: www.greenfingerscharity.org.uk

Libby and Phillippa Stubbs of British Garden Centres have returned from Tanzania having successfully summited Mount Kilimanjaro, as part of a 23-strong team of horticultural industry professionals raising money for Greenfingers Charity.

The mother and daughter duo are now making a final appeal to the trade to help them smash their £50,000 fundraising target, money that will pay for the Kilimanjaro Garden, a new therapeutic outdoor space at Naomi House & Jacksplace Hospice in Winchester.

The team, accompanied by Dr Charlotte, spent seven days on the mountain tackling the Lemosho route, which is widely regarded as the most scenic approach to the summit. They climbed through rainforest, moorland, alpine desert, and the freezing conditions of the upper mountain, contending with altitude sickness, exhaustion, and temperatures well below zero. On the final morning, the group set off before dawn, reaching Uhuru Peak at 5,895 metres just in time to watch the sun rise over Africa. For Phillippa, it was also an exciting challenge to mark her 50th birthday.

The funds raised will transform a tired paved area at Naomi House & Jacksplace into a fully accessible sensory garden for seriously ill children, young adults, and their families.

Phillippa Stubbs, Director at British Garden Centres, said: “This mountain threw everything at us from altitude, exhaustion, freezing temperatures in the middle of the night. But none of that compares to what the families at Naomi House face every single day. If we can give them somewhere beautiful to breathe, somewhere peaceful to just be together, then every blister was worth it. This was a challenge to celebrate my 5oth birthday and standing on that summit as the sun came up, I wouldn't have changed it for the world. Now we just need to finish what we started and get this garden built and change lives for the children and their families in the hospice.”

Libby Stubbs, Events Manager at British Garden Centres, added: "When you're exhausted and struggling to breathe at 5,000 metres in the dark, you think about why you're there. We were there for children who don't get to choose their challenges. That thought got me to the top. The mountain was brutal, but it also put everything into perspective. We get to go home and recover. The families at Naomi House don't have that luxury. If this garden gives them one moment of peace, every step was worth it.”

The pair are asking the industry for one final push to hit their target of £50,000. Donations can be made at https://www.justgiving.com/page/bgcclimbkili26

Sunnii Lifestyle is helping garden centres prepare for the next outdoor living season with a refreshed 2027 collection of stylish, commercial garden furniture designed for today’s retail customer.

Based on the edge of the Lake District, the outdoor furniture supplier has developed its latest offer with independent retailers in mind, combining attractive design, practical materials and flexible supply options to suit garden centres of different sizes.

The 2027 collection includes hand-woven, aluminium, textilene, rope and sintered-stone designs across lounge, dining, bistro and corner-set formats. Premium ranges including Elba, Carmel and Bali give retailers strong options for customers looking for statement outdoor living pieces, while Lifestyle-like ranges such as Panama add further choice within a broad and versatile portfolio.

Flexibility remains central to Sunnii Lifestyle’s trade offer. Retailers can choose from flexible order options, from pre-ordered sets for smaller customers through to full-containers, with packaging available in branded, unbranded and own-branded formats. The company also provides product specifications, imagery and sales information to help retailers promote the ranges confidently in-store and online.

The Elba Collection is one of the key premium ranges for modern garden living, combining hand-woven detail with deep cushioned seating, aluminium frames and inset glass tabletops. Designed for patios, terraces, decking areas and outdoor entertaining, Elba offers both lounge and dining options for customers looking to create sociable outdoor spaces.

Alongside product development, Sunnii Lifestyle continues to support retailers across design, manufacture, quality control, shipping, delivery and after-sales service.

The Sunnii Lifestyle showroom is now available by appointment, giving retailers the opportunity to view the collections and discuss the best options for their customer base ahead of the next outdoor season.

Retailers interested in finding out more or arranging a showroom visit can contact Sunnii Lifestyle on 015242 73555 or visit https://sunnii.co.uk/

The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) and Bramblecrest, the premium outdoor furniture brand, have announced a major extension to RHS by Bramblecrest, a special RHS collection of dining, lounging and reclining outdoor furniture and accessories launched to great acclaim in July 2024.

The system of naming the various furniture sets after famous RHS gardens continues in this collection with RHS Hyde (named after RHS Garden Hyde Hall in Essex) and RHS Harlow (a reference to RHS Garden Harlow Carr in Yorkshire), both launching in early 2027.

Replacing and updating the previous RHS Bridgewater set is RHS Hyde, a wonderful addition to courtyards and walled gardens and, once again, a homage to classic English garden design with a timeless style. A cast aluminium set – aluminium is favoured due to its recyclable properties – this truly traditional take on outdoor dining and lounging is available in a palette of seven heritage-inspired colours.

RHS Harlow is a new woven set in five colourways. Inspired by RHS Garden Harlow Carr, RHS Harlow combines intricate fine loom weaving with a timeless, traditional design. Durable materials are paired with season-proof cushions for lasting comfort and performance, while the refined woven finish adds depth and character to every piece.

The very popular selection of scatter cushions accompanying this collection is also to be expanded, again using designs inspired by artwork from the RHS Lindley Collections, the world’s finest collection of botanical art. As before, the scatter cushions will be filled with certified recycled fibres, and most of the outer cushion covers will be made from 70% recycled plastic bottles.

And that’s not all! York – a popular Bramblecrest premium cantilever parasol that combines refined design with exceptional performance – will join the RHS by Bramblecrest collection. As a highly appropriate addition to the outdoor living theme of the collection, it will receive an RHS endorsement.

The RHS name will appear on all the new products, which join the existing RHS Wisley and RHS Rosemoor sets.

The new additions to the RHS by Bramblecrest collections will be previewed at the Summer Outdoor Living Exhibition (SOLEX), the biggest three-day event in the outdoor living trade calendar, taking place from 7-9 July at the NEC in Birmingham. They will arrive at garden centres and online at www.bramblecrest.com from early 2027. A selection of the RHS by Bramblecrest products can also be seen on the Bramblecrest stand at RHS Chelsea Flower Show next spring (18-22 May).

Bramblecrest, based in South West England, is a leading UK designer and wholesaler of premium garden furniture and accessories, with a passion for outdoor living. Since its beginnings as a company started by two friends in 2000, Bramblecrest has enjoyed continuous growth and now boasts a team of over 60 talented people in its Cotswolds HQ serving outlets in the UK and Europe.

Underlining its UK craft and sustainability credentials, the Cotswold-based company is in the process of becoming fully employee-owned and is working with Ecologi, which plants a tree for every Bramblecrest set sold, with over 110,000 sets sold and trees planted to date.

Bramblecrest not only supports a strong customer base but also supplies furniture to the leisure and hospitality industries and can be found in premier sporting venues, residential establishments and hotels across the UK.

Tim Pennell, Head of Sales and Marketing, Bramblecrest, says: “After the success of the first RHS by Bramblecrest collection, we were delighted to have the opportunity to again combine our expertise in garden and conservatory furniture with a name that is synonymous with a love of gardens and outdoor living. We’re sure our customers will love these extensions to this popular collection.”

Cathy Snow, RHS Licensing Manager, adds: “Our first collaboration with Bramblecrest was a big success, so we were very receptive to the idea of extending and enhancing this range of innovative, high-quality outdoor furniture. The new additions have exceeded our expectations. We expect a very strong consumer response in the run-up to summer 2027.”

When garden centres are thinking about investing in all-weather retail space, bespoke structures often steal the spotlight. But an increasing number of centres are discovering that pre-designed canopy ranges can offer the perfect balance of speed, value and visual impact.

Suffolk-based centre upgrades all-weather plant display

Kiln Farm Nursery in Ipswich is a case in point. As part of an ambitious redevelopment programme including a new café and expanded retail and parking space, the family-run centre wanted to elevate its plant browsing experience. The solution came in the form of a timber-framed canopy from Fordingbridge’s pre-designed range of canopy solutions.

Positioned alongside the centre’s new retail building, the new canopy structure has created a hybrid indoor/outdoor browsing space enabling customers to discover Kiln Farm’s impressive plant range – much of which is own-grown – comfortably throughout the year.

Careful design details

The canopy’s natural timber frame complements high-end timber plant displays to create visual impact, while Opal 60 roofing allows generous levels of natural daylight to filter through – creating favourable growing conditions and a bright retail environment.

Four reasons why pre-designed canopies are surging in popularity

Kiln Farm Nursery’s transformation highlights why pre-designed solutions are rapidly gaining in popularity across the sector:

• A faster route to transformation: helping centres unlock additional retail space without the lead times often associated with bespoke projects
• Excellent value: the same high-quality materials and craftsmanship as many bespoke designs
• Long-term durability: Fordingbridge’s pre-designed timber canopies come with sector-leading 25-year guarantees
• Flexiblity: Fordingbridge’s range comes in widths from 2m-6m, making their canopies suitable for plant display spaces, outdoor retail areas, walkways and even all-weather dining spaces 

With centres increasingly needing to maximise revenue across every square metre, the ability to create attractive new hybrid retail environments with minimal stress can be transformative. Why not follow Kiln Farm’s lead and discover the potential of pre-designed solutions at your site?

Box out: Fordingbridge: Helping centres unlock potential for over 50 years

Discover Fordingbridge’s sector leading pre-designed canopy range or or get in touch with their expert team today to arrange a complimentary site visit. 

Timber garden furniture and outdoor leisure specialist, Zest will be welcoming a host of customers and new visitors to its stand (#430) as it unveiled its latest additions to its award-winning outdoor entertaining range.

The star new products are:

• The Terraza High Dining Range combines contemporary styling and trendy high chairs - with practical functionality and complements the Zest’s popular Terraza Outdoor Kitchen collection. 
• Finished in a pebble tone, Zest’s Verona Outdoor Kitchen combines the functionality and aspirational contemporary appeal of a premium metal kitchen, at an accessible price.  It includes corner, single, and double and open units which can be sold individually or as a sets, enabling retailers to upsell and encourage customers to expand layouts over time.  
• Zest’s new dining sets include the six-seater farmhouse-inspired Harper, finished in a pebble tone, the contemporary ‘high-dining’ four-seater Zara, and the Sophie range, made in the UK, which is finished in brown and offers a choice of table, chair and bench combinations.  
• Zest’s new Rydal Pergola Seat is an innovative outdoor retreat, combining a clean-lined pergola frame with integrated fixed seating to create a comfortable, stylish outdoor shelter.
• Zest’s established Lily Relax range is designed for comfort and contemplation in the Adirondack style.  Now Zest has added a new high Lily Relax Chair for a contemporary twist.  

Zest’s Commercial Sales Manager, John Gomersall commented, “Our SOLEX launches build on the success of Zest’s outdoor entertaining collection, especially the modular concepts.  Now we’ve added some unique on trend new kitchen, dining, and relaxation options to suit all consumer types.”   

Zest’s outdoor entertaining products are made from sustainable slow-grown softwood sourced from PEFC certified (PEFC/16-37-1490) forests.  

For further information about Zest’s outdoor leisure products, visit www.zestoutdoorliving.co.uk/solex-2026  or email sales@zestoutdoorliving.co.uk

Garden centre staff throughout the Garden Centre Association’s (GCA) East region are celebrating today after picking up awards at a presentation at Scotsdale Garden Centre in Cambridgeshire yesterday evening (Monday, July 13, 2026).

The Garden Centre of the Year winners were Perrywood Tiptree (above) in the Destination Garden Centre (DGC) category, Poplars (below) in the Garden Centre (GC) category and Pennells, Sleaford for the Local Garden Centre (LGC).

Peter Burks, GCA CEO, said: “Our East regional awards meeting was both highly informative and thoroughly enjoyable. It was fantastic to see so many members in attendance, and I’d like to thank all the garden centres and their teams who joined us for the event.

“A special thank you goes to our hosts, Scotsdale Garden Centre, whose team provided such a warm welcome and outstanding hospitality throughout the afternoon and evening. Their efforts helped make the event a real success.

“We’re also extremely grateful to our Inspectors, Peter Walker and Mark Pitman, for their engaging presentations and the valuable insights they shared from their visits to centres across the region. Members were keen to capture their observations and practical recommendations, taking away plenty of ideas to discuss with their teams back at their own centres.”

The inspectors were responsible for inspecting member garden centres in the East area across a 12-week period.

Peter Walker explained: “I received a warm welcome at every centre I visited and my overall impression was extremely positive. Standards were very high, with teams demonstrating a genuine enthusiasm to learn, develop and continually improve.

“I also saw some excellent-quality plants, supported by outstanding merchandising standards and creative visual displays that were clearly designed to inspire and engage customers. There is a real commitment to excellence across the region and it was pleasing to see so many centres focused on delivering a first-class experience for their customers.”

Peter and Mark made unannounced visits to all the centres they inspected.

Mark said: “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed joining the team and completing my first season of GCA Inspections. The standards are exactly what you would expect from the UK’s leading garden centres. Throughout my visits, I’ve seen some truly impressive innovations in customer service, visual merchandising and retail displays, all of which are helping to enhance the customer experience and drive sales.”

The full results, including runners up, where relevant, for the East region GCA area awards are as follows for the DGC, GC and LGC categories:

Garden Centre of the Year:

DGC

1. Perrywood Garden Centre, Tiptree
2. Pennells, Lincoln
3. Scotsdale Garden Centre

GC

1. Poplars Garden Centre
2. Perrywood Garden Centre, Sudbury
3. Aylett Nurseries

LGC

1. Pennells, Sleaford
2. Bailey’s of Wistow
3. Oakington Garden Centre, Cambridge

Plantaria (Ruxley Rose):

DGC

1. Perrywood Garden Centre, Tiptree
2. Pennells, Lincoln
3. Scotsdale Garden Centre

GC

1. Perrywood Garden Centre, Sudbury
2. Poplars Garden Centre
3. Aylett Nurseries

LGC

1. Pennells, Sleaford
2. Oakington Garden Centre
3. British Garden Centres, Charlbury

The GIMA Award for Best Garden Products Retailer:

DGC

1. Perrywood Garden Centre, Tiptree
2. Scotsdale Garden Centre
3. Pennells, Lincoln

GC

1. Poplars Garden Centre
2. Sunshine Garden Centre
3. Aylett Nurseries

LGC

1. Pennells, Sleaford
2. British Garden Centres, Upminster
3. Hertfordshire Garden Centre

The Award for Catering Excellence for Best Garden Centre Restaurant:

DGC

1. Scotsdale Garden Centre
2. Pennells, Lincoln and Perrywood Garden Centre, Tiptree – JOINT RUNNERS UP
3. Blue Diamond, Bicester

GC

1. Thetford Garden Centre
2. Perrywood Garden Centre, Sudbury
3. Poplars Garden Centre and Meadow Croft Garden Centre – JOINT THIRD PLACE

LGC

1. Pennells Garden Centre, Sleaford
2. Rutland Nursery
3. Oakington Garden Centre

Customer Service Award for Best Customer Service:

DGC

1. Perrywood Garden Centre, Tiptree
2. Pennells, Lincoln
3. Scotsdale Garden Centre

GC

1. Bell Plantation
2. Aylett Nurseries
3. Thetford Garden Centre

LGC

1. Pennells, Sleaford
2. British Garden Centres, Charlbury
3. British Garden Centres, Ongar 

Clothing

DGC

1. Perrywood Garden Centre, Tiptree
2. Blue Diamond, Bicester
3. Brigg Garden Centre

GC

1. Poplars Garden Centre
2. Blue Diamond, Peterborough
3. Meadow Croft Garden Centre

LGC

1. British Garden Centres, Charlbury
2. British Garden Centres, Horncastle
3. British Garden Centres, Hitchen

The Paul Cooling Award for Environment and Sustainability:

DGC

1. Perrywood Garden Centre, Tiptree
2. Pennells, Lincoln
3. Scotsdale Garden Centre

GC

1. Aylett Nurseries
2. Meadow Croft Garden Centre
3. Bell Plantation

LGC

1. Hertfordshire Garden Centre
2. Bailey’s of Wistow
3. British Garden Centres, Harrow

Ian Boardman Award for Best Indoor Plants Retailer

DGC

1. Perrywood Garden Centre, Tiptree
2. Brigg Garden Centre
3. Blue Diamond, Great Amwell

GC

1. Perrywood Garden Centre, Sudbury
2. Aylett Nurseries
3. Meadow Croft Garden Centre

LGC

1. Pennells, Sleaford
2. Oakington Garden Centre, British Garden Centres, Charlbury and British Garden Centres, Harrow – JOINT RUNNERS UP
3. Bailey’s of Wistow

The Dick Allen Award for Most Improved Centre:

1. Oakington Garden Centre
2. Pennells, Sleaford
3. Hertfordshire Garden Centre

Food Hall/Farm Shop Award

DGC

1. Blue Diamond, Bicester
2. Scotsdale Garden Centre
3. Pennells, Lincoln

GC

1. Blue Diamond, Coton Orchard Garden Centre
2. Parkers
3. Poplars Garden Centre and Thetford Garden Centre – JOINT THIRD PLACE

LGC – please note there is only garden centre in this category

ennells, Sleaford

Garden Construction

DGC

1. Perrywood Garden Centre, Tiptree
2. Pennells, Lincoln
3. Brigg Garden Centre

GC

1. Poplars Garden Centre
2. Baytree Garden Centre
3. Perrywood Garden Centre, Sudbury

LGC

1. Bailey’s of Wistow and British Garden Centres, Charlbury – JOINT WINNERS
2. Hertfordshire Garden Centre and British Garden Centres, Upminster – JOINT RUNNERS UP
3. British Garden Centres, Horncastle, Harrow and Ongar – JOINT THIRD PLACE

Indoor Lifestyle Award for Best Indoor Lifestyle Retailer:

DGC

1. Perrywood Garden Centre, Tiptree
2. Blue Diamond, Great Amwell
3. Blue Diamond, Bicester

GC

1. Poplars Garden Centre
2. Perrywood Garden Centre, Sudbury
3. Sunshine Garden Centre and Thetford Garden Centre – JOINT THIRD PLACE

LGC

1. Bailey’s of Wistow
2. Rutland Nursery
3. RHS Hyde Hall

Outdoor Living Award for Best Outdoor Living Retailer:

DGC

1. Perrywood Garden Centre, Tiptree
2. Blue Diamond, Bicester
3. Scotsdale Garden Centre

GC

1. Aylett Nurseries, Poplars Garden Centre, Haddenham – JOINT WINNERS
2. Thetford Garden Centre
3. Bell Plantation, Perrywood Garden Centre, Sudbury, Webbs Millets Farm – JOINT THIRD PLACE

LGC

1. Pennells, Sleaford
2. British Garden Centres, Ongar
3. Bailey’s of Wistow

Pots and Outdoor Ornamentation

DGC

1. Perrywood Garden Centre, Tiptree
2. Scotsdale Garden Cenyre
3. Blue Diamond, Van Hage

GC

1. Perrywood Garden Centre, Sudbury
2. Sunshine Garden Centre
3. Poplars Garden Centre

LGC

1. Pennells Sleaford
2. Bailey’s of Wistow
3. Hertfordshire Garden Centre

The Barton Grange Trophy for Commercial Innovation and Creativity

1. Perrywood Garden Centre, Tiptree
2. Poplars Garden Centre
3. Thetford Garden Centre

The GCA represents more than 200 garden centres nationwide.

Through sharing information and its inspection programme the GCA helps members to achieve high standards in customer service, plant quality and reliability.

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

After a short battle with pancreatic cancer, Andy Bunker has sadly died aged 63.

An industry legend himself, especially when it came to plants.  Andy was always happy to give a view and share his opinions and knowledge, he will be missed by his family, colleagues and customers alike.  

Derek Bunker told GTN Xtra: "I worked with Andy by my side at Alton Garden Centre for 48 years. He left school at 15 and started running our warehouse, set up the garden machinery department and as a family member became plants manager.  From knowing nothing about plants he grew into the role and as well as becoming a plants buyer for the Tillington Group and latterly British Garden Centres he also became a renowned judge for RHS Plant Trials and Glee New Product Awards.

Our condolences and thoughts are with the Bunker family at this sad time.

If you would like to add your tribute to Andy please use the comment link below or e-mail trevor@pottingshedpress.co.uk

Ian Hodgson, Editor at Large: Garden News magazine writes:

The sad news of Andy’s passing has come as a complete shock and I send my sincere condolences to his family. I will really miss his wise and often wry, good-humoured council at GLEE and at other events where we had occasion to meet. A lifetime of experience in the garden centre trade, and his passion for plants enabled him to instinctively know just what the customer wanted. You can’t teach that. A huge loss to the industry.

Bents Garden & Home has been named Best Family Experience at the prestigious 2026 Cheshire Muddy Stilettos Awards, recognising its commitment to creating memorable days out for families from across the region.

The award, which celebrates outstanding local businesses, was decided through public nominations and votes with almost half a million nominations and votes cast nationally across 21 categories. Bents triumphed over an impressive shortlist, which included Chester Zoo, to take home the coveted regional title.

The recognition comes at an exciting time for the family owned and run destination centre, which continues to invest in creating engaging experiences for visitors of all ages. From its seasonal events and attractions, including the recently launched Dinosaurs in the Hidden Garden, to its award-winning dining and retail offering, Bents has become a destination where families can enjoy spending quality time together throughout the year.

Matthew Bent, Managing Director at Bents Garden & Home said: "We're absolutely delighted to have been named Best Family Experience in the Cheshire Muddy Awards. To receive this recognition through public nominations and votes makes it even more special as it reflects the support of our fantastic customers and colleagues.

"Creating memorable experiences for families has always been at the heart of what we do. Whether visitors come to enjoy one of our seasonal events, explore the store or simply spend time together at one of our dining destinations, we strive to make every visit special. We'd like to thank everyone who took the time to vote for us."

The Muddy Awards celebrate the very best independent businesses from across the UK, recognising excellence in categories ranging from hospitality and retail to family attractions and wellbeing. This year's awards reached more than 11 million people nationally, highlighting exceptional businesses that make a positive contribution to their local communities.