Dobbies Garden Centre has announced the appointment of two new Directors as the business further strengthens its Executive team. 

George Hutchinson (pictured above) will join as Retail Director and Richard Herbert as Restaurant Director. 

George is an experienced retail operator, joining Dobbies from Pets at Home where he was Regional Operations Director for four years. Before that, he held senior positions at Wickes, B&Q and Tesco.

George said: “Over the last few months Dobbies has relaunched two stores, with more to come – to see that level of investment in both the fabric of the stores, and the store teams, is brilliant. I’m really looking forward to playing a key role in driving Dobbies forward and building on the positive developments that have taken place this year.”

Richard is an experienced F&B professional, joining Dobbies from Bourne Leisure, where he led their national food and beverage offering for over four years. Prior to that, he spent nearly 12 years at Pizza Express, latterly as Central Operations and Programme Director.

Richard said: “There is huge potential with the restaurants at Dobbies and I’m really excited to be joining the team. It’s been great to see the programme of investment with new menus, new coffee shops and coffee counters. I’m looking forward to leading our team to deliver the best possible experience in our restaurants.”

The appointments build on a series of senior appointments that have been made over the last 18 months, bringing with them extensive retail, hospitality and commercial experience.

David Robinson, CEO of Dobbies, said: “We’ve been focused on building a really strong senior team and we’re proud to share the news of these recent appointments. Both George and Richard bring fantastic experience, that complements the expertise we already have in place. They’ll each have essential roles in driving forward our strategy, building on the strong start we have had this spring so far.”

These appointments come as Operations Director, Nick Anderson, steps down from his role after 12 years.

David adds: “We’d like to thank Nick for his tireless hard work and commitment over the last 12 years. He’s a hugely respected figure in the team, and he’s seen Dobbies through many challenges and successes over the years. We wish him all the best for the future.”

The  UK garden industry is mourning the death of Kenneth (Kenn) Lloyd, who passed away peacefully on 25th May 2025, aged 80, after a short illness.

Kenn was a former international business executive with Shell & Kimberly Clark, and founder of Cadbury Garden Centre in Somerset – a thriving enterprise he created with his wife Jackie in 1982

Together, Kenn and Jackie transformed a small nursery into a leading business in the horticultural industry, helping inspire the garden centre model as we know it today.

Son Richard said: "Known for his vision, tenacity and kindness, Kenn was a devoted husband, inspiring father, proud Poppa, and loyal brother. He lived with resilience, generosity, and an enduring belief in others. Deeply loved and greatly missed."

A memorial service will be held in celebration of his life – contact the family for details.

The team from Imprint Group – Dave Matthews, Dave Bullivant, Arron Rutherford and Rory Park – scored the most points to win the 2025 GIMA Charity Golf Day at Belton Woods in Lincolnshire.

92 golfers from across the industry took part last week, raising valuable funds for the Greenfingers Charity through sponsorships, playing fees, raffles, an auction and other donations. The full amount raised will be announced at the GIMA Awards dinner in November.

GIMA GOLF DAY 2025 FULL RESULTS

1. Imprint 86 points
2. Smart Garden (team 2) 85
3. Woodlodge (team 2) 84
4. Zest 83
5. Gardena/Husqvana 82
6. Woodlodge (team 1) 82
7. Glee/LBC Boots 82
8. MorePeople 81
9. Andersons & Mulch 81
10. Keter/Sumec/Goodlife 79
11. Hex (team2) 78
12. Charles Bentley 76
13. Evergreen (team 2) 76
14. Evergreen (team 1) 75
15. GIMA 73
16. Polhill GC 73
17. Smart Garden (team 1) 72
18. Premier Decs 68
19. Hex (team 1) 68
20. Durston/Toolbank 67
21. Vitax 64
22. Bob Marley 63
23. Homefire/Rocketgro/Potting Shed 54

Longest Drive: Jonny Hotson (GIMA)

Straightest Drive: Andrew Fitzmaurice (MorePeople)

Nearest Pin 2nd: Arron Rutherford (Imprint)

Nearest Pin 5th: Richard Newton (Woodlodge)

Nearest Pin 17th: Ryan Mason (Andersons & Mulch)

Beat the Pro: Neil Lafford (Hex); James Parr (Smart Garden); Jonathon Payling (Gardena/Husqvana); Neil Blake (Woodlodge) Daniel McAlpin (Glee/LBC Boots); Chris Clements (Vitax); Scott McCabe (Premier Decs); Phil Park (Evergreen); Nick Griffin(Evergreen); Andrew Fitzmaurice (MorePeople).

Yellow Ball Comp: GIMA 37; Woodlodge (team 2) 36; Smart Garden (team 2) 33.           

See GTN Xtra's gallery of photos from the day below.

The Greenfingers Charity is urging supporters to act fast, as there is now only a handful of tickets remaining for its spectacular Floral Ball – a landmark event taking place on Thursday 26th June 2025 at the stunning Coombe Abbey Hotel in Warwickshire.

his glittering evening promises to be a true highlight of the summer events calendar, celebrating 25 years of Greenfingers’ life-changing work, which has seen the charity create 70 gardens for life-limited children and their families in hospices across the UK.

Set in the enchanting surroundings of the 12th-century hotel, the Floral Ball will welcome hundreds of guests, including industry leaders, loyal supporters and special names from the world of horticulture and beyond, all coming together to reflect on a remarkable legacy and look ahead to the next chapter.

With just a few tickets left, now is the time for individuals and brands alike to show their support and be part of this unforgettable evening of inspiration, entertainment and generosity.

For ticket information and sponsorship opportunities please email Linda Petrons, Director of Fundraising & Communications at Greenfingers at linda@greenfingerscharity.org.uk

Find out more

To find out more about Greenfingers Charity, and how to get involved in a range of fundraising events please email Linda@greenfingerscharity.org.uk.

You can also join in the conversation by joining Greenfingers on social media - https://www.facebook.com/Greenfingerscharity/, @GreenfingersCha on Twitter, and @Greenfingerscharity on Instagram and LinkedIn. 

SOLEX Exhibition 2025 is revving up with an exclusive F1-themed Afterparty & Awards Evening on Tuesday 8th July at The Vox, NEC Birmingham.

Coinciding with the British Grand Prix Weekend, enjoy a night of celebration, networking, and F1 excitement.

LIVE ON STAGE: Sky Sports F1’s David “Crofty” Croft with exclusive insights from the track!

Evening Highlights:

• Welcome drink & hot food buffet
• The SOLEX Awards
• High-energy F1 vibe with top brands & industry leaders

Secure your place by registering for SOLEX.

Lows Today

The Low family connection in the textile trade started in 1913 and today Lows of Dundee Ltd is still a family owned and managed business operating from its office headquarters in Dundee, Scotland. 

The business has a wealth of manufacturing experience and operates two separate  Divisions, Commercial Horticulture and Coated Fabrics with warehousing facilities in Errol, Scotland and Blackburn, Lancashire.

Substantial stocks in excess of 2.5 million pounds are held ensuring our customers receive quality products backed up with prompt deliveries. They are renowned for their customer service and reputation within the industry enabling the Company to gain accreditation to ISO9001.

Horticultural Division

The Horticultural Division was originally established to commercially bulk supply ground covers, fleeces, growing containers pots, nettings and growing sundries to the UK and Irish Growing Industries and Distributors.

Many things have changed over the years and many new product lines have been added via our own in house design, development and global sourcing team but Lows are still today very much focused on their roots.

Recently extensive new collections of Garden Centre Retail Packs have been introduced, exactly the same products as supplied to commercial growers but in much smaller pack sizes all at seriously competitive trade prices.

Homeware and Seasonal Decorations are also a big part of our portfolio and today Lows are a very well established leading national importer and wholesale distributor of all types of design led and inspirational products.

Our collections are vast and include some of the best products and trade prices in the industry. We have many of our own brand names covering many different product lines such as Artisan Weave, Glenweave, Classic Lanterns, Black Isle Forge, Seasons Deco, Vintage Reindeer Company and Buri Art.

Over the weeks and months ahead we will be showcasing via GTN Xtra many more of our own designed branded unique products.

For more info on any of our products please contact our dedicated experienced Sales Team.

Head Office Tel: 01382 229251 

Email: sales@lows.co.uk

Website www.lows.co.uk

Specialist business property adviser Christie & Co has announced the sale of Salts Farm Shop near Rye in East Sussex.

The well-established farm shop and café is known for offering a range of high quality, locally sourced produce including fresh fruit and vegetables, meats, dairy products and artisanal goods. The business has built up a loyal customer base over the years and become a popular destination for both locals and visitors.

The former owners have decided to step back from running the shop to retire. 

Director Peter Anthony commented: “We instructed Christie & Co as we were aware of their involvement in the sale of a number of different farm shops in the South East over the past year or so. We launched to the market and received strong interest very swiftly. The new buyers are local and have existing retail experience so we are confident that the business is now in good hands and we wish Arun and his team all the very best.”

Tom Glanvill, Director – Garden Centres & Retail at Christie & Co, added: “We are delighted to announce the sale of a new lease for Salts Farm Shop, which was agreed within four weeks of launching to the market. The demonstrates the strong demand we are seeing for farm shops across the country.”

Sinclair, a leading provider of professional growing media solutions and part of Westland Horticulture, is returning to the HTA National Plant Show this year as a continued sponsor of the Seminar Stage – a vital knowledge sharing platform. 

The company's sponsorship of the Seminar Stage underscores Sinclair's dedication to professional development across the sector. Throughout the two-day event, attendees will benefit from a carefully curated programme of interactive, educational presentations designed to address current challenges and future opportunities in the horticulture industry. These free-to-attend sessions, organised by the Horticultural Trades Association, consistently deliver actionable insights and practical solutions for industry professionals.

Andrea Marshall, Head of Professional Growing Media at Sinclair, emphasised the strategic importance of the company's involvement: "Our success has been built on three fundamental principles—listening intently to the industry, developing solutions that genuinely address their needs, and driving continuous innovation. The National Plant Show provides an invaluable opportunity to connect directly with our customers and witness first-hand the remarkable advances they're achieving. These conversations and relationships have been instrumental in enabling us to deliver innovative growing media year after year.”

As well as sponsoring the Seminar Stage, Sinclair will also be exhibiting and on hand to welcome attendees to visit them on stands 206, 207, 216 and 217. 

The 2025 HTA National Plant Show will take place at NAEC Stoneleigh, Warwickshire on Wednesday 18 June & Thursday 19 June. As a horticulture trade-only event, admission is free but requires registration via the official website: https://hta.org.uk/national-plant-show.

For more information visit www.sinclairpro.com. 

An interactive LEGO garden, spectacular orchids, never-seen-before plants, and exclusive new ‘audience with’ events are just some of the latest highlights to be announced ahead of next month’s BBC Gardeners’ World Live (12-15 June). It’s just one week until the annual gardening extravaganza opens at the NEC in Birmingham, with more than 90,000 visitors expected.

Designed to inspire young gardeners of the future, the Gardeners of Tomorrow Project is the brainchild of The LEGO Group and Callum Corrie, a two-time Gold Medal-winning RHS Young Designer from the northwest. Bursting with floral inspiration, the garden’s playful design incorporates LEGO bricks and imaginative spaces for all generations to get involved, with bold, bright, bee-friendly Geums and Echinacea Miss Scarlet.

It’s set to be another glorious year for the sensory sensation that is the BBC Gardeners’ World Live Floral Marquee, sponsored by L&G. Specialist plant breeders, growers and nurseries have been meticulously nurturing the stars of the Marquee’s Hot Off The Potting Bench gallery. This fabulous floral fashion show will feature more than 75 brand new plants and varieties, all competing for the coveted Peter Seabrook Award for Best New Plant at BBC Gardeners’ World Live. Among entries to watch are a new striped-skin apple, a pure white Thunbergia and a red Clematis.

Members of the Young People in Horticulture Association will launch a brand-new Begonia at BBC Gardeners’ World Live. Supported by the event, British Garden Centres and Beekenkamp Plants, the YPHA Launch Success Challenge supports the next generation of horticultural talent. Teams gain extensive business and marketing training, honing their skills to bring an unreleased plant to market. British Garden Centres will be selling the new YPHA Begonia at its on-site plant shop.

The UK International Orchid Show returns to the Floral Marquee bigger and better this year. This ‘show within a show’ features eye-popping displays by orchid growers, societies and nurseries from across the UK, Ecuador, Taiwan and Thailand. There are daily talks by leading orchid experts at the Let’s Talk Plants Stage, sponsored by Hillier, and an orchid growing competition for local schools. A new Orchid Conservation Project will promote sustainable orchid collection, conservation in the wild, and the re-introduction of endangered orchid species to their natural habitats.

This year’s BBC Gardeners’ World campaign is Make a Metre Matter, designed to encourage people to transform one metre of outdoor space for the good of the planet. More than 10,340 metres have already been pledged at GardenersWorld.com. Supporting wildlife, saving water and reducing food miles are just some of the eco-friendly benefits these collective metres will have.

 BBC Gardeners’ World presenter and designer, Nick Bailey, has created this year’s headline Show Garden, The Plant-Based Garden. Inspired by Nick’s passion for sustainable gardening, it eschews man-made materials for natural alternatives, bringing the Make a Metre Matter campaign ethos to life. With a homestead feel, the garden features wildlife-rich spaces, meadow planting and rustic buildings, with one-metre moments throughout. Nicki Chapman joins Nick on his garden for daily chats about Make a Metre Matter, and he’ll be sharing tips for sustainable gardening at the BBC Gardeners’ World Live Theatre. At the Let’s Talk Plants Stage, the garden’s plant supplier and stage sponsor, Hillier, will have tips and advice for how to recreate the Plant-Based Garden’s look at home.

Visitors can get an even closer look at The Plant-Based Garden by booking a limited-edition ticket for ‘An audience with Nick Bailey’. Hosted by Nicki Chapman, these exclusive, newly released events take place on the garden on Thursday 12th June at 10.30am and Sunday 15th June at 2.30pm. BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine editor, Kevin Smith, will be hosting ‘An audience with Rachel de Thame’ at Midlands Air Ambulance Charity’s The Medicinal Garden on Sunday 15th June at 12.30pm.

Lucy Tremlett, Event Director at Immediate Live, organisers of BBC Gardeners’ World Live, said: “This is a really special time of year for us and we can’t wait to welcome visitors to this year’s event. With exciting new features, garden inspiration everywhere you look, and new plants and ideas to take home, it’s a great day out whether you’re a first-time gardener or hardy horticulturalist.”

BBC Gardeners’ World Live is a four-day festival of summer gardening. There are more than 40 inspiring Show Gardens, Showcase Gardens and Beautiful Borders by award-winning designers and landscaping teams, member companies from the Association of Professional Landscapers, and first-time garden designers too. Tickets are available at www.bbcgardenersworldlive.com and include entry to Good Food Show Summer, featuring top chefs and food personalities, delicious food and drink to taste and buy, live cookery demonstrations, tastings and workshops.

Visitors to Hellens Garden Festival this weekend will be able to meet the team from an artisan Herefordshire wine maker and taste its award-winning products while also fundraising for charity.

Foxbury Fields Vineyard is at Hellens Manor, Much Marcle on June 7 and 8 to offer visitors samples on its English wines made from the grapes grown in nearby Bromsberrow.

Heather Williamson, who co-founded the vineyard with her partner Richard Baker and is also Hereford-based Wyevale Nurseries’ Chairman, says: “It’s wonderful to be attending Hellens Garden Festival once again this year. Both Foxbury Fields and Wyevale Nurseries sponsor and support the event.

“The event fundraises for two very important charities in the area: St Michael’s Hospice based in Hereford and Back to the Wild (B2W), based at Hellen’s Manor, supporting young people and helping them to reconnect with themselves, others and the natural environment.

“We’ll be offering anyone who comes along the opportunity to try our award-winning English wines and to chat to us about our vineyard, which is not far from Much Marcle. Tickets are on sale now and are only available in advance this year.

“The theme for 2025’s Hellens Garden Festival is ‘MIGRATION – Growing Connections.’ From animals following ancient routes, to plants dispersing seeds and people seeking new opportunities, migration is a story of resilience, adaptation and connection. The weekend will be full of talks, demos and workshops that explore this theme and much, much more!”

Foxbury Fields Vineyard produces small batch Bacchus and Ortega wines from grapes grown in a unique micro-climate at the foot of the Malvern Hills.

Heather continues: “We’ve been winning regional and national awards for our wines for many years and have a range of accolades from silver and bronze to highly commended from WineGB West going back to 2017.

“We were awarded with bronze medals in 2023 for both our 2021 Bacchus and Ortega wines from WineGB and a silver for our 2022 Ortega and our 2022 Bacchus at 2023’s WineGB West awards event, which was judged by industry experts including top wine journalist, Susy Atkins.”

WineGB is the national association for English and Welsh wines and works to promote them. 

To book tickets for Hellens Garden Festival on Saturday and Sunday, June 7 and 8, please visit: www.hellensgardenfestival.co.uk

For further details about Foxbury Fields Vineyard, please visit www.foxburyfields.co.uk.

The Royal Horticultural Society is partnering for the first time with the RSPB to create a show garden at the RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival 2025.

The RSPB and RHS Swift Garden, designed in an exciting collaboration between landscape architect Lilly Gomm and horticulturalist Coralie Thomas, will bring to life one part of the migratory journey of one of the UK’s most remarkable yet threatened birds.

Swifts are small but mighty, flying from the savannahs and forests of Africa to the towns and cities of the UK – and back again – each year. During its lifetime, a single Swift can fly an astonishing two million miles – the equivalent of four round trips to the Moon.

These magnificent birds spend nearly their entire lives in flight – eating, drinking, mating, bathing and even sleeping on the wing, and they depend on healthy insect populations and suitable nesting sites for their survival. Their numbers plummeted by 68% between 1995 and 2023, and they are on the UK Red List of birds of highest conservation concern.

The Swift Garden aims to raise awareness of the species’ dramatic decline while celebrating their awe-inspiring journeys. It will represent the varied habitats that Swifts fly and feed over during their breeding season in the UK– including meadows, woodlands, and gardens – and will highlight the importance of planting for biodiversity. By encouraging gardeners to grow diverse, insect-friendly plantings, the garden promotes practical steps everyone can take to support these birds, and much other wildlife besides

A key feature of the garden will be sculptural representations of their nesting sites – such as Swift bricks - that can be introduced into domestic homes and other buildings to help Swifts thrive.

Lilly Gomm, Landscape architect and garden designer, said: “I’m thrilled to be designing the RSPB and RHS Swift Garden with Coralie. These magnificent birds are a true symbol of summer skies and they need our help. By showcasing habitats rich in biodiversity and the small changes we can all make – like planting insect-friendly flowers or installing Swift boxes – I hope visitors will feel inspired to take action for wildlife in their own gardens.”

Bill Bailey, comedian and musician, said: “Swifts are majestic birds. I’m delighted to be joining forces with the RSPB and the RHS to bring attention to these incredible aerial acrobats, whose presence is such a joyful part of summer. Their dramatic decline is deeply worrying but there’s still a lot we can do to help. This garden is not only a celebration of Swifts but also a timely reminder that by making our homes and gardens more wildlife-friendly, we can all play a part in securing their future.”

The RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival runs from 1-6th July 2025. For more information and to buy tickets visit: https://www.rhs.org.uk/shows-events/rhs-hampton-court-palace-garden-festival

British garden machinery brand The Handy has launched a new 78-litre polypropylene wheelbarrow, built for long-lasting performance across a wide range of garden and landscaping tasks.

Made from lightweight yet tough, UV-resistant polypropylene, this durable wheelbarrow is designed to handle heavy-duty use and withstand the elements season after season. With an impressive 78-litre load capacity, it's ideal for transporting soil, gravel, tools, and garden waste with ease.

Equipped with twin puncture-proof tyres, the Handy Wheelbarrow offers smooth movement over rough or uneven terrain, delivering excellent stability, balance, and manoeuvrability. Additionally, its practical design ensures reliable performance with minimal upkeep.

Joining The Handy’s expanding range of wheelbarrows and garden trolleys, the new 78-litre polypropylene wheelbarrow is backed by a two-year manufacturer’s warranty and offers a no-fuss, long-lasting solution suitable for gardeners, landscapers, and DIY users alike.

To discover more on The Handy range and to purchase direct at trade pricing, please go to www.thehandy.co.uk

As families look for creative, hands-on indoor activities, Plus-Plus introduces the Botanica 240-piece mix (RRP £11.99) – a fresh and timely addition to its award-winning open-ended construction range.

Coinciding with peak gardening season, this nature inspired set is designed to offer the creative benefits of gardening play, minus the clean-up. Ideal for spring and summer displays and STEM-forward product ranges, Botanica is poised to be a standout performer in the educational and gifting categories.

A beautifully curated colour mix

The Botanica set includes 240 pieces, for ages 5+, in plant-inspired hues including sage, vanilla, mulberry, avocado, burnt sienna, and lemongrass – perfect for crafting flowers, leaves, and mini indoor gardens. Each tube also comes with an idea guide and is compact and travel-friendly, making it an ideal purchase for families on the go. More ideas are also available on the website and free app.

Why should you stock it?

With gardening season in full bloom during the spring and summer months, Plus-Plus Botanica is a timely and relevant addition to any retail range. It taps into the growing trend for nature-inspired activities without the mess. Parents seeking creative, indoor alternatives to traditional gardening play will love this fresh, floral take on construction toys.

Designed for open-ended play

The Botanica 240-piece tube is designed for truly open-ended play, encouraging children to explore both 2D mosaics and 3D builds with no need for instructions.

This freedom nurtures creativity and experimentation, making it ideal for kids who love to build, design, and express themselves through hands-on fun.

Conscious consumers will appreciate the strong sustainability story behind the brand. Made in Denmark using 100% wind energy, every piece of Plus-Plus is BPA- and phthalate-free, offering a safe and environmentally responsible choice for families looking to make mindful purchasing decisions.

Whether displayed on a shelf or at the counter, the compact tube format makes Plus-Plus Botanica an excellent impulse buy or giftable item. Retailers can easily create an eye-catching seasonal feature or integrate the product into themed promotions.

On sale now:

RRP: £11.99

Recommended age: 5+

For Wholesale information:

Wholesale and merchandising assets are available on request.

For orders email angelica@mediasnug.com.

A team of cyclists led by the MD of Yorkshire Garden Centres raised over £4,000 for Martin House Children's Hospice when they tackled a challenging 85 km ride recently

The team of 18 led by Mark Farnsworth completed the challenging, hilly ride that took them through the scenic Yorkshire Wolds villages of Leavening, Birdsall, Kirby Grindalythe and Sledmere.

Mr. Farnsworth explained the rationale for the ride: "For the last few years, we have kicked off the fundraising for our Charity of the Year with a cycle challenge and this year we're delighted to have raised over £4,000 for the great work that Martin House does for babies, children and young people with life-shortening conditions from across West, North and East Yorkshire.

"Thank you to all our friends, family, colleagues and suppliers who have helped us to raise this much money."

Through a series of fund-raising events, collection boxes at the tills and a new ‘Pennies' initiative, the teams at Yorkshire Garden Centres' seven sites hope to raise £30,000 for the Wetherby charity throughout the year.

Chris Verney, Capital Appeal Fundraiser at Martin House, said: "We're delighted that Yorkshire Garden Centres are supporting Martin House again this year, ten years after we were their first charity of the year at Tong, and we're really looking forward to working closely with them to develop this ambitious partnership.

"Their dedication to keeping gardens and homes at the heart resonates strongly with us as we progress with The Build at Martin House, reshaping our gardens and creating the hospice our families deserve.  Their support will mean that children and families across the region will continue to receive the vital, specialist care they need, when they need it most."

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BHETA is to host a networking webinar with garden centre group, Dobbies on Monday 8 July at 2.30pm.The session will feature David Robinson, CEO of Dobbies, and Andy Hannan, Commercial Director, who will be offering BHETA members a unique opportunity to hear directly from the company’s leadership team.

Dobbies is celebrating its 160th anniversary in 2025 and this event will focus on new commercial opportunities for BHETA members as well as fostering stronger supplier-retailer collaboration. 

Commenting on the webinar, BHETA’s DIY & Gardening sector manager, Steve Edwards said, “This is set to be a valuable event for any business looking to grow in the garden and home improvement sectors.  BHETA will be publishing further details, including the full agenda and discussion topics, on its website, but in the meantime, I recommend registering to attend as soon as possible.”

Suppliers can register their places at Save the Date – Dobbies Webinar | BHETA. This event is open to BHETA members.  Non-members can register to attend as a ‘taster session’ if they are willing to chat the relevant BHETA sector manager about potential membership. 

More details of BHETA’s wider events programme, which includes webinars, Meet The Buyer events and networking forums with leading retailers can also be found on the BHETA website www.bheta.co.uk

In its 45th anniversary year, Flower Council of Holland has taken the strategic step to continue its activities under a new name: Plants & Flowers Foundation Holland. 

The organisation says the name reflects its focus – flowers and plants – and is internationally recognisable. Parallel to this, it is launching a new digital platform which will be available in multiple languages from early July. 

The new platform and name will offer a number of important advantages: 

• Higher international visibility thanks to a single strong and recognisable name. 
• More efficiency through combined websites and social media channels. 
• Broader reach via a single central platform and smart use of AI technology. 
• Flexibility and scalability thanks to a platform that evolves with the sector both technically and in relation to content. 

Managing Director Yvonne Watzdorf highlights the added value of the change: “We are paving the way for a recognisable and more visible profile, greater efficiency, international consistency and a stronger connection between our activities and the horticultural sector as a whole. This will in turn enable us to contribute more actively to the visibility, innovation and growth of the sector.”

View the transformation by clicking here

The Horticultural Trades Association has announced that Josh McBain, a leading global foresight expert and Founder & CEO of strategic intelligence consultancy Next Up, will join the speaker line-up at this year’s ‘Horticulture, The Conference’.

Bringing a wealth of experience in futures research and strategic analysis, Josh’s keynote session titled What’s Shaping Our Industry? A Strategic Perspective will explore the key global forces shaping the future of UK environmental horticulture – from economic forecasts and geopolitical dynamics to evolving consumer behaviours and breakthrough technologies.

Josh has delivered transformative foresight programmes for organisations across the world, with his work making a tangible impact on business performance and helping to shape government policy. His research and insights have been featured in major international media outlets, and he is known for connecting the dots between environmental, social, technological and economic change.

Fran Barnes, HTA Chief Executive, said: "Josh’s ability to decode what’s coming next – and what it means for horticulture – makes his session unmissable. With pressures and opportunities mounting across the board, this strategic overview will give our delegates the edge as they look to the future. Josh is nationally and internationally known for his expertise and knowledge, and we are delighted to be able to welcome him to the HTA conference stage.”

Josh McBain joins previously announced conference dinner speaker Jeremy Vine in what is shaping up to be a standout programme for the UK’s flagship horticultural business event.

Horticulture, The Conference takes place on Thursday, 25 September 2025, at the Barbican Centre, London. Early Bird pricing is available until 31 July, offering a sliding scale of pricing starting from £99 per person for groups of three or more from the same organisation.

Visit the website for more details, pricing, and to book tickets hta.org.uk/conference.

Woodlodge, the UK’s leading supplier of garden pots and outdoor living products, is delighted to announce the appointment of Kate Ebbens to the team. Kate joins the business in a strategic role focused on accelerating growth across both UK and international markets, with a particular emphasis on launching Woodlodge’s new plastic range at GLEE 2025.

Kate brings with her a wealth of industry experience and insight and will play a key role in developing and executing commercial strategies to support the next phase of Woodlodge’s growth. Her initial priorities include preparing for the high-profile debut of the company’s innovative plastic range at Glee, the garden industry’s most prominent trade show, as well as spearheading international business development.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Kate to the Woodlodge family,” said Michael Wooldridge, Managing Director of Woodlodge. “She’s already hit the ground running, connecting with many of our team members and showing that she’s a natural cultural fit. Her track record in the industry and strategic mindset will be instrumental as we expand our product offering and customer focus.”

Kate Ebbens added: “I’m excited to join such a forward-thinking and respected company. Woodlodge has built a strong reputation for quality and innovation, and I’m looking forward to contributing to its continued success—especially at such a pivotal moment with the upcoming plastic range”

With Kate’s appointment, Woodlodge is reinforcing its commitment to product innovation, sustainable solutions, and building a resilient business for the future, both in the UK and overseas.

Specialist business property adviser Christie & Co has announced the sale of a new lease for Nursery End Garden Centre in Accrington, Lancashire.

The three-acre site was originally purchased as a piece of land over 35 years ago by Mr and Mrs Ainsworth, who saw an opportunity to develop it into a nursery and garden centre. The business has since built up an excellent reputation for selling high-quality plants, in particular hybridising fuchsias which are sold through mail order and on-site. The centre has become a destination and attracts customers from far and wide. 

A new lease for Nursery End Garden Centre was sold due to Mr and Mrs Ainsworth’s retirement and has been acquired by Adam Drake who plans to continue the existing business and expand its offerings further. Adam said, “I am looking forward to putting my own stamp on the business, and would like to thank Andrew from Christie & Co who worked hard on getting this tricky sale over the line.”

The process was handled by Andrew Birnie, Director at Christie & Co, who added, “As soon as Nursery End Garden Centre hit the open market, we received immediate interest from potential buyers.  There were multiple offers from a range of parties, including first-time buyers looking to enter the horticultural trade. This highlights the importance of an open marketing process to reach the widest possible pool of buyers, in order to find the best fit for the business. We wish our clients well in their retirement and look forward to seeing the business continue to thrive under Adam’s management.”

Former owner Mr Ainsworth added, “We would like to thank Christie & Co who made a complicated sale possible by their diligence and professionalism. We were very impressed by the attention to detail and personal service that we received from them.”

A new lease for the centre was sold at an undisclosed price.

The Patio Black Spot Removal Company Ltd has become famous, over the past fifteen years, for formulating products to cope with garden stonework cleaning issues.

During that period, the Patio Black Spot Removal Company have exhibited at around 130 garden shows, the length and breadth of the UK, including Ireland.

Patio Black Spot Remover and ancillary products have become house names. A trusted Brand, synonymous with the restoration of Garden stonework

At many of the Shows, one question that gardeners kept asking was,” have we a solution to remove rust from garden stonework?”

More specifically, the question invariably was, “how do you remove those orange spots from Garden Stonework?”

The Orange Spots are caused by overspill from lawn fertiliser which contains ferrous sulphate, which kills moss.

When wet, these leave orange rust spots that cannot be removed.

In addition, many gardeners have rust staining caused by fire pits, cast iron pots an planters, BBQ utensils, and so on.

Whether the stone be York stone or Indian Sandstone, Limestone or composite stone, or, more recently, Porcelain, the orange stains, caused by the run off of iron oxide, are both unsightly and virtually impossible to remove.

Until now!

The difficulty in removing rust from stone is that most commercial rust removers contain hydrochloric, phosphoric or other mineral acids. 

This is fine to remove rust from metal, but they must not be used on stone.

Hydrochloric acid will literally dissolve limestone, and stains Yorkstone, and Indian Sandstone, orange as it reactivates the iron in the stone.

The solution was not straight forward.

Our Product development is based on Green Chemistry, a field focused on designing chemical products and processes that minimize hazardous substances and environmental impact across the entire life cycle of a chemical.

It aims to make chemistry more sustainable, by promoting safer alternatives an efficient resource utilisation.

However, after almost four years of Research and Development, we created GO FERROUS.

Go ferrous is made from recycled green- leaf vegetables; those that have gone beyond the stage where they can be sold.

Go Ferrous is therefore fully sustainable, one of the reasons it got to be one of ten Finalists at RHS Chelsea in 2023, selected by a panel of three judges, headed by Deborah Meaden.

Garden stonework is expensive; small stains can ruin your investment.

Rust staining on garden stonework, is caused by metal oxidising (Rusting) and running off onto garden stonework.

This can be caused by old garden pots, overspill from lawn fertiliser, which contains ferrous sulphate, or, currently Corten steel panels, the new fashionable garden panel.

Go Ferrous is applied to the surface of the stonework, ensuring that the product is ‘puddling’ on the surface over the stain.

When GO FERROUS is in contact with rust staining, a chemical reaction known as a double -displacement reaction occurs. This changes the rust (a.k.a. iron oxide) into iron oxalate. Since iron oxalate is a water-soluble salt, it dissolves in water and easily rinses away, using hot water of a light pressure wash.

Over a period of between 30 minutes and two hours, the product changes the oxide back into a salt, dissolving the stain and allowing it to be removed with hot water, or a light pressure wash.

Go Ferrous is both is both biodegradable and harmless to surrounding plants, whereas acid-based products will change the soil pH, which has an adverse effect on surrounding plants. 

There are only two other similar products, both of which contain sodium mercaptoacitate and benzisothiazolinone and are acutely toxic, and  directly harmful to the environment.

Go Ferrous has the advantage of being able to be used from 3 Degrees Celsius, with no upper temperature limit. 

NB It should not be applied in full sun or when the surface of the stone is hot, as, once dried out, it will cease to work.

The ultimate aim of all the Products that we produce, is to allow old garden stonework to be completely restored, meaning that it will not only save the public money, but, equally important, it will reduce the need to through away garden stonework, at the same time, reducing the use of landfill sites as a dumping ground for old stonework ,  

This saves the public money and helps save the environment.

More Restoration, Less perspiration. 

Go Ferrous is sold through Garden centres all over the Country or delivered through well know networks such as Parcel Force or DPD

Can be used on any stone surface, without damaging or altering the appearance.

Allows existing stone to be restored without damage to surrounding plants.

GO FERROUS – A MUST for RUST!

For more information visit https://patioblackspotremoval.com/

Altico were proud to support British Garden Centres show garden at the Harrogate Spring Flower Show. Achieving the top accolade, British Garden Centres won the Gold Award for its stunning Butterfly Garden, which raised awareness for the incredible work of Greenfingers Charity. 

Greenfingers aims to provide all life-limited children, their families, and carers, within their hospice, emotional support through the power and pleasure of nature.

Altico are delighted to have supported Greenfingers by supplying aggregates, paving, and edging materials to help define the paths and borders of British Garden Centres award-winning garden. 

Designed in collaboration with renowned garden designer Pip Probert, the Butterfly Garden beautifully highlighted the importance of outdoor spaces for families. This tranquil setting was created to offer a place to sit, chat, reflect, and connect with nature—echoing the mission of Greenfingers Charity, which designs inspiring gardens for life-limited children and their families at hospices across the UK.

Andy Mallory, Marketing Manager at Altico Garden Products said: “Creating spaces where families can find peace and connection with nature is at the heart of what we do. We are thrilled that British Garden Centres received this prestigious Gold Award elevating the vital work of Greenfingers Charity."

Altico is dedicated to providing high-quality garden products that inspire and transform outdoor spaces. With a commitment to craftsmanship and innovation in the Landscape category, Altico continues to set the standard for excellence in the industry. 

The team at Altico were thrilled that they could contribute in a small way to the stunning Butterfly Garden, and most importantly raise awareness for such a well deserving cause. To find out more information about Greenfingers Charity, please visit www.greenfingerscharity.org.uk

British garden machinery brand Webb has expanded its electric tools portfolio with the introduction of the WEISWB Electric Garden Shredder - a high-performance 2500W impact shredder designed to make garden waste reduction fast, safe, and efficient.

Ideal for medium-sized gardens, the shredder combines robust cutting power with a compact, user-friendly design. Its 2500W motor drives steel blades at an impressive 4500rpm, effortlessly handling branches up to 45mm in diameter. The result is fine, nutrient-rich mulch that’s ideal for composting or improving soil quality in flowerbeds and vegetable plots.

“This is a strong addition to the Webb range and perfectly timed as consumers increasingly seek electric garden tools that deliver performance without compromise,” says Mark Moseley, Sales & Marketing Director at Handy. “The WEISWB has been developed to support garden clearance across seasons, providing a dependable and commercially attractive solution for our retail partners.”

Featuring a practical design, the WEISWB includes a 40-litre collection box to minimise downtime, a removable hopper for easy feeding, and a large on/off switch for straightforward operation. For added safety, a locking lever prevents access to cutting components during use, while built-in overload protection automatically cuts power if the machine becomes jammed.

Portable, with large integrated wheels, the shredder is easy to move and store, making it a smart choice for gardeners with limited space. Suitable for beginners or experienced garden enthusiasts, the WEISWB offers a reliable, low-maintenance solution for year-round garden clearance.

Retail-ready with eye-catching packaging and full POS support available, the WEISWB is available now for trade orders.

To learn more about the Webb range or to purchase at trade pricing, visit:: https://webbgardenpower.co.uk/become-a-webb-stockist/

Sustainability is a key consideration in today’s faux flower market. Shopper’s increasing desire to seek transparency when sourcing has caused a notable shift towards more eco-conscious home décor. 

Floralsilk’s exclusive, sustainably-produced ECO Flower & Foliage Collection is made from 100% recycled fabric and over 50% recycled plastic. The range features a variety of complementary, tonal foliage and flower stems, including peonies, tulips, ranunculus, roses and variegated foliage stems.

Why choose Faux over Fresh?

Unlike fresh flowers that wilt within days, faux flowers and foliage can be re-used across a multitude of events and seasons, making them the more environmentally friendly and cost-effective option.

• To grow fresh flowers, a large amount of fresh water is required, especially in warmer climates. Faux flowers need no irrigation, making them more water-efficient.
• Fresh flower farming often involves heavy pesticide and fertiliser use that harms soil and water ecosystems. Artificial flowers do not require such chemicals, reducing agricultural environmental impacts. 
• Fresh flowers are often grown overseas and flown or driven long distances under refrigerated conditions, consuming a lot of fuel. Faux flowers are also imported, but only once for long-term use, lowering the per-use emissions significantly. 
• When fresh flowers run their course they become organic waste and, if not composted correctly, can contribute to methane emissions in landfill. The reuse of artificial flowers will generate less waste over time. 

It is clear that artificial flowers offer a more sustainable alternative to fresh, with no air freight, no water waste and no pesticides. Floralsilk’s high quality, exclusive ECO Collection goes a step further by using recycled materials, to allow you to enjoy long-lasting eco-conscious beauty, season after season.

Floralsilk, Meadow Drove, Bourne, PE10 0BQ

sales@floralsilk.co.uk

01778 425205

www.floralsilk.co.uk/trade

GTN May 2025 - Summer Showrooms Directory Issue. In this issue: David Robinson CEO of Dobbies Garden Centres – GTN Interview, Find your happy place at SOLEX 2025, It’s all about quality at Melcourt Industries, Keeping retail fresh at Glee 2025, Diary dates for inspiration from Sumer Shows, Glee’s Roadshow visits the West Country, GTN’s 2025 Summer Showroom Directory, Welcome to the Floralsilk showroom, Westland’s showroom is open, Smart Showroom visits on the increase, Spotlight on trees and shrubs – GTN Planteria, Is planning broken? – Paul Pleydell Viewpoint, Sunshine & Shows - HTA Viewpoint.

GTN May 2025 link