Award-winning horticulturalist and TV presenter David Domoney will be appearing at Blue Diamond’s garden centres across the UK in September to share his gardening wisdom with audiences.

An Evening with David Domoney – Step by Step Gardening Live is an entertaining and inspiring event filled with practical advice and insider tips.

Based on the hugely popular Step by Step Gardening YouTube series, this live event brings the channel to life with expert demonstrations, seasonal inspiration and practical techniques to use in your own garden.

This Morning’s resident gardening presenter will guide audiences through essential gardening tasks step by step, sharing professional tips, planting advice and creative ideas to help you achieve stunning results, whatever your level of experience.

Following the talk, guests will have the opportunity to take part in a live Q&A session, where David will answer gardening questions.

Starting on 2nd September, the tour will take in nine garden centres. These are Van Hage, Frosts Woburn Sands, Yarnton, Endsleigh, Cardiff, Melbicks, East Bridgford, Barton Grange and Fosseway.

Blue Diamond’s Group Events Manager Rebecca Gurnett says: “We are delighted to announce that we will be hosting a series of live David Domoney evenings across our centres. These events are designed to support the continued growth of our Step-by-Step Gardening YouTube programme while providing our customers with an engaging and memorable experience.

“Whether you're a passionate gardener, a fan of television or simply looking for an entertaining night out, this is a unique opportunity to meet one of Britain's best-loved gardening personalities and enjoy an evening full of laughter, inspiration and advice.”

The evening also includes a welcome drink on arrival and an exclusive book signing with David.

Diamond Club customers will receive an exclusive £5 credit added to their membership account, which can be redeemed on their visit after the event.

The tour dates are:

• September 2nd - Van Hage
• September 3rd - Frosts, Woburn Sands  
• 15th September - Yarnton
• 17th September - Endsleigh
• 18th September - Cardiff 
• 22nd September - Melbicks
• 23rd September - East Bridgford
• 24th September - Barton Grange 
• 29th September – Fosseway 

Early bird tickets are priced at £12 per person and can be booked at https://www.bluediamond.gg/whats-on

Golfers from across the horticultural industry are being invited to take part in the Horticultural Golf Society (HGS) Captain's Day at Sandy Lane Golf Club on 27 August 2026, with proceeds helping Greenfingers Charity create and maintain magical gardens for children, their families and carers who spend time in hospices.

Located in the stunning landscape of the Moor Park estate on the Hertfordshire/Middlesex borders, Sandy Lodge Golf Club offers a spectacular setting for this year’s Captain’s Day. Proudly featured on the Top 100 Golf Courses website, the club has been home to notable members in golfing history and has hosted many prestigious tournaments.

The event promises a fantastic afternoon of golf, networking and friendly competition, followed by a three-course dinner and prize presentation.

Teams of four are invited to enter, with any combination welcome, including men, ladies, mixed teams and guests. The competition will be played with the two best scores counting.

Entry costs £150 per person, which includes sandwiches on arrival, range balls, 18 holes of golf, nearest-the-pin competitions on all par threes, a three-course dinner and a contribution to Greenfingers Charity.

Players should arrive in time for a 1.30pm shotgun start, with dinner served from 7.00pm. The event is limited to a maximum of 22 teams, so early booking is recommended.

Linda Petrons, Director of Fundraising & Communications at Greenfingers Charity, said: "The Horticultural Golf Society Captain's Day is always a fantastic occasion, bringing together colleagues, friends and supporters from across the horticultural industry for a great day of golf while raising funds that make a real difference. Every player who takes part will be helping us create and maintain gardens where children with life-limiting conditions and their families can spend precious time together. We hope as many golfers as possible will join us."

Whether you're playing with colleagues, clients, friends or family, the HGS Captain's Day offers a brilliant opportunity to enjoy a memorable day on the course while supporting a worthwhile cause.

With places limited to just 22 teams, golfers are encouraged to book before Monday 17^th August to secure their place.

To reserve your place or find out more, please contact Merv Foulds at mervfoulds@hotmail.com or drop the Greenfingers team a line by emailing:  Fundraising@greenfingerscharity.org.uk.

Smartphones have transformed the way businesses manage their workforce. Today's employees expect the convenience of using a mobile phone to clock in and out, while managers benefit from real-time attendance visibility and reduced administration.

But with flexibility comes the need for control.

How can you be sure employees are actually on-site when they start or finish work?

WorkForce Manager solves this challenge with powerful geofencing technology. Businesses can define a location using a grid reference and set a maximum radius in metres within which employees are permitted to clock in or out via the mobile app. If an employee is outside the designated area, sign-in is simply not allowed.

The system supports multiple geofenced locations, making it ideal for Garden Centres with different working areas. For example, retail staff can clock in within the Garden Centre boundary, while warehouse or goods-in teams can start their day from a separate depot location.

For employees whose roles require greater flexibility, such as delivery drivers, area managers, or staff visiting suppliers and customer sites, WorkForce Manager allows authorised users to begin their working day away from a geofenced location.

Attendance visibility doesn't stop there. Managers can instantly see who has and hasn't arrived for their planned shift. Employees who have not clocked in are highlighted in red on dashboards, making potential issues immediately visible. Automated alerts can also be configured to notify management, ensuring no absence or missed shift goes unnoticed.

The result is accurate attendance data, reduced payroll queries, improved workforce accountability, and greater confidence that staff are where they need to be.

Take control of mobile attendance with intelligent geofencing.

Book a demo todayand discover how WorkForce Manager can help you manage your workforce with confidence.

Green Olive Firewood is pleased to announce that the brand has been acquired by The Log Club Ltd, part of the wider TEM Group of companies.

This marks an exciting new chapter for one of the UK's leading firewood brands, creating one of the country's largest manufacturers of British kiln dried firewood.

For customers and retail partners, it is very much business as usual.

The existing management team remains in place, now supported by significant new investment, providing a strong platform for continued growth, innovation and customer service.

Following this investment, we now operate from a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Cheshire and are proud to be the UK's largest manufacturer of British kiln dried logs and kindling. This increased capacity enables us to support our growing customer base with reliable, year-round supply.

The investment has also enabled the launch of our new Freedom British Firewood value range, broadening our offering with high-quality British kiln dried logs and kindling at even more competitive price points. By offering customers greater choice across both premium and value ranges, we are strengthening our market position and supporting our strategy to grow market share while helping retailers meet consumer demand in an increasingly value-conscious market.

Our wood is dried completely off-grid using renewable energy and primarily solar power, delivering a secure, sustainable and dependable manufacturing process.

Importantly, all existing customer agreements, trading relationships and commercial terms remain unchanged. Customers can continue to order with confidence, knowing they will receive the same trusted products, the same account management and the same high levels of service they expect from Green Olive Firewood.

Management Statement

"This investment marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Green Olive Firewood. With enhanced manufacturing capability, long-term investment and one of the UK's most advanced firewood production facilities, we are better placed than ever to support our customers.

The launch of our new Freedom British Firewood value range further strengthens our offering, enabling us to provide exceptional British-made products across a wider range of price points while supporting our retail partners in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

Our commitment remains unchanged. We will continue supplying high-quality British products, investing in innovation and delivering the dependable service our customers rely on."

Green Olive Firewood looks forward to continuing to support retailers, merchants, hospitality businesses, campsites and consumers across the UK with British-made products, dependable supply and continued investment in quality, innovation and service.

For further information, customers should contact their usual Green Olive Firewood representative.

Corby+Fellas is partnering with Springtime Nurseries, one of the leading garden centres on Crews Hill’s famous 'Golden Mile' of gardening stores and nurseries.

With more than 30 years’ experience in the garden centre trade, Springtime Nurseries has built an excellent reputation for its extensive choice of plants, flowers, tools and accessories for the home and garden. The family-run business also offers a wide selection of homeware, gifts and seasonal products and is well known locally for its popular Pumpkin Patch and Christmas Wonderland.

As part of the partnership, Springtime Nurseries has introduced Corby+Fellas’ WinRetail system to bring its retail operations together within one connected solution. Corby+Fellas’ Jacob Parker and Jamie Cann were onsite to implement the system and support the Springtime team throughout the process.

WinRetail will help the team manage its day-to-day operations, improve stock visibility and continue providing the excellent customer experience for which the business is known.

We’re grateful that Springtime Nurseries has chosen to work with Corby+Fellas and proud to support such a respected and well-established independent garden centre.

We look forward to working closely with the Springtime team and developing a successful, long-standing partnership as the business continues to grow and evolve.

To find out more about how Corby+Fellas could support your business, please contact sales@corbyfellas.com.

Evergreen Garden Care has announced the three lucky UK gardeners who have each won a £5,000 grand prize in the Miracle-Gro nationwide "Win a Garden Makeover" competition.

Catherine Born (Tyne & Wear), Darren Baldwinson (Wiltshire), and Gaynor Ray (West Yorkshire) have each been awarded £5,000 in National Garden Gift Vouchers to turn their outdoor spaces into spectacular, blooming sanctuaries.

The blockbuster competition, which launched on 1st March across more than 300 key garden centres and online, officially closed on 31st May after capturing the imagination of green-fingered enthusiasts. Alongside the three headline jackpot winners, the high-impact campaign also rewarded 379 daily prize winners with a selection of Miracle-Gro products, branded gardening gloves, and premium equipment.

The headline winners made their qualifying purchases at local stockists. Catherine Born secured her win via a purchase of Miracle-Gro All Purpose Compost at Lintzford Garden Centre.

The headline winners were left stunned by the life-changing prize notification:

• "I can't remember if I actually said thank you. I know I probably said ‘Oh my God, that's amazing!’ a few times—but if I didn't, I'm saying it now. Thanks for the magnificent news! I'm still buzzing!" — Catherine Born, Tyne & Wear (Who made her winning purchase of Miracle-Gro All Purpose Compost at Lintzford Garden Centre)

• "Wow! Thank you so much. You have made my year!" — Darren Baldwinson, Wiltshire

• "Wowzers, I’ve just seen the vouchers. It’s amazing—thank you again so much, I’m still in shock!" — Gaynor Ray, West Yorkshire

Celebrating the local win, Andrew Brown, Garden Centre Manager at Lintzford Garden Centre, remarked: 'We are absolutely thrilled that one of our regular local customers has won this incredible prize. It’s fantastic to see Miracle-Gro supporting gardeners in our community, and we can’t wait to see how Catherine transforms her garden with the vouchers!'

The competition attracted a total of 3,166 entries, offering a fascinating insight into the current state of British gardening:

• The "Everyday" Gardener: The majority of entrants (51.7%) classed their gardening experience level as moderate, proving the campaign resonated perfectly with Miracle-Gro's core insight that everyone just needs a little help in the garden.

• Horticultural Highlights: When asked what areas of the garden they were most passionate about, 31.7% of entrants prioritized outdoor plants and borders, followed by lawn care (25.8%), Grow Your Own (23.1%), and houseplants (19.4%).

The "Win a Garden Makeover" campaign delivered an exceptional retail activation. A comprehensive, multi-format POS toolkit—from shelf-edge messaging to massive in-store displays—ensured strong visibility and seamless execution across participating stores.

The in-store push ran alongside Miracle-Gro’s major multimillion-pound brand campaign, which debuted on TV screens on 23rd March. The campaign introduced the nation to new animated brand ambassadors Moe and Gaz Glover (voiced by comedy veteran Steve Furst and The Inbetweeners star Blake Harrison), who brought heart, humour, and expertise to outdoor spaces across the country.

By utilising an inclusive "purchase to enter" mechanic across compost, lawn care, and plant food, the campaign successfully converted browsing into purchase at the critical start of the season. Furthermore, by awarding the grand prizes in National Garden Gift Vouchers, Miracle-Gro is actively encouraging winners to reinvest back into the horticultural industry—driving repeat visits and ongoing spend within UK garden centres.

The strategy delivered measurable commercial results. Throughout the spring period, Miracle-Gro reinforced its market-leading position across both the lawn care and plant food categories, while also successfully capturing the Number 1 spot for its compost range. (Source: GfK Garden Centres Sales Value, Oct–May 2026).

For more expert gardening advice and to follow future campaigns, visit lovethegarden.com.

The Horticultural Trades Association has launched a new retail finance partnership with Novuna Consumer Finance to help eligible members offer customers more choice at the checkout and support higher-value purchases.

For many customers, investing in their home or garden is not an everyday purchase. Whether it is new garden furniture, a patio project or investing in trees, shrubs and planting, these are often bigger decisions that take time to plan and budget for. Through the partnership, eligible HTA retail members can offer finance on purchases over £250, including Buy Now Pay Later, Interest-Free Credit and Interest-Bearing Credit.

Available both in-store and online, the finance offer gives customers more control over how they pay and makes it easier to spread the cost over time. It also helps members respond to customer expectations, improve the shopping experience and support higher-value sales, with Novuna, one of the UK’s leading retail point-of-sale finance providers, managing the finance application process and credit risk.

Jon Dixon, Director of Gifting Sales at the Horticultural Trades Association, said: "Garden centres continue to diversify the products and services they offer, with many customers making significant investments in creating and improving their outdoor spaces. Offering flexible payment options can make those purchases more accessible while helping our members increase sales and average transaction values.

"We're pleased to be working with Novuna to bring this new member benefit to the sector. We've secured a competitive finance offer that is straightforward for eligible members to introduce, helping them meet changing customer expectations and remain competitive in today's retail market."

Brian Flesk, Head of Retail at Novuna Consumer Finance, said: “We’re excited to launch our partnership with the HTA and support businesses across the horticultural sector with accessible, responsible finance solutions. We know that garden and home improvement projects are often carefully considered purchases, and we aim to help more customers bring those plans to life while supporting retailers in growing their businesses.”

The partnership is available to eligible HTA retail members with an annual turnover of more than £500,000. There are no upfront or set-up costs for the standard offer negotiated by the HTA, and retailers can apply through a simple online process.

Members interested in learning more about the retail finance partnership can visit hta.org.uk/novuna, contact the HTA membership team at membership@hta.org.uk, or speak to their relevant regional Member Engagement Manager.

Perennial, the UK’s only charity for everyone working in or retired from horticulture, is celebrating 25 years of innovation and development in their free services, supporting people facing financial, health, career or life-changing challenges. 

Seasonality of work, physical injury and isolated working are just some of the horticulture specific issues people can face, as well as the impact of major events such as bereavement or homelessness.

Today the charity provides personalised support through a national helpline, network of case workers and regulated money and debt advice, as well as information and guidance on a wide range of issues affecting people in horticulture.

Founded in 1839 the charity, formerly called the Gardeners’ Royal Benevolent Society, provided financial assistance to retired gardeners, many of whom lost tied accommodation when they stopped working. In those days the support of the charity could be the difference between the ability to live independently and the workhouse.

In 2000 the charity recognised that its services needed to expand to support more people, including people of working age – one of the first benevolent funds in the UK to make this significant change.

An interactive timeline on the charity’s website (perennial.org.uk/innovation-services) shows the development of Perennial’s services over the last 25 years, highlighting the innovations that reflect changing needs, as well as the growth in impact of their work:

• 2000: the charity supported 400 retired gardeners with financial assistance and linen parcels.
• 2001: structure of services changes and support broadens to working gardeners
• 2003: the charity rebranded to Perennial to reflect the expansion of their support to all sectors of horticulture.
• 2004: Alan Titchmarsh CBE VMH DL joined as the charity’s President, in recognition of the importance of supporting everyone who works with plants, trees, flowers and grass to create the beautiful green spaces we all enjoy.
• 2005: centralised helpline launched
• 2008: regulated debt advice service launched
• Since 2019 Perennial have expanded their digital and guidance-focused activities so people can access the information they need when they need it, making positive changes to prevent an issue becoming a crisis.
• 2025: the charity supported 2,445 people with tailored one to one support.

Director of Services, Helen Waddington, joined Perennial in 2001 as part of the original expansion of the charity’s services and says:
“It has been an incredible journey over the last 25 years, changing how we support people in all sectors of horticulture so that we can offer services that make a difference to lots of people’s lives. My family have been in horticulture for several generations and I’ve seen firsthand the challenges people have to cope with.

 
"The team at Perennial provide holistic support – looking at all aspects of an issue and working with the person towards a positive, long-term solution. I am very proud of how closely we work with the industry to ensure our services are proactive and relevant to current needs and to be responsible for the ongoing development of these services.”

Perennial’s latest impact report for 2025 clearly demonstrates how the charity is supporting people in horticulture today, including:

• 2,445 people received holistic support
• 19,753 preventative activities and informative programmes delivered
• £235,335 of personal debt disputed or written off
• £16,373 invested in employment and training support
• 64 people seeking legal advice and
• £380,645 secured in benefit entitlements.

The full report is available at perennial.org.uk/about-us/our-impact

What people say about Perennial’s support:

• “Perennial was there for me in my hour of need and may well have saved my life. It sounds dramatic, but their calm guidance at a time when my life was in turmoil massively helped me.” A Landscaper who received debt and mental wellbeing support.
• “Not being able to do my job was hard to accept and triggered a lot of anxiety and depression. I felt useless, to be honest... My physio treatment has been brilliant. If you’re not yourself physically or mentally, reach out because you’re not alone. I should have got help years ago, but I know Perennial are always there for me and encourage others to get in touch too.” A Grounds Maintenance person who received physio and mental wellbeing support.
• “I had never asked for help before, hard work had got me to this point, but after a short while speaking to Perennial I could feel this huge burden being lifted... Anything I didn’t understand or was unable to do my caseworker dealt with swiftly and professionally. I have no doubt that without Perennial I would have lost my home. My life was on the line and Perennial saved me.” A Gardener who received support to manage the impact of a long-term health issue.

Today the charity works closely with people from all sectors of horticulture to ensure the development of their services reflects the breadth of issues people are facing. Industry Ambassadors Mark Gregory, Angela Oliver and Steve Harper support with this and help to raise the profile of the charity in their professional fields.

You can find out more about the support Perennial provides to everyone in horticulture at perennial.org.uk as well as how you can fundraise for them to support the ongoing provision of their tailored services.

Bents Garden & Home is celebrating success with two prestigious and widely respected awards; both providing the perfect start to a landmark year as the family owned and run business prepares to celebrate its 90th anniversary in 2027.

Having recently been crowned Best Destination Garden Centre in the North West at the GCA reginal awards, it has also been officially recognised by the 2026 UK’s Best Workplaces for Women and is listed within the top 100 large company category, alongside organisations including Tropic Skincare and Lindt. 

Founded in 1937, Bents has grown from Alfred and Margaret Bent selling roses from their front garden, just yards from the Centre's current location in Glazebury, into one of the UK's leading destination garden centres. Both awards recognise Bents continued commitment to its colleagues, who remain at the heart of the family business.

The latest GCA accolade also recognises the continued commitment to quality, innovation and customer experience that have also been fundamental to Bents’ success for almost nine decades.

The regional title follows the GCA's rigorous annual inspection programme, during which member garden centres are independently assessed across every aspect of their business. From plant quality and visual merchandising to customer service, catering and innovation, every department is judged against the highest industry standards.

Following an unannounced inspection, Bents achieved one of the highest scores in the country, securing the title of Best Destination Garden Centre in the North West, along with regional awards for Best Customer Service, Food Hall and Catering. 

Matthew Bent, Managing Director of Bents Garden & Home, said: "To receive this recognition from the Garden Centre Association is a fantastic achievement and one we're incredibly proud of, particularly as we prepare to celebrate our 90th anniversary next year.”

The 2026 UK’s Best Workplaces for Women list is made up of employers whose people have told Great Place To Work® UK they work for a place that is inclusive and equitable for all. The 350 companies on the list are committed to ensuring a reasonable balance of women and men across the organisation; removing barriers to women’s career advancement; and creating workplaces where all employees, regardless of gender, can flourish.

Benedict Gautrey, Managing Director of Great Place To Work UK says: “This year’s UK’s Best Workplaces for Women list celebrates businesses making a genuine difference day to day, not just in what they say, but in how people experience work. What matters most is that this recognition comes directly from women working in these organisations, who tell us they feel supported, valued, and able to grow.

“Our research demonstrates that these organisations creating high-trust environments are delivering stronger results, whether in financial outcomes, impact, or service delivery, alongside greater agility and resilience in the face of change. Congratulations to Bents for creating an environment where inclusion is clearly felt in practice.”

Adds Matthew:  "Both of these awards reflect the passion, commitment and expertise of every one of our colleagues and I'd like to thank every member of the team for the part they've played in these fantastic successes."

Despite the challenges for UK horticulture transitioning to peat free with no government legislation, the RHS will continue leading the charge, whilst also ensuring it supports growers to increase the range of peat-free plants to maintain biodiverse UK gardens for climate adaptation and resilience.

UK horticulture is leading the world in the move to peat-free and is growing more peat-free plants than ever.  The RHS has invested £2.5 million of charitable funds into peat free research, hosts annual peat free conferences, and has spent over 150,000 hours researching peat free growing and supporting the industry. 

Today there are 115 commercially viable 100% peat-free UK growers, from small national collection holders to large scale businesses, which can be found on the RHS peat-free nursery finder https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/peat/peat-free-nursery-finder.  Hundreds more nurseries are in the final stages of transitioning and are almost 100% peat-free.

However, without Government legislation, major barriers remain: complex international supply chains, around 60% of young plants are sourced abroad and often still grown in peat, limited shared knowledge, and costly new equipment.  Without action, Government is missing a major opportunity to support industry to increase peat-free domestic production and grow the sector. 

The RHS strongly advocates plant diversity as vital for climate adaptation and resilience, healthy urban ecosystems, wildlife, food security, the environment and wellbeing, and will continue supporting growers through the final hurdles of transitioning, while calling for Government support.

Following its annual peat-free policy review, the RHS Shows peat-free policy remains: No New Peat* or 100% Peat-Free Plants. The exemption for nursery peat starter plants for sale remains unchanged. From 2027, a tightly controlled dispensation to extend the existing peat starter plants exemption will apply, only for exceptional circumstances, to support peat-free plant diversity, while maintaining the critical transition to peat free.

Clare Matterson CBE, RHS Director General, says: “Horticulture is leading the move to peat-free, with major investment across the sector.  At the RHS, all retail operations and all five gardens are no new peat plants.

“We know challenges remain, but our Shows Policy stands. The fail-safe will help recognise vital plant diversity, while supporting wider peat-free choice for people and planet.”

Any dispensation will be tightly limited to exceptional circumstances. The RHS may consider extending its peat starter plants dispensation, with plants grown on in peat-free media, only where exhibitors or growers can show they have exhausted all other options and full compliance is outside their control, such as; significant pest or disease outbreak or biosecurity issue affecting stock, extreme weather events affecting production (flooding, drought, storm damage, heat stress) or because plants are part of a recognised conservation scheme to re-establish populations in the natural environment.

Clare finishes: “We’re already linking designers with peat-free growers for 2027 Chelsea gardens, so we expect any dispensation requests to be rare.  It is there to recognise all important plant diversity, while supporting more peat-free choice across the UK.

“Growers and nurseries tell us they will increase both the number and diversity of peat-free plants each year. Our priorities are to support that transition and urge Government to set an achievable collaborative industry and government roadmap to ban peat. Without legislation, there is a real risk the industry could lose momentum.”

To support the industry to transition and highlight the challenges, the RHS has sent an open letter calling on the next Prime Minister to put people and planet first and take action on climate change by:

• Setting a clear, achievable roadmap with a date and timetable for legislation to ban the sale of peat for horticulture  
• Funding peat-free research, knowledge transfer and infrastructure   
• Providing clear peat-free labelling definitions for industry and consumers 

Haskins Snowhill in Copthorne, West Sussex, has been named the South East’s Destination Garden Centre of the Year by the Garden Centre Association, recognising the team’s commitment to customer service and product quality, as well as the centre’s long-standing place in the local community.

Snowhill also won regional awards for customer service, outdoor living, garden products retail, and commercial innovation and creativity. Its restaurant was named joint winner of the catering excellence award, reflecting high standards across the whole centre.

David Lily, General Manager of Haskins Snowhill, said: “We are incredibly proud to be named the South East’s Destination Garden Centre of the Year. The award belongs to everyone at Snowhill, from our shop floor and restaurant teams to our delivery drivers, managers, and cleaning colleagues. Every role contributes to the welcome and standards our customers see.

“Our focus has been on doing the fundamentals exceptionally well, listening to customers, communicating clearly across the centre, and presenting great products in a clean, welcoming environment. The team has made an exceptional effort to keep improving, and the award shows what we can achieve when everyone works together.

“Snowhill has always been rooted in the local community. Some customers remember visiting as children and now bring their own families; that loyalty means a great deal to us and makes the recognition even more special.”

The regional success builds on Snowhill’s third-place finish in the national Destination Garden Centre of the Year category earlier in 2026. Snowhill now hopes to improve on its national top-three result.

David added: “Winning the South East award is a huge achievement, but we are always looking at how we can do better. Our ambition is to make Snowhill the best destination garden centre in the country, while continuing to listen to our customers and remain part of the community that has supported us for generations.”

To find out more about Haskins Snowhill, visit: https://www.haskins.co.uk/snowhill-centre/

The Horticultural Trades Association has announced that Landscapeplus will be the new headline sponsor of the Association of Professional Landscapers Awards 2027.

As the headline sponsor, Landscapeplus will have prominent visibility among the UK’s leading landscaping and horticulture professionals. The APL Awards are a flagship event in the landscaping and design calendar, consistently sold out in recent years, celebrating the very best in innovation, quality, and craftsmanship. This positions sponsors alongside the highest standards in the industry.

Phil Tremayne, APL General Manager, said:

“I’m delighted that Landscapeplus has joined as the headline sponsor of the APL Awards 2027. They are an incredible supporter of the landscaping industry and have championed us for many years, both at shows and at the WorldSkills UK Competition. Landscapeplus is a great fit for the APL Awards, so I’m looking forward to working together.”

Landscapeplus is a trade-only supplier of lighting, irrigation, and water feature brands and systems. It helps industry professionals create beautiful gardens by building long-term, trust-based relationships - putting gardens at the heart of everything they do.  With over 25 years of experience in the industry, Landscapeplus takes pride in being “so much more than a supplier” by sharing knowledge, providing exceptional support, and stocking the very best products and systems. 

Sam Cox, Director of Sales from Landscapeplus, said:

“As long-standing APL supporters, we're proud and excited to be sponsoring the 2027 awards.  We look forward to celebrating our incredible industry alongside new and existing customers.”

Currently, the judges are visiting and reviewing 130 shortlisted projects for the prestigious awards, which celebrate and recognise excellence in the industry and honour the outstanding work of the HTA’s specialist landscaper and designer members over the past year. A panel of respected industry professionals will select the very best projects to advance to the final round.

The APL Awards ceremony will be held at The Brewery in London on Friday 12 March 2027, where the winners in each category will be announced.

To find out more about the APL Awards 2027, visit: hta.org.uk/apl-awards

Across home, gift, fashion and garden retail, businesses are increasingly recognising that success isn't driven by product alone. Buyers are arriving at trade shows looking not only for the next bestselling products, but also for the expertise, technology and services that will help them sell those products more effectively.

That shift is reflected in one of the fastest-growing areas across both Autumn Fair and Glee 2026. Whilst the sectors carry different names - Retail Solutions at Autumn Fair and Retail Experiences & Services at Glee - both are expanding in response to growing demand for specialist expertise, AI-powered innovation, operational support and technologies that help retailers work smarter, improve customer experiences and drive long-term profitability.

Taking place at the NEC Birmingham this September, Autumn Fair (6^th - 9^th September) and Glee (8^th - 10^th September) will together welcome more than 1,250 exhibitors, showcase over 500,000 products and attract more than 20,000 retail buyers, creating Europe's largest buying event for home, gift, fashion and garden retail.

Different names. One shared ambition

Although Retail Solutions and Retail Experiences & Services have been developed for different audiences, they share the same purpose: helping retailers build stronger, more resilient businesses.

Whether serving high streets, shopping destinations or modern garden centres, today's retailers face many of the same challenges. Rising operating costs, changing customer expectations and rapid advances in technology are driving investment in smarter ways of working, with businesses increasingly looking beyond the products they sell to the systems and expertise that support commercial success.

Claire Gatenby, Co-Founder of Squashed Pixel, said: "Retail has never been more connected. Customers don't distinguish between online and offline anymore; they simply expect every interaction to feel effortless. The retailers seeing the strongest growth are those investing in technology that removes friction, empowers staff and creates one consistent customer experience across every channel."

Technology may be one of the fastest-moving areas of retail, but exhibitors across both shows agree that its role is not to replace great retailing - it's to give retailers better information, better insight and more time to focus on the customer.

The business of better retail

Far from being a single category, Retail Solutions and Retail Experiences & Services encompass almost every aspect of modern retail operations. Across both shows, visitors will discover expertise spanning AI-powered merchandising and analytics, EPOS and retail systems, ecommerce, payment technology, business banking, logistics, workforce management, visual merchandising, retail displays, store design, packaging, property consultancy, security, utilities and specialist operational services.

Whether retailers are looking to modernise their stores, improve inventory management, optimise layouts, streamline customer journeys or identify new revenue opportunities, both sectors bring together practical expertise, innovative technologies and experienced partners under one roof. Together, they reflect a growing shift towards joined-up business solutions that combine technology, operational excellence and customer experience to help retailers build stronger, more resilient businesses.

Reflecting that breadth, Autumn Fair exhibitors include Barclays, Datascan, DOJO, Aspin, Fast Forwarding, Paperspot, Emartbuy and Squashed Pixel, whilst Glee's Retail Experiences & Services sector features businesses including Arrange Spaces, Chirp Protect, Christie & Co, CSY Retail Systems, Easitill, Malcolm Scott Consultants, National Business Water, PCCS UK, Planday, Pleydell Smithyman, Stagecraft Display and ElectRoad.

Garden retail reflects the wider trend

The evolution towards destination retail is being seen across the retail landscape, but few sectors illustrate it more clearly than garden retail.

Today's garden centres are no longer simply places to buy plants. Restaurants, cafés, food halls, concessions, events and leisure attractions have become increasingly important in encouraging customers to stay longer, visit more often and spend more, whilst operators continue looking for ways to maximise every square metre of retail space.

Andrew Burton, Director at Pleydell Smithyman, said: "Customers are becoming increasingly selective about where they spend their time and money. They're looking for memorable experiences, not simply places to shop.

"Often the answer isn't building bigger stores - it's making existing space work smarter. Great retail isn't about adding more products - it's about having a clear vision and delivering it consistently throughout the customer experience."

Chris Primett, Director at Malcolm Scott Consultants, agrees that hospitality and leisure are now central to commercial success. "Our advice to garden centres is simple: become a destination rather than a solution."

Technology enabling better retail

Technology is playing an equally important role, not as a replacement for great retail, but as an enabler of it. Retailers are increasingly exploring AI-powered merchandising, forecasting and analytics alongside connected commerce, workforce planning, security and operational systems that improve productivity whilst enhancing the customer experience.

Alex Ledsham, Managing Director of Chirp Protect, said: "Garden centres are becoming destination retail environments, with cafés, restaurants, farm shops and other concessions playing an increasingly important role in attracting visitors and encouraging them to spend longer in store.

"We're seeing growing demand for flexible, targeted security that allows retailers to protect the products and areas most at risk without compromising the shopping experience."

New opportunities are also emerging. Glee exhibitor ElectRoad believes EV charging is becoming another retail category in its own right, helping destination retailers generate additional revenue whilst increasing customer dwell time.

Electroad’s Richard Sepping said: "Garden centres are perfectly placed to become some of the UK's most attractive charging destinations. Rather than viewing EV charging simply as an amenity, retailers should see it as another way to attract customers, increase dwell time and create an additional revenue stream."

Matthew Mein, Event Director for Autumn Fair and Glee, said:  "Both Autumn Fair and Glee have always brought together an outstanding mix of businesses dedicated to helping retailers grow, innovate and succeed. Bringing the two shows together this September creates an even more compelling opportunity, giving visitors access to an unrivalled breadth of expertise under one roof. Whether they're looking to streamline operations, embrace new technologies, enhance the customer experience or future-proof their business, retailers will find more ideas, more inspiration and more practical solutions than ever before. It's fantastic to see both Retail Solutions and Retail Experiences & Services continuing to grow so strongly, reflecting just how important these conversations have become across the retail sector."

Established suppliers are heading back to the Glee show floor with broader ranges, new commercial models and renewed ambition for the garden retail market.

The return of a familiar name to an exhibition can easily be treated as little more than a line on a floorplan. Look a little closer, however, and the reasons behind that return often reveal much more about the direction of a business and its confidence in the market it serves.

At Glee 2026, a growing group of established suppliers is returning to the show after time away. Their stories are different, but common themes quickly emerge: investment, evolution and a desire to reconnect with garden retail at a moment when products, purchasing models and consumer expectations are all changing.

Among those coming back are Lava Lite, Scheurich, Burton McCall and Jeyes. Together, they span plant and lawn care, pots and planters, cutting tools and outdoor cleaning. Some last exhibited only two years ago, while Jeyes is making its first appearance at Glee for a decade. What unites them is that none is returning with the same proposition it brought before.

More than a return for Lava Lite

For Lava Lite, which last exhibited in 2024, the decision follows a period of significant brand and range development. Its horticulture and pet care offer has become stronger and more focused, with greater investment in sustainability, education and clear in-store communication.

“Coming back in 2026 feels like the natural next step for us,” said Kieron Tompkin, Co-Founder of Lava Lite. “The brand has grown, our range has matured, and Glee is still the place where meaningful retail relationships begin. It is the show where people come ready to discover something new.”

The company will bring Aqua Nuggets, Grass Guard Plus, No Gnats and its wider plant care portfolio to the show, alongside developments focused on soil health, pet-safe lawn care and water clarity.

Yet its return is about more than introducing products. Lava Lite is placing increased emphasis on merchandising, education and sell-through support, reflecting the pressure on retailers to make every fixture work harder and ensure new ideas can be understood quickly by customers.

A fresh UK start for Scheurich

Scheurich’s story is different again. The German family brand has exhibited at Glee previously as part of its wider UK presence, but its 2026 appearance will be the first under a revamped direct-factory supply model introduced in April.

For retailers, the changes include 10-working-day lead times from the company’s Kleinheubach factory, carriage-paid ordering from £500, flexible RRPs and pre-priced pots. Scheurich has also refreshed its packaging, point-of-sale materials and catalogue, while broadening its offer beyond its waterproof ceramics to include indoor and outdoor plastics, premium wicker and watering accessories.

“It is less a return and more a fresh start,” explained Sam Bentham, UK Sales Manager at Scheurich UK. “Glee is the natural place to reintroduce a near 100-year-old family brand to UK buyers on our own terms, with a fresh look to go with the fresh start.”

That fresh start will be hard to miss. Scheurich is planning a large stand, around 200 new SKUs and the launch of its 2027 catalogue.

Highlights will include the artisan styling of Rustica, the deep ombre colours of Avora and new matt colourways for the best-selling Monaco family, all backed by the brand’s 100% waterproof guarantee.

Premium tools back on the show floor

Burton McCall also last exhibited in 2024, when it showcased FELCO and introduced Swiss tool brand ALPEN. Since then, FELCO has continued to build on its reputation for precision, durability, repairability and ergonomic design, while ALPEN has expanded its UK presence and product breadth.

Glee visitors will be able to explore FELCO’s established range of secateurs, pruning tools and accessories alongside ALPEN’s growing portfolio of saws, loppers, hedge shears and manual and battery-powered pruning equipment, including electric pruning shears.

“What stood out most in 2024 was the quality of the conversations with buyers and retailers who were actively looking for innovative, premium products to strengthen their gardening categories,” said Mohamed Hajat, Director of Sales at Burton McCall Ltd. “We want visitors to experience first-hand the quality and innovation behind both brands and understand how premium, long-lasting tools can add value to their offer.”

That emphasis on longevity and demonstrable product performance is timely. As consumers scrutinise value more carefully, premium products increasingly need a clear explanation of why they deserve their place on the shelf. The opportunity to handle, compare and discuss tools in person remains one of the exhibition environment’s greatest strengths.

A heritage name looks to its next chapter

Perhaps the most striking return comes from Jeyes, which last exhibited at Glee in 2016. Since ECS acquired the brand at the end of 2024, it has invested in expanding and revitalising the range while preparing for Jeyes’ 150th anniversary in 2027.

The portfolio now contains more than 20 SKUs, making it the brand’s most comprehensive outdoor cleaning offer for many years. The iconic Jeyes Classic sits alongside ready-to-use formats and specialist solutions designed around the needs of today’s consumers.

“Returning to Glee is the perfect opportunity to share that journey with retailers,” said Farah ElZoheiry from Jeyes. “We want to demonstrate how we are investing in the future of the UK’s oldest outdoor disinfectant brand and how we can help retailers grow sales in the outdoor cleaning category.”

As well as presenting the expanded range and new product developments, Jeyes will use Glee to offer retailers a first look at plans for its milestone anniversary. These will include promotional activity, competitions, marketing support and in-store opportunities planned throughout 2027.

Why the show floor still matters

Across all four businesses, relationship-building sits at the heart of the decision to return.

Lava Lite wants to deepen retailer partnerships and introduce its offer to new buyers. Scheurich is rebuilding direct UK relationships with independents, agents and buying groups. Burton McCall is focused on strengthening existing accounts while widening distribution for FELCO and ALPEN. Jeyes is reconnecting with the garden centres that have known the brand for generations, while introducing its revitalised offer to new customers.

Their plans also demonstrate why a trade show remains particularly valuable for products that benefit from explanation, demonstration or tactile appeal. Waterproof ceramics, pruning tools, treatment products and category-wide cleaning ranges all become easier to understand when buyers can see the full offer, speak directly to the people behind it and explore how it might work in their own retail environment.

As Sam Bentham put it: “It is still the one place in the UK calendar where the whole trade - buyers, agents and press, is in the same room. For a brand doing what we are doing this year, there is no substitute.”

Returning exhibitors are not simply revisiting old ground. They are coming back with changed businesses, stronger propositions and clear commercial ambitions. For retailers walking Glee 2026, these familiar names may therefore provide some of the show’s freshest stories.

Find out more

Glee takes place at the NEC Birmingham from 8th to 10th September 2026, co-located with Autumn Fair on 8th and 9th September to create Europe’s biggest buying moment of the second half of the year. Visit www.gleebirmingham.com for further information and to register.

Inside your Glee 2026 Pre-Show Guide: Welcome to Glee 2026, Glee Show Sectors, Autumn Fair, What’s On at Glee, Glee New Product Showcase, Green Heart, Future Plants, Glee First, Glee Awards, The Clubhouse, GIMA Lounge, Glee Partners, General Information, Glee 2026 Show Plan, Quick A to Z of Exhibitors.

The printed Show Guide with detailed A-Z listings of all exhibitors will be available for visitors to collect at the entrances for Glee 2026.  Exhibitors can enhance their listing and take advertising space in the full Show Guide by contacting Alan Burdon alan@pottingshedpress.co.uk before 10th August 2026

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The BBC Gardeners’ World Autumn Fair returns to English Heritage’s stunning Audley End House and Gardens in Saffron Walden from 11-13 September.

This popular annual gardening celebration attracts an audience of thousands with fresh inspiration at every turn. Highlights include Showcase Gardens and Beautiful Borders, plants and displays, tours, talks and workshops. Exciting new features include a dedicated houseplant area and craft workshops.

Visitors can soak up expert advice, grow their plant knowledge, and find creative ideas for their outside spaces. It’s a great day out with delicious food and drink, live music and shopping too. Tickets include entry to Audley End House and its grounds, gardens and parkland.

At the BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Stage, presenters Frances Tophill (Friday), Adam Frost (Saturday), Sue Kent and Ashley Edwards (both Sunday) join the Magazine team to share top tips for the cooler months to come. Topical talking points will include plants for seasonal colour, pruning and soil care, bold borders, how to create a resilient garden, and gardening for mental and physical health.

Horticultural highlights

There are three impressive Showcase Gardens to enjoy this year, each created by multi award-winning design and landscaping teams. Pip Probert from BBC 2’s Your Garden Made Perfect has designed the Little Explorers Garden, a family-friendly garden that features slides, tunnels and interactive natural areas where children can discover bugs and other wildlife. For the Love of Birds by Daisy Fenton from Kent-based Fenton Gardens is a sanctuary-style haven for wildlife and humans alike, with a central, meadow-covered hide for bird watching, reflection and meditation. This calm, contemplative space features trees, hedging, a winding stream and a wildlife pond, providing natural habitats and food for birds, insects and pollinators.

The Association of Professional Landscapers will present The Balcony Garden, a split-level design with distinct zones that creates a feeling of space and offers different views of the garden. This collaborative garden is designed by APL member designer, Paul Newman, from Designscape in Hertfordshire, and built by member companies from across Essex, Hertfordshire and Suffolk. Joining the construction teams will be two talented young landscaping apprentices from Merrist Wood College in Guildford. Ellis Thomas from Martins Garden Management and Jett Benson from Landscape Associates will work alongside skilled landscaping professionals, getting first-hand experience of a show garden build at a high-profile public event. APL members will also be sharing their expert garden planning knowledge at a free Drop-in Design and Landscaping Clinic for Autumn Fair visitors.

BBC Newsround presenter and allotment grower De-Graft Mensah and Colchester-based garden designer Lucy Chamberlain are the creative force behind the BBC Gardeners’ World Make a Metre Matter Border. Packed with planet-friendly features like winter-growing salad, tomatoes and chillies, and compost zones, the border is designed to inspire visitors to transform a metre of their own gardens to support wildlife, nature and biodiversity. Highlights include winter-growing salad leaves, tomatoes and chillies, and composting zones. The BBC Gardeners’ World Make a Metre Matter campaign supports the UK’s 30by30 target to protect 30% of land and sea for nature by 2030. More than 16,450 campaign metres have been pledged to date, from mini ponds and vegetable plots to composting spaces and pollinator patches.

Visitors are sure to find a host of ideas amongst this year’s collection of Beautiful Borders, designed to offer inspiration for small garden spaces. With a creative theme of ‘Once Upon a Time’, these mini masterpieces are packed with imaginative design features, colour schemes and back stories. Border teams hail from Essex, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire and London to Hampshire, Oxfordshire, Manchester and Derbyshire. Designs include a border that reflects lived experience of the care system, a prairie-style border celebrating the compassion of hospice volunteers, and a garden that recalls magical memories of carefree, childhood days in the garden.

The world-renowned Beth Chatto’s Plants & Gardens will be hosting drop-in seedling planting sessions and inspiring visitors with a display of climate-tolerant, sustainable planting. Always a champion for ‘growing your own’, the National Allotment Society are creating an eye-catching edible border. New for 2026 is the Houseplants Area, featuring exciting indoor plant displays in greenhouse settings.

Fabulous flora

The Autumn Fair boasts a wide selection of specialist nurseries, garden retailers and outdoor lifestyle exhibitors, and the English Heritage Plant Creche offers safe, secure plant storage for collection later. If you’re looking to expand your plant knowledge, the Autumn Fair’s Plant Experts, Lucy Chamberlain, Saul Walker and the English Heritage garden team, will be hosting informative tours of the Audley End Organic Kitchen Garden.

Feeling creative? Why not book onto one of the Autumn Fair’s workshops and make a handmade souvenir to take home. There’s dried flower wreath making with Cambridge flower grower and florist, Kim O’Brien, and fresh flower crown making with Cara Thompson, a community grower from Make It Flourish in Essex. In an exciting new collaboration for 2026, the UK’s biggest textile craft event, Knit + Stitch, joins the Autumn Fair, hosting floral-inspired craft workshops. 

Gardening gossip and brilliant books

At the In Conversation Stage, award-winning garden writer, designer, presenter and filmmaker Ade Sellars (AKA The Good Life Gardener) will be discussing life in and out of the garden with a line-up of well-known gardening personalities. Guests include De-Graft Mensah, wildlife gardener Helen Hutchings, organic gardener Becky Searle and nutrition experts from Nutracheck. Award-winning garden designer and writer Andrew Jackson will be discussing his New Build Manifesto, a mission to transform new-build garden plots into wildlife-rich landscapes.

The Autumn Fair Bookshop features a collection of latest releases and gardening classics from BBC Gardeners’ World presenters including Adam Frost, Frances Tophill, Monty Don, Rachel de Thame and Carol Klein. Buy a book and head to the BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Stage for an exclusive book signing with Adam Frost, Frances Tophill, Sue Kent and Ashley Edwards.

Tempting tastings

The Fair’s Autumn Table is the place to be for seasonal, harvest-themed food and drink inspiration. Food and drink writer and broadcaster Andy Clarke will be hosting a programme of delicious, daily tasting sessions. Explore the world of wild food with Cambridge-based Hops and Tails who will be serving a selection of foraged-inspired drinks, canapés and preserves, and sharing ways to incorporate wild ingredients into home cooking. The Audley End Kitchen Garden team will be celebrating heritage apples and pears with guided tastings, homemade fruit snacks, and the history behind these traditional varieties.

For fizz fans, there’s English sparkling wine tasting with Bishop’s Stortford based Bailey Hills Estates. Discover the vineyard’s story and production methods, then enjoy some exceptional vintages with tasting notes and food pairing ideas. At the Garden Gin Experience, East Coast Distillery in Thorpe-le-Soken, Essex will have two distinctive gins to try, with pairing and garnish tips.

At the Good Food Market, there’s a wide range of tasty street food options, bars, coffee stops and ice cream, artisan producers with tempting food and drink to taste and take home, and live music. For an elegant addition to the day, English Heritage will be serving classic afternoon tea at a vintage spot in the heart of the Fair.

Isobel Mills, Horticultural Events Manager at Immediate Live, the organisers of BBC Gardeners’ World Autumn Fair, said: “We absolutely love celebrating the mellow autumn gardening season at beautiful Audley End. Its spectacular 17th century mansion provides a stunning backdrop to the Autumn Fair and the gardens are a treat to explore, from the restored Parterre and Kitchen Garden to the sweeping ‘Capability’ Brown landscape. With so much to see, do and learn at the Fair, visitors can be sure of finding inspiration, ideas and wonderful new plants to take home.”   

Louise Ellis, Head Gardener at Audley End House and Gardens, said: “We’re passionate gardeners and growers here, and love talking about plants! It’s a treat to share the efforts of our dedicated garden teams and volunteers with BBC Gardeners’ World Autumn Fair visitors. They’re always a lovely crowd and we can’t wait to welcome them along again in September.”

BBC Gardeners’ World Autumn Fair tickets are available at www.bbcgardenersworldfair.com, and include entry to Audley End’s grand mansion with its great hall, state rooms, dressing rooms, servants’ wing, stables and chapel, plus the organic walled Kitchen Garden, grounds, gardens, parklands and children’s play area. Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome in the grounds at no extra cost. BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine subscribers enjoy discounted tickets and exclusive access to the Subscriber Club Lounge, featuring exclusive talks from special guests, extra seating and additional refreshment options. English Heritage members also enjoy discounted tickets.

www.bbcgardenersworldfair.com

Autumn Fair 2026 is set to deliver its strongest-ever showcase of gift brands, bringing together established industry leaders, emerging designers and exclusive launches across every major gifting category.

Taking place at the NEC Birmingham from 6–9 September, Autumn Fair arrives at a pivotal moment for retailers preparing for the Golden Quarter and planning ranges for early 2027. This year, with Glee co-locating on 8–9 September, the event becomes Europe's biggest buying moment for home, gift, garden and fashion retail, bringing together more than 1,250 exhibitors, over 500,000 products and 20,000+ buyers under one roof.

The UK giftware market is estimated to be worth around £9.3 billion, reflecting consumers' continued appetite for thoughtful, personalised and experience-led gifting. Personalisation, sustainability, wellness, artisan products and premium home accessories continue to shape purchasing decisions, while retailers are increasingly seeking products that help differentiate their offer from online competitors.

With more than 25% of brands exhibiting for the first time and over 30% exhibiting exclusively at Autumn Fair, buyers can discover an unrivalled mix of newness, innovation and established bestsellers across Gift, Beauty & Wellbeing, Greeting Cards, Stationery & Wrapping, Food & Drink and Kids, Toys & Play.

Gift: Creativity, craftsmanship and commercial opportunity

The Gift destination brings together some of the sector's biggest names including Joe Davies, Lesser & Pavey, Widdop & Co, Richard Lang & Sons, Gift Republic, Kikkerland, Warmies, Gingko Design, University Games, Anjica, and Candlelight Products.

Alongside these established favourites, buyers will discover an exciting wave of new exhibitors including Puckator, CGB Giftware, Repeat Repeat, Craftstone Europe, Coaster House, Heritage Playing Cards, Portland Living, Baltus Candles, Significant Otter, JJ Vaillant, McHugs and Outdoor Collective - North Star Brands, while exclusive exhibitors such as Big Potato Games, Bubblegum Stuff, East of India, Rex London, House of Disaster, Powell Craft, Forever England, Lanka Kade, House of Marbles, Winning Moves and Light Style London make Autumn Fair the only place buyers can see them this season.

Sally Mason, Head of Sales for Professor Puzzle & Ginger Fox said: “Autumn Fair is the perfect opportunity to showcase the breadth of our portfolio and introduce retailers to our latest licensed launches. From Harry Potter to Race Across the World, we're excited to share a collection that combines innovative gameplay with some of the world's most recognisable licensing ahead of the festive season. We love seeing all our retailers in one place and having somewhere to catch up before peak.”

CHALK will unveil its new Autumn/Winter 2026 collections showcasing timeless design, premium fabrics and understated style across womenswear, menswear, childrenswear and homeware. Buyers will be among the first to discover luxurious faux fur outerwear, elevated knitwear, gifting-led baby collections and an expanded homeware range inspired by the rich tones of the British countryside.

The show also continues to champion emerging brands through its Gift Pavilion, where visitors can discover exciting newcomers including TINIT, Radiance B2B, The Candle Carousel®, Gift Candle, Celestial Irias Apothecary, Everyday Womtras™ and Tawny Owl Wood.

Beauty & Wellbeing continues its rapid growth

One of retail's fastest-growing categories, Beauty & Wellbeing continues to expand as consumers prioritise self-care, wellness and sustainable beauty products.

Returning brands including Bomb Cosmetics, The English Soap Company, Fikkerts, Best Kept Secrets and The Highland Soap Company are joined by first-time exhibitors including Nougat London, Evolve Organic Beauty, Cosy Cosmetics, and Patio Das India, showcasing everything from award-winning organic skincare and natural bath products to premium home fragrance and wellness collections.

Premium bath, body and home fragrance brand Arthur Betsy will officially unveil its complete rebrand at Autumn Fair, marking an exciting new chapter for the British wellbeing brand, while new lifestyle and gifting brand Edit Five makes its debut with bold, colourful collections.

A new destination for Food & Drink gifting

New for 2026, Autumn Fair introduces a dedicated Food & Drink destination, recognising the continued convergence of gourmet food, gifting and lifestyle retail.

Visitors will discover artisan producers and premium food gifts including Norfolk Jar Kitchen, Lakrids by Bülow, Spice Kitchen and Treat Kitchen, alongside live sampling opportunities that allow buyers to experience products first-hand before placing orders for the festive season.

Food gifting continues to grow as consumers increasingly seek premium, locally sourced and experiential products that create memorable gifting moments.

Greeting Cards and stationery remain a British retail success story

The UK remains one of the world's strongest greeting card markets, supported by continued consumer demand for premium, personalised and sustainable cards. Eco-friendly production, independent illustration and artisan publishing continue to drive growth.

Autumn Fair reflects these trends through well-known favourites including Ohh Deer, Five Dollar Shake, Paper Salad, The Art File, The Eco-Friendly Card Co, Cardgains, Collins Debden and Raspberry Blossom, alongside newcomers including Jellow Cards, Lydia Mae and the Greetings Lab Designer Showcase, introducing emerging independent publishers.

Kids, Toys & Play taps into nostalgia and collectability

The Kids, Toys & Play destination continues to evolve alongside changing consumer habits. While value remains important for families, the market is increasingly driven by licensed products, collectibles and the continued rise of the ‘kidult’ consumer, with nostalgic toys, games and plush proving particularly popular. Recent market data shows adult consumers are becoming an increasingly influential force in toy purchasing, while licensed products and collectibles continue to outperform.

Autumn Fair showcases market leaders including TY UK, unveiling its new Beanie Bouncers range, and Keel Toys, presenting the latest additions to its sustainable Keeleco collection made from 100% recycled materials. Buyers can also discover University Games, House of Marbles, Blade & Rose, JigglyBitz, Cryptic Killers, Reydon Sports, and Winning Moves, alongside exclusive brands including Lanka Kade, and Big Potato Games.

Beyond product discovery, buyers can also gain valuable commercial insight through Autumn Fair's extensive content programme, designed to help retailers navigate the trends shaping the season ahead. The new Counter Talks Stage will bring together leading retailers, buyers and industry experts to share practical advice on consumer behaviour, merchandising, social commerce, AI, marketing and profitability.

Visitors can also explore the prestigious Gift of the Year Showcase, discover tomorrow's talent through Pitch Live, connect with fellow retailers in the Greeting Card Association Lounge, and attend Retail Huddle Live for actionable strategies to drive growth in 2027.

Matthew Mein, Event Director at Autumn Fair said: “Gift retail has never been more dynamic. Consumers are looking for products that tell a story, reflect their values and create memorable experiences, whether that's through sustainable beauty, artisan food, beautifully designed stationery, nostalgic toys or innovative home accessories. Autumn Fair brings all of those trends together under one roof. With more than a quarter of our exhibitors joining us for the first time, over 30% exhibiting exclusively, and hundreds of exciting product launches across every gifting category, we're giving buyers the opportunity to discover the brands and products that will define the Golden Quarter and beyond. Whether you're looking for established bestsellers or the next big thing, Autumn Fair is where those discoveries happen.”

As retailers continue to seek products that inspire customers, encourage repeat visits and differentiate them from competitors, Autumn Fair's focus on product discovery has never been more relevant. From artisan beauty and premium food gifting to sustainable stationery, innovative toys and contemporary homeware, the show offers buyers a unique opportunity to uncover the next bestselling brands while building commercially successful ranges for the busiest trading period of the year and beyond.

Autumn Fair 2026 takes place 6–9 September 2026 at the NEC Birmingham.

Glee 2026 takes place 8–10 September 2026 at the NEC Birmingham.

For more information and to register, visit www.autumnfair.com / www.gleebirmingham.com

Gardening in the UK has always meant working with changeable weather, but the challenge is no longer limited to a late frost or a wet weekend. Longer dry spells, extreme heat, and wetter winters are placing greater pressure on gardens planned around a familiar seasonal rhythm.

The Met Office has projected that the UK is set for hotter, drier summers and warmer, wetter winters. For gardeners, the effects are already visible. Hanging baskets and pots can wilt within hours, shallow-rooted bedding plants struggle in baked soil, and plants that survive the summer may then face waterlogged ground over winter.

Experts at Haskins Garden Centres believe that the response needs to go beyond emergency watering or replacing individual plants. Gardeners should reconsider how they plan and use their outdoor spaces, taking account of their garden’s microclimate and the changing demands placed upon it.

From seasonal to weather-responsive gardening

Alasdair Urquhart, Haskins’ in-house plant expert, said: “The traditional gardening calendar is becoming less reliable. Plants are flowering earlier, prolonged dry spells are placing greater pressure on gardens, and periods of heavy rain can follow soon afterwards.

“We need to respond to the conditions in front of us rather than assuming the same seasonal advice will work every year. A plant that thrives during a hot summer may still struggle in a cold, waterlogged border over winter, so there is no single range that will solve every problem.

“Before buying anything new, look at where the sun falls, where shade remains, how the soil behaves after rain, and how much time you can realistically spend watering. The right approach will depend on your garden and how you want to use it.”

Xeriscaping for hot, sunny gardens 

For people with sunny, free-draining gardens who enjoy spending time outside in the heat, xeriscaping could offer a practical solution. Also known as water-wise landscaping, the approach combines drought-tolerant planting with careful soil preparation and more efficient water use.

Alasdair continued: “Xeriscaping does not mean covering the whole garden in gravel or trying to recreate a desert. A dry garden can still provide colour, texture, fragrance, and plenty of value for pollinators.

“Lavender, salvias, nepeta, sedum, cistus, Mexican fleabane, and ornamental grasses can all work well in a sunny, well-drained border. Once established, these plants need less frequent watering than many traditional bedding varieties.

“Planting into borders will also give roots more room to develop than keeping plants in containers. Pots and hanging baskets heat up and lose water quickly, so they require much more attention during extreme heat.”

Creating shade 

A dry garden does not suit every household, particularly for people aiming to create relaxing areas as drought-tolerant plants don’t offer much shade. For many people living in built-up areas, the priority is often creating a cooler, shaded space that offers relief from the heat, so dry gardens are less suitable.

Alasdair said: “If a courtyard or patio becomes uncomfortably hot, shade may be more valuable than a drought-tolerant garden. Maintaining an established tree, planting a suitable smaller tree or large shrub, or training climbers over a pergola can make the garden much more comfortable.

“Shade also protects the soil and slows moisture loss, creating better conditions for plants underneath. Gardeners should think carefully before removing established trees simply to bring more light into a space, as the cooling effect they provide may become increasingly important.”

Protect now and plan for autumn

During very hot weather, Alasdair recommends protecting existing plants rather than beginning major garden projects.

“Water slowly and thoroughly in the early morning, directing the water towards the roots. By prioritising new plants, pots, and hanging baskets, you’ll find that established trees, shrubs, and perennials in borders cope for longer.

“Move containers away from strong afternoon sun where possible and group them together to slow moisture loss. During periods of extreme heat, apply mulch after watering to help retain moisture, but avoid digging new borders or moving established plants until temperatures fall.

“A brown lawn may look concerning, but established grass will normally recover once rain returns. Keeping it green should not take priority over caring for young or vulnerable plants.”

Autumn offers gardeners an opportunity to make longer-term changes. Plant hardy perennials, shrubs, and suitable trees while the soil remains warm so they can establish their roots before the following summer.

Alasdair concluded: “Some gardeners will benefit from a drought-tolerant gravel garden, while others need a cooler, greener space built around shade. Many will need a combination of both.

“The important change is to stop gardening purely by the season and start responding to the garden in front of you. Planning for your own conditions will give plants a better chance and create an outdoor space that remains enjoyable as our weather changes.”

PATS 2026 will shine a spotlight on the fast-growing pet grooming sector with an expanded Grooming Zone, featuring new retailer-focused sessions and live demonstrations throughout the three-day exhibition at the NEC Birmingham on 27-29 September.

Delivered in partnership with the British Isles Grooming Association (BIGA), the dedicated Grooming Zone will bring together some of the UK's leading professional groomers to share their knowledge, techniques and industry expertise.

As more pet retailers introduce grooming salons and expand their grooming product ranges, the programme has been designed to provide practical advice and valuable commercial insights for businesses looking to make the most of this growing market.

Alongside live grooming demonstrations, BIGA will host a dedicated programme of retailer-focused sessions aimed at helping visitors sell grooming products with greater confidence. The talks will cover everything from understanding different coat types and selecting the right products to welfare-led grooming practices and building customer loyalty through expert advice.

The sessions are designed to equip retail teams with the knowledge and confidence to have informed conversations with customers, helping them recommend the right products and strengthen in-store expertise.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to watch professional groomers in action, showcasing techniques, styling tips and finishing touches.

BIGA is a not-for-profit trade association run by groomers, for groomers, and is an associate member of the Canine and Feline Sector Group (CFSG). Its commitment to raising professional standards and promoting best practice ensures the Grooming Zone will deliver authoritative, practical content throughout the event.

For the full Grooming Zone programme, visit: https://bit.ly/4fnpgNJ

More reasons to visit PATS 2026

The Grooming Zone is just one of the many attractions awaiting visitors at PATS 2026, which once again takes place alongside BETA International.

Other highlights include:

• Hosted Buyer Programme (NEW)
• International Pavilion (NEW)
• Drop-In Clinic (NEW)
• New Product Showcase and Awards
• New Starter Zone
• Aquatics Zone
• Unrivalled show offers and competitions

With hundreds of exhibitors, thousands of new products and a packed programme of business-focused features, PATS 2026 continues to be the UK's leading trade exhibition for the pet and aquatics industry.

Visitor registration is now open at http://bit.ly/4hyn5rR with free admission available to qualifying trade professionals. For more information about PATS 2026, including a full list of exhibitors, visit www.patshow.co.uk

BHETA is set to host an exclusive webinar on 2nd September at 2.30pm, welcoming back Tesco’s Lead Packaging Manager, Paul Earnshaw, to share the retailer’s latest packaging strategy, sustainability priorities, and key updates for suppliers.

The webinar will provide valuable insight into Tesco’s current packaging requirements, including an update on its “Red / Amber / Green” packaging status framework and what this means in practice for companies supplying the retailer.

Paul will outline the thinking behind Tesco’s approach to packaging, highlight recent developments, and explain how businesses can align their packaging strategies with the retailer’s evolving expectations around sustainability and compliance.

The session will conclude with a live Q&A, giving attendees the opportunity to put their questions directly to Paul and gain practical guidance on Tesco’s packaging priorities.

BHETA’s General Manager, Steve Richardson, commented: “This webinar offers an important opportunity for businesses to better understand retailer expectations, stay ahead of changing packaging requirements, and ensure their strategies support future sustainability goals.”

To register to the event, visit https://www.bheta.co.uk/events/tesco-s-packaging-ambitions-and-targets-2026.

The International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) has extended the deadline for entries to the AIPH International Grower of the Year (IGOTY) Awards 2027, giving ornamental production businesses around the world until Sunday 27 September 2026 to showcase their achievements and gain international recognition.

For more than 15 years, the IGOTY Awards have celebrated the businesses setting the benchmark for the global industry. Previous winners and finalists have ranged from long-established family nurseries to internationally recognised producers, all sharing a commitment to continuous improvement, quality production, and responsible business practices.

Tim Briercliffe, Secretary General of AIPH, said: "Every grower has a story worth telling. Whether it's investing in people, embracing new technology, improving sustainability, or building a resilient business, the International Grower of the Year Awards recognise the commitment and innovation that drive our industry forward."

An IGOTY Award offers more than international recognition. Finalists and winners benefit from global promotion through AIPH, FloraCulture International, and supporting media partners, helping to strengthen their reputation with customers, suppliers, retailers, and industry peers.

"Entering the Awards is an opportunity to step back and recognise everything your business has achieved,” Briercliffe added. “Every nursery has its own journey, and the judging process looks beyond commercial success to the innovation, sustainability, and people that make each business exceptional. We encourage growers who may have been considering an entry to make the most of this additional time."

The Awards recognise excellence across three production categories:

• Finished Plants & Trees
• Young Plants
• Cut Flowers & Bulbs

Entrants may also choose to be considered for the Sustainability Award, while one overall winner will receive the prestigious Gold Rose, awarded to the AIPH International Grower of the Year 2027.

Entries for the AIPH International Grower of the Year Awards 2027 will now close on Sunday 27 September 2026.

Following submission, entries will be assessed by an international panel of industry experts against five key criteria:

• Economic performance
• Innovation
• Market orientation
• Environmental standards
• Human resource policy

Growers can find full details of the Awards, eligibility requirements, and the online entry form on the AIPH Website.

For entry enquiries, contact events@aiph.org.

The Journées des Plantes de Chantilly will return to the grounds of the Château de Chantilly from 9 to 11 October 2026 for a new season bursting with colour. This 22nd edition brings together more than 200 exhibitors, including nurserymen, horticulturists, landscape designers, artists and craftspeople, who will present a wealth of plants, tools and creations specially selected for this pivotal moment in the gardening year. This welcoming event offers inspiration, plants and expert advice to help visitors prepare their gardens for the colder months and ensure a flourishing spring.

For its 22nd edition, inspired by the theme Botanical Symphonies, the Journées des Plantes de Chantilly will celebrate the dialogue between music and the garden — two art forms composed with the same meticulous attention to rhythm, proportion and harmony.

Exhibitors will each play their own part in this composition, combining heights, textures and colours, creating contrasts and open spaces like silences in a musical score. Together, these elements invite visitors to see their gardens anew and discover the melodies hidden within them.

With the support of William Christie, founder of the Les Arts Florissants ensemble and a key figure in the Baroque music revival, the theme takes on a new dimension. The American- born conductor, now a French citizen, has spent more than three decades creating the remarkable garden at Thiré, in the Vendée, inspired by the formal gardens of the Grand Siècle, and awarded the prestigious Jardin remarquable seal of approval. For Christie, music and gardening flourish side by side: conducting an ensemble and designing a garden both require a finely tuned sense of harmony, a sure hand and the perfect accord of each part within the whole.

“Historically, gardens have always been places of pleasure. From Antiquity to the hortus conclusus, and from the Renaissance through to the seventeenth century, they have been seen as refuges where people could enjoy the finest things in life. Music has always been one of those pleasures, so it is perfectly natural to bring the two together," said William.

Information and online ticketing: https://journeesdesplantesdechantilly.fr/

The first RHS Sandringham Flower Show opened last week with two awards chosen and presented by Their Majesties The King and Queen celebrating biodiversity.

The King’s Biodiversity Award celebrates outstanding horticulture and the importance of biodiverse spaces and was awarded to Mindful Chef’s Gathering by His Majesty King Charles III shortly after the show opened to the public. The garden is designed by Sophie Godber and is inspired by a traditional orchard. Its naturalistic and edible planting showcases the importance of creating habitats that support pollinators, birds and insects. The garden’s details echo the ethos that food growing, biodiversity and community go hand in hand. The designer hopes to showcase how neighbours can work together to create connected habitats by looking beyond the garden fence.

The Pollinator Patch by Whissonsett and District Horticultural Society and Gardening Club received The Queen’s Choice of Upcycled Containers. Designed for bees, the Upcycled Container features bee-friendly plants in an old beehive composter. The Queen Bee by Ingoldisthorpe Church of England Primary School also received a special award from The Queen for its planter which celebrates the majestic queen bee.

Designed as a nod to an old library and in celebration of the 90th anniversary of RNIB talking books, RNIB Talking Books Garden by Paul Hervey-Brookes has been presented with Best Show Garden, Best Construction for a Show Garden, and a Gold Medal. Jo Thompson, Chair of the Judging Panel described the garden as: “A highly accomplished garden that clearly conveys the history of RNIB talking books. Visitors will enjoy walking through this atmospheric space with its naturalistic planting and its nods to library spaces.”

In the Grow Forward Gardens, a category that looks to the future by showcasing gardens that improve landscapes and help mitigate climate change, The Rhythm of Rainwater by Anthony Purdy also took home the hattrick of Best Grow Forward Garden, Best Construction, and a Gold Medal.

The Rhythm of Rainwater by Anthony Purdy explores how rainwater can be used to mitigate water shortages. Commenting on the design, Jo Thompson said: “An exquisite jewel of a garden that clearly conveys the story through many clever and charming details. It shows visitors what can be achieved in a small space and demonstrates innovative ideas for water capture.” 

Best Long Border was awarded to Tough as Old Boots Garden by James Horne and Zac Willitts, and Roualeyn Fuchsias took home Best Exhibit in the Floral Marquee.

See GTN Xtra's photos from RHS Sandringham Flower Show below featuring a great display of Mint plants that could inspire more sales at retail, a childrens gardening book called Gardenland The Peas and Carrot Party Shake-Up and a producer of plantable greetings cards; Hannah Marchant.

David J. C. Austin died at his Shropshire home, surrounded by his family at the age of 67. He had been diagnosed with Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD), a rare and incurable neurological condition.

David joined the family business in Albrighton, Shropshire, in 1990, as his father, the late David C. H. Austin, was gaining wider recognition for his work in breeding English Roses. He went on to lead the business for more than three decades, driving its growth and transformation from a specialist nursery into a globally recognised name among rose lovers. Throughout his leadership, the creation of beautiful, fragrant roses was always central to the business he built.

David’s children, Richard, James and Olivia, said: “First and foremost, Dad was a gardener. That was at the heart of who he was. He carried our grandfather’s vision with humility and an unwavering sense of responsibility, always putting the roses, the family business and its people before himself. He was kind and modest, with a playful spirit, a sense of adventure and a real enjoyment of life. He faced his illness with the same courage and dignity that he brought to life. Above all, he was our Dad, and words cannot express how much we will miss him. We couldn’t be more proud of him.”

The Austin family would like to thank everyone who cared for David and supported them during his illness.

David Austin Roses continues under its experienced leadership team, working closely with the next generation of the Austin family, and we are as committed as ever to serving our partners and rose lovers around the world.

Frank P Matthews, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of ornamental and fruit trees, has been granted a Royal Warrant by Appointment to His Majesty King Charles III.

Based in Tenbury Wells, Worcestershire, the fourth-generation, family-run nursery produces over one million trees each year, supplying customers across the UK, including the Royal Household.

The Royal Warrant recognises the company’s longstanding commitment to excellence, quality and service, following more than eight years of supplying trees to the Royal Estates.

This prestigious honour reflects decades of dedication to growing exceptional ornamental and fruit trees, underpinned by deep horticultural expertise and a strong commitment to sustainability.

“Receiving the Royal Warrant is a great privilege for us all at FPM. Our motivation has always been to grow quality trees and provide a high level of customer service and this award will encourage us to further maintain and improve on these very same endeavours for the future," said Nick Dunn, Director and grantee of the Royal Warrant.

The Royal Warrant is a mark of recognition for companies that have supplied goods or services to the Royal Household for at least five years, demonstrating outstanding service, quality, and reliability.

Frank P Matthews will proudly display the Royal Warrant as a symbol of its heritage, expertise and ongoing commitment to excellence in horticulture, in what marks a fitting celebration alongside its 125th anniversary.

As consumers embrace seasonal styling beyond spring and summer, Mims is encouraging retailers to rethink their autumn pottery displays and capitalise on one of the fastest-growing home and garden trends.

While spring has traditionally been the key season for refreshing outdoor spaces, today's consumers are increasingly decorating for every season. The rise of Halloween, cosy interiors, autumn entertaining and festive styling has created demand for products that help transform both indoor and outdoor spaces with warm, seasonal colour palettes.

For garden centres, pottery is perfectly placed to help customers achieve the look. Rich terracottas, warm bronzes, burnt oranges and weathered finishes complement the colours of the season while providing the ideal backdrop for autumn planting, whether that's heucheras, chrysanthemums, cyclamen, ornamental grasses or evergreen shrubs that continue into winter.

Capturing the colours of the season

Recognising this shift in consumer tastes, Mims offers a number of collections that tap directly into today's autumn colour trends, while giving retailers the flexibility to create displays that suit their available space, customer profile and budget.

Leading the range is the new Lancaster Collection, whose distinctive ombré glaze reflects the seasonal transition from the soft greens of late summer through to golden autumn hues. Available in four sizes and three complementary colourways, the collection enables retailers to create eye-catching displays with depth and variety, while encouraging customers to mix different sizes and colours to complete the look.

The Radiance Collection also embraces warm seasonal tones, with sunset-inspired ombré finishes available across bowls, vases and planters. Supplied in convenient mixed pallets of 19 sets, retailers can introduce a coordinated collection without committing to large quantities of individual lines, making it easy to trial new trends while maintaining an inspiring, varied display.

Meanwhile, the new Bolton Collection reflects the growing popularity of aged, natural finishes.  Featuring a richly textured bronze patina with darker weathered detailing, the collection delivers the appearance of time-worn stone and pairs beautifully with the earthy planting combinations synonymous with autumn. Available as an 18-set Mix & Match option or as pallets of 36 sets, Bolton gives retailers the freedom to tailor their range to local demand while creating a cohesive display with broad customer appeal.

Alongside these contemporary collections, Mims' extensive terracotta range remains an autumn favourite. Available in a wide choice of shapes and sizes, retailers can build a bespoke terracotta offering that reflects both their available retail space and customer preferences. Flexible ordering options, including Mix & Match selections, make it simple to create commercially balanced displays that combine timeless appeal with strong sales potential.

Creating displays that inspire

Mimi Milne, Managing Director of Mims, said:"We're seeing consumers treat autumn as another opportunity to refresh their homes and gardens, rather than simply preparing for winter. People are investing in seasonal planting, updating entranceways and creating warm, welcoming outdoor spaces that reflect the colours of the season.

"For retailers, pottery is one of the easiest ways to capture that trend. By combining different colours, finishes and sizes, it's possible to create inspirational displays that encourage customers to imagine how these products could transform their own homes and gardens."

Find out more

Retailers looking to refresh their autumn pottery offering can speak to the Mims team about creating a tailored display that reflects seasonal trends, available retail space and local customer demand. With flexible ordering options, nationwide merchandising support and one of the UK's broadest pottery collections, Mims helps retailers create displays that inspire customers throughout every season.

For more information, email sales@mimspottery.com, call 0141 336 4970 or visit www.mimspottery.com.

In response to the announcement that pubs, clubs and live music venues will see their business rates cut, Fran Barnes, Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) Chief Executive, said:

“The Chancellor’s recognition that the cost of doing business is as serious as the cost of living is a welcome step change; however, the Prime Minister’s announcement for business rates cuts for pubs, clubs and live music venues must extend to retail and leisure venues like our member garden centres, which play a critical role in their local communities. While short-term support for specific sectors will provide some immediate relief, the Prime Minister must focus on fixing the wider business rates system in its entirety.”

“If we are serious about supporting UK business, then reducing VAT in hospitality, which is far higher in the UK than in Europe, is needed. This would give our member businesses operating cafés and restaurants significantly more breathing space, which will in turn drive investment, increase spending power, and boost growth. Now is the time to back British business. The Prime Minister must seize the opportunity.”

GTN July-August 2026. In this issue: Kilimanjaro – in the climbers’ words, A new chapter for garden retail at APAC, Dragons at Floral Fantasia, Two shows one visit – Glee & Autumn Fair, Andy Bunker tribute, National Garden Scheme sales opportunities, GTN’s Greatest Restaurant & Food Hall Garden Centre Team Awards, Garden timber with provenance from Jagram, GTN’s SOLEX review, Dedication to trees at Frank P Matthews, Restaurants – a strategic asset, Green innovations – GTN Planteria, SOLEX 2026 a show to remember – LOFA viewpoint, Water resilience – HTA viewpoint.

Your customers will be the judges of Greatness.

As customer service and customer satisfaction are the keys to the ongoing success of garden centre catering, especially during this difficult summer, the winners of The Greatest Restaurant & Food Hall Team awards will be decided by the number and quality of customer votes your teams receive before the closing date of September 1st 2026.

Your customers can vote online by scanning the QR codes below or you can get them to vote in store and then send completed voting forms to the GTN office for counting.

To get your customers voting, all you have to do is download the voting posters and voting forms artwork later this week and display them in your restaurant, coffee shop and Food Hall.  In the meantime you could be adding the voting links into your websites and social media pages.

GTN's Greatest Restaurant Team Awards Voting QR Code

GTN's Greatest Food Hall Team Awards Voting QR Code

As well as overall Greatest Restaurant & Food Hall Team Awards for different sizes of garden centre catering operations there will be regional awards too.  What better way to promote your Food & Drink offerings during the Autumn than with a GTN Greatest Awards win, especially as it will be thanks to your customers.

Customer voting is live now and runs until midnight on Tuesday 1st September, when the votes will be counted in readiness for the presentations at Glee.

Do you have The Greatest Tantalising Garden Centre Menu?

This year, we are looking for the garden centre team that has created the most Tantalising Menu to attract new customers and to keep regulars coming back for more.  if you believe your team currently have The Greatest Tantalising Garden Centre Menu then send a copy of the menu with a brief explanation as to the rationale and success of the menu to: trevor@pottingshedpress.co.uk.

The menus will be judged by a panel of experts and the winners announced on the “Feed Your Business Stage” at Glee.

The deadline for menu entries is Tuesday 1st September. You could also send a short video too!