The new GET OFF Paws Away range has hit the market and retailers across the UK are already giving it a big thumbs-up. Early feedback shows strong confidence in the range’s effectiveness, standout branding, and consumer appeal, marking a powerful new moment for one of the UK’s most trusted names in pet behaviour management and outdoor cleanliness.

Sipcam Home & Garden launched GET OFF Paws Away earlier in the year, bringing a fresh evolution of the iconic GET OFF brand, known for helping households keep unwanted mess, habits, and garden disruptions under control. With non-toxic, ready to use solutions designed for modern pet owners, the new range continues the GET OFF promise: cleaner spaces, happier homes, and stress-free outdoor living.

Love pets. Hate the mess? We get it!

The GET OFF Paws Away range features new standout branding designed to grab attention in a busy and competitive category. Each product provides pet lovers a problem-solving solution to common pet training issues with ready to use spray bottle ideal for busy family life. The refreshed range provides pet retailers with a great opportunity to drive sales with high-impact shelf appeal and proven performance.

Lawn Rescue keeps lawns looking lush, green, and scorch-free. Lawn Rescue prevents lawn scorching, revives tired grass, and is completely non-toxic - a must-have for pet-friendly gardens.

Outdoor Wash Off Cleaner & Neutraliser maintains a clean and odour-free garden. It effectively washes away stains and neutralises smells, helping to keep outdoor spaces fresh and inviting. It also discourages pets from repeat soiling. 

As a similar solution but for the home, Indoor Wash Off Cleaner & Neutraliser is perfect for indoor use. This product washes away stains, conquers odours, and deters repeat soiling, making it ideal for homes with pets.

Finally, Chew Stoppa protects furniture and household items from pet damage. Chew Stoppa deters biting and chewing with a non-toxic formula, helping to keep homes intact and stress-free.

Vibrant design. Great Value

With refreshed packaging and promotional messaging highlighting at least 50% extra free, the Paws Away range offers exceptional value and is designed to stand out on the shop floor. 

Paws Away is already proving a hit with retailers nationwide, now’s the time to secure your stock and meet growing customer demand.

Contact the Sipcam Home & Garden team today to discuss the next steps – enquiries@sipcamhg.co.uk.

GIMA has announced the launch of Gardenex, its dedicated international trade service, designed to support international trade, strengthen commercial connections and create new opportunities for businesses operating across the global garden sector.

Designed to complement GIMA's existing programme of member services, Gardenex will provide a platform for businesses looking to explore new markets, build valuable partnerships and engage with buyers and suppliers from around the world.

Supporting international growth and connectivity

The launch comes at a time when international engagement is becoming increasingly important across the garden sector. Recent initiatives, including international Buyer Connect events with organisations such as BOL, Walmart and Arrett have highlighted growing demand for opportunities that help businesses connect with new markets and trading partners.

Led by international trade specialist Eleanor Wigram, who brings more than 25 years of experience supporting businesses operating in international markets, Gardenex – International Trade Service of GIMA will provide practical guidance, market insight and valuable introductions, helping businesses navigate the complexities of international trade with confidence.

Building global opportunities for members

Martin Ward, Director of GIMA, said: "The launch of Gardenex represents an important expansion of our member offering and our commitment to supporting international business development across the garden sector. Through Gardenex, we are creating a platform that helps businesses make connections, identify opportunities and access the support they need to trade successfully in an increasingly global marketplace.

"This is about creating value for members, strengthening international relationships and ensuring the garden industry remains visible, competitive and connected worldwide."

Eleanor Wigram added: "The opportunities for growth through international trade are significant, but success often depends on having access to the right knowledge, contacts and support network. That's where Gardenex - International Trade Service of GIMA can make a real difference.

"Our role is to help businesses build meaningful relationships, open doors to new opportunities and navigate international markets with greater confidence, regardless of where they are on their growth journey."

Through Gardenex members will benefit from a growing range of international trade support services designed to help businesses explore new markets, build valuable connections and identify opportunities for growth across both import and export. Support will include access to specialist expertise, market insight, buyer engagement opportunities and practical guidance, helping businesses navigate international trade with greater confidence.

Beyond supporting businesses looking to develop international trade opportunities, Gardenex – International Trade Service of GIMA, will also act as a gateway for overseas buyers seeking innovative products, trusted suppliers and new commercial partnerships. Through tailored introductions, networking opportunities and access to key industry information, the service will help strengthen commercial relationships and facilitate new business opportunities across international markets.

Canadian retail Lee Valley to headline first Gardenex buyer event

One of the first initiatives under Gardenex will be a dedicated Meet the Buyer event with leading Canadian retailer Lee Valley, taking place on 16th July 2026.

Established in 1978, Lee Valley is a family-owned business with a strong reputation for quality, operating a successful mail-order and ecommerce business alongside 19 premium retail stores across Canada, from British Columbia to Nova Scotia. With an established track record of sourcing products internationally, the business is actively seeking innovative new suppliers and product opportunities.

The event will provide GIMA members with a unique opportunity to engage directly with key decision-makers, explore potential opportunities and gain valuable insight into the Canadian market.

Businesses interested in participating should register their interest by emailing International@gima.org.uk.

Glee – International Buyers Lounge

The long-standing strategic partnership between GIMA and Glee continues to go from strength to strength, with Gardenex set to manage and host the International Buyers Lounge at Glee 2026.

Complementing the ever-growing GIMA Village, which will once again form a central hub within the exhibition, the International Buyers Lounge will provide a dedicated space for suppliers and buyers from across international markets to connect, explore opportunities and develop new commercial relationships. A programme of hosted meetings and networking opportunities will facilitate valuable introductions, helping businesses unlock new opportunities and build meaningful international connections.

The initiative forms part of a wider commitment from both GIMA and Glee to support growth across the garden sector, creating a platform where suppliers can engage directly with influential buyers from key global markets.

Matthew Mein, Event Director of Glee and Autumn Fair, said: "Our partnership with GIMA has always been focused on creating meaningful opportunities for exhibitors and visitors alike. The addition of Gardenex and the International Buyers Lounge further strengthens Glee's position as a gateway to both UK and international markets. By bringing together quality suppliers and buyers from around the world, we're helping to create the connections that drive long-term business growth and support the continued success of our industry."

Martin Ward added: "Glee has long been an important platform for bringing the industry together, and the International Buyers Lounge represents a natural extension of the work being undertaken through Gardenex - International Trade Service of GIMA. It creates an environment where meaningful conversations can take place, relationships can develop and new commercial opportunities can emerge for businesses and buyers from across the global garden industry."

Find out more

With plans already underway for further international Buyer Connect events and the Gardenex International Buyers Lounge at Glee 2026, the launch of Gardenex – International Trade Service of GIMA marks a significant expansion of GIMA's support offering, creating new opportunities for businesses to connect, trade and grow within an increasingly international marketplace.

For more information about Gardenex and upcoming international trade opportunities, contact GIMA by visiting www.gima.org.uk, calling +44 (0)1959 581783 or emailing international@gima.org.uk

Honeyfields, the wild bird food brand from WHM Pet, has unveiled a major rebrand, designed to boost on-shelf standout, simplify shopper choice and unlock stronger retail performance.

Backed by extensive market research and rooted in a bird health-first philosophy, the new Honeyfields Simply Range is built to work harder in-store - delivering clearer navigation, stronger visual impact and improved margin potential.

At the heart of the relaunch is a new brand positioning; putting bird health first to Rewild Your World, taps into rising consumer demand for nature-led lifestyles. Feeding birds is repositioned from a routine purchase to a bird-health conscious, rewarding, feel-good experience - driving stronger shopper engagement, longer dwell time and higher purchase intent.

The refreshed packaging has been engineered to cut through on shelf and simplify decision-making. A cleaner, more contemporary look is paired with single-minded product claims and a more intuitive pack architecture - helping shoppers find the right product, fast.

Added-value features, including a feeding and hygiene guide and a QR code linking to the Honeyfields Discover hub that shares seasonal feeding tips and insights for feeding responsibly, helping to build trust and encourage repeat purchase.

The full range has been streamlined to remove duplication while maintaining choice across species, feeding occasions and budgets.

Leading the relaunch is the new Honeyfields Simply Range: Bird Health First - a premium collection spanning key subcategories including seed mixes, straights, suets and treats.

“We have developed the Honeyfields Simply Range and designed feed and feeders to help consumers create thriving natural environments for garden birds all year round,” said Sarah Kitson, Head of Marketing at Honeyfields.

“But we actually go beyond just providing wild bird food; our foods and feeding strategies put bird health first to help them flourish, wherever they are and whatever the season.

“Our new branding and messaging support shopper navigation making it easier for bird lovers to invite the beauty and vitality of wild birds into their everyday life. Our aim is to make feeding wild birds accessible, from urban environments to the wilds of the countryside we want everyone to connect with nature and enjoy their beauty and song, whilst maintaining a strong focus on education to support responsible feeding.”

For retailers looking to strengthen their wild bird proposition, simplify range management and drive premium sales, Honeyfields’ new chapter offers a compelling proposition.

The rebrand is backed by a targeted channel strategy and comprehensive support, including:

• Strong margin structures and competitive pricing
• Introductory stocking incentives 
• National and bespoke promotional activity 
• Category management expertise 
• Staff training support 

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

Woodmansterne, a third-generation family-run publisher, has become a Certified B Corporation, independently accredited by B Lab, with a score of 95.5. Joining a global collective of businesses who meet the most rigorous standards of social and environmental performance.

With this certification, retailers and consumers can be sure that when they choose a Woodmansterne card, their messages of love, care and encouragement are clothed in a card produced by a company that looks after the environment, cares for its staff and contributes to the community, to an exceptional degree.

“Care has always shaped this business,” said Rhiannon Pryce-Lewis, Operations Director at Woodmansterne. “Not just in the cards we produce, but in how we operate, the materials we use, the suppliers we work with and the impact we have on people and the planet.” 

For Woodmansterne, the certification reflects a long history of quiet but thoughtful decisions across the business, such as:

• Using FSC-certified paper since 1998 and producing fully recyclable greeting cards in the UK printed with vegetable-based inks, no glitter and envelopes made from 100% recycled paper
• Developing our Smart Seal, a paper-based alternative to plastic sleeves, helping remove 55 tonnes of single-use plastic from the supply chain in the first year of implementation alone. 
• Reducing Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 22.6% between 2024 and 2025 through smarter operations at its BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rated Magna Park facility. 
• Continuing to invest in employee wellbeing, ethical supply chains and community initiatives, raising more than £207,000 for charity partners in 2025.

Woodmansterne hasn’t always made a lot of noise about it but has always felt keenly that it’s important to do things the right way.

Seth Woodmansterne, Managing Director and grandson of Woodmansterne's founder, added: "For more than 70 years, this business has been built on the belief that doing things responsibly and building a successful business should go hand in hand. We're incredibly proud to have gone through this rigorous process and passed. I reckon my grandparents would recognise the same values and be very proud of our progress."

B Corp™ certification is a foundation, not a finish line. Woodmansterne is working towards a climate action plan covering all three emission scopes and looks forward to sharing the next set of targets and progress over the coming months.

“We're proud of the progress we've made, but we're not standing still. The impact assessment for B Corporation gave us a framework to properly measure our impact, and then move forward to set meaningful targets, and continue improving,” commented Adam Osborne, Development Director.

Timber garden furniture and outdoor leisure specialist Zest is celebrating after P&A Group officially achieved B Corp certification.  

Zest, which is part of North Wales-based P&A Group, supplies award-winning timber garden products to retailers across the UK and Ireland. The certification marks an important milestone for the Group and reinforces Zest’s commitment to responsible business, sustainable thinking and creating positive value for customers, suppliers, communities, and the environment.

B Corps are businesses that believe business can and should be a force for good.  While remaining commercial businesses, they commit to balancing profit with purpose and making decisions that take account of their wider impact.  B Corp certification is awarded to businesses that meet high standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. The assessment looks at areas including governance, workers, community, environment, and customers.

Managing Director, Andrew Baker commented, “This is a significant milestone for us as a business and something we should all be proud of. Becoming a B Corp means we have been independently assessed and verified as meeting high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability.  It recognises that we are committed to doing business in a way that considers our people, our customers, our suppliers, our communities and the planet, not just profit.”

Zest joins a growing community of B Corps in the UK and globally. The UK is home to thousands of B Corps across sectors including manufacturing, retail, food and drink, professional services, and consumer brands, including well-known names such as Innocent, The Guardian and Abel & Cole.  

Andrew added, “Certification was not a quick tick-box exercise. It required rigorous independent verification and challenged us to look closely at how we operate across the business.

“We chose to pursue B Corp certification because it fits with who we want to be as a company. Our purpose is to build a progressive and sustainable group of businesses that people choose to work with and work for, creating positive impact for our people, our partners, our communities, and the environment.  For Zest, this certification reinforces our commitment to developing products and partnerships in a way that considers quality, value, sustainability, and long-term impact. It also gives customers, suppliers, employees, and future employee’s confidence in who we are and what we stand for.

“This has taken a lot of work from people across the business, and I want to say a sincere thank you to everyone who has contributed, whether directly through the assessment and evidence gathering, or through the day-to-day work that made certification possible. Achieving certification is a fantastic milestone, but it is not the end point. It gives us a framework for continuous improvement and will help us keep challenging ourselves to operate in a responsible and sustainable way.”

Zest Outdoor Living was established in 2005 and supplies high-quality, sustainable timber garden products to garden centres, online retailers, builders’ merchants and major purchasing groups across the UK. Its range includes outdoor entertaining products, grow your own, decorative garden structures and garden furniture.  The B Corp certification applies across P&A Group and its divisions, including Zest, P&A Pallets and The Woodworks Garden Centre and Café, based in Flintshire North Wales. 

For more information about Zest and its award-winning outdoor leisure products, visit: www.zestoutdoorliving.co.uk

NOMA Garden Lighting's Lume collection has been named Best Garden and Outdoor Lighting at the prestigious Ideal Home Awards, recognising our innovative approach to transforming outdoor spaces through exceptional lighting design and technology.

Lume sets a new standard in outdoor lighting, combining elegant design with advanced engineering to bring the warmth, ambience, and sophistication of interior lighting into exterior environments. The award recognises our ability to redefine how gardens, patios, courtyards, terraces, and outdoor dining spaces are experienced after dark.

At the heart of the collection is our proprietary Magbulb technology, which combines outstanding colour quality, energy efficiency, and long-lasting durability. Unlike conventional outdoor lighting, which can often appear harsh or purely functional, Magbulb produces a rich, warm spectrum of light that closely replicates the comfort and atmosphere of premium indoor lighting.

The result is an outdoor lighting experience that feels inviting, sophisticated and thoughtfully designed. By accurately revealing the natural colours and textures of plants, materials and architectural features, Lume enables homeowners, landscape designers and architects to create outdoor spaces that remain vibrant and welcoming long after sunset.

The Lume collection has been meticulously designed to blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor living. Featuring clean lines, premium finishes and timeless proportions, each luminaire complements a broad range of architectural styles, from contemporary homes to traditional garden settings. At the same time, every fixture is engineered to withstand moisture, UV exposure, and changing weather conditions, ensuring long-term performance without compromising aesthetics.

Commenting on the award win, Frank Kaminski, Director of NOMA & NGL, said: "We are incredibly proud that Lume has been recognised with the Best Garden and Outdoor Lighting Award at the Ideal Home Awards. From the outset, our ambition was to challenge the perception of outdoor lighting by creating a range that delivers the same warmth, comfort and visual quality people expect from their interior spaces. Lume, represents years of innovation, design and engineering, and this award is a fantastic endorsement of that vision.

Outdoor living has become an increasingly important extension of the home, and we believe lighting plays a critical role in shaping those experiences. To receive this recognition from such a respected authority as Ideal Home is a tremendous achievement for the entire team."

Additional Recognition at the Ideal Home Awards

NOMA Garden Lighting and our associated brands at LeisureGrow were also recognised across multiple categories:

• Best Gas BBQ – Highly Recommended for the Sanctuary Outdoor Kitchen
• Best Outdoor Sofa – Highly Recommended for Laguna by LG Outdoor
• Best Garden Innovation – Highly Recommended for Magbulb by NOMA Garden Lighting

These accolades further reinforce our commitment to delivering innovative, high-quality products that enhance outdoor living and gardening experiences. NOMA Garden Lighting is a subsidiary of LeisureGrow Products LTD - www.leisuregrow.com

Alexa Blackmore, assistant manager of Brimsmore Gardens in Yeovil, has now raised over £12,000 for Greenfingers Charity, which creates therapeutic outdoor spaces for children's hospices across the UK, as she makes her final preparations to climb Mount Kilimanjaro next month.

Naomi and Jacks in Winchester, which provides expert care for seriously ill babies, children and young adults, will be the recipient of the money, so it can replace its small paved area with a vibrant and fully accessible outdoor space.

As well as receiving sponsorship through a JustGiving page for the 10-day Mount Kilimanjaro trek, Alexa has also held fundraising events at Brimsmore Gardens, which is part of The Gardens Group, including quiz nights, family events and restaurant specials. Alexa will be embarking on the zero-luxury adventure with 22 people from the gardening industry around the UK. Collectively the team aims to raise £200,000 to cover the cost of the Naomi and Jacks hospice garden.

Alexa Blackmore explains: “This is by far the biggest challenge of my life, and it has been an incredible journey so far with the hardest part still to come. Mike and Louise, owners of The Gardens Group, have been so supportive, and I would like to thank them for allowing me time to take this on. I am blown away by the generosity of family, friends, and colleagues, who have sponsored me. The benefits of fresh air, green spaces and plants are well documented, so to be part of bringing such a space to Naomi and Jacks in Winchester for the families to enjoy, is such a privilege.”

Alexa will begin the Mount Kilimanjaro trek on Wednesday 10 June, trekking the Lemosho route, the longest and most scenic route, spanning five distinct climate zones.

Sponsorship donations can be made at justgiving.com/page/alexasarahkilimanjarogreenfingers and each of The Gardens Group’s garden centres continue to collect donations at the tills.

For more information about the wonderful work that Greenfingers Charity does and how to help them create more outdoor spaces for children’s hospices, please visit www.greenfingerscharity.org.uk

GTN May-June 2026 - Summer Showroom Special. In this issue: Small but mighty Fakenham Garden Centre, Glee Roadshow 2026 – the industry gathers, Celebrations and trends at Chelsea, J-Class Moongate redefines outdoor structures, Making Napoleon famous, Comfort and joy from Bramblecrest, GTN’s Summer Showroom Special over 17 pages, GTN’s Summer Showroom Directory 2026, Grass expertise from DLF and Johnsons Lawn Seed, LeisureGrow open for business, Welcome to Westland’s brand-new showroom, Introducing Royal Garden UK, Plant show round up for Summer 2026, Food allergy awareness and safety - New GTN series, Create an experience - Adapt or Die, Floral Spectacular at Chelsea - GTN Planteria, Keeping Garden Furniture moving - LOFA Viewpoint, Putting on a show - HTA Viewpoint.

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Bents Garden & Home is set to unleash a Jurassic-sized adventure, transporting visitors back in time with the arrival of Dinosaurs in the Hidden Garden, launching from 1st July and offering roarsome experiences throughout the school holidays.

Families can look forward to an exciting new and unforgettable outdoor activity as giant dinosaurs take over the pathways of Bents Hidden Garden. Set within these unique surroundings, the trail promises a prehistoric journey filled with discovery, exploration and surprises around every corner.

Visitors will be invited to follow the trail through the gardens, where they will encounter life-sized dinosaurs nestled within the landscape, creating the feeling of stepping into a lost world hidden in plain sight.

These towering prehistoric creatures are brought to life with realistic movements and sounds, creating a truly immersive experience and an exciting adventure for children and adults alike. Interactive activity tents will be located along the way, providing visitors with the opportunity to learn more about the dinosaurs they encounter on their journey.

Says Matthew Bent, Managing Director at Bents Garden & Home: “We’re incredibly excited to welcome these incredible dinosaurs to our Hidden Garden this summer! It’s a fantastic opportunity to bring something truly special to families during the school holidays. The hidden nature of our garden makes it the perfect setting for a prehistoric adventure, and we can’t wait for visitors to explore and discover what’s lurking along the trail.”

The experience will offer a fun and engaging day out for children and adults alike, combining outdoor exploration with imaginative play in a safe and family-friendly environment. 

Dinosaurs in the Hidden Garden opens at Bents on Wednesday 1st July and will be in residence until Sunday 6th September. Ticketing information can be found at bents.co.uk

Autumn Fair has announced the return of its highly anticipated Little Black Book for 2026, a redesigned premium buyer guide created to help retailers navigate the show smarter, discover emerging brands faster and stay ahead of the trends shaping the busiest trading season of the year.

Available exclusively to pre-registered buyers attending Autumn Fair 2026, the refreshed guide has been developed as a practical tool for time-poor retailers looking to maximise every minute onsite at the NEC Birmingham from 6–9 September.

More than just a show directory, this year’s Little Black Book has been reworked to reflect the realities of modern retail buying, helping visitors efficiently shortlist suppliers, identify commercially relevant content sessions and discover products expected to become key sellers ahead of Christmas and Spring/Summer 2027.

Only 5,000 copies of the guide will be produced, available exclusively to buyers who opt in during registration.

Matthew Mein, Event Director at Autumn Fair & Glee, said: “Retailers are busier than ever and buying behaviour has changed significantly over the last few years. Buyers are looking for ways to source faster, discover genuine newness and make confident decisions without wasting time. The Little Black Book has been designed to help them do exactly that. It’s practical, curated and genuinely useful, and something buyers can use before, during and long after the show itself.”

Inside the 2026 edition, buyers will find:

• A full exhibitor directory featuring more than 800 suppliers
• Curated content highlights and must-attend sessions from the new Counter Talks Stage
• Trend insight and product inspiration for the peak trading season
• Early visibility of bestselling products and emerging trends expected to shape consumer demand
• Show planning tools designed to help visitors maximise their time onsite

The launch comes as Autumn Fair continues to evolve its overall buyer experience for 2026, with new content stages, networking spaces and experiential features all designed around the findings of the recent Voices of Retail 2026 report by Spring & Autumn Fair and Faire. The Little Black Book forms part of a wider strategy to make Autumn Fair not just a sourcing destination, but a practical toolkit for modern retail success.

With only 5,000 copies available, the deadline for a print copy is 12th July. Little Black Book Week will run from 29th June.

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

To register and claim your copy of the Little Black Book, visit https://www.autumnfair.com/little-black-book.

Admired building garden maker Breeze House launched a stunning new luxury garden gazebo endorsed by the Royal Horticultural Society at the 2026 RHS Chelsea Flower Show. The gazebo will also be appearing at two other major RHS Flower Shows in July.

Developed with the RHS to be a beautifully refined garden retreat, the RHS Breeze House offers shade in summer, shelter from wind and drizzle in spring and autumn, and – with the addition of heating and canvas panels – comfort outdoors even in winter. Its open sides frame views of the garden through the seasons and in all weathers. 

It is available in two configurations: a dining version, featuring a central table and bench seating, and a lounging version, which features a luxurious daybed.  There is also a choice of three colourways for the scatter cushions based on designs from the RHS licensee Sofas & Stuff’s RHS fabric collections, which are inspired by the archives held in the vast RHS Lindley Collections of botanical art. These can be paired with Breeze House premium base cushions and durable, marine-grade canvas panels. 

The distinctive design of the RHS Breeze House draws inspiration from the work of the legendary Gertrude Jekyll (1843-1932). Her deep respect for craftsmanship and instinctive use of materials have inspired every aspect of this wonderfully refined structure, including the softly contoured roof tiles and hand-turned spindles, architectural details such as the top finial and cap – and even a reading nook!

This gazebo is not only conveniently sized to fit most gardens but also crafted with care and built to last with a 30-year guarantee. A plaque inside the building will highlight the RHS-Breeze House collaboration.

Appearing at the Breeze House stand on Royal Hospital Way, the RHS Breeze House undoubtedly turned heads. As well as the RHS Chelsea Flower Show it can soon be seen at the RHS Badminton Flower Show (8-12 July 2026) and the RHS Sandringham Flower Show (22-26 July 2026). Enquiries can also be made through the Breeze House website. The company’s in-house team offers a one-day installation service.

With over 30 years of British garden building expertise, ensuring trusted quality, craftsmanship and durability, Breeze Houses have become an established and recognisable feature in British gardens. The company’s luxury thatch gazebos, pavilions and thatched garden buildings are handcrafted in the UK from the finest sustainable materials. The company is committed to minimisation of environmental damage by securing its raw materials and packaging from environmentally sustainable and friendly sources.

Founder and Managing Director of Breeze House, Andrew Peck, says: “It’s been inspiring to combine our 30-year heritage with the expertise of the RHS to create a Breeze House that truly celebrates the garden and provides space to enjoy planting in every season. We were thrilled to launch this luxury gazebo at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, where it received a very positive response from the event’s vast audience of garden lovers.”

Cathy Snow, Licensing Manager, RHS, says: “We were delighted to collaborate with Breeze House on this luxury gazebo – not just because the company has more than 30 years of experience and a strong attachment to traditional craftsmanship but also because it shares our belief in the positive benefits of gardens and gardening – as the RHS Breeze House perfectly illustrates. It is a beautiful, thoughtfully designed and comfortable space in which garden lovers can relax and be rewarded for the time, care and effort invested in their garden.”

Her Royal Highness, The Duchess of Gloucester will visit Wyevale Nurseries in Hereford on July 13, where she will tour the nursery and meet members of the team.

Based at Kings Acre, Wyevale Nurseries is one of the UK’s leading wholesale horticultural businesses, supplying high-quality trees, shrubs and plants to the amenity and retail sectors nationwide.

Heather Williamson, Chairman of Wyevale Nurseries, which was started by her grandfather Harry Williamson and celebrates its 96th anniversary in business this year, says: “We are truly honoured to welcome Her Royal Highness, The Duchess of Gloucester to Wyevale Nurseries.

“As a family-run business with a long-standing commitment to British horticulture, sustainability and growing excellence, it is a privilege to showcase our work and share our passion for plants, people and the environment. This visit recognises not only our heritage but also the dedication of our team, who work tirelessly to deliver the highest quality plants for landscape projects and garden centres across the UK.”

Her Royal Highness is a full-time working member of the Royal Family and plays an active role in supporting the Monarch through a wide programme of engagements in the UK and overseas.

She is associated with more than 60 charities and organisations across sectors including the arts, health, education, sport and the military, demonstrating her longstanding commitment to public service.

During her visit to Wyevale Nurseries, The Duchess will tour key areas of the site, learn more about the nursery’s growing operations and hear about its ongoing work to support sustainable land use, biodiversity and the future of British-grown plants.

The business operates across hundreds of acres and is known for its strong environmental credentials, including ISO 14001 accreditation and initiatives to reduce carbon emissions, water usage and production waste.

Andy Johnson, Managing Director of Wyevale Nurseries, adds: “We are incredibly proud that Her Royal Highness is coming to Wyevale Nurseries. It’s a fantastic opportunity to highlight the vital role horticulture plays in shaping sustainable, resilient landscapes. Our team is passionate about what we do and we look forward to sharing our work and ambitions for the future during the visit.”

As one of Britain’s longest established commercial nurseries, Wyevale supplies a diverse range of plants for landscaping and infrastructure projects and environmental schemes, as well as garden centres.

Its work supports projects across the UK, helping to create greener spaces, enhance biodiversity and contribute to climate resilience through carefully grown British plants.

The Royal visit marks an important milestone for the Hereford-based business and reflects its enduring contribution to the UK’s horticultural sector, as well as its continued focus on sustainability, innovation and excellence.

Wyevale Nurseries manages 800 acres of production across multiple sites. As a wholesale grower and supplier of trees, shrubs, hedging and herbaceous plants, it serves the professional trade nationwide, including landscape contractors, local authorities, housebuilders, commercially run estates. It also sells to garden centres and plant retailers.

One of the last remaining large general nurseries in the UK with its own propagation unit, it grows most of its stock in‑house.

This gives clients access to UK‑grown, traceable plants, backed by robust health protocols and acclimatisation standards that reduce failure risk and contractor liability.

For further details about Wyevale Nurseries, please call 01432 845 200 or visit www.wyevalenurseries.co.uk.

EGO has developed its first battery featuring advanced tabless cell technology. Allowing for faster charging, enhanced power and little-to-no downtime, the 8Ah BA4480X Lithium MAXTM battery joins EGO’s market-leading 56V platform for cordless outdoor power equipment.

Designed for power-hungry tools and demanding applications, the Lithium MAXTM can deliver up to 40% more power than an equivalent 8Ah battery using standard cells, which makes light work of larger mowing, trimming, cutting and blowing tasks for both professional and domestic users.

Built for long-lasting performance, the battery boasts a two-times longer lifecycle and when it does need charging, it can do so within just 20 minutes using the EGO PGX2500PB Power Bank – reducing the need to carry more batteries.

With a multitude of benefits, the market has begun to see the benefits of lithium-ion batteries with tabless technology. The tabless lithium-ion cells in the new EGO battery have a reduced resistance which allows energy to be transferred faster without generating heat inside the battery cells, which in turn increases the battery’s lifespan. Coupled with EGO’s unique ARC cooling technology, even under high load, the cell temperature remains lower compared to standard designs.

Another benefit is that the battery can be charged immediately after use, with no need for a cooling phase, promising shorter charging times and less downtime between tasks.

Andrew Frohock, IoT Product Manager for EGO, said: “Built for regular use and larger-scale gardening projects, this exciting new addition to our 56V system delivers increased power, faster charging and smarter control to maximise performance and productivity. Fully interchangeable across our entire product range, the ARC Lithium MAXTM battery provides flexibility, efficiency and long-term value for professional and serious users.

“This launch marks a first for EGO and signals our continued investment in expanding and developing our solutions in response to consumer and industry needs.”

Perfect for use in outdoor conditions, the Lithium MAXTM has an IPX5-rated build for durable weather-resistance. While remote inventory management and charge status monitoring can be done via the EGO Fleet and EGO Connect apps, giving simple insight into the battery's health.

The EGO 56V platform has over 100 products, including lawnmowers, hedge trimmers, leaf blowers, and line trimmers. There is also the EGO Lifestyle range, which provides additional use for the batteries, including pressure washers, wet/dry vacuums, outdoor speakers, earth and ice augers, power inverters and much more.

Available with a three-year warranty, the BA4480X 8Ah Lithium MAXTM retails at £499, to learn more visit: https://egopowerplus.co.uk/products/batteries-chargers/ba4480x-8ah-56v-arc-lithium-max-battery

Merriments Gardens in Hurst Green, East Sussex are bursting with colour this June, with roses coming into full flower and filling the air with their wonderful fragrance across the four-acre site, creating a spectacular setting for visitors to enjoy.

As the longer days of early summer bring the gardens into full flower, visitors can enjoy one of the most colourful times of year to explore Merriments. Well-behaved dogs are welcome too, making it an easy and enjoyable day out for the whole family.

From rose-covered arches to richly planted borders with iris and clematis, Merriments is a lovely place to slow down and enjoy the start of summer. A stroll through the gardens reveals colour at every turn, with roses taking centre stage in one of their finest months.  The water features also add to the relaxed atmosphere of these gardens which includes a stunning Monet style bridge and gentle streams which flow through the gardens.

Benches tucked throughout the gardens offer peaceful places to pause, admire the blooms and breathe in their scent, whether you are visiting for a gentle wander, a catch-up with friends or a relaxed afternoon in the countryside.

Visitors can also look out for the bee hives in the meadow and stop by the bird hide for a closer view of some of Britain’s native birds.

Head Gardener Dan Warne said: “June is a magical time for roses in the UK and this year is shaping up to be one of the best years for roses, thanks to the rain earlier in the year followed by long spells of sunshine. Other highlights around the gardens in June are the poppies and irises and our unique herb garden.”

The Conservatory at Merriments

The gardens are also home to ‘The Conservatory’, an inviting spot to relax and refuel after a stroll among the roses. Newly launched for June, its menu features delicious breakfast and lunch dishes, alongside an extensive choice of hot and cold drinks. Visitors can also enjoy homemade cakes, treat themselves to a traditional afternoon tea, or sample Merriments’ own gin, crafted using botanicals grown in the gardens.

The gardens are easy to reach by following the brown signs from the A21 just before the village of Hurst Green.

The site is owned by Caravan Tech, a family-run business that relocated from its previous premises in Hurst Green to its current countryside location.

Since the acquisition, Merriments has undergone a programme of renovation and improvement, including the opening of a new café with indoor and outdoor seating.

Admission to the gardens is £8 for adults. Children under 15 enter free. Garden season tickets are available at £35 for single and £55 for joint tickets.

Season tickets, available from the café, offer free entry throughout the year. Prices are £35 for a single ticket and £55 for a joint ticket, with £5 off all season tickets purchased on the open day.

Dogs are welcome in the gardens and café, and the paths are wheelchair friendly.

Merriments Gardens is situated at Hawkhurst Road, Hurst Green, Etchingham, East Sussex, TN19 7RA.   www.caravantech.co.uk/merriments

The International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) has opened entries for the International Grower of the Year (IGOTY) Awards 2027, inviting ornamental producers from around the world to showcase excellence in horticultural production.

Established in 2009 with the support of Founding Partner FloraCulture International, the AIPH International Grower of the Year Awards are recognised as the highest international accolade for ornamental production businesses. The Awards celebrate excellence in ornamental horticultural production, recognising innovation, sustainability, business performance, and leadership across the global industry.

Growers may enter one of three categories:

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

Entrants may also choose to be considered for the Sustainability Award, which recognises outstanding leadership and achievement in sustainable horticultural practice.

From among the category winners, one outstanding company will be selected as the AIPH International Grower of the Year 2027 and presented with the prestigious Gold Rose, widely regarded as the industry’s most coveted award.

Since the Awards were established, finalists from around the world have been recognised for their achievements, representing some of the most innovative and successful ornamental production businesses in the industry. Previous winners have demonstrated excellence in areas including sustainable production, technological innovation, people development, market leadership, and environmental stewardship.

Most recently, Hillier Nurseries Ltd (United Kingdom) was crowned AIPH International Grower of the Year 2026 and awarded the Gold Rose. Founded in 1864, Hillier Nurseries impressed the international jury with its commitment to quality, innovation, sustainability, and long-term investment in people and production.

Reflecting on the value of participating in the Awards, Adam Dunnett, Production & Amenity Director at Hillier Nurseries, said:

“The International Grower of the Year Awards felt like the right platform to pause and reflect on how our business has evolved. While our heritage is an important part of who we are, it allowed us to demonstrate how we are continuing to adapt, combining tradition with innovation, and growth with responsibility.”

Tim Briercliffe, Secretary General of AIPH, said:

“The Awards provide an opportunity for businesses to benchmark themselves against the very best internationally, gain valuable recognition, and share their achievements with a global audience. We encourage growers from across the sector to consider entering and showcasing the outstanding work taking place within their businesses.”

Entries for the AIPH International Grower of the Year Awards 2027 are now open and will close on Sunday 9 August 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

To find out more and submit an entry, visit the AIPH website: https://aiph.org/events/igoty/
 

For queries relating to entries, please contact: events@aiph.org

Finalists and winners benefit from international promotion through AIPH, FloraCulture International, and supporting media partners, helping to raise the profile of their businesses across the global horticulture industry.

Frank P Matthews Trees has launched a new commemorative apple tree, ‘Legacy’, for the forthcoming season, marking its 125th anniversary while supporting the work of the National Garden Scheme.

As part of its milestone anniversary celebrations, the fourth-generation, family-run Worcestershire nursery is introducing ‘Legacy’, a special commemorative apple tree that combines exceptional garden performance with a unique charitable partnership. A competition to name the new apple was held in March, attracting over 300 entries.

Developed to mark the nursery’s remarkable heritage, ‘Legacy’ has been released in collaboration with the National Garden Scheme, which will celebrate its centenary in 2027. A donation from every tree sold will support the charity’s work.

Adding further significance to the launch, the commemorative tree was grafted by Andrew Wright shortly before his retirement after 40 years with the business, making ‘Legacy’ a fitting tribute to both the company’s history and the people behind its success.

‘Legacy’ offers gardeners a combination of desirable characteristics, including crunchy, sweet and aromatic fruit, excellent disease resistance, and a particularly unusual feature: the apples remain on the tree until mid-January. This allows gardeners to enjoy fresh fruit directly from the tree throughout much of the winter season. Any remaining fruit can also provide a valuable food source for wildlife, including winter birds such as fieldfares.

Steph Dunn James of Frank P Matthews Trees said: “’Legacy’ perfectly captures what our anniversary year is all about – celebrating our heritage while looking to the future. Partnering with the National Garden Scheme and recognising Andrew Wright’s contribution makes this a truly special tree, and we’re delighted to offer gardeners an apple that combines outstanding flavour, resilience and winter interest.”

‘Legacy’ will be available for the 2026/27 planting season through Frank P Matthews Trees and selected retail partners.

The Shop & Display Equipment Association has elected Claire White of Antalis as President, the first woman to hold the role since the Association was founded in 1947. The appointment was confirmed at SDEA’s 79th Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, 27th May 2026. 

Claire served as Vice President over the past year, and as a council member before that. She succeeds Mark Chatterton of Morplan, who steps down after his term in the role. James North of Northbanks Design was elected Vice President. 

Claire White said: “It is a real honour to take on the role of President, and I am proud to be the first woman to do so in the Association’s history. The SDEA continues to offer valuable and relevant support to the many different sectors it represents within the design and display industry, and it provides members with opportunities to network and celebrate their creativity. I look forward to building on this work and helping the Association grow in the year ahead.”

The Association also thanked outgoing President Mark Chatterton of Morplan for his leadership and the support he gave members over his four year term. 

Newly elected Vice President James North said: “It is a real privilege to be elected Vice President of the SDEA. Our industry has a unique ability to bring brands to life and create meaningful connections with customers through retail, display, and experiential environments. I look forward to working alongside the board, members, and industry partners to champion innovation, support emerging talent, and help strengthen our industry for the future.”

Two new members were also elected to the Executive Council this year:  

• Vanessa Keen, Design 4 Retail 
• Oliver Dunn, Glencourt Associates 

SDEA Director Antony Behiels commented: "This is a proud moment for the Association. Claire becoming our first female President is a real milestone, and a welcome one. I'd also like to thank Mark for everything he's given over his time as President; his support has meant a lot to members. With Claire and James now at the helm, I'm genuinely excited about the year ahead." 

A new app launched by national trade body the Property Care Association (PCA) is set to help gardeners, landscapers and horticulturalists take early action on invasive non-native plants including Japanese Knotweed, bamboo and Giant hogweed.

The PCA Plant Risk App helps with identification of species and provides a hazard rating as well as providing access to advice on appropriate action.

Invasive non-native plant species can cause a range of issues from damage to property and impacting on native eco-systems to causing injury.

Japanese Knotweed and certain types of bamboo spread quickly and can cause hard landscape damage, while buddleia is known to colonise masonry which can make walls and chimneys unstable.

Contact with Giant hogweed may produce a skin reaction that is antagonised by exposure to sunlight and can result in painful blisters, while Himalayan balsam tends to shade out native plants and creates problems around watercourses.

Daniel Docking is Technical Manager at the PCA and played a key role in the development of the PCA Plant Risk App. He said: “Invasive plants are not just about whether a species appears on a list. The risk often depends on the plant, the site and the context in which it is growing.

“While Japanese knotweed is often seen as the main concern, plants such as bamboo, buddleia and other problematic vegetation such as bramble can also create nuisance, management issues or biosecurity concerns in certain environments.

“There are also species that are commonly available to buy, such as Virginia creeper, that are also listed in Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, which means it is the property-owners responsibility to ensure they are not allowed to spread into the wild.”

Gardeners looking for assistance in identifying potential invasive non-native plants can upload a photograph, ideally including leaves, stems, flowers and overall growth habit, to the PCA Plant Risk App which will help confirm species using the Pl@ntNet database.

 A short series of scenario-based questions will follow, which will produce a hazard-rating indication along with advice that sets out what action should be taken, what to avoid and whether specialist help is needed.

In instances where a survey or management plan is strongly recommended, gardeners can use the site postcode to search for PCA members who specialise in invasive weed control.

The app also includes a Learning Hub, with access to PCA Guidance, Module 0 structured learning for users who want a clearer understanding of invasive plants and links to external resources.

Daniel added: “The app is designed to be a useful tool for gardeners, landscapers and horticulturalists, particularly where early identification and practical biosecurity advice could help prevent problems from escalating.

“The earlier problematic plants are recognised, the easier it is to manage spread, reduce disruption and limit potential costs.”

The PCA Plant Risk App is available now at: https://www.property-care.org/articles/pca-plant-risk-helping-users-identify-plant-risks-earlier

BHETA is to host a webinar featuring its business service provider and Amazon specialist RT7 Digital, showing how to identify hidden sources of margin erosion on the Amazon platform – and how to recover lost revenue.

Looking at all ways of strengthening financial performance on Amazon, the event takes place on 23rd June at 10am.

RT7's Chief Product Officer, Stephen Lloyd explained, “Even if you are selling apparently successfully on Amazon, your margins may be quietly disappearing – so it’s vital to understand how.  In this webinar we will be showing delegates why traditional auditing can fall short, how to implement a true transaction-level reconciliation layer, and the steps to recapture financial control before your next AVN.  In other words, what you need to do to ensure that you the supplier, and not Amazon, own your P&L.”

Steve Richardson, BHETA’s General Manager commented: “If Amazon is a significant part of your business, this session is well worth your time. Understanding where revenue leakage occurs and how to gain greater visibility into your numbers can make a real difference to your bottom line.”

This event is open to BHETA members. Non-members who wish to attend can apply, subject to a brief introductory conversation with BHETA’s sector manager (Seema Grantham for Housewares & SEA; Steve Edwards for Home Improvement & Garden). A recording will also be available in the member area of the BHETA website after the event.

To register for the event or for more information visit https://www.bheta.co.uk/events/take-back-control-of-your-amazon-p-l-overcoming-the-1p-accounting-blind-spot-36385 or contact the BHETA Member Services team on 0121 237 1130. More details about other BHETA events, including webinars, Meet the Buyer sessions, and networking forums with leading retailers, are also available on the website.

The Royal Horticultural Society has announced a new and special collection of footwear from The Original Muck Boot Company – a collection celebrating 10 years of RHS collaboration with this premium, innovative boot brand.

Called the Special Edition RHS Range, these new women’s boots mark ten years during which the RHS has endorsed a selected range of Muck Boots multi-purpose gardening boots and shoes.

Each of the three types of footwear in the collection incorporates a navy floral print design inspired by beautiful works from the RHS Lindley Collections, which includes a world-renowned collection of botanical art. The designs adorn new versions of the popular Women's Muck Originals Pull-On Ankle Boots, Women’s RHS Muckster II Ankle Boots and Women’s Muckster Lite Clogs.

Working together, the Muck Boots design team and the RHS licensing team adapted delicate watercolours by 19th-century artist Caroline Maria Applebee to provide floral patterns in soft colours set against a blue background.

The result is three beautiful, memorable designs combined, of course, with the durability and comfort of the famed Muck Boots footwear.

Women's Muck Originals Pull-On Ankle Boots are light-duty yet essential footwear, muckproof, 100 per cent waterproof, and constructed for maximum underfoot comfort. Women’s RHS Muckster II Ankle Boots are casual, lightweight and comfortable boots ideal for any garden task – and for the unpredictable British weather – and easy to slip on and off. The Women’s Muckster Lite Clogs provide excellent support and comfort for all-day wear. Fifty per cent lighter than the Muckster Ankle Boots, they are perfect footwear for popping into the garden on warmer days.

Targeted at the many adult female fans of Muck Boots, the Muck Originals Pull-On Ankle Boots and Muckster II Ankle Boots will launch on the 22nd of June, followed later in the summer by the Muckster Lite Clogs. The Special Edition RHS Range will be available via www.muckbootcompany.co.uk, as well as selected retailers.

As well as lending its name and artworks to these wonderful new designs, the RHS continues to endorse a number of existing Muck Boot products including Muckster II Short Boots, Muckster II Ankle Boots, Muckster II Shoes and Muckster Mid Women’s Originals Pull-On Ankle Boots. All the footwear features Muck Boot’s revolutionary Airmesh lining, which allows air to circulate throughout the interior of the boot and banish excess humidity and perspiration.

The RHS licensing agreement with Muck Boots owner Rocky Brands has recently been renewed, meaning the RHS will continue to lend its name to a large number of Muck Boot products for another three years.

The Original Muck Boot Company was formed in 1999 to provide waterproof boots and footwear that withstand the muckiest situations in every season. It has been owned since 2021 by Rocky Brands Inc, a US business with a heritage as a hard-working generational company that makes tough, comfortable footwear that meets its customers need and offers incredible value.

Milly Pestell Marketing Director – International, Rocky Brands International, LLC, says: “The combination of comfort, style and robustness that our footwear offers has been further enhanced by these glorious RHS-inspired designs. We're extremely proud to have been producing the only gardening footwear endorsed by the Royal Horticultural Society for ten years and looking forward to the next stage in this highly successful collaboration.”

Cathy Snow, Licensing Manager, RHS, adds: “Ten years after we first worked with Muck Boots, this is proving an enduring and popular collaboration – not just for licensee and licensor but for the public, who I have no doubt will adore these beautiful new designs from their favourite provider of outdoor footwear.”

John Ravenscroft VMH, the renowned horticulturist, nurseryman, garden centre pioneer, celebrity TV gardener has sadly died.

Johns family have announced that he passed away peacefully at home, Cherry Tree Park on Tuesday 26th May 2026, where he and his wife Liz created a 50 acre arboretum, continuing his life long passion for plants and establishing an exceptional collection in a quiet corner of north Shropshire. 

The funeral will be at St Luke’s Hodnet Shropshire on Monday 29th June. 

John was awarded the VMH medal by the Royal Horticultural Society in 2008 and was appointed RHS Vice President in 2010 with the RHS citing him as “ a celebrated nurseryman and co-founder of Bridgemere Show Gardens. A recipient of the RHS Victoria Medal of Honour and RHS Vice President, he is widely recognised for his outstanding contribution to British horticulture. With a career spanning more than 70 years, he has played a pivotal role in mentoring the next generation of horticulturists. His expertise and dedication continue to have a lasting impact on the horticultural community.”

Bridgemere Garden World, the nursery and the Show Gardens were purchased from Wyevale by Blue Diamond in 2019, and Alan Roper, Blue Diamond CEO has told GTN Xtra: “John was forthright with a can-do attitude; he was for me one of the great founding fathers of garden centres but he above all others went one step further in creating Bridgemere Show Gardens, which became a national attraction. His passion for plants drove his success. Selling the business all those years ago was a hard decision but as he said he did it for his children. Witnessing its decline over 20 years was not easy for him. I am pleased he lived to see his business and gardens restored and his legacy continuing. We will arrange a memorial event and create a memorial garden in the show gardens honouring his achievements. The John Ravenscroft memorial garden.”

Using the show gardens at Bridgemere, John regularly presented Gardener’s Diary on ITV through the 80’s and 90’s. Taking up that mantle now is David Domoney with the Step-by-Step gardening series.  David told GTN Xtra: "John was one of horticulture’s true pioneers, man whose passion, courage, and extraordinary knowledge inspired generations to see the beauty and value of ornamental plants. His influence helped shape our industry, touched countless gardeners, growers, and friends along the way. This week, horticulture has not simply lost an expert, it has lost one of its champions."

Most widely known for creating Bridgemere Garden World garden centre and its Show Gardens, John was also a long-time contributor to Garden Trade News writing a regular column about making the most of nursery stock.  In GTN December 1991 he signed off is column as follows: “A final word: remember that people visit you all year round and if your nursery stock is non-existent in the winter and this was your customer’s first visit to your premises, you will be judged on the showing that day. A degree of risk with plants has to be taken and accepted if your garden centre is to look impressive all year.” 35 years on John’s advice rings true and reminds us that plants really are the heart of our business.

The team at GTN, present and old thank John for his wisdom and vision.  We send our heartfelt condolences to Johns family.

Boyd Douglas-Davies, Chair of Greenfingers Charity and the Environmental Horticulture Group says that knowing John was to know one of the greatest plantsmen ever.

“I first met him when selling plants in 1991 for Webbs. On starting in the role I was told to go to see the team at Bridgemere. John strode into the meeting I was having with the Plant Manager, and told me that I was wasting my time as Bridgemere didn't buy from anyone else and only sold home-grown plants. Slightly battered, I stood my ground and reminded him that he did actually buy from us occasionally. Whilst he took me on a tour of the gardens he did place an order for 1,800 plants!

“Since that first encounter, I have had many a tour of Bridgemere, and more recently the arboretum, with John. On every visit I learnt so much as he was always generous with his time and knowledge. RIP John"

Please feel free to add to this story by using the comments link below or by e-mailing trevor@pottingshedpress.co.uk

Geoff Hodge comments: "I was also one of the presenters on Gardener's Diary and worked alongside John for several years. His wealth of knowledge about plants and how to grow them to show off their best was astounding. Another sad loss to the horticultural world, following soon after Matt Biggs."

Sipcam Home & Garden has announced a major step forward in its UK growth plans with the appointment of Walkers Transport as its new national logistics partner. This partnership marks a significant investment in strengthening supply-chain performance and enhancing service levels for retailers across the country.

Known for their family-safe gardening products, Sipcam Home & Garden continues to expand its portfolio of innovative brands. The move to partner with Walkers Transport, an established logistics specialist based in Leeds, will enable faster delivery, more reliable, and more flexible distribution to retail customers nationwide. This strategic move is designed to support the company’s long-term ambition to scale its eco-friendly products, improve operational efficiency, and provide an even better experience for stockists.

The bolstered distribution capabilities will support the recently assorted 2026 range. This includes brands such as Fito, GET OFF, retail partner Block Blitz and flagship award-winning brand ecofective®. This portfolio provides an innovative suite of products across plant care, houseplants, pet solutions, and outdoor cleaning, strengthening its position as one of the UK’s most forward-thinking home and garden suppliers. 

Both Sipcam Home & Garden and Walkers Transport are delighted about the new partnership. With shared values and a joint passion for greener, more sustainable ways of working, the two teams are perfectly aligned. It’s a collaboration built on energy, ambition, and a clear vision for growth that will drive exciting progress for both businesses. 

Walkers Transport continues to invest heavily in sustainability initiatives, including a modern fleet operating to the latest Euro emissions standards and the transition of its company car fleet towards electric and hybrid vehicles. Across its sites, the business operates a zero-to-landfill approach, supported by segregated waste streams and responsible recycling processes. Its vehicle wash systems also utilise interceptor tanks to ensure runoff is safely captured and managed.

Nigel Thompson, Head of Sales & Marketing at Sipcam Home & Garden, said: "The partnership with Walkers Transport is a major milestone for our business. Their expertise, reliability, and forward-thinking approach will help us elevate our service to retailers and support the continued growth of our brands across the UK."

Chris Burley, Commercial Director at Walkers Transport, added: "Sustainability is a key focus for us at Walkers Transport, and it plays an important role in every new partnership we build. As an ISO 14001 accredited business, we are committed to continual environmental improvement. As Sipcam Home & Gardens storage and transport partner, we’re proud to be supporting their sustainability ambitions and contributing to a more responsible supply chain through this partnership."

If you’d like to explore how Sipcam Home & Garden can support the growth of your business, the team would be delighted to talk through opportunities, share product insights, and discuss how their brands can add value to your range.

Get in touch with the Sipcam Home & Garden team to start the conversation – enquiries@sipcamhg.co.uk.

In a busy garden centre, success is built on consistency. From preparing for incoming seasonal promotions and new product ranges, to keeping displays clean, replenishing baskets and trolleys and ensuring point-of-sale materials are accurate – there are countless recurring tasks that simply can’t be missed.

Yet without structure, even the most important jobs can slip through the cracks.

That’s where WorkForce Manager Job Manager makes the difference.

Jobs can be scheduled with complete flexibility – whether they need to happen multiple times a day, daily, weekly or at future dates. Each task is tracked with clear statuses – Open, In Progress, and Completed – and can be monitored instantly via dashboards, job calendars, or simple table views. This provides full visibility across your operation, ensuring nothing is overlooked.

Tasks can be assigned directly to employees or linked to specific locations, allowing team members to pick up work easily—simply by scanning a QR code. This keeps your teams agile and responsive, even during peak trading periods.

Every job can be as simple or as detailed as you need. From straightforward instructions to structured workflows with sub-activities and guided survey questions, employees are supported step-by-step to complete tasks thoroughly. Responses can be mandatory (Yes/No), scored (e.g. 1–10 for stock quality checks), and enhanced with notes for added clarity.

You can also attach supporting documents or images to ensure consistency and compliance—helping every team member deliver to the same high standard.

The result? Better execution, improved accountability, and a consistently high-quality customer experience.

Never let critical tasks be missed again.

Discover how WorkForce Manager Job Manager can transform your operations – book a demo today.

With two of the show gardens at Chelsea Flower Show 2026 exclusively using RocketGro compost for all their planting, RocketGro have moved to become the compost producer of choice for garden designers at the very top level. 

With two Balcony gardens using the best selling RocketGro Organic Approved Peat-Free Multi-Purpose with added John Innes Compost product as the compost for the entire build of these gardens, RocketGro have moved to next level. Rebecca Lloyd Jones garden designer of ‘The Transient Garden’, and May Starey the garden designer of ‘The Angels Share’ both choosing RocketGro products, and the company could not be more thrilled.

RocketGro Managing Director Toby Thomas commented: “Another big moment in the ongoing growth story of our business has arrived. We are 5.5 years young, and to be producing products of such quality that they now make their way into Chelsea Flower Show is a testament to the teams hard work, a validation of our strategy, and proof of concept if anyone is looking for that. These designers chose RocketGro. No money changed hands. RocketGro’s story is unique, on trend, and gaining more and more momentum. Garden centres that do not yet stock us should get on board and chat to us. Garden Centres who have switched to RocketGro for 2026 have seen compost sales in some cases up by almost 30% year on year. This is well ahead of the rest of the market. Exciting times!”

Find out more

If you want to learn more about RocketGro or are keen to discuss adding its product portfolio into your 2026 offering, please contact Toby Thomas (hello@rocketgro.co.uk /07936 928 981) or Andy Abraham (andy@rocketgro.co.uk / 07446 937902). View the full range and discover more about the RocketGro story at www.rocketgro.co.uk or follow RocketGro @rocketgro

Blue Diamond have emerged as the successful bidder in the process to sell off all the stock at AMES after they closed the gates at the end of March 2026.

Alan Roper, Blue Diamond CEO told GTN Xtra this morning that their bid had been successful and they would be taking possession of the stock at the Pollington site which has a full retail value, including VAT of £32m.

GTN Xtra understands AMES Paul North has been in contact with all the unsuccessful bidders today.