The Horticultural Trades Association’s National Plant Show is back at the NAEC Stoneleigh this month, on Tuesday 20 and Wednesday 21 June 2023.

With a huge concentration of British growers and suppliers under one roof, it’s a key event in the horticultural calendar showcasing the best of British gardening from growing through to retail and design to landscaping and everything in between. Visitors can beat the queues and register for free at nationalplantshow.co.uk. 

Elia Johnston, HTA Director of Marketing said “This year’s show is set to provide an unrivalled opportunity to visit over 140 exhibitors displaying the very best plants from UK nurseries, along with everything the trade needs to sell plants under one roof. Visitors can meet a full spectrum of suppliers with a wealth of innovation and expertise, from seeds, bulbs, houseplants and a wide range of garden plants to labelling and product information, growing media, display benching, and machinery.” 

A favourite with visitors and exhibitors alike, the New Plant Awards will take centre stage at the show, providing the perfect burst of colour and interest. Annually attracting over 100 entries, this is the place to see what is new and available to the market for the following season. Categories for 2023 are Herbaceous Perennials, Annuals, Houseplants and Trees, Shrubs & Climbers (including Conifers). The award categories will be judged and announced on Tuesday 20 June. 

This year’s judging panel includes Emma Allen (RHS), Andy Bunker (Alton Garden Centre), Cath Quinney (Bennybeg Garden Centre) Michael Perry (Mr Plant Geek) and Chris Young (RHS), with HTA’s Consulting Horticulture Manager Pippa Greenwood and Horticultural Support Manager Martin Simmons overseeing. The RHS is sponsoring the New Plant Awards, and Joy of Plants validates all the entries. 

The Visitor Vote Awards are a popular part of the National Plant Show which gives visitors a chance to have their say, and the winner will be announced on the second day of the show. 

The Seminar theatre, sponsored by Sinclair, will host a number of free interactive and informative sessions throughout the two-day show, including the first-ever Hort-Talk LIVE! Podcast, which will focus on the importance of apprenticeships and education within the horticultural industry. There is increasing pressure on the industry to recruit and retain staff, and this session will look at the support available. 

Planet Mark will host a seminar with Hillier Nurseries to discuss the successes and challenges that Hillier Nurseries have experienced through their company-wide sustainability plan and how they are adapting and refurbishing their stores to align with their net-zero ambitions. Plus, there will be plenty of insightful, expert-led discussions to help visitors keep up with the latest market trends and political updates affecting the industry. 

The HTA Village is the hub of all things HTA and provides an opportunity to find out about the latest initiatives and meet the HTA team. It showcases everything the HTA has to offer, including Membership, the latest updates in Policy, Market Information, Sustainability as well as National Garden Gift Vouchers. 

Meet the Buyer was launched at The National Plant Show last year and will be hosted again at this year’s show, allowing exhibitors to have one-to-one time to pitch to a mix of retail buyers. This will take place in a dedicated area at the show sponsored by Green Solutions Software UK.  

Registration to attend the National Plant Show is FREE and now open at nationalplantshow.co.uk