GTN Xtra - GTN Xtra – Issue 25 2026

GTN Xtra - GTN Xtra – Issue 25 2026 https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/ en-us 21 Jun 2026 09:45:54 BST 21 Jun 2026 09:45:54 BST https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/rss.xml Newsweaver trevor@pottingshedpress.co.uk (Potting Shed Press Limited) support@newsweaver.ie (Newsweaver) 60 true Durstons expands operations with new Somerset site https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/zix0q5yijcd?lang=en&rss=true Durston Garden Products Ltd are entering a significant new phase of growth with the development of a 25‑acre site in Meare, Somerset. The move is set to increase capacity, broaden their product offer and open the family business up to opportunities in new market sectors.,, 19 Jun 2026 12:00:00 BST ef73a15f679480ab189a20bc248b6e97 articles top <img src="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/v3files/shard1/17491/bb/a1c59c3d4bd217a3a3ce9b.png" style="margin: 0px;" width="450" height="252" hspace="0" vspace="0" alt=""> Durston Garden Products Ltd are entering a significant new phase of growth with the development of a 25‑acre site in Meare, Somerset. The move is set to increase capacity, broaden their product offer and open the family business up to opportunities in new market sectors.,, <img src="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/v3files/shard1/17491/1e/44a0904b11821b0aab5613.png" style="margin: 0px;" width="530" height="397" hspace="0" vspace="0" alt="">   Durston Garden Products Ltd are entering a significant new phase of growth with the development of a 25‑acre site in Meare, Somerset. The move is set to increase capacity, broaden their product offer and open the family business up to opportunities in new market sectors.   The new facility, known as Eclipse Works, sits just four miles from Durstons’ current base and is undergoing a major transformation ahead of production switching over later this summer. Purchased in 2024, the site includes 6 acres of tarmac and 15 acres of operational space, giving the manufacturer the scale and flexibility to support its next chapter.   <img align="right" src="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/v3files/shard1/17491/c8/a625102394bac693edb7f7.png" style="margin: 10px;" width="275" height="334" hspace="10" vspace="10" alt="">Work at Eclipse Works has been progressing for several months under the direction of Managing Director, Chris Durston. State‑of‑the‑art machinery from The Netherlands is now being installed, strengthening the company’s production capabilities. Existing bagging lines will be relocated from the current site, with additional space intentionally reserved for future expansion as demand continues to rise.   The significant investment marks a step change in the company’s production capabilities and is set to unlock new potential for the heritage Somerset brand. As well as supporting higher volumes of traditional bagged compost, the new site will enable Durstons to introduce bulk bags to their offer, creating opportunities in new sectors, such as builders’ merchants and landscaping suppliers.   “The new site gives us room to grow and the ability to diversify,” says Sales Director, Dan Durston. “It will open new doors for the business and help us serve a broader customer base, while continuing to support garden centres efficiently and with the high level of service they have come to expect from us.”   Phased transition designed to protect service levels Following an exceptionally busy spring season – with thousands of bags dispatched daily to meet demand – Durstons has planned the move to Meare incredibly carefully to avoid disruption for retailers.   Production at the current site will wind down once peak season eases, with all operations expected to be fully transferred to Eclipse Works by 1st September. Durstons have reassured customers that service levels, lead times and stock availability will remain unaffected throughout the transition.   All production staff will relocate as soon as the new facility is ready, whilst office staff will follow gradually over the next year or two, marking a final goodbye to a site that Durstons have occupied since the 1980s.   A new chapter for a heritage brand Once the move is complete, the old Durstons site is expected to take on a new life of its own, potentially under new ownership. For Durstons, however, the focus is firmly on the future. Eclipse Works represents both increased capacity and strategic flexibility at a time when demand for reliable, UK‑produced growing media remains high.   The expansion also follows a season in which transport costs, lead times and product availability have been key concerns for many retailers. Durstons’ decision to hold prices – without passing on a fuel surcharge to its customers – and maintain consistent service levels offered reassurance to garden centres during one of the most intense trading periods of the year.   “This move is a long‑term investment in the future of the business and demonstrates a commitment to our customers,” concludes Dan Durston. “Eclipse Works gives us the space, the technology and the capability to keep growing and to keep supporting retailers in our sector for many years to come. We’re really excited about this next step and what the future holds.”   <img src="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/v3files/shard1/17491/49/540a36f61ec0c53a6c451b.png" style="margin: 0px;" width="530" height="325" hspace="0" vspace="0" alt=""> Find out more Retailers interested in strengthening their peat-free offer and supporting gardeners through the transition can find out more about Durstons’ award-winning range and point-of-sale support at <a href="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/187vq74d7qe/external?lang=en">www.durstongardenproducts.co.uk</a> or by calling 01458 442688. Hillier announces progress on proposed sale of Hemel Hempstead location https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/6bxe1cjfy0o?lang=en&rss=true Hillier Garden Centres [ https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/17wm9sfa3u9/external?lang=en ] has announced that the proposed sale of its Hemel Hempstead site is now moving forward... 19 Jun 2026 12:00:00 BST f62073b67e099d14087bd5ec70547e17 articles top <a title="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/17wm9sfa3u9/external?lang=en" href="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/17wm9sfa3u9/external?lang=en" data-outlook-id="4315c18d-c6b3-4025-be16-f40e1e30feaa">Hillier Garden Centres</a> has announced that the proposed sale of its Hemel Hempstead site is now moving forward... <a title="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/17wm9sfa3u9/external?lang=en" href="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/17wm9sfa3u9/external?lang=en" data-outlook-id="4315c18d-c6b3-4025-be16-f40e1e30feaa">Hillier Garden Centres</a> has announced that the proposed sale of its Hemel Hempstead site is now moving forward.   The company has confirmed that the developer has exercised their contractual right to purchase the site and if the sale completes, this is likely to result in the closure of the centre by the end of January 2027. This would mark the end of an era for the centre while signalling a new phase of significant investment and growth for the wider business.   <img src="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/v3files/shard1/17491/31/3ee56c7c8d973f9a94a6b0.jpg" style="margin: 0px;" width="530" height="326" hspace="0" vspace="0" alt=""> George Hillier, Chairman of Hillier Nurseries and Garden Centres, said: “This was not an easy decision for us to make; however, it does present an exciting opportunity to reinvest in our business and continue the growth trajectory the company has achieved in recent years. We are committed to supporting our Hemel Hempstead team throughout this proposed transition and would like to thank both colleagues and customers for their continued loyalty and understanding.”   The move forms part of a broader, long-term strategy to strengthen the company’s position as one of the UK’s leading horticultural businesses. Founded in 1864, Hillier has built a reputation for excellence in growing and retail, underpinned by more than 160 years of horticultural expertise. Today, the family-run business continues to combine its heritage with a forward-looking approach, investing in innovation, sustainability and customer experience across its garden centre estate. As the business prepares to close one chapter, it looks ahead with confidence, reinforcing its legacy while investing in a sustainable and innovative future. https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/v3files/shard1/17491/a3/b7de3cc5b71845ff93935c.jpg Caulders brings award-winning garden centre to East Lothian https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/10sqw5603r9?lang=en&rss=true Caulders has announced that Merryhatton Garden Centre in East Lothian is now officially part of the Caulders family, becoming the group's 11th garden centre and extending its reach across Scotland into East Lothian for the first time... 19 Jun 2026 12:00:00 BST e8d742de8afc0beb32581cb6f74f8d53 articles top Caulders has announced that Merryhatton Garden Centre in East Lothian is now officially part of the Caulders family, becoming the group's 11th garden centre and extending its reach across Scotland into East Lothian for the first time... <img src="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/v3files/shard1/17491/a5/dd1d94044116b1800f3663.png" style="margin: 0px;" width="530" height="530" hspace="0" vspace="0" alt="">   Caulders has announced that Merryhatton Garden Centre in East Lothian is now officially part of the Caulders family, becoming the group's 11th garden centre and extending its reach across Scotland into East Lothian for the first time.   Following the successful completion of the acquisition, all staff have transferred to Caulders and the centre remains open for business, continuing to serve its loyal customers and local community.   Mandy Barrie of Caulders commented: "This is an important milestone for our business, bringing our network to 11 garden centres across Scotland and establishing a presence in East Lothian. We look forward to introducing the Caulders experience to both existing and new customers."   An exciting refurbishment programme is already underway at the centre, with plans to enhance the customer experience throughout the garden centre. A highlight of the investment will be the opening of a brand-new Caulders Merryhatton restaurant on 1 August 2026, offering customers the high-quality food and hospitality for which Caulders has become renowned.   Customers can continue to enjoy the extensive range of plants, gardening products, gifts and seasonal offerings while developments progress over the coming months. https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/v3files/shard1/17491/a5/dd1d94044116b1800f3663.png Colegrave Seabrook Foundation students presented with awards at BBC Gardeners World Live! https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/e8uz56no3tw?lang=en&rss=true Seven of this years Colegrave Seabrook Foundation students were presented with their awards on the Let's Talk Plants Stage at BBC Gardeners World Live! on Friday... 21 Jun 2026 12:00:00 BST adc8739d05db91af92e46e4cc9bac13d articles top <img src="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/v3files/shard1/17491/e2/5cf7977a4e4120b5c61f32.jpg" style="margin:0px;" width="448" height="252" hspace="0" vspace="0" alt=""> Seven of this years Colegrave Seabrook Foundation students were presented with their awards on the Let's Talk Plants Stage at BBC Gardeners World Live! on Friday... <img src="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/v3files/shard1/17491/0f/a0984cf0f5ffc6e68d780d.jpg" style="margin: 0px;" width="530" height="298" hspace="0" vspace="0" alt=""> Seven of this years Colegrave Seabrook Foundation students were presented with their awards on the Let's Talk Plants Stage at BBC Gardeners World Live! on Friday.   Thomas Green    Suffolk New College     The Principles and Practices of  Garden Design    Smart Garden Scholarship Experience in retail horticulture, historic gardens, landscape and growing, Thomas is now working for the college he is studying at, running a small team of staff and volunteers in the horticultural centre, with a view to growing his knowledge and experience further. Keeping an open mind but potentially seeing his ultimate future in teaching others about horticulture, Sam is keen to widen his experience of the opportunities in the industry. Expecting to qualify in 2026 Molly Cave    SRUC Scotlands Rural College        HND Production Science Horticulture    Smart Garden Scholarship Training as a Chef after leaving school, Molly has a lot of experience of working hard in a fast paced, pressured environment while also being well used to working in customer facing roles. Currently a chef in one of Edinburgh’s leading bakeries to help fund her horticultural studies, Molly also ran her own creative online business which is where her interest in plants originated. Blending business, marketing and plants is her dream in the world of commercial horticulture. Expecting to qualify May 2027 Zoe Grange    SRUC Glasgow Queens Park    HNC Horticulture    Brian Crosby Scholarship. The creator of a medal winning  garden at the recent Scone Palace Flower Show, Zoe is working part-time in a private garden opened under the NGS to help fund her horticultural studies. Originally working in architecture with a specialism in the creation of urban green spaces.  Expecting to qualify in June 2026, but may go on to do a further qualification Isaac Lyon    Hadlow College    Commercial Horticulture Foundation Degree    The new Levington Evergreen Scholarship Committed to nursery work, producing flowers and plants for others to enjoy is a bit of a change in route for Isaac who was originally on track to join the RAF. Now his career is flying even higher in horticulture. Expecting to qualify in 2027 Esme Goldenberg    Pershore College    Crop Technician    Ball Colegrave Scholarship Looking to become a skilled grower, plants give Esme a focus. Training initially as a teacher with a sciency background modern horticulture with all the technical requirements of soil science, feeding, crop health and culture of ornamental plants are right up her street. Lexie Bull    Pershore College        Crop Technician    The first student to be awarded the Production Horticulture Work Experience Bursary jointly funded and supported by the RHS and Hillier Nurseries. Lexie is interested in the diverse opportunities a career in horticulture can bring. A particular focus on the technical aspects of plant growth, she is about to embark on a two week placement at Hillier Nurseries getting involved in large scale, modern plant production techniques. Seeking to qualify in June 2026 Alastair Stanley    Eden Project Cornwall    BSC Plant Science & Horticulture    The first winner of our recently launched, Robert Tannahill Travel Scholarship From a farming background Alastair has always been surrounded by the natural world, so selling ice cream to working with plant breeding for resilience to climate change is all just part of life. Just back from a trip to Australia working in horticulture Cameron Gilbert    CAFRE Northern Ireland    Advanced Technical Diploma in Horticulture    Wyevale Nurseries Scholarship Working in a garden centre, Cameron is attracted by both the ‘art’ of plants and the ‘science’ and is keen to learn about the modern techniques in larger plant production nurseries where ornamental plants are grown.  Expecting to qualify August 2026   Seth Dellow    Bicton College    RHS Level 2 Theory & Practical    John Gibson Scholarship Training as a journalist before becoming a policy and communications manager for an MP with an interest in the Environment has seen Seth change careers into Horticulture and now working to help others cope with life through the benefits of Horticulture and its therapeutic value for himself and clients Summer starts at SOLEX 2026 – register today https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/ukpgayfh95v?lang=en&rss=true [ https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/hrqc9iuvl6n/external?lang=en ] With just a few weeks to go until SOLEX 26 [ https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/1hykz5ezekw/external?lang=en ] opens its doors, excitement is building for what promises to be another fantastic show... 11 Jun 2026 12:00:00 BST 024c2ac7f17da11732fdc04b0c8f510f articles top <a href="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/hrqc9iuvl6n/external?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/v3files/shard1/17491/da/f616e0c23724340825011c.png" style="margin: 0px;" width="450" height="225" hspace="0" vspace="0" alt=""></a> With just a few weeks to go until <a title="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/1hykz5ezekw/external?lang=en" href="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/1hykz5ezekw/external?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-outlook-id="7e06d241-c131-4a8d-a410-c15bf1d5385f">SOLEX 26</a> opens its doors, excitement is building for what promises to be another fantastic show... <a href="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/k2bf0o1d1te/external?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/v3files/shard1/17491/f5/16036c65a3204c8d8651b1.png" style="margin: 0px;" width="530" height="265" hspace="0" vspace="0" alt=""></a>   With just a few weeks to go until <a title="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/1hykz5ezekw/external?lang=en" href="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/1hykz5ezekw/external?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-outlook-id="7e06d241-c131-4a8d-a410-c15bf1d5385f">SOLEX 26</a> opens its doors, excitement is building for what promises to be another fantastic show.   Visitors can explore the generous, spacious aisles of Hall 5 at the NEC and discover the latest innovations from 51 of the UK’s leading outdoor leisure product suppliers.   SOLEX is the perfect opportunity to see, touch, feel, sit, and experience a whole range of exciting, on-trend new products that customers will be looking to purchase for 2027.   At SOLEX 26, visitors will be inspired by complete garden concepts rather than static product lines. Each setting is designed to reflect how people really use their outdoor spaces, from weeknight suppers and relaxed weekend gatherings to impromptu parties and quiet moments of downtime.   The realities of the British climate are tackled head-on throughout the show, with exhibitors presenting clever shelter and shade solutions, durable low-maintenance materials, outdoor heating and ideas for year-round comfort, helping outdoor kitchens, lounges and dining areas stay in action well beyond the peak summer months.   SOLEX 26 brings the very best of outdoor living together in one place, including furniture, fire, shade, kitchens, décor, heating and accessories, all showcased in a welcoming, friendly and inspiring atmosphere.   For retailers planning future ranges, designing store displays or curating online collections, SOLEX 26 is the outdoor living trade event not to be missed.   SOLEX – The Summer Outdoor Living Exhibition organised by the industry for the industry.  7th - 9th July 2026 NEC, Birmingham   Register for SOLEX today – <a href="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/k2bf0o1d1te/external?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">click here</a> Antirrhinum 'Shiryu Kiss' wins the Peter Seabrook Award https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/pekxsaxsm03?lang=en&rss=true The winner of this year’s Peter Seabrook Award for Best New Plant at BBC Gardeners’ World Live is Antirrhinum 'Shiryu Kiss', bred by Kernock Park Plants in Cornwall... 19 Jun 2026 12:00:00 BST 79690db35e87ab3a2a2cc20fe7e63b5a articles top <img src="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/v3files/shard1/17491/b6/4ebe6a6faa58273dd624f6.jpg" style="margin:0px;" width="448" height="252" hspace="0" vspace="0" alt=""> The winner of this year’s Peter Seabrook Award for Best New Plant at BBC Gardeners’ World Live is Antirrhinum 'Shiryu Kiss', bred by Kernock Park Plants in Cornwall... <img src="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/v3files/shard1/17491/9d/688ba55a7a25f3410b82e7.jpg" style="margin: 0px;" width="530" height="298" hspace="0" vspace="0" alt=""> The winner of this year’s Peter Seabrook Award for Best New Plant at BBC Gardeners’ World Live is Antirrhinum 'Shiryu Kiss', bred by Kernock Park Plants in Cornwall.   The winning Antirrhinum is a hardy perennial with rich purple flowers and darkly flushed, deep green disease-resistant foliage. It blooms throughout spring and summer.   The award-winning Antirrhinum is on display at BBC Gardeners’ World Live at the NEC Birmingham until Sunday 21 June. It will be available in limited numbers from Waitrose and as a 9cm plant from Thompson and Morgan, then through garden centres next spring. The Peter Seabrook Award was launched at BBC Gardeners’ World Live in 2023 in association with the Colegrave Seabrook Foundation, in memory of the legendary BBC Gardeners’ World presenter and plantsman who died in 2022. The award recognises specialist plant growers, breeders and nurseries and their commitment to developing exciting new plants. More than 75 plants were entered for this year’s award, all displayed at BBC Gardeners’ World Live’s the Hot Off The Potting Bench gallery.   <img src="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/v3files/shard1/17491/a7/0fc20cef835a7ab98ffcf5.jpg" style="margin: 0px;" width="530" height="298" hspace="0" vspace="0" alt="">   Plants entered for the Peter Seabrook Award must be brand new varieties or colour breaks or have characteristics that improve on an existing variety. Entries can’t be on sale to the public until after BBC Gardeners’ World Live’s opening day on 18 June 2026.    Horticulturalist, writer and presenter, David Hurrion, is Chair of the New Plant Introductions Panel at BBC Gardeners’ World Live. He said: “This new Antirrhinum is sure to remind gardeners what great plants snapdragons are with their free-flowering nature and their ability to nestle their way into the garden border. This compact-growing perennial variety is also rust resistant and flowers over many months. The judges loved it for its traditional cottage garden looks and pretty bicolour blooms.”   Category winners were: <ul> <li>Perennials, including bulbs and tubers: Antirrhinum 'Shiryu Kiss' by Kernock Park Plants</li> <li>Ornamental shrubs and trees: Hydrangea Groundbreaker® Ruby by Suttons</li> <li>Edibles: Nuvar™ Misty Rose™ by Frank P. Matthews</li> <li>Tender, conservatory and houseplants: Streptocarpus 'Holly' by Dibleys Houseplants</li> <li>Annuals and bedding plants: Pelargonium Calliope Landscape 'Rock 'n Rose' by Syngenta.</li> </ul> The award assessment panel of expert horticulturalists were so impressed by this year’s entries that they identified a further hotlist of ‘ones to watch’: <ul> <li>Digitalis Arctic Fox Lemon Cream by Ball Colegrave</li> <li>Digitalis Rhubarb and Custard by Allensmore Nurseries</li> <li>Petunia Bubbles Magenta Split by Kerley & Co</li> <li>Lewisia Sunset Glow by Kernock Plants</li> <li>Rose Art Deco by Roses UK</li> <li>Rose BBC The One Show 20th by Peter Beales.</li> </ul> Bob Sweet, Horticultural Director at BBC Gardeners’ World Events said: “Plants were Peter Seabrook’s passion and are the stars of BBC Gardeners’ World Live. This award in Peter’s name is a wonderful way to acknowledge his outstanding contribution to horticulture and to BBC Gardeners’ World Live. It also recognises the commitment of plant breeders and growers to develop wonderful new plants for us to enjoy in our gardens.”   Visitors flock to the BBC Gardeners’ World Live Floral Marquee for its impressive displays by leading plant nurseries and societies, the International Orchid Show, the Plant Experts’ advice desk and the Wool-Pots eco-friendly Pot Swap. At the Let’s Talk Plants Stage, sponsored by Hillier, expert guests, including Monty Don, Adam Frost and Frances Tophill, share plant advice and inspiration. The People’s Choice award for favourite new plant will be presented on Sunday, following a visitor vote.   Further Floral Awards presented at BBC Gardeners’ World Live this year are: <ul> <li>The Geoff Hamilton Award for Best Floral Display: Proctors Nursery</li> <li>How High Can You Go? Award (for the best quality exhibit with height): Peter Beales Roses</li> <li>Best Retail Area: New Forest Hostas</li> <li>Best Orchid Show Display: Bournemouth Orchid Society<a title="" name="_Hlk134553120" data-outlook-id="28563517-98dd-49bb-8bfc-cbcccc93b297"></a>.</li> </ul> BBC Gardeners’ World Live takes place at the NEC Birmingham from 18-21 June 2026 and is bursting with ideas, inspiration and plants for real gardens. This year’s headline garden is The Garden of Evolution, a collaboration between anthropologist Professor Alice Roberts, designer David Stevens and academics from the University of Birmingham. This dramatic garden landscape traces 500 million years of plant evolution to the present day.   BBC Newsround presenter De-Graft Mensah, a proud allotment grower, has co-created the BBC Gardeners’ World Make a Metre Matter Border with garden designer, Lucy Chamberlain. This compact little garden is made up of creative, one metre spaces, each dedicated to supporting a healthy planet.   <img src="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/v3files/shard1/17491/9e/9398805af07033ec04cb8b.jpg" style="margin: 0px;" width="530" height="298" hspace="0" vspace="0" alt=""> Other BBC Gardeners’ World Live highlights include an array of Show Gardens, Beautiful Borders and floral displays. The Theatre, sponsored by British Garden Centres, features the BBC Gardeners’ World TV presenters, Nicki Chapman, BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine’s Kevin Smith and special guests including Johnny Hincks (Garden with Jonny) and Michael Perry (Mr Plant Geek). There are demonstrations, garden tours and plant talks, and extensive plant and garden shopping. At Adam Frost’s Tasting Table, there’s garden-inspired cooking, tastings, and guests from sister event, Good Food Show Summer.   New features this year include the Smoke & Fire BBQ Festival, the QVC Outdoor Living Stage, the Garden Organic ’Grow Your Own’ Stage, floristry workshops and the BBC Introducing Stage, a showcase for local music talent.   BBC Gardeners’ World Live  is at the NEC Birmingham until Sunday 21 June. Tickets are available at  <a id="OWA66241516-1442-0b54-fff1-4bd550412ae0" title="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/18j2nex3t94/external?lang=en" href="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/18j2nex3t94/external?lang=en" data-outlook-id="6497d2a6-244b-4310-9423-237a47d6facf">www.bbcgardenersworldlive.com</a> and include entry to Good Food Show Summer (<a id="OWA03bd11ca-38d7-ab7e-dc27-ff84095a6538" title="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/7xpkvdibtt2/external?lang=en" href="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/7xpkvdibtt2/external?lang=en" data-outlook-id="f33955ca-8598-4f9e-9b66-9f3941e1aaff">goodfoodshowsummer.com</a>). Winners revealed at HTA’s New Plant Awards 2026 https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/1b35bm9e05h?lang=en&rss=true Kernock Park Plants Antirrhinum 'Shiryu Kiss' won Best in Show at the Horticultural Trades Association’s (HTA) prestigious New Plant Awards – sponsored by ICL – at this year’s HTA National Plant Show... 17 Jun 2026 12:00:00 BST c879be60ee14e29a7ef7f091da60d3be articles top Kernock Park Plants Antirrhinum 'Shiryu Kiss' won Best in Show at the Horticultural Trades Association’s (HTA) prestigious New Plant Awards – sponsored by ICL – at this year’s HTA National Plant Show... <img src="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/v3files/shard1/17491/7d/751a2a0f271d69e8c03586.png" style="margin: 0px;" width="530" height="318" hspace="0" vspace="0" alt="">   Kernock Park Plants Antirrhinum 'Shiryu Kiss' has won Best in Show at the Horticultural Trades Association’s (HTA) prestigious New Plant Awards – sponsored by ICL – at this year’s HTA National Plant Show.   The industry’s must-attend event is currently taking place at NAEC in Stoneleigh, Warwickshire.   <img align="right" src="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/v3files/shard1/17491/14/6668d153f72762174331a3.jpg" style="margin: 10px;" width="275" height="413" hspace="10" vspace="10" alt="">Antirrhinum ‘Shiryu Kiss’ produces rich purple flowers over a long season and is truly perennial in nature, offering excellent value in the garden. It has proven to be significantly resistant to rust (a common disease of Antirrhinum) and powdery mildew. It responds well to pruning, and the non-stop flowering with nectar-laden blooms is irresistible to bumblebees and butterflies. The name ‘Shiryu’, meaning “purple dragon” in Japanese, pays tribute to both the plant’s snapdragon heritage and the subtle purple hues in its flowers and foliage.   The new plant areas at the HTA National Plant Show are bursting with colour and ideas, with almost 100 plants entered in the New Plant Awards this year. Prizes are given to the most innovative and exceptional plant varieties launched in the past year.   The judging panel is made up of horticultural experts spanning the UK, including specialists from growers, retailers and educators, as well as garden media, to ensure a variety of perspectives and experiences are represented in the evaluation process. This year’s judging panel include: <ul> <li>Steve Chapman – Technical Sales Manager, ICL Group – New Plant Awards Sponsor </li> <li>Josh Egan-Wyer – Head of School for Animal Science, Land-based Studies & Horticulture, Pershore College </li> <li>Alan Down, HTA Immediate Past president and ‘Down to Earth’</li> <li>Anisa Gress, Potting Shed Press  </li> <li>Gwyn Lloyd, Stratford Garden Centre</li> </ul> Pippa Greenwood, Horticulture Manager at the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA), said: “It’s been a fantastic display, showing what amazing growers we’ve got at the HTA National Plant Show who entered their new plants into the New Plant Awards. It was a very thorough process, and as ever there was some wrangling among the judges over who should get gold, silver and bronze medals, and, of course, best in category. Well done to all those who entered, and congratulations to Kernock Park Plants for taking home Best in Show.”   Steve Chapman, Technical Sales Manager at the ICL Group, commented: “The overall winner was exactly what I was looking for in a New Plant Award. It’s truly a perennial, which makes it unique compared to any other Antirrhinum.”   Bruce Harnett from Kernock Park Plants, said: “We’re super excited, what a great win! It's a commendation and recognition for an amazing variety which was bred in the UK by Peter Moore. We do a lot of work behind the scenes and there’s not always enough that we can give back to the team who are back at the site in Cornwall. To say that what they're doing really matters and is recognised by the trade is amazing.”   The winners   Herbaceous Perennials Kernock Park Plants – Antirrhinum 'Shiryu Kiss'   Annuals, Tender Perennials and container & basket plants Ball Colegrave  – Digitalis hybrida Arctic Fox Lemon Cream   Flowering Houseplants Javado UK – Euphorbia Tiara Alexandra   Foliage Houseplants Javado UK – Ananas Babyboom   Cacti & Succulents Javado UK – Wild Kalanchoe “Octopus”   Trees Frank P Matthews – Apple (Malus domestica) Legacy™   Shrubs (including Conifers) & Climbers Javado UK – Chamaecyparis thyoides EL PASO™    The judging process is thorough and based on a comprehensive set of criteria, including:  <ul> <li>Aesthetic appeal </li> <li>Commercial viability </li> <li>Adaptability to various growing conditions </li> </ul> Awards presented include Bronze, Silver, Gold, Best in Category, and Best in Show. Receiving a New Plant Award is a prestigious honour that brings significant recognition and publicity to both the plant and its creators.     In addition to the formal awards announcement, judges joined visitors at the Sinclair Collaboration Area to discuss their choices for the winning plants, the key features and highlights of each winning entry, and how the recognition can help increase plant sales. https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/v3files/shard1/17491/70/9c7bdfd40f7d54b93e248e.jpg Click here for full list of winners Antirrhinum 'Shiryu Kiss' wins Visitor Vote and Profitplant UK named ‘Best Stand’ at the HTA National Plant Show https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/1dhdcmglku6?lang=en&rss=true Kernock Park Plants has achieved the double at the HTA National Plant Show 2026 by winning the New Plant Awards Visitor Vote after being awarded Best in Show with Antirrhinum 'Shiryu Kiss'. It also won Best in Category for Herbaceous Perennials at NAEC Stoneleigh in Warwickshire. 19 Jun 2026 12:00:00 BST 385ce2cd0e914581d235fe6088392e72 articles top <img src="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/v3files/shard1/17491/60/7cdc1524211e1ec22aec0f.png" style="margin: 0px;" width="450" height="269" hspace="0" vspace="0" alt=""> Kernock Park Plants has achieved the double at the HTA National Plant Show 2026 by winning the New Plant Awards Visitor Vote after being awarded Best in Show with Antirrhinum 'Shiryu Kiss'. It also won Best in Category for Herbaceous Perennials at NAEC Stoneleigh in Warwickshire. <img src="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/v3files/shard1/17491/38/66a22405ada1a89575191b.png" style="margin: 0px;" width="530" height="317" hspace="0" vspace="0" alt="">   Kernock Park Plants has achieved the double at the HTA National Plant Show 2026 by winning the New Plant Awards Visitor Vote after being awarded Best in Show with Antirrhinum 'Shiryu Kiss'. It also won Best in Category for Herbaceous Perennials at NAEC Stoneleigh in Warwickshire.   The HTA New Plant Awards Visitor Vote - sponsored by Floramedia – gives visitors the chance to choose their favourite new plant from the seven ‘Best in Category’ winners. Day one visitors and those arriving before 11am today cast their vote by placing a token in the voting boxes near the show entrance.   The winning plant, Antirrhinum ‘Shiryu Kiss’ produces rich purple flowers over a long season and is truly perennial in nature, offering excellent value in the garden. It has proven to be significantly resistant to rust (a common disease of Antirrhinum) and powdery mildew. It responds well to pruning, and the non-stop flowering with nectar-laden blooms is irresistible to bumblebees and butterflies. The name ‘Shiryu’, meaning “purple dragon” in Japanese, pays tribute to both the plant’s snapdragon heritage and the subtle purple hues in its flowers and foliage.   At this year’s National Plant Show, 157 companies are exhibiting across 267 stands. Spread across two halls, the colourful, innovative stands showcase a variety of plants and products, spanning the entire environmental horticulture supply chain. To recognise exhibitors' hard work, one stand is named Best Stand 2026.   The judges – consisting of Jane Lawler, Vice President of the HTA; Neil Grant, Chair of the HTA Retailer Committee; and Adele Dyer from Which? Gardening – are looking for the most innovative display, plant quality, attention to detail, inspiration, appeal, and a stand that truly showcases the brand.   The winner of the Best Stand 2026 was Profitplant UK.   <img src="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/v3files/shard1/17491/eb/bc7a5a5fdd08800c621652.png" style="margin: 0px;" width="530" height="320" hspace="0" vspace="0" alt="">   Jane Lawler, Vice-President of the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA), said:  “The standard this year was fantastic, and there wasn’t much to choose between them, so it was a very difficult job for the judges. Profitplant UK replicated a mini garden cafe on their stand, which was super engaging and intriguing to look at. We thought it was inspiring for retailers, had some really beautiful, interesting and high-quality plants and was truly creative and impactful.”   Andre Doordin from Profitplant UK  “It’s fantastic to be rewarded in this way. We put a lot of energy into thinking about what we're going to do with the stand every year. You have a small space, so we wanted to show our company’s outdoor and indoor plants. We try to put a little bit into a theme, and this year we were thinking the bar and chairs reflect our hospitality as a company. I think everyone will be excited about this win.”   The runner-up for Best Stand was Horti House, and Chappell Cottage Plants Ltd received a judges’ commendation.   The HTA National Plant Show is currently on at NAEC Stoneleigh in Warwickshire until 4pm on 18 June 2026.   For more details, visit: <a title="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/ra5rp97kvnl/external?lang=en" href="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/ra5rp97kvnl/external?lang=en" data-outlook-id="d6a6fb21-0ea1-46b8-8c22-e3872ddc1b7d">www.nationalplantshow.co.uk</a> Bents celebrates colleagues with 10+ years experience https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/lj9ueypjjzx?lang=en&rss=true Bents Garden & Home has celebrated its 10+ Club – a club which welcomes colleagues with 10 or more years’ experience at the Warrington based garden centre – with an event recognising a combined length of service totaling 1,097 years... 19 Jun 2026 12:00:00 BST 271d5e0c44628eab060f6970de2c285b articles top <img src="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/v3files/shard1/17491/12/38916915156895f2a56ad9.jpg" style="margin: 0px;" width="450" height="258" hspace="0" vspace="0" alt=""> Bents Garden & Home has celebrated its 10+ Club – a club which welcomes colleagues with 10 or more years’ experience at the Warrington based garden centre – with an event recognising a combined length of service totaling 1,097 years... <img src="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/v3files/shard1/17491/72/626a2c9128e7398e5d89b9.jpg" style="margin: 0px;" width="530" height="330" hspace="0" vspace="0" alt="">   Bents Garden & Home has celebrated its 10+ Club – a club which welcomes colleagues with 10 or more years’ experience at the Warrington based garden centre – with an event recognising a combined length of service totaling 1,097 years.    Since it was launched in 2003 with initial numbers totaling 14, the 10+ Club has continued to grow and membership now stands at 97 with 59 still working within the Centre and a further 38 retired colleagues.      41 current members recently joined the Bents’ family and senior management for a special thank you meal held in the Centre’s Caffe nel Verde.  This year’s event paid special recognition to two long serving members who both retired this year; Aileen Rigby from finance and John Hayes from Bents’ warehouse team.    Says Matthew Bent, Managing Director at Bents Garden & Home: “We have an excellent team of colleagues throughout the Centre, many of whom have been with us for a number of years, as demonstrated by the incredible combined length of service figure.  We were blown away when we worked it out to be 1097 years!    “And we continue to welcome new members all the time. It is a great way to recognise long-term commitment and we look forward to welcoming even more new members in the years to come.”   Other highlights from this year’s event recognised Bents’ oldest member of the Club, still working at the Centre at 70 and its youngest member at 30 years old.    Annabel Brennan, Bents’ People & Culture Advisor and member of the 10+club, adds: “So much has happened at Bents in the time I have been here.  The business has grown and developed so much but the care and attention they give to colleagues has always remained the same. The dinner is a great opportunity to get together and talk about things that have taken place and generally have a catch up with good friends.”   In addition to Bents’ usual colleague benefits such as birthday vouchers, birthday day off and pension scheme, members of the 10+ Club also receive an additional 5 days holiday.    The club also includes retired colleagues who were original members many of whom continue to attend the annual dinner which provides the ideal opportunity to meet up with old friends and colleagues. Retail leader Justin King to speak at GCA Conference https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/1xooln7961q?lang=en&rss=true Former Sainsbury’s CEO Justin King CBE has been announced as one of the main speakers at the Garden Centre Association’s annual conference in January 2027... 19 Jun 2026 12:00:00 BST e296ffc97f8180f2dbd75aa033ca7ef1 articles top Former Sainsbury’s CEO Justin King CBE has been announced as one of the main speakers at the Garden Centre Association’s annual conference in January 2027... <img align="right" src="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/v3files/shard1/17491/b0/9238a46c05df691a00a36d.jpg" style="margin: 10px;" width="200" height="280" hspace="10" vspace="10" alt="">Former Sainsbury’s CEO Justin King CBE has been announced as one of the main speakers at the Garden Centre Association’s annual conference in January 2027.   The highly respected businessman will speak about leadership, transformation and customer-focused retail on the Monday of the event taking place at the Crowne Plaza, Stratford-upon-Avon on January 24–27, 2027.   GCA Chairman and Operations Director of Haskins Garden Centres, Ben Harrison, who along with GCA CEO, Peter Burks is organising the conference, says: “We’re thrilled that Justin King has agreed to be one of our main speakers at our conference next year. He is widely recognised as one of the UK’s most influential retail leaders, having led Sainsbury’s through a remarkable period of transformation and growth.   “Our conference is designed to inspire and enthuse our members and Justin’s track record of driving significant transformation in a fiercely competitive market, while always putting customers and colleagues first, will strike a chord with our delegates. We’re confident he will be an exciting and fascinating addition to what is developing into a standout roster of speakers for 2027.”   Justin King served as Chief Executive Officer of J Sainsbury plc for a decade, from 2004 to 2014, where he is credited with turning around the fortunes of the iconic British retailer through his widely acclaimed ‘Making Sainsbury’s Great Again’ strategy.   During his tenure, the business delivered sustained growth, significantly improved performance and strengthened its position in the UK grocery sector. His leadership is widely regarded as one of the most successful retail turnarounds in recent history.   Prior to joining Sainsbury’s, Justin was Director of Food at Marks & Spencer, where he led the retailer’s renowned food division between 2001 and 2004, further establishing his credentials as a leading figure in UK retail.   With a career spanning more than three decades, he has also held senior roles at Asda, PepsiCo and Mars, building a wealth of experience across global consumer and grocery markets.   Peter Burks, GCA CEO, concludes: “Securing someone of Justin’s stature is brilliant news for our members. His experience of leading a major UK retailer through transformation, alongside his deep understanding of food retail and customer behaviour, aligns strongly with the challenges and opportunities faced by our members. “Our conferences are designed to leave delegates feeling inspired and ready to face the year ahead, and Justin’s insights into leadership, strategy and responsible business practice will undoubtedly deliver just that. We’ve more great headline speakers than in previous years and we will be sharing further information about our full line-up of presenters throughout the summer.”   Tickets for the 2027 GCA Conference will officially go on sale at 8am on June 22, 2026, via the members’ section of the GCA website. An early bird 10% off discount will also be available for those booking before the end of July.   The GCA’s annual conference regularly attracts hundreds of members from across the UK, offering opportunities to hear from leading speakers, gain industry insight and network with peers.   The leading industry body represents more than 200 garden centres nationwide and, through sharing information and its inspection programme, helps members achieve high standards in customer service, plant quality and reliability.   For further information, please visit <a title="http://www.gca.org.uk" href="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/18lf0jrb17c/external?lang=en" data-outlook-id="e291f671-c7ec-44ae-9213-b24774a3ff7c">www.gca.org.uk</a>. https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/v3files/shard1/17491/b0/9238a46c05df691a00a36d.jpg HTA welcomes local MP Olly Glover to Chilton office https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/s6asjhye7ar?lang=en&rss=true The Horticultural Trades Association hosted Olly Glover, the local MP for Didcot & Wantage, at Horticulture House in Chilton, Oxfordshire. The visit opened up discussions on the contributions of environmental horticulture to both the local and national economy, raised awareness of critical challenges, and explored opportunities for businesses across the sector... 19 Jun 2026 12:00:00 BST 6734b9b397ff326dbbb25bf15bdb4887 articles top <img src="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/v3files/shard1/17491/c9/be66b46655c4e20c8a3fad.png" style="margin: 0px;" width="450" height="279" hspace="0" vspace="0" alt=""> The Horticultural Trades Association hosted Olly Glover, the local MP for Didcot & Wantage, at Horticulture House in Chilton, Oxfordshire. The visit opened up discussions on the contributions of environmental horticulture to both the local and national economy, raised awareness of critical challenges, and explored opportunities for businesses across the sector... <img src="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/v3files/shard1/17491/5a/12ba1a3b7efab3ab02e0d0.png" style="margin: 0px;" width="530" height="329" hspace="0" vspace="0" alt="">   The Horticultural Trades Association hosted Olly Glover, the local MP for Didcot & Wantage, at Horticulture House in Chilton, Oxfordshire. The visit opened up discussions on the contributions of environmental horticulture to both the local and national economy, raised awareness of critical challenges, and explored opportunities for businesses across the sector.   The meeting was hosted by Fran Barnes, the HTA’s Chief Executive. It included HTA representatives and constituency member - Tony Yates, who is the Garden Centre Manager at Chilton Garden Centre, part of the British Garden Centres group.   During the visit, the HTA shared the latest data on the environmental horticulture sector, which contributes £38 billion to UK GDP and supports more than 722,000 jobs. Discussions focused on rising business costs, trade and border arrangements, the transition to peat-free growing media, and the sector’s role in supporting economic growth, climate resilience, biodiversity and healthier communities.   The visit also highlighted the importance of garden centres as community hubs and drivers of local economic activity. To mark the occasion, Tony Yates presented Mr Glover with a houseplant from Chilton Garden Centre.   Olly Glover MP said: "It was a pleasure to visit the HTA at Horticulture House and meet with staff as well as members from Chilton Garden Centre, part of the British Garden Centre group. It was a valuable opportunity to hear firsthand about the contributions environmental horticulture makes to our local economy, environment, and communities, as well as the challenges our local businesses face.   “I was particularly interested to discuss the pressures facing SMEs and the opportunities out there for horticulture to support greener and healthier places. I look forward to continuing to engage with the HTA and my constituent businesses on these important issues."   Fran Barnes, Chief Executive of the HTA, said: "We were glad to welcome Olly to Horticulture House and share the experiences of our member businesses operating across the environmental horticulture supply chain. From growers and landscapers to manufacturers and garden retailers, our members are facing a challenging operating environment and need the confidence to invest for the future.   “Horticulture has a unique role to play in helping deliver economic growth, greener communities and improved health and wellbeing. Visits like this are invaluable in helping policymakers understand both the opportunities and the practical challenges facing the sector in our current climate."   Tony Yates, Garden Centre Manager at Chilton Garden Centre, said: “As an HTA member in Olly’s constituency, it was great to meet with him in person and talk openly about the cost pressures facing horticultural businesses right now. Chilton Garden Centre plays an important role locally, not only inspiring people to get into gardening but supporting our local community and working with local schools to encourage the next generation to value plants and green spaces.” Crocus grows 20% as investment in homegrown production delivers https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/pftg956ahdm?lang=en&rss=true Leading online garden retailer and nursery Crocus has reported 20% year-on-year revenue growth during this year's peak trading season across both plants and products, a particularly encouraging result against the backdrop of continued challenges across the wider horticultural industry. 19 Jun 2026 12:00:00 BST 6bd103f45a61d0ae4d9998b7b3fa76cd articles top Leading online garden retailer and nursery Crocus has reported 20% year-on-year revenue growth during this year's peak trading season across both plants and products, a particularly encouraging result against the backdrop of continued challenges across the wider horticultural industry. <img src="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/v3files/shard1/17491/02/723c8016776cd70f80f3ff.png" style="margin: 0px;" width="530" height="320" hspace="0" vspace="0" alt="">   Leading online garden retailer and nursery Crocus has reported 20% year-on-year revenue growth during this year's peak trading season across both plants and products, a particularly encouraging result against the backdrop of continued challenges across the wider horticultural industry.   The strong performance has been driven by significant investment in Crocus' own nursery production and wider operational efficiencies, enabling the business to increase the volume of quality, homegrown plants in line with customer demand while maintaining high stock availability throughout the season.   This focus on UK-grown stock has also been a strategic response to evolving plant import regulations and increasing concerns around biosecurity. By expanding its own production capabilities, Crocus has strengthened supply resilience, maintained quality standards and reduced reliance on imported and bought-in stock. The business is currently on track to produce 1.6 million homegrown plants this year and remains firmly on course to achieve its target of 2 million homegrown plants by the end of 2026.   To support this sustained growth, Crocus has expanded its nursery operations, bringing a further 2.3 hectares of growing space into production, while increasing capacity across its homegrown two and three-litre plant ranges to meet growing customer demand.   Alongside the success of its retail operation, Crocus' landscape and plant sourcing division, led by co-founder Peter Clay, has also enjoyed a strong year, supplying and managing planting schemes for some of the UK's most prestigious garden and landscape projects. Recent collaborations include working with Tom Stuart-Smith on the Tate Britain Garden at RHS Chelsea Flower Show, with Crocus now supplying the plants for the garden's permanent home at Tate Britain. The business is also delivering projects with RHS Chelsea Flower Show Best in Show winner Sarah Eberle and acclaimed designer Sarah Price, and is currently partnering with Tom Stuart-Smith to create the largest ever show garden at this year's RHS Badminton Flower Show.   Over the past three years, Crocus' wholesale and plant sourcing division has grown significantly, reflecting increasing demand for high-quality, nursery-grown plants and specialist horticultural expertise across the commercial landscaping sector.   Mark Fane, Co-Founder of Crocus, said: "It's been a great peak season for the business and one we're incredibly proud of, particularly given the difficult trading conditions many across the industry continue to face. Our decision to invest heavily in our own nursery production has enabled us to offer customers greater choice, consistency and quality throughout the season, while also responding to the changing landscape of plant imports and the increasing importance of biosecurity." "What makes these results especially pleasing is that we've achieved this growth while continuing to deliver the level of service our customers expect from us. Throughout this peak season, 85% of customers have rated us as 'Excellent' on Trustpilot – a reflection of the hard work and dedication of our teams across the business."   Mark Fane added: "Since 2023, all of our own nursery production has been grown-on in peat-free compost, reflecting our long-term commitment to more responsible growing practices. Sustainability has long been central to how we operate, and we're committed to demonstrating that large-scale, high-quality plant production can be achieved responsibly."   Peter Clay, Co-Founder of Crocus, said: "We're incredibly privileged to work alongside some of the country's most talented and influential garden designers on projects that inspire millions of people and leave a lasting legacy. Whether it's an award-winning Chelsea garden, a major public landscape or a private commission, our role is to help bring exceptional planting schemes to life.   "The growth of our landscape and plant sourcing division reflects the trust that designers and clients place in our nursery, our plants and our expertise. It's particularly rewarding to see our investment in homegrown production supporting not only our retail customers, but also some of the most ambitious and exciting horticultural projects being delivered in Britain today."   The growth marks another milestone in Crocus' continued investment in UK-grown production, reinforcing the company's long-term commitment to quality, sustainability and horticultural excellence, while helping to build greater resilience within the British horticultural supply chain. https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/v3files/shard1/17491/e1/d86efc3408216bba22c4f5.png Summer Showroom Directory in GTN May-June 2026 Issue https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/13485bhzzdv?lang=en&rss=true In this issue: Fakenham Garden Centre Glee Roadshow 2026 Celebrations and trends at Chelsea J-Class Moongate Making Napoleon famous Comfort and joy from Bramblecrest Summer Showroom Special & Directory DLF and Johnsons Lawn Seed LeisureGrow open for business 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 30 May 2026 12:00:00 BST 624381f1b010f8ebe95975d8235560c1 Bottom In this issue: <ul> <li>Fakenham Garden Centre</li> <li>Glee Roadshow 2026</li> <li>Celebrations and trends at Chelsea</li> <li>J-Class Moongate</li> <li>Making Napoleon famous</li> <li>Comfort and joy from Bramblecrest</li> <li>Summer Showroom Special & Directory</li> <li>DLF and Johnsons Lawn Seed</li> <li>LeisureGrow open for business</li> <li>Westland’s brand-new showroom</li> <li>Introducing Royal Garden UK</li> <li>Plant show round up for Summer 2026</li> <li>Food allergy awareness and safety - New GTN series</li> <li>Create an experience - Adapt or Die</li> <li>Floral Spectacular at Chelsea - GTN Planteria</li> <li>Keeping Garden Furniture moving - LOFA Viewpoint</li> <li>Putting on a show - HTA Viewpoint</li> </ul> <a href="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/3m4is8ktrna/external?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">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.</a>   <div style="position: relative; padding-top: max(60%,326px); height: 0; width: 100%;"><iframe style="position: absolute; border: none; width: 100%; height: 100%; left: 0; right: 0; top: 0; bottom: 0;" title="GTN May-June 2026 - Summer Showroom Special - Garden Trade News UK" src="https://e.issuu.com/embed.html?backgroundColor=%2394ccec&backgroundColorFullscreen=%2394ccec&d=gtn_may-june_2026_-_summer_showroom_special_-_gard&hideIssuuLogo=true&showOtherPublicationsAsSuggestions=true&u=gardentradenews" width="320" height="180" frameborder="0" sandbox="allow-top-navigation allow-top-navigation-by-user-activation allow-downloads allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-modals allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox allow-forms" allow="clipboard-write; autoplay; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></div>   <a href="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/3m4is8ktrna/external?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/v3files/shard1/17491/fa/c05491ea0bb2b987fc7a01.jpg" style="margin: 0px;" width="250" height="358" hspace="0" vspace="0" alt=""></a> https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/v3files/shard1/17491/dc/5c9511bc4f08cb26b8b8b9.jpg Read the issue on-line here Get your copy of GTN Xtra https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/1pxwy9n584u?lang=en&rss=true with all the news direct to your e-mail inbox... 26 Nov 2015 12:00:00 GMT 59912fedbfe4dbf3ebbcbcd829a125a0 articles bottom Right Side Articles Cover with all the news direct to your e-mail inbox... <img src="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/v3files/shard1/17491/9c/76add21cca1076fdb5ea4c.jpg" width="175" height="80" alt=""> with all the news direct to your e-mail inbox.  The best news service every weekend and all the breaking news as it happens. <a href="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/1fc9ullyre5?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Subscribe for free using this link</a> https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/v3files/shard1/17491/72/cfe8045849763806b673c4.jpg Professor Alice Roberts’ Garden of Evolution wins Best Show Garden at BBC Gardeners’ World Live https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/1oynkch6l08?lang=en&rss=true Professor Alice Roberts and designer David Stevens are the proud winners of Best Show Garden and a Platinum award at BBC Gardeners’ World Live 2026 for their immersive Garden of Evolution... 19 Jun 2026 12:00:00 BST b9fe5fb3821fe386b417bddce57f145b articles bottom <img src="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/v3files/shard1/17491/5c/210d442bfbcea484520b80.png" style="margin:0px;" width="450" height="284" hspace="0" vspace="0" alt=""> Professor Alice Roberts and designer David Stevens are the proud winners of Best Show Garden and a Platinum award at BBC Gardeners’ World Live 2026 for their immersive Garden of Evolution... <img src="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/v3files/shard1/17491/d7/d0fa9c6538ee474f294045.png" style="margin: 0px;" width="530" height="335" hspace="0" vspace="0" alt="">   Professor Alice Roberts and designer David Stevens are the proud winners of Best Show Garden and a Platinum award at BBC Gardeners’ World Live 2026 for their immersive Garden of Evolution.   This educational show garden is inspired by 500 million years of life on Earth, and academics from the University of Birmingham have played an active part in its development.  Visitors to the garden can journey through dramatic prehistoric landscapes, ancient forests and evolving ecosystems, discovering how plants and animals have adapted and survived through the ages. BBC Gardeners’ World Live takes place at the NEC Birmingham from 18-21 June.    The Garden of Evolution was constructed by West Midlands-based Design It Landscapes, led by Dan Ryan. It combines science storytelling and design to create a thought-provoking experience, with striking rock formations, cascading water, fossil-inspired features and richly textured planting. Alongside life-sized prehistoric creatures and references to Earth’s changing climate, the garden highlights the importance of biodiversity, conservation and our relationship with the natural world today.    It features a model of BIFoR FACE (Birmingham Institute of Forest Research Free-Air Carbon Dioxide Enrichment programme), one of the world’s largest climate change experiments. Experts from plant suppliers, Hillier, will be on the garden to share information about some of the plants featured.    There are more than 45 show gardens, Borders and floral displays at this year’s event, all brimming with inspiration and ideas for real gardens. Last night’s awards took place at BBC Gardeners’ World Live’s spectacular Floral Marquee, sponsored by L&G. David Hurrion, the horticulturalist, writer and presenter, hosted the awards ceremony at the Hillier-sponsored Let’s Talk Plants Stage. Chair of the BBC Gardeners’ World Live Show Garden assessors’ panel is award-winning garden designer and horticultural expert, Roger Platts. He said: “The Garden of Evolution made a strong impression on the Assessors with its skilful construction and high-quality planting. The impressive specimen trees and ferns enhance the presentation and clearly tell the story of evolution. Expertly designed, the garden combines education and horticultural excellence to provide a memorable visitor experience.”  \ Best Showcase Garden and a Platinum award went to Northamptonshire designer Matt Bettison for Greenhouse Noir. This compact, contemporary space features bold, black backdrops and structure which create a dramatic, gallery-like setting that allows every plant to stand out. Detailed stone paving and a central table display add architectural character. The garden also scooped the award for Best Construction Landscaper which recognises technical excellence amongst professional landscaping teams. Greenhouse Noir was constructed by Shane Allsop Landscaping, Mike Jarvis Landscaping, and Landscaping Creation.<a title="" name="_Hlk137024866" data-outlook-id="6fefecf5-8b33-41d9-8849-b5dedd443f19"></a>    Chair of assessors, Roger Platts, said: “Greenhouse Noir is brilliantly designed and planted, demonstrating excellence in creating a garden in a small space. The construction is to a very high standard, with lovely planting showing good horticultural knowledge.” Winner Matt Bettison said: “I’m overwhelmed that a small garden has been recognised amongst some really big, beautiful spaces. This is my first Showcase Garden so this is totally unexpected. It’s been wonderful to have a great team behind me and I couldn’t have done this without them.” In the Beautiful Borders category for small-space inspiration, this year’s theme is ‘Once Upon a Time’. <a title="" name="_Hlk211517439" data-outlook-id="3a9c2103-f098-4988-a5ca-1230953bc06b"></a>Winner of Best Beautiful Border and a Platinum award was Mark Selby, a designer from East Sussex, for The Pioneering Spirit. Inspired by wild countryside adventures and camping, this Border blends untamed planting with functional design, featuring woodland plants, grasses and perennials for movement and texture, and a water-harvesting table made from coppiced chestnut and British wool.    Co-Chair of Assessors for the Beautiful Borders, acclaimed garden designer Richard Barnard, said: “Mark has used a stunning mix of soft and hard landscaping that works perfectly for the space, with sustainable materials featured throughout. The planting and colour palette are outstanding, as is the design and build quality of the water harvesting feature.”   Winner Mark Selby said: “This is my first show garden and I’m very happy, if a bit overwhelmed, to have won this award. Creating the garden has been a lot of work, but it’s been a great learning journey, particularly the positive feedback from the assessors. I’m launching my own garden design business and this is a great event to showcase that.”   Best Interpretation of the Theme (‘Once Upon a Time’) and a Platinum award went to Lancashire based Jan O’Brien for Threads of Life. Reflecting fifty years of lived experience, the Border’s design is inspired by the designer’s love of sewing, textiles and natural forms, and supports awareness of Motor Neurone Disease.   Winner Jan O’Brien said: “This is my second year designing a Border at BBC Gardeners’ World Live and I’ve loved it. This year, I wanted to tell the story of my life through plants, and to recognise some wonderful people that have made an impact on my life. The Border is in honour of a great friend who is living with MND.”   Best BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Subscriber Border and a Platinum award went to Surrey and southwest London designers Georgina Spencer and Alice Pote for Return to Gothic. The Border tells the story of Gothic Lodge, once overgrown and reclaimed by nature, and its gradual restoration over two years. Georgina and Alice are career changers that have trained with the Working for Gardeners Association, a charity providing horticultural skills training through its Work and Retrain As a Gardener Scheme (WRAGs). After BBC Gardeners’ World Live, the garden will be relocated to a community garden project at Elmbridge EcoHub in Walton on Thames.    Georgina Spencer said: “We’re absolutely delighted that all the hard work paid off. The assessors have been so encouraging and it’s lovely that we’ve created something that people are really enjoying. Alice and I met at WRAGS and working together on Gothic Lodge is a great way to complete our training. We’re already planning to do more work together.”   Seven of this year’s Beautiful Borders are designed by WRAGS trainees. Winner of Best WFGA Border and a Platinum award was Kate McCallum from Dorking, Surrey. Kate’s Border, By the Light of the Moon, was inspired by childhood fairytales and the magic of twilight hours when light fades and imagination grows. A crescent-shaped hammock evokes the moon, surrounded by fragrant, silver planting that glows at night to attract nocturnal pollinators.   Winner Kate McCallum said: “I’m absolutely overwhelmed to have won this award and have learnt so much in the process. I couldn’t have done it without the help of my wonderful parents-in-law.”   BBC Newsround presenter and keen allotment grower, De-Graft Mensah, has co-created the BBC Gardeners’ World Make a Metre Matter Border with garden designer, Lucy Chamberlain. This nature-friendly micro garden is packed with food plants, flowers and features to attract wildlife, with a desigh that illustrates how even one square metre of garden space can be transformed to support a healthy planet.   Lucy Ashworth, Event Director at Immediate Live, organisers of BBC Gardeners’ World Live, said: “It’s another bumper year of horticultural highlights at BBC Gardeners’ World Live, with inspiration and ideas for gardens of every shape, size, budget and style. We have the utmost respect and admiration for the teams that enter their show garden and Border designs each year, and for the creativity, dedication and hard work that go into them. It’s not easy to impress our expert assessors and the awards are hard won, so our hearty congratulations to every single team that entered.” <a title="" name="_Hlk131432244" data-outlook-id="0634114a-c901-4e27-9dda-487941aee282"></a>New features at BBC Gardeners’ World Live this year are the QVC Outdoor Living Stage, the Smoke & Fire BBQ Festival, the Garden Organic ’Grow Your Own’ Stage, floristry workshops and the BBC Introducing Stage, showcasing talented local musicians. Famous faces Monty Don, Adam Frost, Frances Tophill and Professor Alice Roberts are the star guests at the BBC Gardeners’ World Live Theatre, sponsored by British Garden Centres, chatting with Nicki Chapman and BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine’s Kevin Smith. Popular gardening influencers Jonny Hincks (Garden with Jonny) and Michael Perry (Mr Plant Geek) join the fun too. Adam Frost’s Tasting Table returns, featuring cooking demonstrations, tastings, and food and garden chat with celebrity chefs from sister event, Good Food Show Summer.   Fabulous florals At the Floral Marquee, sponsored by L&G, displays by leading plant nurseries and the International Orchid Show are as spectacular as ever. This year’s Hot Off the Potting Bench gallery features 75 brand new plants and varieties, entered by specialist plant breeders and growers for the Peter Seabrook Award for Best New Plant at BBC Gardeners’ World Live. At the Let’s Talk Plants Stage hosted by David Hurrion, stage sponsors Hillier share a daily programme of sessions dedicated to plants. The Plant Experts’ advice desk is the go-to destination for visitors with plant problems, and at the Wool-Pots Pot Swap, plastic plant pots are exchanged for sustainable wool versions. APL Avenue The Association of Professional Landscapers celebrates a decade of APL Avenue at BBC Gardeners’ World Live this year with a curated collection of contemporary gardens by member companies. Umbrellas by Dave Hodson Gardens from Usk is inspired by cult French film, The Umbrellas of Cherbourg. Rutland-based TJ Kennedy Garden Design’s Sanctuary for a Changing World is a modern take on an ancient walled garden. The Mill Ruins by Gunns & Roses Ltd from Spalding and 3DG in Bury is inspired by nature’s gradual reclaiming of old Lancashire mill sites. At the APL Design & Landscape Clinic, experienced professionals are on hand with garden planning advice and support.  Plant and garden shopping Visitors make the most of the event’s extensive shopping opportunities, heading to the Floral Marquee, Plant Village and Green Rooms House Plant Studio for quality plants. A Plant Crèche and car collection service are available to help lighten the load. Throughout the event’s halls and outside spaces is a wide range of plant pots, containers and decorative garden items, tools, equipment and gardening clothing, garden furniture, buildings, greenhouses and more. BBC Gardeners’ World Live is at the NEC Biringham until Sunday 21 June. Tickets are on sale at <a id="OWA8a715cc5-7082-9a66-c787-b8876ec08ebb" title="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/1p490un1hue/external?lang=en" href="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/1p490un1hue/external?lang=en" data-outlook-id="62603e78-97df-4a3f-bf69-9e7f5f0053c4">www.bbcgardenersworldlive.com</a> and include entry to Good Food Show Summer (<a id="OWAbff1b32c-6896-31f1-bbb1-f95393db5460" title="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/vthgspgy289/external?lang=en" href="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/vthgspgy289/external?lang=en" data-outlook-id="caba15cb-2843-46e8-af6f-d2de4d1e54d0">goodfoodshowsummer.com</a>), featuring kitchen talks, stages and demonstrations, and food and drink tasting and shopping. This year’s guests include James Martin, Si King, The Fletchers (Fletchers’ Family Farm) and Dr. Chintal Patel. Garden wildlife emerging as aey growth category for garden centres https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/8a0c82k1sye?lang=en&rss=true As consumer interest in wildlife-friendly gardening continues to grow, leading bird food manufacturer Johnston & Jeff believes garden centres are ideally positioned to benefit from the expanding garden wildlife market... 19 Jun 2026 12:00:00 BST 2380256e51ad273bd8c6d09b13bd001f articles bottom <img src="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/v3files/shard1/17491/df/1bbdbc1b08808b23974705.png" style="margin: 0px;" width="450" height="115" hspace="0" vspace="0" alt=""> As consumer interest in wildlife-friendly gardening continues to grow, leading bird food manufacturer Johnston & Jeff believes garden centres are ideally positioned to benefit from the expanding garden wildlife market... <img src="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/v3files/shard1/17491/0b/5d912368db148e71a051ce.png" style="margin: 0px;" width="530" height="136" hspace="0" vspace="0" alt="">   As consumer interest in wildlife-friendly gardening continues to grow, leading bird food manufacturer Johnston & Jeff believes garden centres are ideally positioned to benefit from the expanding garden wildlife market.   Traditionally, wild bird feeding has been a well-established category within garden retail. However, today’s consumers are increasingly looking beyond birds and seeking ways to support a wider range of garden wildlife, including hedgehogs, squirrels, insects and pollinators.   According to Johnston & Jeff, this shift presents a significant opportunity for garden centres to expand their wildlife offering and increase customer spend through a more holistic approach to supporting nature in the garden.   Richard Johnston, Managing Director of Johnston & Jeff, said: "Customers are becoming more engaged with the natural world around them. Many people who begin by feeding garden birds soon become interested in supporting other wildlife species as well. Garden centres are perfectly placed to help customers create thriving habitats that benefit a wide range of wildlife."   The company has seen growing demand for products that support multiple species and habitats, including specialist foods, nesting products and habitat solutions for hedgehogs, squirrels and pollinating insects. This reflects a broader consumer interest in biodiversity, conservation and nature-friendly gardening.   Johnston & Jeff believes garden centres have a unique advantage in this market thanks to their ability to combine plants, wildlife products and expert advice within a single destination.   Rather than merchandising wildlife products as separate categories, the company recommends creating dedicated wildlife zones that bring together bird food, feeders, hedgehog food, insect habitats, nesting products and wildlife-friendly gardening solutions to provide a stronger customer proposition.   "The opportunity extends far beyond simply selling bird seed," adds Johnston. "Consumers increasingly want to create gardens that support nature throughout the year. Garden centres can play a key role in helping them achieve that while also benefiting from increased footfall, repeat visits and higher basket spend."   As public awareness of biodiversity challenges continues to rise, Johnston & Jeff expects the garden wildlife category to become an increasingly important growth area for garden centres and the wider garden retail sector over the coming years. New ‘Voices of Retail’ data reveals community is retail’s most underused growth strategy https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/p7rg4voyd1v?lang=en&rss=true Spring & Autumn Fair, in partnership with Faire, has revealed new insight showing that community-building is emerging as one of the most powerful and underused growth drivers for independent retailers... 19 Jun 2026 12:00:00 BST 5bc73a919bcdfdd494a3ebd2f4661418 articles bottom <img src="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/v3files/shard1/17491/75/4b462c98ce70a294e3fd32.jpg" style="margin: 0px;" width="450" height="253" hspace="0" vspace="0" alt=""> Spring & Autumn Fair, in partnership with Faire, has revealed new insight showing that community-building is emerging as one of the most powerful and underused growth drivers for independent retailers... <img src="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/v3files/shard1/17491/32/7e8de6fe8c10102f5522bf.jpg" style="margin: 0px;" width="530" height="298" hspace="0" vspace="0" alt="">   Spring & Autumn Fair, in partnership with Faire, has revealed new insight showing that community-building is emerging as one of the most powerful and underused growth drivers for independent retailers.   The findings, taken from the recently launched Voices of Retail 2026 report, show that 46% of consumers actively choose retailers that create a sense of community, while 89% of retailers who collaborate with other businesses report positive commercial impact, including increased footfall, stronger brand awareness and new customer acquisition. Despite the proven benefits, just 23% of retailers are actively collaborating today.   The report, produced by Spring & Autumn Fair and Faire, surveyed 650 independent retailers and more than 2,000 UK consumers to better understand what is driving growth on Britain’s high streets. According to the findings, shoppers are increasingly seeking experiences, connection and personality from retail, rather than simply convenience or low prices. More than a third (36%) of consumers say they would visit their local high street more often if there were more events and experiences, while over half want community-led experiences such as markets and food tastings.   <img src="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/v3files/shard1/17491/d3/90034f1cb0cc650c3de08e.jpg" style="margin: 0px;" width="530" height="210" hspace="0" vspace="0" alt=""> Jackson Szabo, Portfolio Director at Spring & Autumn Fair said; “Community is becoming one of the biggest competitive advantages independent retailers have. Consumers don’t just want transactions anymore, they want connection, identity and experiences that feel human. The retailers succeeding right now are creating reasons for people to spend time with them, not just money. Whether that’s events, collaborations or simply building genuine relationships with regular customers, it creates loyalty that is far more resilient than competing on price.”   The findings suggest many retailers are already sitting on the foundations of a community without necessarily recognising it. The report also highlights that some of the strongest-performing independent businesses are focusing on simple, repeatable ways to engage their local audience, from informal customer events and loyalty initiatives to partnerships with neighbouring businesses and involvement in wider community activity.   Charlotte Broadbent, UK General Manager at Faire said; “What’s really interesting in the data is that community-building doesn’t need to mean large budgets or complicated campaigns. The retailers seeing success are often doing very simple things consistently well. It might be remembering customers by name, hosting a small monthly event, collaborating with another local business, or creating experiences that bring people together. Those moments create emotional connection, and emotional connection drives loyalty, advocacy and repeat visits.”   The report also found that independent retailers who collaborate with neighbouring businesses are seeing particularly strong results, despite collaboration remaining one of the least utilised commercial growth levers on the high street. Examples highlighted within the report include joint events, cross-promotions, shopping trails and informal retailer networks that help businesses share audiences and drive footfall collectively rather than competing individually.   <img src="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/v3files/shard1/17491/b5/76286e4434b72172d52404.jpg" style="margin: 0px;" width="530" height="308" hspace="0" vspace="0" alt=""> Katie Hughes, Marketing and eCommerce Executive at Wongs Jewellers (Liverpool & Manchester stores) said, “We regularly collaborate with local businesses and partners across a range of sectors to help increase brand awareness and drive footfall. By staying closely connected with the local community and creating seamless brand experiences, we’ve seen firsthand how effective collaboration can be in telling stories that resonate with shared audiences.”   Jackson Szabo added; “The high street doesn’t have a demand problem; it has an experience gap. Consumers are clearly telling us they want more independent retail, more personality and more reasons to visit their local high streets. Community is increasingly becoming the thing that brings all of that together.”   As part of the insight, Spring & Autumn Fair and Faire have outlined five practical ways retailers can begin building stronger communities around their businesses: <ul type="disc"> <li>Recognise and engage regular customers</li> <li>Create small but repeatable in-store experiences</li> <li>Collaborate with neighbouring businesses</li> <li>Build rituals and experiences customers want to belong to</li> <li>Get involved in wider local initiatives and community activity</li> </ul> The findings form part of the wider Voices of Retail 2026 report, which explores the strategies, behaviours and trends separating growing retailers from those under pressure across the UK retail landscape.   <img src="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/v3files/shard1/17491/f5/c12e4ff0532e311d156e7e.jpg" style="margin: 0px;" width="530" height="189" hspace="0" vspace="0" alt=""> The Voices of Retail 2026 report is available to download now at: <a title="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/122fhqd8t5q/external?lang=en" href="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/122fhqd8t5q/external?lang=en">Spring & Autumn Fair – Voices of Retail Report</a> GARDENA announces Giovanna Fletcher as ambassador https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/11o1ojmiaba?lang=en&rss=true GARDENA has announced bestselling author, actress, presenter and podcast host Giovanna Fletcher as its newest ambassador, fronting a new collaboration that will spotlight smarter gardening solutions while supporting the brand’s partnership with UNICEF... 19 Jun 2026 12:00:00 BST c5199cff9a2720795c5a3868b8dedd1c articles bottom GARDENA has announced bestselling author, actress, presenter and podcast host Giovanna Fletcher as its newest ambassador, fronting a new collaboration that will spotlight smarter gardening solutions while supporting the brand’s partnership with UNICEF... <img align="right" src="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/v3files/shard1/17491/e5/ebe74b7fa1ae119a05d13f.png" style="margin: 10px;" width="275" height="458" hspace="10" vspace="10" alt="">GARDENA has announced bestselling author, actress, presenter and podcast host Giovanna Fletcher as its newest ambassador, fronting a new collaboration that will spotlight smarter gardening solutions while supporting the brand’s partnership with UNICEF.   As part of the collaboration, Giovanna will work with GARDENA across a series of campaigns focused on making garden irrigation easier and more efficient for modern families, while also helping raise awareness of the importance of access to clean and safe water, sanitation and hygiene for children and families around the world.   GARDENA is supporting UNICEF in its efforts to provide safe water, access to basic sanitation and good hygiene practices to vulnerable children, families and communities. This helps ensure that children can survive and are safe from infectious diseases – so that they can have a bright and happy future.   Giovanna Fletcher’s work is rooted in authenticity, family values and advocacy for parents, women and children. Throughout her career, she has built a trusted connection with audiences by speaking openly about motherhood, homelife, and the everyday challenges many families face.   Sharing GARDENA and UNICEF’s ambition to support children and families and ensure every child has the opportunity to grow up safe, healthy and supported, Giovanna is a natural fit to help amplify the campaign’s message and inspire greater awareness of the life-changing impact access to clean water has in areas that need it most.   Sarah Bentham, UK Marketing Manager at GARDENA, said: “Giovanna Fletcher’s authentic approach and long-standing advocacy for children and families make her a natural partner for GARDENA, and we are delighted to welcome her as an ambassador. Through this collaboration, we’re excited to work together to encourage more thoughtful and efficient ways to care for our outdoor spaces, while also helping raise awareness of important global issues connected to access to safe and clean water.   “At GARDENA, water is central to everything we do, which is why our partnership with UNICEF is so meaningful to us. Together with Giovanna and UNICEF, we hope to inspire greater awareness of the life-changing impact that access to clean and safe water, sanitation and hygiene can have for children, families and communities around the world.” https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/v3files/shard1/17491/74/648a7b57b0f9a0b84bc767.png Slug invasion warning as wet weather grips UK gardens https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/ltt3rqtc1ge?lang=en&rss=true According to garden care experts at Doff, one of the UK's leading suppliers of slug control and repellent solutions, the recent weather patterns have created the perfect environment for increased slug activity, putting vulnerable flowers, vegetables and young plants at risk... 19 Jun 2026 12:00:00 BST 08a02e7a72e8bab0bf48db41227a1a9f articles bottom <img src="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/v3files/shard1/17491/46/f022b747e8d06c1daaf1e4.jpg" style="margin: 0px;" width="450" height="267" hspace="0" vspace="0" alt=""> According to garden care experts at Doff, one of the UK's leading suppliers of slug control and repellent solutions, the recent weather patterns have created the perfect environment for increased slug activity, putting vulnerable flowers, vegetables and young plants at risk... <img src="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/v3files/shard1/17491/57/efceba1bcaf33efa8e71f0.jpg" style="margin: 0px;" width="530" height="390" hspace="0" vspace="0" alt="">   Gardeners across the UK are being urged to stay vigilant as a combination of a mild winter and a wet start to summer creates ideal conditions for slugs to thrive.   According to garden care experts at Doff, one of the UK's leading suppliers of slug control and repellent solutions, the recent weather patterns have created the perfect environment for increased slug activity, putting vulnerable flowers, vegetables and young plants at risk.   Research from the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) states that slugs grow and reproduce more rapidly when conditions are moist, with activity heavily influenced by temperature and moisture levels.   The warning followed a winter that saw relatively limited periods of prolonged frost across much of the UK. While slug populations naturally fluctuate from year to year, a lack of extended cold weather is widely recognised as beneficial to slug survival.   The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) describes slugs and snails as being well suited to the UK's damp, mild climate and advises that these moist conditions provide ideal opportunities for feeding and movement.   Tom Clamp – Head of Technical at Doff said: "While no one can predict exact slug numbers, the conditions we've seen so far this year are highly favourable for slug activity. Slugs thrive in damp environments and a mild winter followed by wet weather means gardeners should be prepared for increased pressure on vulnerable plants.   "Young seedlings, leafy vegetables and soft-stemmed ornamentals are particularly susceptible to damage. Once slugs become established, they can quickly undo weeks of hard work in the garden, so early prevention is key."   In 2024, the RHS described conditions as creating one of the most severe periods of slug activity in recent memory, driven by a mild winter and persistently damp spring and summer weather.   Doff is encouraging gardeners to inspect plants regularly, remove potential slug hiding places and take preventative action before populations become established. Birdfy announces major Prime Day savings https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/d0rm5pgl4qa?lang=en&rss=true Birdfy, the award-winning smart birdwatching brand known for its AI-powered feeders and nesting cameras, has announced a series of Prime Day deals running from 23rd to 26th June on Amazon UK... 19 Jun 2026 12:00:00 BST fa186b1c4a2730fb55b7833259c76553 articles bottom Birdfy, the award-winning smart birdwatching brand known for its AI-powered feeders and nesting cameras, has announced a series of Prime Day deals running from 23rd to 26th June on Amazon UK... <img align="right" src="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/v3files/shard1/17491/98/aa633e8c6c9ea15f572650.png" style="margin: 10px;" width="275" height="252" hspace="10" vspace="10" alt="">Birdfy, the award-winning smart birdwatching brand known for its AI-powered feeders and nesting cameras, has announced a series of Prime Day deals running from 23rd to 26th June on Amazon UK.   The limited-time offers include up to 45% off Birdfy’s most popular models, giving nature lovers, families and garden enthusiasts the chance to capture stunning wildlife moments directly from their smartphones.   From AI bird identification to night-vision nesting cameras and solar-powered feeders, Birdfy’s Prime Day lineup brings advanced wildlife monitoring to gardens across the UK.   Highlights include: <ul> <li>Birdfy Feeder 2 reduced by 45%, from £199.99 to £109.98</li> <li>Birdfy Feeder 1 from £89.99, saving up to 33%</li> <li>Birdfy Feeder Wood reduced by 29% to £113.99</li> <li>Birdfy Rookie Solar reduced by 33% to £99.99</li> <li>Birdfy Nest Wood available from £115.49</li> </ul> https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/v3files/shard1/17491/98/aa633e8c6c9ea15f572650.png spoga+gafa 2026 reflects changing garden industry https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/1whes3hn7bp?lang=en&rss=true Around 1,350 exhibitors will showcase the trends and new products of the upcoming season in Cologne from 22 to 24 June 2026. With a strong international participation, new special events and formats as well as popular top themes like outdoor lifestyle and digitalisation, spoga+gafa is setting important impulses for the global garden lifestyle and BBQ industry... 19 Jun 2026 12:00:00 BST 7fc334b627812343a6501c9da96ad09d Right Side Articles Cover Around 1,350 exhibitors will showcase the trends and new products of the upcoming season in Cologne from 22 to 24 June 2026. With a strong international participation, new special events and formats as well as popular top themes like outdoor lifestyle and digitalisation, spoga+gafa is setting important impulses for the global garden lifestyle and BBQ industry... Around 1,350 exhibitors will showcase the trends and new products of the upcoming season in Cologne from 22 to 24 June 2026. With a strong international participation, new special events and formats as well as popular top themes like outdoor lifestyle and digitalisation, spoga+gafa is setting important impulses for the global garden lifestyle and BBQ industry. Over the course of three days, leading companies will present their new products, trends and product ranges for the coming season divided up into the theme worlds "Living", "Creation&Care", "BBQ" and "Outdoor Adventure". spoga+gafa will thus provide trade visitors from the retail, industry and service sector a comprehensive overview of the current market developments as well as many opportunities for networking and initiating business deals. "The international presence of companies from 50 countries demonstrates how important personal encounters, international networks and reliable business partnerships are, especially in challenging times. We look forward to welcoming the international garden lifestyle and BBQ industry in Cologne," said Claudia Maurer, Director of spoga+gafa. Theme worlds accentuate trends and product range diversity spoga+gafa 2026 organises its offer into several theme worlds, which offers the trade visitors a clear orientation. The theme world <a title="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/1e0wbnmdtji/external?lang=en" href="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/1e0wbnmdtji/external?lang=en" data-outlook-id="8f049e27-7656-45c7-abcd-df9272cb94f5">"Creation&Care"</a> presents the entire spectrum of solutions for garden equipment, plant care and smart gardening. With the "Digital Garden Stage", spoga+gafa 2026 is for the first time launching an independent platform dedicated to digital solutions for the brick-and-mortar trade and e-commerce. The trade fair is thus specifically addressing the progressing digitalisation and automation within the specialised garden trade, offering orientation on the industry's latest developments and future themes. In the theme world <a title="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/1mho87gfpn6/external?lang=en" href="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/1mho87gfpn6/external?lang=en" data-outlook-id="a3507034-548c-48b3-abb9-735452bbde15">"Living"</a>, the focus lies on furniture, decoration and design trends for the garden, terrace and balcony. In the scope of the "Grow Anywhere" special event, spoga+gafa 2026 is highlighting the diverse possibilities of city gardening. Integrated "Balcony conversations" provide practical insights, promote the expert exchange and offer inspiration for innovative product ranges and retail POS concepts. In the scope of <a title="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/1nifk24zrnc/external?lang=en" href="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/1nifk24zrnc/external?lang=en" data-outlook-id="9278f953-3eaa-4939-810f-4efd319626b3">"Outdoor Adventure"</a> spoga+gafa is expanding its spectrum to include a new theme world. Here, exhibitors present products and concepts focusing on micro-adventures and outdoor activities in green spaces. The "Outdoor Adventure" special zone featuring the converted campervan brings the theme to life and demonstrates how outdoor lifestyles, mobility and nature experiences can be combined. An integrated stage supplies expert input: In the scope of the "Green Chair" talk format and international panels, industry experts will discuss the latest developments and future themes of the outdoor market. The theme world <a title="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/1ulqcf3pagn/external?lang=en" href="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/1ulqcf3pagn/external?lang=en" data-outlook-id="aa8ff455-e291-4cdd-a4e2-42da2c130e08">"BBQ"</a> highlights the diversity of the international BBQ market - from new appliances and accessories to food trends. Formats like the "Pitmaster Stage" and the "Pit & Pitch – Eat. Play. Stay." outdoor area feature live demonstrations, community gatherings and creative product presentations. In addition, the "BBQ Prime Night" on the first evening of the trade fair gives visitors the opportunity to wind down in a relaxed atmosphere while enjoying a view of Cologne Cathedral. growing forward & together: spoga+gafa once again serves as a key networking event for the garden industry Together, the theme worlds, special events and the event and networking programme cover the entire spectrum of the garden industry, highlighting which trends, products and concepts will shape the product ranges in 2027. At the same time, under its motto "growing forward", spoga+gafa 2026 stands for the consistent further development of the trade fair: With new top themes, formats and offers it creates added value for the trade visitors and focuses even more strongly on the current market demands. "growing forward, together" embodies the close solidarity within the industry: Together with associations like the Barbecue Industry Association Grill e. V. (BIAG), BHB – Trade Association for Home Improvement, Construction & Gardening e. V., German Association of Garden Centres (VDG), Dutch Outdoor Furniture Association (DOFAS), European Floral and Lifestyle Suppliers Association (EFSA), EDRA/GHIN, Garden Industry Association e. V. (IVG), Tuinbranche Nederland and the Verband der Deutschen Motoristen e. V. (VdM), spoga+gafa is reinforcing its role as the central networking event of the garden industry. For further information, tickets and press accreditation enquiries, please see: <a title="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/15bc0hlf7yp/external?lang=en" href="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/15bc0hlf7yp/external?lang=en" data-outlook-id="60c7e17b-00b0-4088-afbf-6785a7fbf479">www.spogagafa.com</a> https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/v3files/shard1/17491/f2/a56300aa9a6efde36512ec.png https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/v3files/shard1/17491/f2/a56300aa9a6efde36512ec.png Perennial welcomes Angela Oliver and Steve Harper as ambassadors https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/80mpnuku5m1?lang=en&rss=true Perennial is expanding its industry Ambassador programme, welcoming Angela Oliver from the floristry sector and Steve Harper from the garden retail sector... 19 Jun 2026 12:00:00 BST ed2b8871e0a294f8af1faeab9278a63b Right Side Articles Cover Perennial is expanding its industry Ambassador programme, welcoming Angela Oliver from the floristry sector and Steve Harper from the garden retail sector... <img src="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/v3files/shard1/17491/c6/ca03b42911324f6b665669.png" style="margin: 0px;" width="530" height="352" hspace="0" vspace="0" alt="">   Perennial, the only UK charity dedicated to supporting everyone working in horticulture, is expanding its industry Ambassador programme. They are welcoming Angela Oliver from the floristry sector and Steve Harper from the garden retail sector; helping to raise awareness of how Perennial’s expert services support everyone facing challenges in the horticulture industry.   Angela Oliver is Chief Executive of the British Florist Association (BFA) and an RHS award-winning nursery owner. She is a leading voice in the floristry industry, championing sustainability, skills development and collaboration to support independent businesses and strengthen the supply chain.   <a title="" name="_Int_UN7R0hpG" data-outlook-id="c51966e2-0f8a-47e4-85c6-33d188570174"></a><a title="" name="_Int_ujoJNLEN" data-outlook-id="f53ca11c-87d9-495b-a242-37540e186850"></a>Angela says; "Florists are incredibly dedicated professionals, often working long hours under significant pressures. I am looking forward to raising awareness of the support Perennial can provide to florists, ensuring that individuals and businesses are aware of the charity’s confidential advice and wellbeing services, so no one feels they have to face challenges alone.”   Steve Harper is Managing Director of Grass Gains, where he is driving growth of the sustainable lawn-care brand across retail and online channels. He brings extensive horticulture industry experience, having previously held several senior leadership roles. A long-standing supporter of Perennial, Steve has led partnership and fundraising initiatives and is an active advocate for the charity. Steve will play a key role in connecting professionals working at all levels of the garden retail supply chain with Perennial.   Steve says; “Garden retail can be a fast-paced sector and behind every successful business are individuals who may at times need support. I’m looking forward to helping share Perennial’s message and ensuring more people in our sector understand how the charity can help employers and individuals."   Alongside Mark Gregory, Perennial’s original Ambassador, Angela and Steve will extend the charity’s reach across key areas of the horticulture industry, raising awareness of its services and the importance of supporting the charity through engagement and fundraising.   <a title="" name="_Int_E1gB3EbD" data-outlook-id="1dc62ad6-4576-4f0a-bb03-e3942aa1f7b2"></a>Perennial’s President, Alan Titchmarsh says; “I am delighted that Angela Oliver and Steve Harper are coming on board as new ambassadors for the charity, alongside Mark Gregory. Ambassadors help to raise awareness of how the charity’s services can support everyone working with plants, trees, flowers or grass. This in turn helps Perennial to raise vital funds so they can continue to be available for people when they are needed.”   The appointments were celebrated at the National Plant Show on 17th June, where the new ambassadors were photographed with Perennial’s Chief Executive Jamie Gault. He also took the opportunity to speak to teams from some of the four specialist wholesale nurseries involved in ‘Plants for Perennial’. Allensmore Nurseries, The Bransford Webb Plant Company, New Leaf Plants and Wyevale Nurseries propagate and grow a carefully curated collection of vibrant, fragrant and wildlife-friendly plants which are sold into garden centres across the country in support of Perennial. So far, this initiative has raised over £45,000 for the charity.   Jamie Gault says, "Collaboration with the industry we support is vital. I am delighted that Angela and Steve have joined Mark Gregory as Perennial Ambassadors. Their combined knowledge, passion and industry connections will be invaluable in raising awareness of Perennial’s services. And initiatives like Plants for Perennial are a fantastic example of the industry coming together to raise vital funds for our work, so we can continue to support people in horticulture when they need us most."   Perennial provides free and confidential advice and guidance to everyone working in horticulture, supporting with challenges such as finance, mental and physical health, career and employment, as well as life-changing issues such as bereavement and homelessness. By offering people the right support at the right time, Perennial helps to build better lives for all those in horticulture.   For more information about Perennial’s services visit <a href="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/6v2oeuom3q9/external?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">perennial.org.uk</a> https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/v3files/shard1/17491/a9/ab7d8c525935de24290646.png DIY sector unites behind 35% recycled plastic target https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/rz6t3euu12b?lang=en&rss=true The Make It Zero initiative has today published the Low-Carbon and Circular Materials Strategy for Plastics to formalise the ambition of achieving a minimum of 35% recycled plastic content in the plastics used in DIY, Home Improvement, and Garden (DIY) products by 2035. 19 Jun 2026 12:00:00 BST 0d54d5b9cd8e6a646651b3b4ab2cb9be Right Side Articles Cover The Make It Zero initiative has today published the Low-Carbon and Circular Materials Strategy for Plastics to formalise the ambition of achieving a minimum of 35% recycled plastic content in the plastics used in DIY, Home Improvement, and Garden (DIY) products by 2035. The Make It Zero initiative has today published the Low-Carbon and Circular Materials Strategy for Plastics to formalise the ambition of achieving a minimum of 35% recycled plastic content in the plastics used in DIY, Home Improvement, and Garden (DIY) products by 2035. Delivered by EDRA/GHIN and facilitated by Ricardo, a member of WSP, the Make It Zero ambition can reduce product manufacturing emissions by 15%, equivalent to approximately 6.3 million tonnes CO2e, across the DIY sector. By adopting a 35% recycled content target, the sector aims not only to reduce product manufacturing emissions but also to accelerate the growth of recycled-material markets and demonstrate the leadership of the DIY sector in materials decarbonisation.    Within the DIY sector, plastics account for approximately 5% of all product manufacturing emissions<a style="white-space: normal; text-decoration: none; caret-color: #808080; color: #808080; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" title="" name="_ftnref1" data-outlook-id="5151fafc-9e71-429e-a888-e06cf51365c3"></a> and are widely used across product ranges. As a result, plastic has become a priority for credible decarbonisation amid rising regulatory, investor and customer pressure. The strategy outlines key actions required from retailers and suppliers to meet this ambition, including setting clear recycled-content targets, embedding recycling requirements into sourcing, integrating recycled plastics into supplier roadmaps, improving design and manufacturing processes, and expanding the use of recycled feedstocks.   "The transition to a low-carbon and circular economy requires bold ambition, collective action and a willingness to rethink how we design, source and use materials. Through Make It Zero, our industry is demonstrating that collaboration can deliver meaningful impact at scale. By committing to increase recycled plastic content across DIY products, we are not only reducing emissions but also helping to build stronger circular markets and accelerate the transformation of our sector. This strategy reflects our shared belief that sustainable growth and responsible resource management must go hand in hand, creating lasting value for businesses, consumers and future generations." – Erwin Van Osta, President, EDRA/GHIN. “I am inspired by the Make It Zero Initiative’s commitment, developed in collaboration with our partner Ricardo, to achieve a minimum of 35% recycled content across our sector by 2035. Through transparency and global collaboration, we will ensure that progress is visible to all stakeholders as we work together to achieve these ambitious and meaningful goals.” – John Herbert, General Secretary, EDRA/GHIN. “The sector fully recognises its responsibility to reduce the environmental impact of the products it manufactures and sells. Through close collaboration across the supply chain, this ambition will help drive down reliance on virgin materials. By taking a leadership role, the DIY sector can accelerate the transition to a circular economy and stimulate stronger markets for recycled content.” – Jamie Pitcairn, Technical Director, Ricardo, a member of WSP.   Transitioning to a circular economy means designing out waste and keeping materials in use at their highest value, optimising resource use and reducing dependency on raw materials. For plastics in the DIY sector, this means reducing virgin extraction, increasing recycled content and enabling recovery at the end of life. The strategy was formally launched at the Global DIY Summit 2026, the sector’s largest international gathering of retailers, suppliers and industry leaders. Read the full Low-Carbon and Circular Materials Strategy for Plastics 2026 <a title="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/1ecccble2ai/external?lang=en" href="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/1ecccble2ai/external?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" data-outlook-id="f0a11ed2-8be8-4c11-bce6-afd07768328a">here.</a> https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/v3files/shard1/17491/7d/3b7590141abafce6c00002.png https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/v3files/shard1/17491/7d/3b7590141abafce6c00002.png Personal connections drive global horticulture https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/6uousb44l9o?lang=en&rss=true In an age where communication is increasingly digital, FlowerTrials underlined the continued importance of bringing people together to form lasting and meaningful business relationships... 19 Jun 2026 12:00:00 BST 003f27bc0cef9b00e539a4ea0076f5e7 Right Side Articles Cover In an age where communication is increasingly digital, FlowerTrials underlined the continued importance of bringing people together to form lasting and meaningful business relationships... <img src="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/v3files/shard1/17491/60/13eaaf8387c0a797bbf832.png" style="margin: 0px;" width="530" height="329" hspace="0" vspace="0" alt="">   In an age where communication is increasingly digital, FlowerTrials underlined the continued importance of bringing people together to form lasting and meaningful business relationships.   Despite geopolitical challenges that prevented some international regulars from attending, the 2026 edition recorded more than 77.500 company visits, the highest amount since the covid pandemic in 2019. In total, 4.909 visitors from 89 countries attended FlowerTrials® (-0.8% vs 2025) and visited 16 companies each on average. "We’re more than 25% up on last year in visitors – so, the numbers have been good, but the response and interest from the visitors even better. We’re nurturing existing relationships while building many new ones this year. You really get to see what the future might hold!" – Stephen Page, Exhibitor with Walter Blom Plants.   <img src="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/v3files/shard1/17491/e0/b5c5bf2eb1b0b6411756e5.png" style="margin: 0px;" width="530" height="319" hspace="0" vspace="0" alt=""> Tested for resilience: Novelties stand firm in challenging weather conditions From 9 to 12 June, 58 breeders presented an impressive range of novelties: New genetics, breeding breakthroughs and countless colourful blooming displays. As severe hailstorms hit the South region on Tuesday, visitors witnessed an unexpected demonstration of plant performance on the outdoor locations. "We look back at highly successful FlowerTrials! The weather presented its fair share of challenges with strong rain and hail but to our delight, everything still looked excellent the next day. The perfect example of plants that have been tested under challenging real-life conditions." – Annieck Nota-Ruijgrok, FlowerTrials Comité & Exhibitor with Beekenkamp Plants.   <img src="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/v3files/shard1/17491/fb/98705e614d1eb559f4d509.png" style="margin: 0px;" width="530" height="353" hspace="0" vspace="0" alt=""> From bench to retail: Inspiring display concepts shape future consumer trends FlowerTrials 2026 provided abundant inspiration, as exhibitors pushed the boundaries of market-driven and social-media ready concepts, translating consumer trends into compelling retail opportunities. As Michael Perry (Mr. Plant Geek) pointed out: "This year, there were some incredibly imaginative displays. It offers retailers fresh ideas for bringing breeders' innovations to life in-store. Very inspiring!"   <img src="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/v3files/shard1/17491/fc/ffcbab07416911a3ae22f3.png" style="margin: 0px;" width="530" height="338" hspace="0" vspace="0" alt=""> Visitor voices from around the world <ul> <li>“There are so many different companies on show here, I am trying to visit as many as I can!” – Visitor from South Korea</li> <li>“I come every year on behalf of my North American clients to see what’s new in the world of plants, you can’t miss this!” – Visitor from the U.S.A.</li> <li>“At FlowerTrials I can study the most new varieties and explore how to market them in China.” – Visitor from China</li> </ul> https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/v3files/shard1/17491/63/311847e25f27d4da7a74d4.png Explore Italy's leading nursery regions at 78th AIPH Annual Congress 2026 https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/1v8rrmpc7sa?lang=en&rss=true Growers, nursery professionals and horticultural industry leaders are invited to join an immersive international horticultural experience in Italy from 13–19 September 2026, combining visits to two of Europe's most important nursery regions with the 78th AIPH Annual Congress... 19 Jun 2026 12:00:00 BST 499bf25d50fc7d70b20f7b044e58e924 Right Side Articles Cover Growers, nursery professionals and horticultural industry leaders are invited to join an immersive international horticultural experience in Italy from 13–19 September 2026, combining visits to two of Europe's most important nursery regions with the 78th AIPH Annual Congress... <img src="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/v3files/shard1/17491/67/1a662a77ef88394c75dcf6.png" style="margin: 0px;" width="530" height="308" hspace="0" vspace="0" alt=""> Growers, nursery professionals and horticultural industry leaders are invited to join an immersive international horticultural experience in Italy from 13–19 September 2026, combining visits to two of Europe's most important nursery regions with the 78th AIPH Annual Congress.   Organised by AIPH (the International Association of Horticultural Producers) in partnership with ANVE (Associazione Nazionale Vivaisti Esportatori), the programme takes delegates from the nursery production heartland of Puglia to the internationally renowned nursery district of Pistoia, offering unparalleled access to leading growers, innovative production systems and some of the most influential businesses in ornamental horticulture.   The journey begins in Puglia, where delegates will visit a selection of leading nurseries, including: <ul> <li>Vivai Capitanio – Specialist producer of outdoor ornamental plants, cultivating more than 500 varieties across 50 hectares of production. </li> <li>Florpagano – Family-owned business producing and marketing more than 2 million potted plants annually across Italy and neighbouring European countries. </li> <li>Primavita – Specialist producer and propagator of more than 600 species of Mediterranean ornamental plants. </li> <li>Auricchio – Mediterranean plant specialist cultivating more than 150 species in modern greenhouse facilities designed to support optimal growing conditions.</li> </ul> Across these visits, participants will gain first-hand insight into Mediterranean plant production, propagation techniques, business development strategies and the innovations helping Italian growers remain competitive in international markets.   Complementing the nursery visits, delegates will come together in Bari for the 78th AIPH Annual Congress and Horticultural Industry Conference. Here, industry leaders from around the world will explore the trends and challenges shaping the future of ornamental horticulture, including sustainable production, technological innovation, productivity improvements and the growing role of plants in creating healthier, more liveable cities.    <img src="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/v3files/shard1/17491/de/7cf7f00479df84ebb4c3cd.png" style="margin: 0px;" width="530" height="321" hspace="0" vspace="0" alt=""> The programme then continues to the renowned Pistoia nursery region in Tuscany, one of Europe's most important centres of ornamental plant production. Delegates will experience a different scale and style of nursery production while gaining further opportunities for technical learning, business exchange and international networking. Visits to leading businesses will include: <ul> <li>Tesi Federico & Fabio – Family-run nursery specialising in high-quality ornamental plants, with a strong focus on quality, sustainability and traditional nursery expertise.</li> <li>VivAgriLab – Innovative agricultural cooperative recognised for its commitment to circular agriculture, sustainability and research-driven nursery production.</li> <li>Innocenti & Mangoni – Long-established nursery specialising in ornamental trees and shrubs, recognised for the quality and diversity of its plant production.</li> <li>Giorgio Tesi Group – One of Europe's leading producers of ornamental plants, cultivating a diverse range of trees, shrubs, roses, olives, citrus and Mediterranean plants.</li> <li>Vivai Rosellini Riccardo – Third-generation family nursery specialising in Mediterranean plants, olive trees, ornamentals and the distinctive Bougainvillaea sanderiana.</li> <li>Luca Maffucci – One of Italy's leading producers of flowering potted plants, combining advanced growing technology with decades of floricultural expertise.</li> <li>Vivai Federigi – Nursery business with expertise in ornamental plant production, garden design, landscaping and green space management.</li> </ul> Together, the Congress, conference sessions and nursery visits create a comprehensive professional programme that combines technical expertise, commercial insight and global industry perspectives.   Delegates will not only discover how leading Italian nurseries are responding to changing market demands, but will also build valuable connections with growers, suppliers and horticultural leaders from around the world.   While delegates may choose to attend selected elements of the programme, the full experience has been designed as a unique opportunity to explore the breadth, innovation and international influence of Italian horticulture through a single integrated journey.   <a title="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/1wlxgoex95u/external?lang=en" href="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/1wlxgoex95u/external?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" data-outlook-id="21fbd61d-fdbb-4190-9976-95864775f662">Register today: 78th AIPH Annual Congress</a> https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/v3files/shard1/17491/71/2ed3e1768169047cbeba56.png Countdown to RHS Sandringham https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/11mywsscm5o?lang=en&rss=true With a month to go until RHS Sandringham Flower Show, set on the gorgeous Norfolk royal estate, further details of Show Gardens and Features have been announced set to showcase how local heritage and British landscapes can inspire our own garden spaces... 19 Jun 2026 12:00:00 BST 08871c94b31d2de7a03bc17f3050a803 Right Side Articles Cover With a month to go until RHS Sandringham Flower Show, set on the gorgeous Norfolk royal estate, further details of Show Gardens and Features have been announced set to showcase how local heritage and British landscapes can inspire our own garden spaces... With a month to go until RHS Sandringham Flower Show, set on the gorgeous Norfolk royal estate, further details of Show Gardens and Features have been announced set to showcase how local heritage and British landscapes can inspire our own garden spaces.   <img src="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/v3files/shard1/17491/3a/2cce0b8980ff7279277140.jpg" style="margin: 0px;" width="530" height="378" hspace="0" vspace="0" alt=""> Honouring the head gardeners across RHS partner gardens, the RHS Head Gardeners Show Feature by Dave Green will pay tribute to the historic estates, botanic collections, public gardens and specialist landscapes that are cared for by these talented horticulturists. The display is in a courtyard setting and represents British landscapes stretching from Cornwall to Cumbria and Kent to Somerset. Through information boards, visitors can discover the stories of the head gardeners’ careers, journeys and achievements.   <img src="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/v3files/shard1/17491/d9/b4b47497149a08c1647b04.jpg" style="margin: 0px;" width="530" height="398" hspace="0" vspace="0" alt=""> Reimagining a traditional orchard into an English suburban smaller garden, Mindful Chef’s Gathering by Sophie Godber is a highly sustainable, naturalist garden that includes apple, plum and nut trees. 90% of Britain’s traditional orchards have been lost since the 1950s, so the space imagines an inter-connected patchwork of habitats going from a garden, kitchen, orchard and home. The garden is highly sustainable and also includes a quirky edible understorey with vibrant colour, quiet spaces for nature, innovative wildlife boxes, a bespoke green roof shed, a natural pond and a native hedgerow.   Families who are keen fruit and veg growers will be able to bring their own home-produce to the show for the daily Junior Growers Competition, with Sandringham gardeners assessing submitted harvests, giving medals and feedback to families participating*.   <img src="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/v3files/shard1/17491/c6/a004ed9887fa79c69c9d92.jpg" style="margin: 0px;" width="530" height="262" hspace="0" vspace="0" alt=""> The RHS Crafted from Nature Garden by Laura Strand and Sam Stark-Kemp is an immersive, meadow-inspired space filled with soft, naturalistic planting, rich textures and handcrafted features that reflect Norfolk’s distinctive character. The garden will show how using natural, locally sourced materials from the local environment of Norfolk can inspire biodiverse, sustainable spaces for the future. Highlighting how traditional skills can be used in a contemporary way, the Norfolk water reed which is iconic to the Norfolk Broads and traditionally used for thatching, will be reimagined as contemporary tactile walls.   Children attending RHS Sandringham will have the opportunity to write ‘leaf letters’ directly to the King and Queen through an activity that will help them learn and identify the King’s favourite trees. This follows a 2019 study by Hoop that asked 1,000 children to identify various floral and fauna, finding that 82% did not recognize an oak leaf. Plane, oak and lime shaped leaf letters will be sent directly to the monarchs.   In further recognition of the King’s passion for arboriculture, the Tree Listening Project created by Alex Metcalf is a Show Feature that will let visitors hear the very life of the tree surging up from the roots towards the leaves. Through headphones, visitors can listen to the audible popping sound produced by water passing through the tree’s xylem tubes. Additionally, ‘Future Wood’ by Barcham Trees, designed by Tom Hoblyn, will show how the trees we plant today will still be standing long after the climate has changed beyond recognition. Set against the backdrop of a sand and rock garden, a curated selection of climate-resilient trees and plants demonstrates that forward-thinking species choice need not mean sacrificing beauty.   RHS Sandringham Flower Show opens to the public on 22nd July, with tickets still available at rhs.org.uk/Sandringham. https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/v3files/shard1/17491/3a/2cce0b8980ff7279277140.jpg The Great Stag Hunt https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/ax7bf0m8mid?lang=en&rss=true The Great Stag Hunt – an important citizen science survey run by wildlife charity People’s Trust for Endangered Species [ https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/1xnlmjrqnzt/external?lang=en ] (PTES) – is back for its 29th year and for the first time, PTES wants your video or audio clips of spectacular stag beetles in flight too... 19 Jun 2026 12:00:00 BST 2e090a8eb340b880666d3fd6c9205bfd Right Side Articles Cover The Great Stag Hunt – an important citizen science survey run by wildlife charity <a href="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/1xnlmjrqnzt/external?lang=en" data-outlook-id="61c4e246-d901-4a98-b5f5-7be3aad130bd">People’s Trust for Endangered Species</a> (PTES) – is back for its 29th year and for the first time, PTES wants your video or audio clips of spectacular stag beetles in flight too... <img src="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/v3files/shard1/17491/22/860f57e295669779b7e3f4.jpeg" style="margin: 0px;" width="216" height="162" hspace="0" vspace="0" alt="">   The Great Stag Hunt – an important citizen science survey run by wildlife charity <a href="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/1xnlmjrqnzt/external?lang=en" data-outlook-id="61c4e246-d901-4a98-b5f5-7be3aad130bd">People’s Trust for Endangered Species</a> (PTES) – is back for its 29th year and for the first time, PTES wants your video or audio clips of spectacular stag beetles in flight too.   PTES is keen for as many people across Britain as possible to take part in the Great Stag Hunt and record visual sightings of stag beetles, as the data they help to collect makes a valuable contribution to stag beetle conservation efforts. Conservationists hope that, in future, it might be possible to monitor stag beetles acoustically by using software to recognise the characteristic ‘thrumming’ of the beetles in flight. However, PTES needs lots of video and audio data first to explore whether this is possible. Every contribution is important – whether visual, audio, or video – and it’s simple to take part.   The European stag beetle (to distinguish it from the smaller, lesser stag beetle) is native to Britain where its distribution has changed little over the past century. However, the long-running survey has found that sites where the beetle is found are becoming scarcer in some areas and that numbers of beetles, too, may be declining. Data from the Great Stag Hunt is vital for conservationists to track these changes, particularly in the current climate crisis.   If you’d like to take part, keep an eye out for stag beetles on warm evenings and report any sightings online at<a href="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/1s5hk2satbt/external?lang=en" data-outlook-id="08d0acf3-dddb-4965-8ad4-04189ff2f73c">ptes.org/gsh</a>. Whether you’re walking the dog, commuting, doing the school run or heading to the pub, every recorded sighting is valuable. No prior experience is needed either. PTES’ online ID guides will help you identify a stag beetle from similar insects and you can also upload images, video and sound files.   Stag beetles are often found in urban and suburban gardens and parks, as well as woodland edges and the wider countryside. They’re also often spotted basking on sunlit walls and warm tarmac surfaces, while their larvae (large white grubs) are found underground, among the roots of old tree stumps. Males are instantly recognisable with their distinctive antler-like jaws and are often seen flying on warm, still evenings in summer, in search of females, which are slightly smaller and lack the impressive ‘antlers’. Stag beetles are mostly found in southern England (except the chalky soils of the North and South Downs), but there are hotspots in the Severn Valley and in coastal parts of the south west.   Last year, over 12,000 records of stag beetles were submitted by thousands of volunteers, with over 2500 spotted in Hampshire, over 1600 in Surrey and over 1000 in Greater London. But do get in touch wherever you spot a stag beetle, as each year sightings are often recorded in unexpected regions which help to build a national picture of how stag beetles are faring.     David Wembridge, Conservation Research and Strategy Officer at People’s Trust for Endangered Species, who runs the Great Stag Hunt said: ‘The extraordinary adult beetles that you might see in the summer are only half the story. The larvae, which develop into big, white grubs with orange heads, feed on rotting wood in the soil, often at the base of an old tree stump or fence post. They’ll grow, hidden away, for three to five years before emerging as adults in late May. It’s the loss of these deadwood habitats that we think might be impacting stag beetle numbers, and why it’s so important to retain or create these sorts of habitat in your garden.’   Other top tips to help stag beetles <ol start="1"> <li>Leave old tree stumps and deadwood in situ, to encourage stag beetles.</li> <li>If you see a stag beetle on a road or other tarmac surface, carefully move it into a garden border or nearby green space. They’re gentle giants, despite their appearance!</li> <li>Cover any water butts and if you have a pond, make sure there’s an escape route.</li> <li>Minimise the use of weed matting so that stag beetles can easily emerge from the soil.</li> <li>If you live in a stag beetle hotspot, record your sighting on the Great Stag Hunt, or take part in the Stag Beetle Count (<a href="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/4yr2b11t1av/external?lang=en" data-outlook-id="998f8c93-1370-4ee3-931f-1b7786af56b0">stagbeetles.ptes.org/stag-beetle-count/</a>), a more in-depth survey. </li> </ol> Nida Al-Fulaij, CEO at People’s Trust for Endangered Species added: ‘Data gathered from citizen science surveys such as the Great Stag Hunt are essential for tracking progress towards the government’s legally binding biodiversity targets outlined in the Environmental Act 2021. Understanding trends in invertebrate populations is challenging but, with the public’s help, we can learn more about the smaller creatures who share our world and target conservation efforts effectively.’   To find out more, visit <a href="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/1o9xq8bwsva/external?lang=en" data-outlook-id="2f2ecc25-bcf5-49c3-8b09-d0a55a2a7938">stagbeetles.ptes.org</a> and if you’re on social media, PTES would love to see your stag beetle snaps and videos if you’re lucky enough to spot one (#GreatStagHunt and tag @PTES)! https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/v3files/shard1/17491/22/860f57e295669779b7e3f4.jpeg The best of last week's https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/6xpy6wyaui8?lang=en&rss=true If you missed last week's GTN Xtra, below are the most-read stories... 13 Oct 2017 12:00:00 BST 8e153ade85ce87716efcc69ba96795de Right Side Articles Cover If you missed last week's GTN Xtra, below are the most-read stories... https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/v3files/shard1/17491/7c/5269485c399169905a3a63.jpg Blue Diamond to raise £60m to accelerate growth https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/vm539itctl9?lang=en&rss=true Blue Diamond Limited, the UK’s number one garden centre retailer, has today announced that it plans to raise a £60 million investment from Caledonia Investments plc, the FTSE 250 investment trust... 17 Jun 2026 12:00:00 BST efb8a98a981d234e2aec4ad35f5325f4 Right Side Articles Cover Blue Diamond Limited, the UK’s number one garden centre retailer, has today announced that it plans to raise a £60 million investment from Caledonia Investments plc, the FTSE 250 investment trust... <img src="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/v3files/shard1/17491/6b/de21218fd0589d7c3e0cbf.jpg" style="margin: 0px;" width="530" height="298" hspace="0" vspace="0" alt=""> Blue Diamond Limited, the UK’s number one garden centre retailer, has today announced that it plans to raise a £60 million investment from Caledonia Investments plc, the FTSE 250 investment trust. <ul> <li>· £40 million war chest for further store acquisitions and investment</li> <li>· £20 million to fund share buy-backs</li> <li>· Caledonia will become a 16% minority shareholder in Blue Diamond, and the partnership brings prospect of further investment</li> <li>· Investment cements Blue Diamond’s market-leading position, following very strong 2025 results</li> </ul> Blue Diamond is set to accelerate its growth following the Caledonia investment. Established more than 100 years ago, it is the largest garden centre business in the UK, with 54 centres, having added an average of 4 centres per annum in the past 5 years. This has produced sales growth of nearly 90% over the same period. In 2025 alone, sales increased by 19% to £395 million and profit before tax grew by 44% to £31 million. The business employs some 5,000 people.   The UK garden centre market is worth some £5 billion and is still highly fragmented, with a majority of garden centres family-owned or in small groups. Blue Diamond has consistently demonstrated an ability to acquire good sites, preserve their local character and retain customer loyalty, but also to improve business performance.   Caledonia’s backing as an equity investor will enable the company to realise its ongoing ambitions while maintaining a conservative balance sheet. Beyond the investment announced today, Caledonia has also agreed, subject to customary conditions, to make available up to £40 million of additional capital to support Blue Diamond's development over the next five years, and to provide current shareholders with further share buy-backs.   Caledonia has more than £3 billion of assets and extensive experience investing in both public and private companies. Within its Private Capital portfolio, Caledonia typically invests between £50 million and £150 million in businesses with strong market positions, attractive growth prospects and high-quality management teams. A defining characteristic of Caledonia's approach is its willingness to actively support businesses over many years, providing not only capital but also strategic guidance.   The investment is subject to Blue Diamond shareholder approval at its AGM on 2 July 2026.   CEO Alan Roper said: “We are delighted to welcome Caledonia as an experienced long-term partner, at an exciting point in Blue Diamond's development. We are ambitious to seize the significant opportunity we see in the garden centre sector. Caledonia’s support will enable us to pursue the next phase of our growth without compromising the financial and operational discipline that has always been so crucial to our success. We also welcome the chance to provide our current shareholders with a liquidity opportunity that rewards their patience and support to date."   Tom Leader, Head of Caledonia Private Capital, added: “Blue Diamond is exactly the type of business with which we look to partner: a clear market leader with an outstanding management team delivering excellent cash generation which can be re-invested to grow the Business. We are delighted to be partnering with Blue Diamond and look forward to supporting the company through its next phase of growth.” https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/v3files/shard1/17491/c9/edb8946d5cd2cba2cce54f.jpg GIMA to launch international trade service Gardenex https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/uzv7tih0juj?lang=en&rss=true 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... 05 Jun 2026 12:00:00 BST 14de290cb4f4cd229cd068813939e7dd Right Side Articles Cover 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... <img src="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/v3files/shard1/17491/b4/4394cfdc6e2e479d9c85ce.png" style="margin: 0px;" width="530" height="246" hspace="0" vspace="0" alt=""> 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 <a href="mailto:International@GIMA.org.uk">International@gima.org.uk</a>.   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 <a href="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/qx41n9lztr3/external?lang=en">www.gima.org.uk</a>, calling +44 (0)1959 581783 or emailing <a href="mailto:international@gima.org.uk">international@gima.org.uk</a> https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/v3files/shard1/17491/8b/bb2f82eb51b69926063eff.png GCA BoT shows strong performance for furniture & BBQ sales in May https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/596f2zxckb1?lang=en&rss=true Garden Centre Association members had an ‘encouraging’ May according to the body’s Barometer of Trade (BoT) out today – with furniture & BBQs sales up significantly on the same month last year... 15 Jun 2026 12:00:00 BST 8f5a596a2c36da8fce676c92cf719059 Right Side Articles Cover Garden Centre Association members had an ‘encouraging’ May according to the body’s Barometer of Trade (BoT) out today – with furniture & BBQs sales up significantly on the same month last year... <img src="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/v3files/shard1/17491/b9/4009737ce24c0e2b839d37.jpg" style="margin: 0px;" width="530" height="354" hspace="0" vspace="0" alt="">   Garden Centre Association members had an ‘encouraging’ May according to the body’s Barometer of Trade (BoT) out today – with furniture & BBQs sales up significantly on the same month last year.   With highly variable weather conditions moving from cooler periods into intense heat, the industry experienced a challenging month, however the overall result for May was up +3.53%.   GCA CEO, Peter Burks, explains: “The industry was battered and then baked in a very variable month’s weather, but the heat really helped to rescue sales with furniture and BBQs putting in a really strong performance at last.   “This contributed to an encouraging overall result for the month of +3.53%, helping to maintain positive year-to-date growth at +1.51%. Our seeds & bulbs category continued its strong run, as did clothing, with the later spring likely to have extended the sales period for seeds & bulbs. Despite the extreme heat, catering also performed well across the month. With some welcome rainfall at the start of June, we’re hopeful that planting activity can continue into this month.”   Sales of Furniture & BBQ delivered the strongest growth among GCA garden centre members in May 2026, rising by +28.32% when compared with the same month last year.   This was followed by a strong performance in seeds & bulbs, which increased by +11.89%, while clothing also saw healthy growth, up +9.73% year-on-year.   Catering maintained its positive momentum, increasing by +5.43%, while food hall/farm shop sales rose by +3.71% compared with May 2025.   More modest gains were recorded in pets & aquatics, which saw a slight uplift of +0.37%.   Meanwhile, several categories experienced small declines, with gifts dipping by -0.13%, followed by hard landscaping, down -0.66%.   Outdoor plants, traditionally a key category for the month, saw a slight decrease of -0.8%, while garden sundries were down by -1.16%.   The largest decline among the main categories was recorded in houseplants, which fell by -2.36% compared with the same period last year.   The GCA’s BoT reports are compiled using actual sales figures and provide an up-to-date trading position statement. They are made available mid-month following the end of the prior month after all member garden centres have submitted their results.   The BoT allows members to compare their trading positions with other centres.   The GCA represents more than 200 garden centres nationwide.   Through sharing information and its inspection programme the GCA helps members to achieve high standards in customer service, plant quality and reliability.   For further information, please go to <a title="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/2ly494aezgl/external?lang=en" href="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/2ly494aezgl/external?lang=en" data-outlook-id="ef503b5f-7202-4125-b673-4987f2bbf344">www.gca.org.uk</a>. https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/v3files/shard1/17491/8b/a4a052ea218c7e8a88c34f.jpg Hot May highlights the value of gardens as garden centres navigate rising costs https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/1ov187r127w?lang=en&rss=true The Horticultural Trades Association’s latest Market Update shows that garden centre sales slipped just 1% by value in May 2026 compared with the same month last year – the sunniest May on record. Consumer confidence edged up 2 points to -23, while the UK’s joint third warmest May on record helped drive demand in seasonal categories... 11 Jun 2026 12:00:00 BST a3ea40d1ba7aa7df60b0569c6a8dd7c9 Right Side Articles Cover The Horticultural Trades Association’s latest Market Update shows that garden centre sales slipped just 1% by value in May 2026 compared with the same month last year – the sunniest May on record. Consumer confidence edged up 2 points to -23, while the UK’s joint third warmest May on record helped drive demand in seasonal categories... <img src="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/v3files/shard1/17491/0d/a6bffb941c73735b04d940.png" style="margin: 0px;" width="530" height="319" hspace="0" vspace="0" alt="">   The Horticultural Trades Association’s latest Market Update shows that garden centre sales slipped just 1% by value in May 2026 compared with the same month last year – the sunniest May on record. Consumer confidence edged up 2 points to -23, while the UK’s joint third warmest May on record helped drive demand in seasonal categories.   Fran Barnes, Chief Executive of the HTA, said: “May is a key trading month for garden centres, and this year’s hot, sunny weather gave people every reason to get into their gardens. It also highlighted the wider value of gardens and green spaces in cooling towns and cities, supporting biodiversity and improving wellbeing.   “Sales were down just 1% on last May, which, when comparing to the sunniest May on record in 2025, is an encouraging result, coupled with sales remaining 5% ahead of May 2024.   “Transactions fell 3% year on year, but footfall is still 2% ahead of 2024. Average spend rose 2% to £34.18 excluding VAT, suggesting customers are spending more carefully.   “Gardening sales fell by 1% year on year but remain 4% ahead of 2024. Bedding plant sales were down by 4%, hardy plants down by 2%, and indoor plants were flat, while more value-led grow-your-own categories, such as seeds and bulbs, were both up by 14% and 19%, respectively.   “Outdoor container sales were up 4% year on year and 11% compared with 2024, reflecting our Your Garden Year campaign to promote continued interest in more accessible and flexible gardening.   “Seasonal categories saw the biggest weather boost, with garden furniture up 7% and BBQ sales up 9%, especially over the Spring Bank Holiday weekend. Café and restaurant sales rose 9%, underlining how important catering has become as a driver of footfall and year-round trade.   “May was also a significant month for showcasing the value of environmental horticulture. The Chelsea Flower Show provided an outstanding platform to celebrate members' successes, promote the value of horticulture, and highlight the businesses behind Britain’s gardens and green spaces. More than 50 HTA members were involved in the show, achieving success across the Show Gardens, Great Pavilion and Plant of the Year awards.   “Chelsea also demonstrated the convening power of horticulture. Throughout the week, we welcomed around 100 politicians, policymakers and international visitors, creating valuable opportunities to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing our sector and the role horticulture can play in supporting economic growth, climate resilience and healthier communities.   “But cost pressures remain intense. Many businesses still need year-round sales growth of 10–15% to absorb rising national insurance, wage, fuel and wider operating costs.   “Consumer confidence showed a slight improvement but remains firmly negative at -23, which has impacted big-ticket spending. And, year to date, total sales are broadly flat on 2025 and around 13% ahead of 2024, with catering continuing to outperform previous years.   “Looking ahead to summer, as extreme heat becomes more common, horticulture must be seen as part of the solution. Gardens and green spaces are essential to climate resilience, wellbeing and biodiversity. We are a nation of gardeners, and we need the green infrastructure to support communities across the country.”   HTA members can access further insights in this month’s <a title="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/vo66spvb9e1/external?lang=en" href="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/vo66spvb9e1/external?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-outlook-id="b5cc2c4c-1ce8-40cf-9e56-60429d6b007b">Market Update</a> on the website. https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/v3files/shard1/17491/3f/ef5b6db1c1de7edef1f089.png Accurate time, every time – take control of staff attendance with WorkForce Manager https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/ru7g1pps1oz?lang=en&rss=true Accurate employee attendance is fundamental to running an efficient and compliant garden centre. When staff consistently sign in and out, you gain reliable data that underpins payroll accuracy, ensures HR compliance, and gives managers the visibility they need to run smoother operations. 12 Jun 2026 12:00:00 BST 300cc5fa59602bd11032d445b024027c Right Side Articles Cover GTN Xtra Promotion Accurate employee attendance is fundamental to running an efficient and compliant garden centre. When staff consistently sign in and out, you gain reliable data that underpins payroll accuracy, ensures HR compliance, and gives managers the visibility they need to run smoother operations. <img src="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/v3files/shard1/17491/04/740b66da29726cc9d43a17.png" style="margin: 0px;" width="530" height="424" hspace="0" vspace="0" alt="">   Accurate employee attendance is fundamental to running an efficient and compliant garden centre. When staff consistently sign in and out, you gain reliable data that underpins payroll accuracy, ensures HR compliance, and gives managers the visibility they need to run smoother operations.   Without it, small discrepancies—missed hours, untracked overtime, or unnoticed lateness—can quickly add up to increased costs, payroll errors and potential employee disputes.   <a href="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/perdhihwfui/external?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WorkForce Manager</a> makes it simple to capture attendance accurately with flexible sign-in options designed for busy environments: <ul> <li>Mobile App with Geofencing – Employees can clock in and out via the app, with location controls ensuring they are within your business premises.</li> <li>Desktop Access – Ideal for back-office use, with the option for managers to sign in staff where needed.</li> <li>Tablet Kiosk – A fast, convenient solution where employees scan their card barcode to record attendance in seconds.</li> </ul> Beyond capturing time, <a href="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/perdhihwfui/external?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Workforce Manager</a> provides full visibility of staff movement. Lateness and overtime are automatically tracked, with dedicated screens and dashboard alerts highlighting issues that need attention. This allows managers to act quickly, reducing costs, improving accountability and maintaining fairness across the team.   The result is a more controlled, transparent operation where employees are paid correctly, compliance is maintained, and managers stay informed at all times.   Take the guesswork out of attendance.   Discover how <a href="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/perdhihwfui/external?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WorkForce Manager</a> can help you stay in control—<a href="mailto:info@workforce-manager.co.uk?subject=Book%20a%20demo-%20WorkForce%20Manager" rel="noreferrer noopener">book a demo today.</a> https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/v3files/shard1/17491/22/0b8d783a2d8c652057c604.png Zest adds to its modular outdoor entertaining collection https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/12mx6p33e1d?lang=en&rss=true Following the outstanding success of Zest’s outdoor entertaining collection during the 2025 season, the timber garden furniture and outdoor leisure specialist is returning to SOLEX to unveil a host of additional ‘al fresco’ products (stand number #430) and show promotions, exclusive to Zest’s on stand visitors... 12 Jun 2026 12:00:00 BST 6046fd982e78e3b1ac6847fe5b9575de Right Side Articles Cover GTN Xtra Promotion Following the outstanding success of Zest’s outdoor entertaining collection during the 2025 season, the timber garden furniture and outdoor leisure specialist is returning to SOLEX to unveil a host of additional ‘al fresco’ products (stand number #430) and show promotions, exclusive to Zest’s on stand visitors... <img src="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/v3files/shard1/17491/07/152513fcd8ee761dc255d5.jpg" style="margin: 0px;" width="530" height="530" hspace="0" vspace="0" alt="">   Following the outstanding success of Zest’s outdoor entertaining collection during the 2025 season, the timber garden furniture and outdoor leisure specialist is returning to SOLEX to unveil a host of additional ‘al fresco’ products (stand number #430) and show promotions, exclusive to Zest’s on stand visitors.   The Zest stand will boast additions to the modular Terraza Outdoor Kitchen range, a brand-new, Verona outdoor kitchen offer in a pebble tone, a choice of stylish new dining sets to suit different tastes and budgets, an innovative pergola seat concept and a brown dining and seating range, made in the UK, in response to consumer demand.     Zest will also be showcasing its recently acquired B-Corp supplier status.  B Corp certification is awarded by B Lab to companies that demonstrate a commitment to balancing profit with purpose. The Zest senior team including Steve Morgan, Andrew Baker and new Commercial Sales Manager, John Gomersall as well as the regional sales team will guide existing and new customers through the latest product developments.   <img src="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/v3files/shard1/17491/f7/67e924b56be62c2d6461bd.jpg" style="margin: 0px;" width="530" height="530" hspace="0" vspace="0" alt="">   All products come with merchandising and lifestyle imagery. New products will be promoted in consumer magazines and on digital platforms in 2027. The new additions are designed to appeal to a broader and more diverse consumer audience as well as its current Zest admirers.   Zest’s outdoor entertaining products are made from sustainable slow-grown softwood sourced from PEFC certified (PEFC/16-37-1490) forests.     For further information about Zest’s outdoor leisure products, visit <a href="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/mcsrun5gxvz/external?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">www.zestoutdoorliving.co.uk/solex-2025</a> or email <a href="mailto:sales@zestoutdoorliving.co.uk">sales@zestoutdoorliving.co.uk</a> https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/v3files/shard1/17491/07/152513fcd8ee761dc255d5.jpg Greenfingers Kilimanjaro Team back in the UK with total raised so far now up to £234,175 https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/ij1e0o5d5xi?lang=en&rss=true The Greenfingers Charity Kilimanjaro Challenge team landed back at Heathrow airport earlier this morning to be greeted by the team from Greenfingers Charity and news that their fundraising has so far reached £234,175... https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/greenfingers-kilimanjaro2026 [ https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/1whih55ccu7/external?lang=en ] 21 Jun 2026 12:00:00 BST 4ae5b32df884dfe1a19b2397f7ca3c1f Feature Story <img src="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/v3files/shard1/17491/fa/8572aac0cadf626f6b3712.jpeg" style="margin: 0px;" width="140" height="187" hspace="0" vspace="0" alt=""> <img src="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/v3files/shard1/17491/9b/e43d44608bf2f114907cf8.jpeg" style="margin: 0px;" width="140" height="187" hspace="0" vspace="0" alt=""> <img src="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/v3files/shard1/17491/53/331023bef251ffe886afd3.jpeg" style="margin: 0px;" width="140" height="187" hspace="0" vspace="0" alt=""> The Greenfingers Charity Kilimanjaro Challenge team landed back at Heathrow airport earlier this morning to be greeted by the team from Greenfingers Charity and news that their fundraising has so far reached £234,175...   <a href="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/1whih55ccu7/external?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/greenfingers-kilimanjaro2026</a> <img src="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/v3files/shard1/17491/8b/dc6a40246a0c501003c4e5.jpeg" style="margin: 0px;" width="530" height="707" hspace="0" vspace="0" alt=""> The Greenfingers Charity Kilimanjaro Challenge team landed back at Heathrow airport earlier this morning to be greeted by the team from Greenfingers Charity and news that their fundraising has so far reached £234,175.   More news, stories from the trek and photos follow...   <a href="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/1whih55ccu7/external?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/greenfingers-kilimanjaro2026</a>   <img src="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/v3files/shard1/17491/19/15f765fa20879446a7e85e.jpeg" style="margin: 0px;" width="530" height="707" hspace="0" vspace="0" alt="">   <a href="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/1whih55ccu7/external?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/greenfingers-kilimanjaro2026</a>   <img src="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/v3files/shard1/17491/d0/f0368c082bdd8306b4ab01.jpeg" style="margin: 0px;" width="530" height="707" hspace="0" vspace="0" alt="">   <a href="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/1whih55ccu7/external?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/greenfingers-kilimanjaro2026</a>   <img src="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/v3files/shard1/17491/2d/a028e3e0ffa14a52874d38.jpeg" style="margin: 0px;" width="530" height="398" hspace="0" vspace="0" alt="">   <a href="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/1whih55ccu7/external?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/greenfingers-kilimanjaro2026</a>   Blue Diamond to buy Highfield Garden World https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/s2n1vbbbeo5?lang=en&rss=true Gloucestershire’s leading independent Garden Centre, Highfield Garden World is being purchased by Blue Diamond... 19 Jun 2026 12:00:00 BST 40c2c6534911fa4c24b4497cb1f0d6a8 Feature Story <img src="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/v3files/shard1/17491/a2/f9e6d7a313a1702e934c89.jpg" style="margin:0px;" width="448" height="166" hspace="0" vspace="0" alt=""> Gloucestershire’s leading independent Garden Centre, Highfield Garden World is being purchased by Blue Diamond... <img src="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/v3files/shard1/17491/42/0130d9551e2406fb70a84d.jpg" style="margin:0px;" width="530" height="196" hspace="0" vspace="0" alt=""> Gloucestershire’s leading independent Garden Centre, Highfield Garden World is being purchased by Blue Diamond.   Blue Diamond CEO Alan Roper told GTN Xtra that he contacted Joan Greenaway and her son Tim Greenaway in April, as although the centre was not on the market it was one he always thought would be an ideal Blue Diamond centre.  "As a result of that meeting we have been able to swiftly agree terms and after informing the staff last week we are looking forward to taking over ownership on July 1st."   "We are buying the site outright. It is a great space with covered planteria.  Our team are already working on plans for the refurbishment of the restaurant and garden centre in due course." Greenfingers Charity runs Trains in the Garden to win Gold at BBC Gardeners World Live! https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/1bwjmsziymr?lang=en&rss=true Greenfingers Charity had a real treat in stores for visitors to BBC Gardeners’ World Live – the spectacular ‘Trains in the Garden’ show piece, designed by driver and rail enthusiast, Andrew Christie and his wife Louise, which won a Gold Medal... 19 Jun 2026 12:00:00 BST d90fe8333f3973674c950072276b9e6b Feature Story <img src="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/v3files/shard1/17491/b9/df5515f756de5258e18942.jpg" style="margin: 0px;" width="448" height="252" hspace="0" vspace="0" alt=""> Greenfingers Charity had a real treat in stores for visitors to BBC Gardeners’ World Live  – the spectacular ‘Trains in the Garden’ show piece, designed by driver and rail enthusiast, Andrew Christie and his wife Louise, which won a Gold Medal... <img src="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/v3files/shard1/17491/6e/e776b7210ba0f04893d232.jpg" style="margin: 0px;" width="530" height="298" hspace="0" vspace="0" alt="">   Greenfingers Charity had a real treat in stores for visitors to BBC Gardeners’ World Live  – the spectacular ‘Trains in the Garden’ show piece, designed by driver and rail enthusiast, Andrew Christie and his wife Louise, which won a Gold Medal.   This wonderful show garden, which features a working model garden railway, was inspired by Andrew’s love of trains and the many years he’s spent driving the mainline and running model railways. Visitors can look forward to driving the train themselves and being transported on a journey that was inspired by Andrew’s local community and heritage.   <img src="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/v3files/shard1/17491/6f/810a7ff3326178d9aa1b52.jpg" style="margin: 0px;" width="530" height="298" hspace="0" vspace="0" alt=""> Andrew’s live steam locomotive, the G Gauge, ‘Louise’, will be on display in all her glory, whilst the garden itself is the summit of Andrew’s colourful Fox Bank layout at his home. The train is named after Andy’s wife, Louise Christie, who is the keen gardener in the family and a great supporter of Andy in this project.   Speaking to BBC Gardeners’ World Live about his design, Andrew said: “This is my story of how I fell in love with steam engines and climbed the ladder to become an Engine Driver. Watching steam engines tackle the Lickey Incline behind my grandparents’ garden and playing with model railways my father built for me.”   Visitors over the age of 16 can drive the train for 30 minutes at a time, bookable on the day for £25. There will also be a plant and feature sell-off from 4.00pm on the Sunday.   <img src="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/v3files/shard1/17491/ab/5a266958f20d90aaa2750b.png" style="margin: 0px;" width="530" height="370" hspace="0" vspace="0" alt=""> Continuing to speak of his life as a committed rail enthusiast, Andrew said: “I started volunteering with the Severn Valley Railway when I was young, and hands-on jobs – plus the thrill of driving a small steam engine at 12 – set me on the path to becoming a driver. I’ve now spent 20 years driving on the mainline and 15 years with steam, and I work as a driver instructor, passing on what others taught me. My passion continues at home in Bournville, where my family and I enjoy our garden railway and support local community and heritage events”.   Long considered a must-attend events in the gardening calendar, BBC Gardeners' World Live will be buzzing with a series of beautiful show gardens, top gardening tips from celebrity experts and blooming good shopping opportunities for plant lovers, diehard gardening enthusiasts and budding green thumbs alike.   <img src="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/v3files/shard1/17491/6b/299740f6cc3261818364e2.jpeg" style="margin: 0px;" width="530" height="298" hspace="0" vspace="0" alt=""> Greenfingers Charity Operations Director, Neil Sewell, said: “We are delighted to be collaborating with Andrew to bring Trains in the Garden to Gardeners’ World Live, an event that’s very special to us as it’s where our own journey as a charity began. While Andrew’s garden tells the story of his lifelong passion for railways and the memories that inspired it, we know from the gardens we create in children’s hospices just how powerful outdoor spaces can be in helping people connect with treasured moments, interests and experiences. We’ve never seen a garden quite like this and I think it will be a massive hit with visitors. In fact, I’m greatly looking forward to having a go at driving one of the trains myself!”   The event is open from 9.00am - 18.00pm on Thursday 18th June - Saturday 18th June and 9.00am - 17.00pm on Sunday 21st June. For more information and to buy tickets visit: <a href="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/mo7ceerhw8t/external?lang=en">https://www.bbcgardenersworldlive.com/visit/</a>   <img src="https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/v3files/shard1/17491/05/9401f53a7d8937c42a2b0f.png" style="margin: 0px;" width="530" height="301" hspace="0" vspace="0" alt=""> Alongside Greenfingers Charity, Trains in the Garden is supported by Blackcat Bridges, British Garden Centres, Brunel Models, CJS Heritage Engineering, Cross Country Trains, Footplate, Garden Rail Magazine, Garden Railway Specialist, Severn Valley Railway and Thrive. “Trains In The Garden is set to be a big display!” he added in the post. See GTN Xtra's photos of the garden, plus other photos from BBC Gardeners Wolrd Live 2026