The Young People in Horticulture Association (YPHA) is inviting members from across the UK to join a special event exploring Garden Centre Retailing at Christmas in Tiptree on Friday 23 October, offering the chance to learn what goes into creating a successful Christmas retail offer and see it in action at Perrywood Garden Centres.

As the second and final YPHA member event of 2026, the day is designed to give horticultural professionals and students aged 35 and under the chance to broaden their industry knowledge, gain practical ideas and make new connections with fellow YPHA members.

The day will begin at Tiptree Community Centre with a series of masterclasses exploring the value of Christmas to the horticulture industry, the principles behind successful Christmas displays and visual merchandising, and practical ideas for creating effective retail displays.

In the afternoon, members will head to Perrywood Garden Centres in Tiptree to see these ideas brought to life. The visit will include a tour of the garden centre's Christmas displays and a closer look at visual merchandising in action, giving members the chance to see how the thinking behind successful Christmas retailing translates into a real customer environment.

There will also be plenty of time throughout the day for questions, discussion and networking, with lunch providing a further opportunity to meet and exchange ideas with fellow YPHA members.

Jeremy Costello, YPHA Committee Member, said:"Christmas is such an important part of the garden centre calendar, but a successful Christmas offer takes far more than putting up a few decorations. It takes a huge amount of thought, creativity, and commercial imagination.

"We wanted to give our members the chance to understand some of that thinking, learn from industry experts and then see it all brought to life at Perrywood. And, as with all YPHA events, there will be plenty of opportunity to meet other people in the industry, share ideas and build new connections."

The main event will finish at approximately 3:00pm, with members encouraged to continue the day with an informal dinner and drinks locally.

Event Details

Venue: Tiptree Community Centre and Perrywood Garden Centres, Tiptree, Essex

Date: Friday 23 October 2026

Time: 10:00am–3:00pm, followed by an evening social

Cost: £10 per member

Open to: All YPHA members, regardless of role, discipline or sector

Places are limited and early booking is encouraged.

Book now: https://www.ypha.org.uk/ypha-2026-events/p/ypha-christmas-retailing-and-visual-merchandising-event

The Young People in Horticulture Association (YPHA) is a UK-wide organisation dedicated to connecting, educating and empowering horticultural professionals aged 35 and under. With over 1,300 members, YPHA provides networking opportunities, industry insights, mentoring, events and a strong peer-support community aimed at strengthening the future of the horticultural sector.