British Garden Centres has announced the appointment of eldest daughter, Amy Stubbs, as Managing Director alongside her father, Charles Stubbs and uncle, Robert.

Amy, who has grown up actively involved in the UK’s largest family-run garden centre group, will work with the senior leadership team to develop the long term vision, strengthen operations and champion innovation across all areas of the business.

This marks a significant step forward in the company’s continued commitment to growth as it celebrates its 35th trading anniversary. Amy will strengthen the leadership team, as Charles, Robert, and Phillippa remain fully engaged in the company’s daily operations and future direction and will work closely with Amy to grow the business and strengthen the values.

British Garden Centres has seen phenomenal growth in 2025 with the acquisition of seven Dobbies stores (Gosforth, Shinfield, Gloucester, Heighley Gate, Rugby, Havant and Northampton) and Hayes Garden World at the start of the year.  Amy has been working for BGC for eight years in a variety of roles, from plant buying and growing in the nursery to central and store management roles at the flagship centre, Brigg.  More recently, Amy has been working with key central departments in the business to widen her knowledge and experience.

Amy also serves on the HTA Council and is also Co-Chair of the East region for the GCA. Her involvement in these roles allows her to actively contribute to the industry, ensuring the voice of members in her region is heard. Being part of the HTA Council and the GCA Exec provides Amy with valuable networking opportunities, influencing sector policies, and staying at the forefront of developments in horticulture and garden retail.

Amy said: “It’s a real privilege to take on the Managing Director role in the business that’s been such a big part of my life. I look forward to working alongside Charles, Robert and Phillippa and our fantastic teams across the UK to keep building on our family’s vision.”

Charles Stubbs, Founder of British Garden Centres, added: “We are thrilled to announce Amy as Managing Director. Her passion, energy and professionalism will help carry British Garden Centres into the future as the next generation. We are excited to work closely with Amy as we continue to deliver on our shared vision.”

When Glee returns to the NEC Birmingham from Tuesday 16th –Thursday 18th September 2025, it will bring with it a dynamic and future-focused seminar programme, designed to spark insight, drive profitability, and energise the garden retail sector.

This year’s content will be delivered across two specialist stages. The Hive will serve as the hub for all things garden retail, from leadership and sustainability to business strategy and future trends. Meanwhile, the Feed Your Business Stage, located in the newly launched Food @ Glee area, will take a deep dive into the commercial opportunities within catering, hospitality, foodservice and food retail as well as design.

Profit, purpose and the ‘Garden Centre of the Future’

From high-level strategy to hands-on innovation, Glee 2025 addresses the real challenges and opportunities facing today’s garden retailers. Central to the programme is the need to balance profit and purpose, and lead businesses into a new era defined by smarter operations, sustainable growth, and unforgettable customer experiences.

In one of the most unique and interactive sessions of the show, Michael Perry – better known as Mr Plant Geek – returns with his ever-popular ‘Future Plants’ insights. This year, he’ll take things a step further by hosting an exclusive walking tour of the show, giving participants the chance to meet the pioneering growers behind the next generation of plants set to transform UK garden centres.

In a flagship keynote, Pleydell Smithyman’s Paul Pleydell will unveil their visionary take on the “Garden Centre of the Future”, combining architectural creativity with real-world data to show how design can power everything from dwell time to footfall and spend.

In one of the most anticipated sessions of the show, Alan Roper, Managing Director of Blue Diamond Garden Centres, will offer a rare behind-the-scenes look at leadership in action. “An Industry Conversation” will explore his approach to retail transformation, culture, and staying ahead in a competitive and increasingly digital landscape.

Alan is inviting the industry to submit their questions ahead of the session in a unique opportunity to engage directly with one of the most influential voices in garden retail. Whether you’re curious about leadership strategies, business transformation, or the future of the sector, Alan wants to hear from you.

British Garden Centres will also take centre stage with “Buzzing with Innovation: Next Gen Leaders”, where Amy and Libby Stubbs present how the next generation is not just preserving a legacy but actively rewriting what success looks like in the modern retail era.

The HTA will also bring its invaluable market intelligence to The Hive stage, helping retailers decode the latest research, performance metrics and consumer trends in their session “Pollinating Insights”. With a clear focus on data-led decision making, this is a must-attend for anyone looking to build resilience and plan for the long term.

Other sessions explore technology, supply chain strategy, and sustainability as competitive levers, showcasing stories of garden centres that are not just surviving but thriving by placing environmental and ethical practices at the heart of their operations.

Feeding growth

On the Feed Your Business Stage, content is all about delivering ROI through food and catering. From expert-led sessions on menu engineering and kitchen design, to talks on food truck partnerships, the power of farm shops, technology-driven cooking methods, and the evolution of the high-street coffee model, attendees will walk away with actionable ideas to increase dwell time, margin, and customer loyalty.

Sessions from Brakes, Whitco, Debag, the Foodservice Equipment Association, Choice Marketing, Perrywood Garden Centres, Raemoir Garden Centre, Warbeck Garden Centre and others will equip businesses with the tools to make smarter decisions in layout, procurement, sustainability, and even menu insight, making Food @ Glee an essential destination for garden centres evolving their food and beverage offer.

Celebrating excellence

Finally, Glee has long recognised and celebrated creativity and innovation, and this year will be no different.  The Glee New Product Awards return as a major highlight, spotlighting the most exciting product launches and giving buyers a direct line to the next big thing.

New for 2025, GTN’s Greatest Food & Drink Garden Centre Team Awards joins the line-up, recognising the teams behind the UK's most successful catering offers. Categories will celebrate excellence in everything from afternoon tea to traybakes to customer service, shining a spotlight on the F&B teams helping redefine the garden centre experience.

To find out more about Glee’s thriving seminar programme, be sure to visit www.gleebirmingham.com/seminars.

Find out more

Glee 2025 promises garden buyers an unrivalled opportunity to discover an exceptional mix of new, returning and long-standing exhibitors. From fresh innovation to trusted favourites, the show is the ultimate destination to explore the latest products, connect with industry leaders, and gain valuable insights into emerging trends. Make sure to mark your diaries for 16th–18th September 2025 and be part of the event that continues to define the future of garden retail.

For more information or to register your interest in exhibiting, visit www.gleebirmingham.com or call +44 (0)203 3545 9752.

Blue Diamond have completed the purchase of Barton Grange Garden Centre with their first day of trading tomorrow, Saturday 26th July 2025.

Having spent most of this week on site at Barton Grange, Blue Diamond Managing Director, Alan Roper told GTN Xtra: "It's the team that make Barton Grange.

"I don't think I've ever come across a centre where it doesn't matter where you are, whether you're in a department, on a till or in the restaurant, every single member of staff without any exception have all got the right attitude and customer centric behaviour.

"They are always on it. There's no one slouching, no one kicking it around, they always work with purpose. There's a good energy about the whole team."

Alan is looking at a £3m profit uplift at Barton Grange with the most significant change being the clothing department replacing the Cook Shop, which will become part of home as at other Blue Diamond centres.

As with most of the recent Blue Diamond acquisitions, Alan is always looking for ideas and retail processes that can be used across the group to improve trading.  The Revero covered planteria at Barton Grange is already making Alan talk to his team about possibly investing in covered planterias at other sites. "The percentage of hardy to seasonal plants at Barton Grange is much stronger and it must be because of that covered canopy. I mean, it is a lovely space to walk around so that'll be an interesting one for me to look at and maybe trial in a new development."

A press statement fro Barton Grange and Blue Diamond said:

The sale of Barton Grange Garden Centre and Garden Centre Plants to leading Garden Centre group Blue Diamond was officially completed this morning (Friday, 25th July).

Guy Topping, Managing Director of Barton Grange, commented: “Blue Diamond has always been our preferred purchaser. Their proven expertise in operating destination garden centres and nurturing iconic brands across the sector gives us great confidence that Barton Grange will continue to flourish under their ownership.”

He continued: “I would like to express my sincere gratitude to our fantastic team, whose hard work and passion have made Barton Grange such a special place. The past month has been challenging, but their dedication has been unwavering. The culture we’ve built here is unique, and I’m certain it will live on for many years to come.

I also want to wish Alan and the entire Blue Diamond team every success with the transition. I look forward to seeing a little Blue Diamond sparkle added to the Barton Grange pizzazz.”

Alan Roper said: “The acquisition marks an exciting new chapter for Barton Grange, a business long admired for its innovation, customer experience, and horticultural excellence. Under the Blue Diamond umbrella, the centre will continue delivering the same high standards with fresh opportunities for growth and development. Having met the Team and spent some time with them, I can say with absolute sincerity they are outstanding and are what makes Barton Grange an exceptional business.”

Staff at garden centres across the Garden Centre Association’s Midlands, Wales & West region are celebrating after scooping awards during a presentation at Pugh’s Wenvoe on Thursday (July 24).

Garden Centre of the Year winners were Planters Garden Centre, Tamworth (pictured top) in the Destination Garden Centre (DGC) category, Old Railway Line Garden Centre (above), Garden Centre (GC) category and Brimsmore Gardens (below), Local Garden Centre (LGC).

Peter Burks, GCA CEO, said: “Our Midlands, Wales & West regional awards meeting was superb. I’d like to thank all everyone who attended, especially those who gave our special coaches a go this year and travelled up from Somerset or down from the Midlands on them. It was the first Area Awards Meeting where we’ve laid on coaches and it was a great success.

“A huge ‘thank you’ goes to our wonderful hosts for the evening – the team at Pugh’s Wenvoe. They provided a very warm Welsh welcome to us all.

“During the event, it was great to hear our new Inspector, Peter Walker’s feedback from his visits to this area’s centres. Members can now use his essential feedback at their centres. It will also help them give praise where it’s due and make any changes needed as well.”

Peter Walker was responsible for inspecting member garden centres in the Midlands, Wales & West area across a 12-week period where he made unannounced visits.

He said: “I had a great time visiting members in the Midlands, Wales & West. I saw some wonderful examples of best practice across the board and as previous inspectors for the region have identified before, the staff are providing great customer service. The centres were very welcoming and are genuinely happy places to visit. It was also great to see stock displayed so well and top-quality plants. But, of course, there is always room for improvement in some categories and I know this region’s members will be keen to embrace any pointers I have made and strive to do even better in the future.” 

The full results, including runners up, where relevant, for the Midlands, Wales & West region GCA area awards are as follows for the DGC, GC and LGC categories:

Garden Centre of the Year:

DCG

1. Planters Garden Centre, Tamworth
2. Webbs Garden Centre, Wychbold
3. Gates Garden Centre 

GC

1. Old Railway Line Garden Centre
2. Fairways Garden Centre, Ashbourne
3. Castle Gardens – The Gardens Group

LGC

1. Brimsmore Gardens – The Gardens Group
2. Pugh’s Garden Village, Wenvoe
3. Poundbury Gardens – The Gardens Group

Customer Service Award for Best Customer Service:

1. Old Railway Line Garden Centre
2. Pugh’s Garden Village, Wenvoe
3. St Peters Garden Centre

The Paul Cooling Award for Environment and Sustainability:

1. Castle Gardens – The Gardens Group
2. Brimsmore Gardens – The Gardens Group
3. Old Railway Line Garden Centre

The Dick Allen Award for Most Improved Centre:

1. Webbs Garden Centre, West Hagley
2. Fairways Garden Centre, Ashbourne
3. St Peters Garden Centre 

The Barton Grange Trophy for Commercial Innovation and Creativity:

1. Planters Garden Centre, Tamworth
2. Fairways Garden Centre, Ashbourne & Old Railway Line Garden Centre – JOINT SECOND PLACE
3. Planters Garden Centre, Pacific Nurseries  

Food Hall/Farm Shop Award

DGC

1. Gates Garden Centre
2. Blue Diamond Cadbury Garden Centre
3. Webbs Garden Centre, Wychbold

GC

1. Old Railway Line Garden Centre
2. St Peters Garden Centre
3. Pugh’s Radyr

LGC

1. Brimsmore Gardens – The Gardens Group
2. Pugh’s Garden Village, Wenvoe
3. Whitehall Garden Centre, Woodborough

Ian Boardman Award for Best Indoor Plants Retailer

DGC

1. Webbs Garden Centre, Wychbold
2. Blue Diamond Sanders Garden World
3. Planters Garden Centre, Tamworth

GC

1. Fairways Garden Centre, Ashbourne
2. Old Railway Line Garden Centre, Castle Gardens – The Gardens Group and Byrkley Park Garden Centre – Klondyke – JOINT SECOND PLACE
3. Stratford Garden Centre

LGC

1. Brimsmore Gardens – The Gardens Group
2. Poundbury Gardens – The Gardens Group
3. Pugh’s Garden Village, Wenvoe

The Award for Catering Excellence for Best Garden Centre Restaurant:

DGC

1. Planters Garden Centre, Tamworth
2. Webbs Garden Centre, Wychbold
3. Gates Garden Centre

GC

1. Fairways Garden Centre, Ashbourne
2. St Peters Garden Centre
3. Old Railway Line Garden Centre

LGC

1. Raglan Garden Centre
2. Brimsmore Gardens – The Gardens Group
3. Webbs Garden Centre, West Hagley

Indoor Lifestyle Award for Best Indoor Lifestyle Retailer:

DGC

1. Webbs of Wychbold
2. Gates Garden Centre
3. Planters Garden Centre, Tamworth

GC

1. Old Railway Line Garden Centre
2. Fairways Garden Centre, Ashbourne
3. Castle Gardens – The Gardens Group

LGC

1. Brimsmore Gardens – The Gardens Group
2. Webbs Garden Centre, West Hagley
3. Poundbury Gardens – The Gardens Group

The GIMA Award for Best Garden Products Retailer: 

DGC

1. Planters Garden Centre, Tamworth
2. Blue Diamond Cadbury Garden Centre
3. Gates Garden Centre 

GC

1. Old Railway Line Garden Centre
2. Fairways Garden Centre, Ashbourne
3. Pugh’s Radyr

LGC

1. Pugh’s Garden Village, Wenvoe
2. Webbs Garden Centre, West Hagley
3. Raglan Garden Centre 

Outdoor Living Award for Best Outdoor Living Retailer:

DGC

1. Webbs Garden Centre, Wychbold
2. Gates Garden Centre and Blue Diamond Cadbury Garden Centre – JOINT SECOND PLACE
3. Planters Garden Centre, Tamworth 

GC

1. Fairways Garden Centre, Ashbourne
2. Castle Gardens – The Gardens Group and Old Railway Line Garden Centre – JOINT SECOND PLACE
3. Planters Garden Centre, Bretby 

LGC 

1. Brimsmore Gardens – The Gardens Group
2. Poundbury Gardens – The Gardens Group
3. Webbs Garden Centre, West Hagley

Plantaria (Ruxley Rose): 

DGC

1. Planters Garden Centre, Tamworth
2. Blue Diamond Sanders Garden World
3. Gates Garden Centre

GC

1. Old Railway Line Garden Centre
2. Castle Gardens – The Gardens Group
3. Planters Garden Centre, Pacific Nurseries

LGC

1. Brimsmore Gardens – The Gardens Group
2. Poundbury Gardens – The Gardens Group
3. Smith’s Garden Centre, Baginton

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 visit www.gca.org.uk.

When it comes to selecting and styling faux flowers in 2026, the focus is on sculptural minimalism paired with organic abundance. Gone are the days of predictable bouquets – next year’s trends continue to push floristry into the bold, expressive world of sculptural, asymmetric arrangements. From softly arching stems in ikebana-inspired displays to dramatic, architectural installations, botanical styling is set to be even more visually striking and commercially impactful.

Interiors: Wild Elegance and Sustainable Statements

For interior settings – whether residential, hospitality or retail – trend direction is led by natural  imperfection and textural richness. Help your customers achieve that ‘just-picked’ aesthetic with modern faux roses featuring curled-back petals, fluttery butterfly ranunculus, Queen Anne’s Lace and dancing stems of scabiosa, nigella and cosmos. Recommend styling in artisanal, textured ceramic bowls or coloured glassware, anchored with year-round elements like structural berry branches or soft foliage.

Colour palettes trend toward warm, earthy neutrals - think café au lait dahlias and mocha-toned roses - alongside romantic pastels like peach, champagne, lilac and soft blue on pom pom dahlias, peonies, hydrangeas and poppies.

Retail Display: Floristry as Immersive Design

Visual merchandising trends for 2026 position floristry as a form of spatial storytelling. Expect to see installation-led design that floats, climbs or cascades – ideal for high-impact window displays and in-store focal points. Think flower-wrapped mirrors, overhead ceiling-scapes or dynamic floor-based displays designed to stop foot traffic and enhance dwell time.

Bold hues - plum, deep red, hot pink and orange – remain key for attention grabbing schemes. Colour blocking continues to trend, offering strong visual unity with high commercial appeal. Experiment with tactile contrast by layering glossy faux orchid and anthurium stems with soft artificial mimosa, honeysuckle and asparagus fern to create multi-sensory, premium displays.

Emotional Blooms

Whether in a home or commercial space, the role of faux botanicals is to create emotional resonance. In 2026, customers are looking for floral stories that reflect personality, nostalgia and brand identity. This represents a growing opportunity. Faux botanicals offer high aesthetic value, zero perishability, and increasingly sustainable credentials through recycled materials and ethical production.

Floralsilk, Meadow Drove, Bourne, PE10 0BQ

sales@floralsilk.co.uk

01778 425205

www.floralsilk.co.uk/trade

This year, Haxnicks – and integral part of Tildenet Gardenware – celebrates its 30th anniversary in a landmark moment for a brand that has transformed the way gardeners grow. 

Since its founding in 1995, Haxnicks has developed a reputation for creating original, practical solutions to real-world gardening challenges - from launching the first-ever bell cloche to introducing award-winning biodegradable pots and the game-changing Rootrainers propagation system.

For three decades, Haxnicks has led the way in sustainable gardening and inspired generations of growers with products that are trusted for their quality, performance, and style. From space-saving grow systems to clever pest control and frost protection, the brand’s solutions have become must-haves for both novice and experienced gardeners.

As a true innovator in the sector, Haxnicks has helped shape gardening trends and supported a growing movement toward environmentally conscious living. Its commitment to making growing easier, more successful and more enjoyable remains stronger than ever.

Today, Haxnicks stands not only as a leading name in garden innovation but also as an integral part of Tildenet Gardenware – The Home of Quality Brands. Having joined the Tildenet Group in 2014, the brand has benefited from a decade of collaboration with one of the most respected and forward-thinking suppliers in the horticultural industry.

“It’s a great match,” said Haxnicks Founder Damian Cardozo  “Tildenet’s enthusiasm and commitment to quality perfectly complement our emphasis on new product development. It’s a pleasure to work with such a dynamic team.”

For Tildenet, welcoming Haxnicks into the group was a natural fit. Andrew Downey, Managing Director of Tildenet, commented, “Haxnicks has created a category of plant protection that resonates with gardeners at every level -  their accessible, well-designed products are exactly what our customers value.”

With Tildenet’s sales, marketing, and logistics expertise behind them, Haxnicks has expanded its reach to more retailers and garden lovers across the UK and internationally. The partnership has delivered excellent service and support to stockists and strengthened the brand’s position as a market leader.

“Our focus has always been on solving real gardening problems in original ways,” adds Damian Cardozo. “The trust our customers place in Haxnicks is what drives us forward - and with the backing of Tildenet, we’re excited for what comes next.”

As part of the Tildenet Gardenware portfolio  - which includes other standout names such as Bosmere, Mainframe, and the RHS-endorsed Country Forge Range – Haxnicks remains not only an example of originality and quality, but a brand with integrity and a unique personality.

Here’s to the next 30 years of innovation, growth, and gardening success.

The Garden Centre Association June 2025 Barometer of Trade (BoT) shows good year-to-date sales despite the hot weather’s effect on gardening activity during the month.

Five of the 13 categories listed performed well when compared to 2024 with member garden centres citing catering, up at +4.17%, as June’s best performer.

Peter Burks, GCA CEO, explains: “As expected the terrific heat and continuing dry weather had an impact on gardening sales resulting in a small drop in sales for the month. Fortunately, the year-to-date figure is still showing a healthy +7.71%.

“Outdoor plants were still the biggest category in terms of total sales by some distance but were down almost 12% when compared to last year. Fortunately, gifts, clothing, foodhall/farm shops and catering all showed a nice increase restricting the overall negative figure.

“The recent drop in temperature and some welcome rain will hopefully boost July’s figures too. But all the garden centres I’ve visited recently are delighted to have had a much better year weather-wise so far and are definitely very positive about the year’s sales to date.”

Gifts recorded the second best sales figures in June, when compared to the same month in 2024, up at +3.6%, followed by food hall/farm shop at +2.98%, clothing at +1.33% and the miscellaneous category at +0.96%.

The furniture and BBQs category was slightly down at -1.16%, then houseplants at -4.78% and garden sundries at -5.89%.

Pets & aquatics came in next at -7.21%, seeds & bulbs at -9.47%, outdoor plants down at -11.91% and hard landscaping at -17.67%.

The GCA’s BoT reports covering 13 categories 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.

Myton Hospice in Warwick with plant donations from the HTA National Plant Show.

Following the success of the Horticultural Trades Association National Plant Show in June, several charities have benefited from donations of hundreds of plants originally from the event, which were either planted in their gardens or sold to raise funds for their own causes.

More than 260 stands and 158 exhibitors showcased their new plants and products at the NAEC Stoneleigh on 18 and 19 June 2025, celebrating UK horticulture and supporting HTA members. The donations from the National Plant Show came from a number of exhibitors and the HTA Village, an area at the heart of the show where visitors could discover new industry initiatives, meet the HTA team and receive expert advice.

Fran Barnes, Chief Executive of the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA), said: “After a fantastic HTA National Plant Show and the New Plant Awards, it’s been wonderful to give back to the community and share numerous plants with charities such as Warwick’s Myton Hospice.

“Exposure to plants has been shown to boost happiness, concentration and improve symptoms of dementia, so we hope our colourful donation to these worthy charities and the hospice garden will bring many years of joy and serenity to patients and visitors.”

Charlotte Ingram, Director of Income Generation & Supporter Engagement at Myton Hospices, commented: “On behalf of everyone at Myton, I wanted to say a huge thank you for the donation of the beautiful plants, following the HTA’s National Plant Show at Stoneleigh. They will make a lovely addition to our hospice gardens and will be very much appreciated by our patients and all of our staff, volunteers and visitors too. Thank you for your kindness and thinking of us.”

The HTA also donated a large selection of plants to Mencap, St John’s Church - The Garden of Hope and to the Hospice of the Good Shepherd in Chester, which held a plant sale and raised £900.

Steve Ellison from Hospice of the Good Shepherd, added: “Thank you for all the fantastic plant donations that your team were able to gather together for us at the end of the plant show. We were able to create a stunning presentation, and with some prudent social media exposure, we generated quite a turnout, which earned just short of £900. We really could not have achieved this without your help and the support of the incredible HTA members.”  

A plant sale raised £900 for Hospice of the Good Shepherd.

As part of a small plant sell-off at the end of the National Plant Show, cash donations were also collected for the HTA’s long-standing partnership charity, Greenfingers.

The HTA National Plant Show returns to the NAEC Stoneleigh on Wednesday 17 and Thursday 18 June 2026.  

British Garden Centres continued its successful event season at the very first RHS Wentworth Woodhouse Flower Show, raising awareness of the brand in Yorkshire’s spectacular new horticultural setting. Set against the backdrop of one of Britain’s grandest stately homes, the Wentworth show was an opportunity for the team to introduce its local centres and connect with new faces in the gardening community.

Just weeks after showcasing at the RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival, the British Garden Centres team travelled north, bringing the same retail stand full of seasonal plants and expertise to Wentworth. The display, full of summer plants and Earthenware containers from Woodlodge, welcomed both seasoned gardeners and newcomers alike, offering creative ideas and friendly advice for every outdoor space.

The family run group’s presence at Wentworth was doubly special, as the retail stand was recognised with the s 4 Flower Plant Village Award, a fantastic achievement for a first appearance, and following hot on the heels of the same accolade at Hampton Court.

Away from the main stand, British Garden Centres was also proud to support industry collaboration by providing plants for Pip Probert’s Safe Haven Long Border—a soothing, butterfly-friendly area designed for families who need a moment of calm.

Libby Stubbs, Marketing and Communications Coordinator, who organised British Garden Centres’ presence at both shows, commented, "Winning the 4 Flower Plant Village Award at our very first Hampton Court show was a tremendous honour. To follow that by being awarded another 4 Flower Award at RHS Wentworth Woodhouse is a fantastic and these shows are a good platform for us to connect with gardening fans and introduce them to what British Garden Centres stands for. We want visitors to leave inspired, knowing our stores nationwide are places where they can get seasonal plants, friendly advice, and plenty of ideas for every garden or outdoor space.”

British Garden Centres (BGC) is the UK’s largest family-owned garden centre group with 73 centres around the country. The group is owned and led by the Stubbs family, who also own and operate Woodthorpe Leisure Park in Lincolnshire.

BGC was launched in 1990 with the opening of Woodthorpe Garden Centre by brothers Charles and Robert Stubbs. Since 2018, it has expanded rapidly with the acquisition of 50 garden centres, allowing it to grow from its heartland to the business it is now, with 73 garden centres spread from Carmarthen to Ramsgate, Wimborne to East Durham.

The group has a team of 3000 colleagues working across the garden centres, restaurants, growing nurseries, distribution centres, Woodthorpe Leisure Park, and Woody’s Restaurant & Bar.

As summer reaches its peak the Greenfingers Charity is in a reflective mood as it looks back on a season of progress, creativity, and connection at children’s hospices across the country. A host of transformative garden projects - each uniquely tailored to its setting - have been brought to life, offering vital spaces for rest, reflection, play, and togetherness for children with life-limiting conditions and their families.

Far more than just beautiful green spaces, each Greenfingers Charity garden has been co-designed with hospice staff, families, garden designers and landscape contractors to ensure they respond directly to the emotional and practical needs of those who use them. Whether it’s a wildflower meadow that invites quiet moments with nature, or a fully accessible play space designed to spark laughter and exploration, every project reflects the charity’s mission to create therapeutic outdoor environments where every moment matters.

Rest & Reflect Garden – The Nook, East Anglia Children’s Hospice, Norwich

The Rest & Reflect Garden at The Nook officially opened on 17th June, and it’s already becoming a special place for families and staff. Designed by Ann-Marie Powell and built by Stewart Landscapes, the garden has a wildflower meadow at its heart that gently moves with the breeze, creating a real sense of peace and connection with nature. It’s a quiet, calming space where people can pause, breathe, and just be. The opening brought together Greenfingers supporters, volunteers and hospice teams to mark the start of a garden that’s already making a quiet but powerful difference.

Gathering Heart Garden – Hope House, Oswestry

Set to open this September, the Gathering Heart Garden, designed by the team at CW Studio and brought to life by Landstruction, is a place for movement, interaction, and sensory engagement. With inclusive equipment, shaded areas, and space for quiet moments, the garden is designed to evolve with the seasons.

The Kitchen Garden – Chestnut Tree House, Arundel

Due for completion by the end of July with its official opening earmarked for autumn 2025, the Kitchen Garden brings a rich mix of edible planting, growing beds, and pollinator-friendly features to this West Sussex hospice. Designed by Fisher Tomlin & Bowyer and created by Baylis Landscapes, the space encourages hands-on engagement with nature, promoting sustainability and wellbeing through food-growing and exploration.

Together Garden – Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, Sheffield

Originally showcased at the RHS Flower Show at Wentworth Woodhouse where it received a silver gilt award, the Together Garden - designed by Phil Hirst and Jo Charlton - is now making its final journey to Bluebell Wood Hospice, where it will find its permanent home outside the hospice’s Forget Me Not Suite. Made from 95% recycled materials from the show installation, it will offer a gentle and sensory-rich setting for remembrance and quiet connection. Completion of the garden build is set for late August.

Centred Play Garden – Acorns Children’s Hospice, Walsall

Opening on 16th October, this inclusive garden, the vision of VaRa Garden Design and built by Paul Taylor Landscaping, will offer children of all ages and abilities the chance to explore, play and interact with each other and the natural world. Thoughtfully curated textures, pathways and play features create an environment that nurtures imagination, physical activity and social interaction.

Linda Petrons, Director Fundraising & Communication at the Greenfingers Charity, said: “It’s been a phenomenal summer for our garden projects, and seeing each space come to life - with children playing, families finding moments of peace, and hospice teams enjoying the outdoors - makes every bit of hard work so worthwhile. These gardens aren’t just beautiful; they’re meaningful. They’re places to play, to learn, to care, to grow and to remember and to simply be together. Each one reflects the spirit of the hospice it belongs to, and we feel incredibly lucky to work with such passionate designers, landscapers, hospice teams and of course all those who support our work in so many ways.”

Find out more

For more information about Greenfingers Charity visit: www.greenfingerscharity.org.uk or email linda@greenfingerscharity.org.uk to discuss ways to support the charity.

In the meantime, you can also follow all the latest updates from Greenfingers on social media - @Greenfingerscharity on Instagram and LinkedIn, https://www.facebook.com/Greenfingerscharity/ and @GreenfingersCha on Twitter.https://dmscdn.vuelio.co.uk/publicitem/c461751c-51dd-4bd5-80f6-7dfe3c875f1e

August Bank Holiday Monday has been earmarked for the last day of trading for Mill Race Garden Centre in Essex, following its sale.

Established in the 1970s as Mill Race Nursery, the business has developed to a concern covering more than 7-acres with a coffee shop and aquatics centre.

The sale was handled by Christie & Co and originally put up for sale in November 2024 for around £2.4m. Christie & Co was unable to provide any further comment at this stage.

The Seaby family announced the sale to its customers via its Facebook page in July.

Dear Valued Customers,

We wish to inform you of an important update regarding Mill Race Garden Centre, Swallow Aquatics Colchester and the Kingfisher Coffee Shop.

We will be closing our doors on Bank Holiday Monday, 25th August due to the site being sold.

Swallow Aquatics at East Harling in Norfolk, Rayleigh and Gravesend are unaffected by this Announcement.

**A Heartfelt Thank You**

We would like to take this opportunity to express our deepest gratitude to all our dedicated staff for their loyalty and hard work over the past 20 years. Their commitment has been invaluable in making Mill Race Garden Centre including Swallow Aquatics Colchester a cherished place for both our team and customers.

Equally, we extend our sincere thanks to you, our valued customers, for your unwavering support and custom throughout these years. It has been a pleasure serving you, and we cherish the relationships we've built within the community.

**Continuing Our Online Presence**

While all retail operations at the site will cease, including the branch of Swallow Aquatics inside the garden centre, we are pleased to announce that our online business will continue as usual from its existing location. This means you can still enjoy shopping with us from the comfort of your home.

**Honouring Warranties**

Rest assured that all warranties will remain fully upheld through our online business as well as with the Swallow Aquatics Group. Your satisfaction and peace of mind continue to be paramount to us.

Thank you once again for being a part of our journey. We look forward to continuing to serve you through our online platform.

Warm regards,

Directors at Mill Race Garden Centre & Swallow Aquatics

Got a bright idea that could transform garden retail?  The GIMA Innovators Seed Corn Fund (GISCF) – run in partnership with Glee – is now open for 2025 entries, ready to support the next generation of garden industry innovators.

Now in its 11th year, this unique initiative is a celebration of grassroots innovation and the people behind the freshest ideas in gardening. The GISCF winner will be announced at the Glee trade show (16th – 18th September, NEC Birmingham), a big moment for the industry and a great opportunity to kick-start their success.

Past winners including Potr, GERMIE, Natural Grower, Qwickhose, PotMate™, Bloomin’ Amazing, and Vivagreen, have gone on to become trusted names in garden centres across the UK. Could your business be next?

What’s up for grabs?

The 2025 GISCF winner will receive a prize package worth up to £6,000, including:

• Free exhibition space at Glee, the UK’s leading garden retail trade show
• Up to £4,000 of support with design, development, consultancy, manufacturing or marketing
• Free half page advert in the GIMA New Product Digest publication
• Free GIMA membership for 12 months
• ACID (Anti Copying in Design) membership for one year
• Free PR support around the Glee trade show

Vicky Nuttall, GIMA Director, said: “The GIMA Innovators Seed Corn Fund is about fuelling the future of garden retail. Every year we discover individuals and start-ups who are brimming with ideas, passion, and real problem-solving creativity. It’s inspiring to see how these fresh voices are tackling challenges, tapping into trends, and introducing meaningful change. Retailers are always on the lookout for something different and this fund helps uncover exactly that. I can't wait to meet this year's applicants and help them take their next big step.”

The 2025 winner will be revealed on Glee’s opening day with a special ceremony on the GIMA stand, joined by GIMA President Kate Ebbens and Glee Event Director Matt Mein.

Enter the 2025 GIMA Innovators Seed Corn Fund

Businesses interested in entering the GIMA Innovators Seed Corn Fund in 2025 are invited to do so by visiting www.gima.org.uk/innovators-seed-corn-fund/ and completing the online application form ahead of the Friday 22nd August deadline.

For further information about GIMA, please call (01959) 564947 or email info@gima.org.uk

Team members at a Bradford garden centre group will take to two wheels on Yorkshire Day to raise funds for its charity of the year.

Static bikes will be in the checkout areas at Yorkshire Garden Centres' sites at Tong, Tingley, Otley, Bingley, Pennine and Dean's York and Scarborough on 1st August as the team continues to raise funds for Martin House Children's Hospice.

The initiative has been organised by Yorkshire Garden Centres' People and Culture team. Group People and Culture manager, Steph Harrison, said: "The idea is that we can come together as a full group team, on Yorkshire Day, to raise funds with our customers for a fabulous Yorkshire cause. This is a great opportunity for every centre to get involved, raise awareness, and have some fun while helping out a wonderful charity.

"Team members will collectively cover the distance from their respective garden centres to Martin House's base at Boston Spa near Wetherby on static bikes. The longest distance is from Dean's Scarborough at 68 miles, and the shortest distance is from Otley at 16 miles. It will be a tough challenge, but we're really looking forward to it."

The spinathon is the latest in a series of fundraising initiatives to help the Yorkshire Garden Centres' team reach their £30,000 target for the independent charity that cares for babies, children and young people with life-shortening conditions from across West, North and East Yorkshire. A recently launched ‘Pennies' initiative has raised over £11,000, and a cycle ride organised by Yorkshire Garden Centres' MD, Mark Farnsworth, raised over £5,000 towards the total.

The Yorkshire Garden Centres group comprises Tong, Tingley, Otley and Bingley Garden Centres, plus Dean's York and Scarborough and the recently acquired Pennine Garden Centre in Huddersfield. Each site has a charity champion who is committed to raising funds for Martin House and supporting local causes through the business's Kindness Pot.

Spring Fair has announced the 12 new winners of its continued partnership with retail entrepreneur Theo Paphitis and his #SBS Small Business Sunday initiative. Each winner will receive a free exhibition stand within the #SBS Village at Spring Fair, taking place on 1 - 4 February 2026 at the NEC Birmingham.

Since launching their collaboration in 2018, Spring & Autumn Fair and #SBS have supported over 70 small businesses by offering them vital exposure to thousands of retail buyers. The 2026 cohort of winners reflects the passion, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit that defines the UK’s small business community.

Theo Paphitis, Retail Entrepreneur and small business champion, said: “When #SBS started 15 years ago, I never imagined it would grow into what it is today. Every year, we’ve been able to offer our winners more and more opportunities, and a fantastic example of one of those is the chance to win 12 free stands at Spring Fair - a great opportunity to get your small business noticed and find new paths to growth. The passion, talent, and hard work of our #SBS Small Business Sunday winners never fails to impress me, I’m so looking forward to seeing what our 12 winners this year come up with at Spring Fair 2026!”

The 12 inspirational winners include:

Pickle - Pickle is a charming, UK‑designed clothing brand founded by mum-of-four Claire in 2016, offering stylish garments for babies, kids, and adults. https://pickle.co.uk/

Little Moments Melts - Creating calming moments through scent, Little Moments Melts offers hand-poured wax melts and home fragrances using natural ingredients and thoughtful design. www.littlemomentsmelts.co.uk

Floral Lifestyle - Inspired by nature and sustainability, Floral Lifestyle curates eco-conscious gifts and lifestyle products that bring joy and mindfulness into the home. www.florallifestyle.co.uk

The Bridgefield Candle Company - Blending luxury and craftsmanship, Bridgefield Candle Co. produces hand-poured candles using vegan-friendly soy wax, with sophisticated fragrances and stylish design. @bridgefieldcandleco

GoGiftid (RYG Ltd) - GoGiftid offers a unique QR code-based gifting experience, allowing users to pre-purchase thoughtful gifts that recipients can redeem at their convenience. www.gogiftid.com

Boom Sauce - This award-winning hot sauce brand is bringing flavour, fire, and personality to kitchens across the UK with its handcrafted sauces made from fresh, high-quality ingredients. www.boomsauce.co.uk

The Stable Soap Company - Handcrafting artisanal soaps and skincare products using natural, sustainable ingredients, The Stable Soap Company celebrates wellbeing and the English countryside. www.thestablesoapcompany.com

Jo Couch - An illustrator and designer known for her playful, bold artwork, Jo Couch creates vibrant prints, stationery, and homeware full of colour and character. www.jocouch.com

Handmade by Tinni - Pioneers in sustainable textile jewellery, Handmade by Tinni transforms bold colours and organic cotton into wearable works of art with a joyful, maximalist twist. www.handmadebytinni.com

Marbec Village - Marbec Village create metro-themed products inspired by the dynamic urban landscapes of some of the most icon locations in the UK, each with its own distinct personality and style. Marbec Village on Etsy

Lucy Miller - Lucy Miller brings together contemporary design and heartfelt messaging in her range of prints, homeware, and stationery, all made in the UK with care. www.lucymillershop.co.uk

Nantwich Gin - Distilled in Cheshire, Nantwich Gin blends heritage with innovation, crafting premium gins using traditional botanicals and a spirit of local pride. www.nantwichgin.co.uk

Soraya Gadelrab, Event Director of Spring Fair, added; “We are delighted to continue our partnership with Theo and #SBS and continue to inspire businesses, big or small, to showcase at Spring Fair. Every year, the #SBS Village receives the most fantastic reception from buyers who love to discover the next generation of businesses and innovative products. It is an honour to announce the twelve talented winners, and we look forward to championing them at the show.”

About Spring Fair - Bringing the best of retail together

As the UK's leading retail trade event for 75 years, Spring Fair brings together home, gift and fashion buyers and suppliers of all sizes from across the industry to create new business opportunities. An essential meeting place for retail, Spring Fair's expertise offers an entire community of retailers a place for unmatched product diversity and inspiration. Buyers will see, touch and experience thousands of the latest products across four key destinations - Home, Gift, Moda, and Everyday - and thirteen definitive sectors.

Spring Fair runs from 1st – 4th February 2026 at NEC Birmingham. For more information, please visit www.springfair.com  

Henchman, the UK’s leading specialist in safety platforms for working at height, has announced the launch of its latest innovation – the All Terrain Telescopic Platform. Designed in direct response to industry demand, this new product combines the adjustability of a telescopic platform with the robust stability required for an uneven or sloped terrain – a long-standing gap in the professional access equipment market. 

The All Terrain Telescopic Platform is Henchman’s most versatile platform to date, created to meet the needs of a wide range of sectors including construction, building maintenance, facilities management, live events and horticulture. By offering safe, rapid access on variable ground conditions, it enables teams to work efficiently and with greater flexibility than traditional podiums, towers or static-frame platforms. 

Key features: 

• Independently adjustable legs for sloped or soft terrain 
• Telescopic platform height variance of up to 80cm for the 3 Step and 120cm for the 5 Step 
• Certified to EN131-7 safety standards by British Standards Institution (BSI) 
• Compact transport size – fits in a VW Caddy (3 Step) or Transporter (5 Step) 
• No roof rack required – folds flat for van storage 
• Quick folding design – collapses flat in seconds for rapid deployment 
• Indoor and outdoor suitability – ideal for facilities, landscaping, events, maintenance and installation work 

Available in two sizes – 3 Step and 5 Step – the platform features independently adjustable legs which ensure a level working space on uneven or soft surfaces such as slopes, steps and verges. The telescopic height can be adjusted to suit a wide range of internal and external tasks, including landscaping, building maintenance and decorating, window cleaning and event set up. 

Manufactured from high tensile aluminium with auto-locking pins for secure adjustment, the platform is certified to BSI EN131-7, the industry's leading safety standard for mobile ladders with platforms.  

Owen Simpson, Managing Director of Henchman, commented: “We listened carefully to feedback from professionals who were frustrated by the limitations of current telescopic platforms, particularly when working at varying height and on uneven terrain.”

“This launch is a direct response to that demand – a truly portable and adaptable access platform that’s quick to deploy, easy to transport, and most importantly, safe to use on a variety of ground surfaces. By meeting the EN131-7 safety certification, users can work confidently and compliantly across sites with changing conditions, from soft verges to hard construction ground.” 

Unlike conventional podiums or scaffold towers, the All Terrain Telescopic Platform offers rapid setup and breakdown, with no need for external fixings or levelling kits. The platform folds flat in seconds and fits inside most commercial vehicles, including small vans, for easy transport between sites. The integrated transport wheels and compact frame further enhance mobility without compromising on strength. 

From groundskeeping and hedge cutting, to event rigging, property repairs and lighting installations, the new All Terrain Telescopic Platform has been engineered for professionals who need a reliable and adaptable transportable platform to complete a wide variety of jobs – safely and efficiently. 

For more information and to order the All Terrain Telescopic Platform, visit www.Henchman.co.uk. 

The Creative Retail Awards has announced the 2025 shortlist, showcasing innovation and excellence across the global retail industry. This year’s ceremony will introduce a dramatic new setting, taking place at London’s newly opened Emerald Theatre on 25 September 2025.

With over 20 categories spanning visual merchandising, store design, digital integration and sustainable design, the Awards continue to highlight the strength of the retail design sector. The shortlist also recognises the wider creative design and experience industry, where innovation across hospitality, leisure and lifestyle environments increasingly shapes how brands connect with their audiences.

The shortlist was compiled following a dedicated in-person judging roundtable, where a panel of high-profile industry experts convened to assess and deliberate over a full day. The session involved rigorous discussion and detailed evaluation to ensure a balanced and transparent outcome. The result is a strong and independent final shortlist that reflects standout innovation and execution across the sector.

Antony Behiels, Director at the Shop & Display Equipment Association and event organiser, said: “This year’s shortlist is filled with projects that capture the ambition, energy and ingenuity driving the sector forward. The standard was exceptionally high, and our judges had incredibly hard decisions to make when narrowing it down. Every shortlisted entry deserves recognition for the quality and impact of their work.”

The 2025 event venue, the Emerald Theatre, provides an ideal backdrop for an industry that increasingly draws on theatrical elements to engage customers. From immersive retail environments to experiential displays, the shared language of drama and design connects retail and theatre more closely than ever.

Terry Clark, Director at 365 Retail and event organiser, commented: “The Emerald Theatre is a stunning new venue that brings a real sense of occasion to this year’s Awards. The night will incorporate everything people have come to know and love about the Creative Retail Awards – but we’re taking the experience up another level. With dramatic staging, live performances and an electric atmosphere, it promises to be a standout celebration of the industry’s creativity.”

The Creative Retail Awards recognise a broad scope of achievements, with categories covering everything from POP displays and window design to omnichannel innovation and sustainable design. The shortlist spans the breadth of the creative design and experience sector. The event will also include the announcement of the publicly voted SDD Concept of the Year winner, followed by the reveal of the coveted Design Agency of the Year, recognising overall creative excellence across multiple disciplines, and the inaugural Trailblazer Award – celebrating a person, brand or initiative admired for their influence, vision and inspirational impact on the industry.

The complete list of shortlisted entries is available now at www.creativeretailawards.com in a newly released Shortlist Guide, providing a detailed look at the nominated projects.

Tickets for the 2025 ceremony are now on sale. Guests can choose from a range of seating options – including traditional Theatre Seats, Luxe Seating and the Creative Retail Awards’ Signature Sofas – offering a variety of ways to experience the night in comfort and style. Demand will be high, and with availability limited, early booking is strongly advised to secure a place at this unmissable event in the retail calendar. Visit the Creative Retail Awards Box Office at www.creativeretailawards.com/tickets to secure your places today.

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Henton and Chattell has officially taken over the Newark branch from Farmstar Ltd. The acquisition marks the next stage in Henton and Chattell’s ambitious growth strategy and strengthens its presence in the agricultural, groundcare, and garden machinery sectors across the East Midlands.

The deal follows the signing of Heads of Terms announced earlier this year and will see the Newark depot fully integrated into Henton and Chattell’s operations from this week. All existing staff will be retained, and customers can expect a professional transition with minimal disruption to service.

Peter Chaloner, Managing Director of Henton and Chattell, commented: "We are incredibly pleased to officially welcome the Newark team and customers into the Henton and Chattell family. This is a significant milestone for our business, and the Newark site provides us with a strong platform to further expand our reach and deliver an even broader range of products and services in the region. We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Sam Davies, Managing Director of Farmstar Ltd, whose constructive and collaborative approach has helped ensure a smooth and positive transition for all parties involved."

The Newark branch will now offer access to Henton and Chattell’s extensive portfolio, including leading brands such as Kubota, Baroness, Trimax, EGO, Cobra, Stihl and Yamaha, while continuing the high levels of service that customers have come to expect. With further leading brands set to join the line-up soon, the company’s investment in the site will ensure long-term growth, product availability, and expert support for agricultural and groundcare customers across Nottinghamshire and beyond.

This was a bumper year for the New Plant Awards across all the categories and 129 new plants have now been added to the Joy of Plants Library.

To make it easy for you to look at the plants we've added them to a group in our demo Plant Finder which you can see here: https://woocommercedemo2.joyofplants.com/plant-finder/?groupid=100640

There are some stunning new plants and with stiff competition, many garden worthy plants didn't rank in the awards. That's not to say, they don't deserve a place on retailers' shelves in the coming years.

The new plants are now available in our Bed Card, Plant Finder, Kiosk and Image & Text Library services.

The Royal Horticultural Society has announced a major new collaboration in products for outdoor living, a key category for a brand with a strong lifestyle and gardening focus. Ca’ Pietra, a leading expert in the world of stone, tiles, and hard landscaping, is now the RHS licensee for natural stone and porcelain tiles suitable for external use.

This endorsement specifically applies to Ca’ Pietra’s comprehensive range of natural stone and porcelain paving, which has been carefully developed to meet the aesthetic requirements of outdoor spaces, from private gardens and courtyards to commercial landscaping projects. It is, of course, also designed to meet the practical demands of the British climate, while offering designers, landscapers and homeowners a wide choice of materials, formats and finishes.

The endorsed paving collection includes a mix of traditional and contemporary finishes, from reclaimed-look British sandstone and tumbled limestone to low-maintenance porcelain with natural stone detailing. New additions to the Ca’ Pietra offering for 2025 include Castilan Klinkers, a soft-toned limestone with subtle fossil markings, and Komodo, a slate-effect porcelain ideal for poolside and terrace schemes.

The RHS collection is now available at Ca’ Pietra’s dedicated showrooms in Devizes in Wiltshire, Chelsea in London, and Hartley Wintney in Hampshire, along with a large number of Ca’ Pietra partner retailers across the UK. The RHS endorsement will be highlighted in marketing, brochures, newsletters and PoS material.

Although Ca' Pietra is a highly appropriate and evocative Italian term meaning ‘house of stone’, this is a proudly British, family-owned company, with a legacy spanning more than 35 years, boasting a team of designers, makers and curators redefining the art of surface design.

The company combines time-honoured techniques with boundless creativity, sourcing the finest materials from around the world to craft collections and bespoke creations that combine timeless elegance with contemporary flair. Its team members also pride themselves on being approachable experts, offering practical advice and creative inspiration to homeowners, designers, and landscapers alike. 

Hamish Smith, Creative Director at Ca’ Pietra at Ca’ Pietra, says: “This endorsement represents a shared belief in the value of well-designed outdoor spaces, and the materials that help shape them. Our paving is not only built to withstand seasonal weathering and everyday use, but also to complement and elevate a wide range of landscape settings.”

Cathy Snow, RHS Licensing Manager, adds: “Ca’ Pietra prides itself on a passion for colour, pattern and texture that inspires its customers to create joyful, transformative designs – and has applied this passion brilliantly to a collection that is highly relevant to the core RHS focus of gardens and outdoor living. This is a perfect collaboration based on our shared belief that great outdoor spaces deserve materials that are thoughtfully chosen, expertly made and designed to stand the test of time.”

Garden centre staff throughout the Garden Centre Association’s East region are celebrating after picking up awards at a presentation at British Garden Centres, Northampton.

The Garden Centre of the Year winners were Perrywood Tiptree (above) in the Destination Garden Centre (DGC) category, Poplars (below) in the Garden Centre (GC) category and Pennells Grimsby for the Local Garden Centre (LGC).

Peter Burks, GCA CEO, said: “Our East regional awards meeting was highly informative and brilliant fun. It was lovely to see so many people there. I’d like to thank all our member garden centres and their teams who attended.

“We’re very grateful to our excellent hosts for the afternoon and evening – the team at British Garden Centres, Northampton. We all received a brilliant warm welcome from them and we’re very grateful for their hospitality.

“We’re also very grateful to our Inspector, Colin Farquahar for his presentation and very useful insights discovered during his visits to this area’s centres. Members were taking down his invaluable insights so they could chat them over with their teams back at their centres.”

Colin was responsible for inspecting member garden centres in the East area across a 12-week period where he made unannounced visits.

He explained: “I was delighted this year to get the East region to inspect. Each centre showed off plenty of good practice, as well as offering quality plants and gardening and lifestyle products that were displayed well. This was all enhanced by good customer service. Every member should be proud of their 2025 results.”

The full results, including runners up, where relevant, for the East region GCA area awards are as follows for the DGC, GC and LGC categories:

Garden Centre of the Year:

DCG

1. Perrywood Garden Centre, Tiptree
2. Scotsdales Garden Centre
3. Blue Diamond, Bicester

GC

1. Poplars Garden Centre
2. Perrywood Garden Centre, Sudbury
3. Meadow Croft Garden Centre

LGC

1. Pennells Garden Centre, Grimsby
2. Pennells Garden Centre, Sleaford
3. British Garden Centres, Charlbury

The Dick Allen Award for Most Improved Centre:

1. British Garden Centres, Tring
2. Hertfordshire Garden Centre
3. Blue Diamond, Bicester

Customer Service Award for Best Customer Service:

1. Poplars Garden Centre
2. Bell Plantation
3. Aylett Nurseries

The Paul Cooling Award for Environment and Sustainability:

1. Perrywood Garden Centre, Tiptree
2. Perrywood Garden Centre, Sudbury
3. Meadow Croft Garden Centre

The Barton Grange Trophy for Commercial Innovation and Creativity:

1. Perrywood Garden Centre, Tiptree
2. Poplars Garden Centre
3. Meadow Croft Garden Centre

Outdoor Living Award for Best Outdoor Living Retailer:

DGC

1. Scotsdales Garden Centre
2. Perrywood Garden Centre, Tiptree
3. Blue Diamond, Great Amwell

GC

1. Poplars Garden Centre
2. Meadow Croft Garden Centre and Webbs Millets Farm – JOINT RUNNERS UP
3. Aylett Nurseries

LGC

1. British Garden Centres, Charlbury
2. British Garden Centres, Horncastle, British Garden Centres, Harrow, and Pennells Garden Centre, Grimsby – JOINT RUNNERS UP
3. British Garden Centres, Hitchin

Ian Boardman Award for Best Indoor Plants Retailer

DGC

1. Perrywood Garden Centre, Tiptree
2. Blue Diamond, Great Amwell
3. Blue Diamond, Bicester

GC

1. Aylett Nurseries
2. Meadow Croft Garden Centre
3. Perrywood Garden Centre, Sudbury

LGC

1. Pennells Garden Centre, Grimsby
2. British Garden Centres, Upminster
3. British Garden Centres, Harrow and RHS Hyde Hall – JOINT THIRD PLACE

The Award for Catering Excellence for Best Garden Centre Restaurant:

DGC

1. Perrywood Garden Centre, Tiptree
2. Blue Diamond, Bicester
3. Scotsdales Garden Centre

GC

1. Meadow Croft Garden Centre and Poplars Garden Centre – JOINT FIRST PLACE
2. Thetford Garden Centre
3. Thurrock Garden Centre

LGC

1. Rutland Nursery
2. Pennells Garden Centre, Sleaford
3. Pennells Garden Centre, Grimsby

Food Hall/Farm Shop Award

DGC

1. Blue Diamond, Bicester
2. Blue Diamond, Great Amwell

GC

1. Coton Orchard Garden Centre
2. Poplars Garden Centre
3. Bell Plantation

LGC – please note there is only garden centre in this category

1. Pennells Garden Centre, Sleaford

The GIMA Award for Best Garden Products Retailer:

DGC

1. Perrywood Garden Centre, Tiptree
2. Blue Diamond, Great Amwell
3. Scotsdales Garden Centre

GC

1. Poplars Garden Centre
2. Aylett Nurseries
3. Bell Plantation and Meadow Croft Garden Centre – JOINT THIRD PLACE

LGC

1. British Garden Centres, Upminster
2. British Garden Centres, Horncastle
3. British Garden Centres, Hitchin

Indoor Lifestyle Award for Best Indoor Lifestyle Retailer:

DGC

1. Perrywood Garden Centre, Tiptree
2. Blue Diamond, Great Amwell
3. Blue Diamond, Bicester

GC

1. Poplars Garden Centre
2. Squires Garden Centre, Shepperton and Sunshine Garden Centre – JOINT RUNNERS UP
3. Blue Diamond, Peterborough

LGC

1. Pennells Garden Centre, Grimsby
2. Rutland Nursery
3. Pennells Garden Centre, Sleaford

Plantaria (Ruxley Rose):

DGC

1. Perrywood Garden Centre, Tiptree
2. Blue Diamond, Bicester
3. British Garden Centres, Brigg

GC

1. Perrywood Garden Centre, Sudbury
2. Poplars Garden Centre
3. Aylett Nurseries

LGC

1. British Garden Centres, Charlbury
2. Pennells Garden Centre, Grimsby
3. RHS Hyde Hall

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 visit www.gca.org.uk.

It’s was a truly unforgettable week for Greenfingers Charity as the Greenfingers Charity Together Garden took centre stage at the RHS Flower Show at the stunning Wentworth Woodhouse in Rotherham.

This marks the charity’s second show garden of the summer, following its highly praised debut at BBC Gardeners’ World Live, and once again, the response from visitors has been overwhelming.

Designed by Phil Hirst and Jo Charlton, the garden offered a moment of calm and reflection through its soft, serene planting and thoughtful layout, providing a peaceful oasis amid the excitement of the show.

Jo Charlton said: “It’s been an honour to be able to help even in a small way.  To give parents the opportunity to have this oasis of calm where they can take a moment to reflect, be with nature and be caressed has been wonderful and the reception at the show has been phenomenal.”

Visitors were moved by the story behind the garden, which celebrates the power of togetherness, memory, and support; values at the heart of the work Greenfingers does in children’s hospices across the UK. That emotional connection deepened when visitors learned that the garden’s story is far from over. It will soon begin a new, profoundly meaningful chapter at Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice in Sheffield, where it will become a lasting sanctuary for families spending precious final moments with their child.

In addition to resonating so strongly with show visitors, the garden was also recognised by the RHS judging panel with a Silver Gilt Medal, a highly deserved honour warmly received by the garden’s designers, Phil Hirst and Jo Charlton, as well as Jus Landscaping who brought the vision to life. 

Speaking about the show, Boyd Douglas-Davies, Chair of Greenfingers Charity, said: “What a week it’s been! To see the Together Garden resonate so strongly with visitors has been incredibly special. My sincere thanks go to everyone involved, from our generous sponsors to the amazing volunteers from Deco-Pak, Primeur, Meadow View Stone and Yorkshire Garden Centre, who gave so much of their time, and of course the incredible Greenfingers team. Without their tireless dedication and passion, none of this would have been possible.”

Following the show, the garden will now be carefully dismantled and transported to Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, where it will be rebuilt outside the Forget Me Not Suite, a private space used by families as they say goodbye to their child. The rebuild is expected to take around four weeks, meaning it won’t be long before families can begin to spend time in this peaceful space during the most difficult days of their lives.

For more information about Greenfingers Charity visit: www.greenfingerscharity.org.uk or email linda@greenfingerscharity.org.uk to discuss ways to support the charity at future events.

In the meantime, you can also follow all the latest updates from Greenfingers on social media - @Greenfingerscharity on Instagram and LinkedIn, https://www.facebook.com/Greenfingerscharity/ and @GreenfingersCha on Twitter.

Following a strong spring season for garden centres, the Horticultural Trades Association Market Update for June trading reveals a cooling in sales momentum as the UK entered one of its hottest Junes on record.

Garden centre sales in June 2025 dipped by 5% compared to the same month last year, marking a clear slowdown after a strong spring. The earlier spell of good weather saw many consumers investing heavily in their gardens, meaning much of the seasonal demand had already been met by the time June arrived. This contrasts with 2024, when poor spring weather pushed more gardening activity into the summer months.

Sales of gardening products felt the slowdown most sharply, falling 8% year-on-year and down 19% compared to June 2023. That said, June 2023 was an outlier, being the hottest on record and following a particularly wet spring, perfect conditions to drive garden sales.

Despite the dip in gardening-related spending, other categories held up well. Non-gardening sales proved resilient, rising by 2% on both 2024 and 2023 figures, continuing their strong performance throughout 2025. Garden centre cafés also continued to thrive, with sales up 2% from last June and an impressive 16% ahead of 2023, reflecting a steady appetite for hospitality among garden centre visitors.

June’s weather was mixed, with wet and stormy spells early in the month due to low pressure. Nevertheless, it was officially the UK’s second hottest June, with England experiencing its hottest and Wales its third hottest June since records began. Despite the heat, consumer confidence showed signs of improvement, rising two points since May 2025 to -18, marking the highest score of the year so far, though still low in historical terms.

Fran Barnes, Chief Executive of the HTA, commented:

"This month’s market figures reflect a natural market slowdown following a very strong spring for retail. This comes at a time when the ever-present issue of water resilience hits the headlines, with regional water restrictions being implemented. These restrictions serve as a stark reminder of the need to take water scarcity more seriously. It is essential to invest in infrastructure that supports our ability to grow and, in turn, directly impact consumer and gardener confidence.

"As evidenced by this week’s State of the UK Climate Report, there is an urgent need for the UK to adapt to cope with future extremes, and we need to prepare for the impacts this will have on the weather we experience, from floods to drought. We urgently need to focus on water storage and distribution systems that help manage these increasingly uneven rainfall patterns. This isn’t about short-term fixes. It requires a long-term national strategy. Demand for water will only increase as our population grows and sectors that support it, such as ours, expand. Plants are thirstiest when water is scarcest, and growers can’t afford to be left high and dry.

"Water resilience must be a government priority. We urge policymakers to support those businesses ready to invest in water storage and efficiency solutions. This is not just a concern for growers, but for the health of our environment, food supply, and green spaces across the country."

The HTA continues to monitor the impact of dry conditions, is actively engaged in regional water strategies, and is part of the Environment Agency’s National Drought Group. Members can find the latest updates and water resilience advice at hta.org.uk/water.

HTA members can access further insights in this month’s Market Update on our website.

Altico Garden Products is thrilled with the exceptional success of its Pot Topper Range, which has quickly established itself as a firm favourite among garden enthusiasts and retailers alike.

Designed to inspire creativity and enhance plant displays, the range continues to deliver strong sales across the UK.

Building on the booming popularity of houseplants and container gardening, the Pot Topper collection includes two distinct formats that tap into key gifting and impulse trends:

The Jar Range

Featuring approximately 1kg of premium decorative toppers presented in elegant jars with lids, these eye-catching designs are perfect for gifting or adding flair to any plant display. The Jar’s show off the natural beauty of premium decorative glass and stones effortlessly, making them a great addition in any retail setting. With an array of colour options from Oyster Pebbles to Ocean Blue Glass Pebbles and prices starting from £2.99, Pot topper Jar’s offer a unique impulse purchase proposition next to the Houseplant area.

The Pouch Range

With lightweight resealable pouches, the Pouch Range is ideal for quick plant makeovers and topping up terrariums or small pots, making them a popular pick-up product for plant lovers browsing the aisles. Supplied in a larger size of approximately 4kg, there are six popular varieties with natural tones, ideally suited to enhancing outdoor plant displays. Retailing at £5.99, they are a great addition to any landscaping retail area, with weather -proof packaging to withstand the elements.

Supporting Impulse Purchases

For the ultimate in store presence, Altico has also supported the range with bespoke merchandisers tailored to each format, helping garden centres maximise visibility, storytelling, and seasonal merchandising opportunities. These displays can be dual sited and have played a pivotal role in the success of the Pot Toppers by encouraging impulse purchases and positioning them as must-haves for stylish plant care.

Ideal as giftable treats or personal touches for garden projects, Pot Toppers continue to thrive as one of Altico’s most engaging and versatile accessory ranges. With a range of stylish colours and textures, they add the perfect finishing touch to any plant arrangement indoors or outdoors.  

Speak to the Altico team today to find out about becoming a stockist of this must-have range - salesoffice@altico.co.uk.

Having firmly established themselves as an important supplier to the garden centre café market Magrini are exhibiting at Glee for the first time this year.

Their coffee and milk machines are a common site in many garden centre cafes across the U.K. including Notcutts, Hillier and Klondyke who are now serving consistently great coffee even at peak times.

The Magrini range includes traditional espresso machines with automatic tamping and milk foaming and stand-alone automatic milk texturing machines which enable café staff to make barista quality coffee with minimal training.

Amazing coffee will be served by the expert baristas at 200 Degrees Coffee and Magrini staff will be on hand to help solve your individual coffee issues.
Magrini believe they can help you eliminate queues, increase productivity and reduce expensive milk waste and will explain how clever use of automation is key to solving current industry challenges.

Magrini Ltd

www.magrini.co.uk

Glee – Stand 11E110

Corby + Fellas has successfully installed their Cucina restaurant system at Charnley's Home & Garden.

This offers full table service, using the Cucina Go App, with embedded payments, printing, scanning of vouchers and all connected seamlessly to the C+F Restaurant platform.

Powered by Kitchen Portal for real time ordering and management of allergens, ingredients, and real time stock availability. If this is something you are interested in, please contact sales@corbyfellas.com

Pictured above: Sam Proctor, MD of Charnley’s and Jacob Parker, C+F’s Mr Cucina!