The Garden Centre Association’s Gisela Graham-sponsored annual Christmas competition national winners have been announced at a webinar for members.

Bents (above) came a starry first in the Destination Garden Centre category; Garson’s Titchfield shone in the Garden Centre section and Brimsmore Gardens in Somerset sparkled in the Local Garden Centre category.

Inspector, Alyson Haywood, who judged the competition with fellow GCA Inspector Peter Walker, explains: “It was a pleasure to return to the role of judge for the 2025 Christmas competition sponsored by Gisela Graham. This year’s winning Christmas centres showed an exceptional level of creativity and festive brilliance nationwide.

“From roadside entrances glowing with twinkling lights to immersive journeys filled with scent, storytelling and spectacular displays, participants delivered some of the most magical retail experiences to date.”

Alyson and Peter visited garden centres across the country during the last four weeks seeking out best practice to be rewarded.

Peter adds: “There were beautifully themed departments, exquisitely dressed trees, inspired use of height, light and theatre. Festive touches reached every corner – from plants and gifts to food halls and clothing – with many centres excelling in cross-merchandising, sustainable messaging and that all-important ‘stock to show and stock to go’ execution.

“It was wonderful to see the industry bursting with innovation and festive passion – delivering joyful and immersive experiences that inspire customers and set a dazzling benchmark for Christmas retail.”

In the DGC category, Gates Garden Centre, Oakham came second and in third place was Garson’s Esher.

Second place in the GC category was Sunshine Garden Centre and Fron Goch Garden Centre came third.

In the LGC section, Poundbury Gardens in Dorset, part of The Gardens Group, came second and third place was awarded to Pugh’s Wenvoe.

GCA CEO, Peter Burks says: “What a wonderful start to the Christmas countdown this competition is. I’d like to say a massive thank you to all the brilliant members who starred in our Christmas display competition this year and to also thank our wonderful sponsor, Gisela Graham. These garden centres have been judged to have the best festive displays in the country by our organisation and will receive their awards at our special 60th anniversary year Annual Conference in January 2026.

“Well done to the team at Bents, who were the star on top of the tree in the Destination Garden Centre (DGC) category nationally. Also, congratulations to Garson’s Titchfield, who were our super shiny national winners in the Garden Centre (GC) section this year and well done to Brimsmore Gardens, part of The Gardens Group, who were crowned our winners in the Local Garden Centre category.

“These centres, along with our other highly deserving runners-up across all three categories, are well worth a visit this December. It’s a great opportunity for members to gather fresh inspiration and best-practice ideas to take forward into 2026.

“The standard this year has been exceptional, with stunning displays and outstanding retail practices. During our webinar, Alyson and Peter shared their findings, ideas and images from her visits. Their session offered valuable tips to all – highlighting best practices and inspiring ways to enhance displays and elevate Christmas offerings for 2026.”

Tickets for the GCA’s 2026 Annual Conference at Carden Park Chester from January 25-28, 2026, are on sale via the members’ section on the body’s website or via https://gca.digitickets.co.uk/.

Peter adds: “Each entry was evaluated on overall ambience, creativity, product range, layout flow, and tidiness, with customer service also taken into account. This year’s participants delivered truly outstanding displays, showcasing remarkable flair and imagination. The ones I visited during my rounds were particularly impressive – so many had an authentic ‘wow factor’ that really stood out.”

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.

See picture gallery below of the winning centres...