As customer voting closed in GTN's Greatest Christmas Awards it's extremely close at the top and across the regions. Every centre that is collecting votes in-store should send them in to the GTN office straight away so they can be added to the on-line votes.

As of last week from over 7,000 votes already counted, here are the Top 20 most voted for Christmas garden centre teams.  With votes collected in-store arriving at the GTN office every day this Top 20 could change dramatically, so please send your votes in as soon as the voting closes.

And this is the list, A-Z, of the Top 50 Greatest Christmas Garden Centre teams as voted for by their customers:

In total 138 garden centres have been voted for by customers so far in the race for The Greatest Christmas Garden Centre Teams of the year.  Here is the complete A-Z list:

As customer voting closed in GTN's Greatest Christmas Awards it's extremely close at the top and across the regions. Every centre that is collecting votes in-store should send them in to the GTN office straight away so they can be added to the on-line votes.

GTN's Greatest Christmas Awards

Potting Shed Press

Dairy House, Dairy Drove

Thorney

Peterbrough

PE6 0TX

The results of the customer voting and the judges choices for all the other Greatest Christmas Awards categories will be announced at 1:00pm in the Glee@Spring Fair area of Spring Fair at the NEC on Monday 2nd February 2026.

See you there!

The Horticultural Trades Association has welcomed today’s Government announcement that the Inheritance Tax (IHT) reliefs threshold will rise to £2.5 million for businesses. Proposed changes to IHT reliefs in the 2024 Autumn Budget were set to create a ‘lose-lose’ scenario for the UK.

Changes announced today (23 December) mean the £1 million Agricultural and Business Property Reliefs threshold will increase to £2.5 million from April 2026, allowing spouses or civil partners to pass on up to £5 million in qualifying agricultural or business assets between them.

The HTA has campaigned on this issue since the 2024 Autumn Budget, including setting out the risks of this policy leading to a reduction of £60 million in the UK's environmental horticulture sector, with broader economic losses amounting to £143 million due to decreased industry activity. Additionally, the changes may have resulted in the loss of 1,300 sector jobs.

The changes announced:

• The allowance for the 100% rate of relief will be set at £2.5 million, with a 50% rate of relief thereafter.
• This means a married couple or civil partners can pass on agricultural or business assets worth up to £5.65 million tax free, by combining two £2.5 million agricultural/business property allowances and two £325,000 nil‑rate bands that can be transferred between them on death. 

Jennifer Pheasey, Director of Policy and Public Affairs at the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) said:

“We welcome today’s announcement that the Government is raising the threshold on Agriculture Property Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief (BPR), which will be a huge relief for many family-owned environmental horticulture businesses. 69% of our members were at risk of being disproportionately hit by the proposed changes to BPR, and 40% by APR.

“The HTA has been tirelessly campaigning on both these issues since the changes were first announced in the 2024 Autumn Budget, knowing that Inheritance Tax changes would have a devastating impact on many families at the heart of the UK’s environmental horticulture sector, the original green industry. The cost hikes facing our sector have and continue to be severe, and so reducing the impact of one of these is a welcome step, and we look forward to constructive engagement on how we can address further barriers to growth.

“The environmental horticulture sector is a cornerstone of the UK’s green economy, underpinning the nation's green infrastructure – from nurseries providing trees for planting targets to businesses maintaining public spaces and private gardens. We are pleased that the Government has finally listened, choosing to support small, family-owned businesses in a sector which contributes £38 billion to UK GDP every year and supports more than 722,000 green jobs.”

Festive Productions has launched its 2026 Christmas collection, delivering a commercially focused range designed to help retailers maximise Christmas sales. The collection builds on proven best sellers while introducing new product developments and exclusive licensed ranges for the year ahead.

New for 2026, the range includes traditionally British colour themes developed to reflect classic festive styling that remains highly recognisable to customers. These colourways have been designed to sit alongside existing ranges, allowing retailers to refresh their ranges while maintaining continuity with established lines.

A key development for the coming season is the new Day and Night Infinity Lights range. Enhanced detailing on the mirrored surface ensures these products present well both on and off, which is a major point of difference from previous versions and a clear point of differentiation for Festive customers.

Festive Productions is also launching a new licensed Infinity range for 2026 through its partnership with Christmas Inspirations. The range includes well-known licensed favourites such as Disney, Star Wars and DC, alongside new for 2026 The Grinch, currently one of the UK’s hottest licensed properties. This licensed Infinity collection is available exclusively from Festive Productions across the UK and Ireland, offering retailers a strong opportunity to stand out in a competitive market.

This exciting new 2026 Christmas range will be on show at the Christmas & Gift Show in Harrogate from 11th–14th January, where Festive Productions will be exhibiting in Hall C. Retailers unable to attend can arrange appointments to view the wider range at Festive Productions’ showrooms at its head office in Cwmbran, South Wales, which are now open.

Christmas & Gift Show Harrogate
11th–14th January
Hall C

Contact
Email: info@festive.co.uk
Tel: 01633 627 300
Web: www.festive.co.uk

As 2025 draws to a close, the Greenfingers Charity is reflecting on one of the most remarkable years in its 25-year history, a year defined by generosity, achievement and the shared belief in the power of gardens to bring comfort and joy to life-limited children, their families and carers.
 
From breathtaking fundraising events to the creation of new therapeutic gardens, Greenfingers Charity is offering a million thanks to the hundreds of individuals, businesses and organisations whose generosity defined 2025. 
 
The inaugural Floral Ball welcomed over 250 guests and marked the charity’s greatest achievement to date, reaching its Silver Anniversary Appeal target of more than £2 million. 
 
Five new gardens at The Nook (Norfolk), Chestnut Tree House (West Sussex), Acorns Children’s Hospice (Walsall) and Hope House (Shropshire) have brought vibrant spaces where children and families can play, learn, care, grow and, for those facing the hardest of times, remember. The Together Garden, which won a Silver Gilt Medal at the RHS Flower Show at Wentworth Woodhouse, began its sensitive rebuild at Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice (Sheffield), where it now provides a permanent sanctuary for bereaved families.
 
Meanwhile, elements from the Greenfingers Charity garden at BBC Gardeners’ World Live have been carefully relocated and are now being enjoyed in children’s hospices across the country, extending the charity’s legacy of comfort and connection. 
 
Record-breaking fundraising at Glee’s Floral Thursday, together with ambitious challenges like the Kilimanjaro Trek, already surpassing £40,000, and the unwavering backing of the garden retail sector, including Klondyke, British Garden Centres, Smart Garden and Evergreen Garden Care, showcased the extraordinary breadth of support and secured vital funds to create future hospice gardens.

 
Speaking on behalf of the charity, Linda Petrons, Director of Fundraising & Communications, said: “This year has been extraordinary, not just because of the milestones we’ve reached, but because of the people behind them. Every event hosted, every plant donated, every hour volunteered has come from a place of genuine care. Together, you have helped us create spaces that bring comfort, calm and precious moments to children and families when they need them most. We are deeply grateful, a million thanks to you all.”
 
Neil Sewell, Director of Operations, added: “Those funds are directly transforming children’s hospices across the UK. Every pound raised goes into building gardens that provide comfort, calm and precious moments for children and families. From sensory play areas to quiet spaces for reflection, these gardens are uniquely designed and created to meet real needs and will continue to make a lasting difference.”
 
The story doesn’t end here. While 2025 has been a year of celebration, Greenfingers reminds supporters that hospices remain on the waiting list, hoping for new gardens. With hospices across the UK facing funding challenges, the charity is determined to keep momentum strong and will launch a new appeal in 2026 to ensure more children and families can benefit from the healing power of nature.
 
The charity has an exciting calendar of events lined up for the year ahead and warmly invites everyone across the garden industry and beyond to continue playing their part in creating magical outdoor spaces for children’s hospices nationwide. Two dates to mark in your diary are: Friday 20th March – Garden Re Leaf Day, when the industry unites for a nationwide fundraising effort and Thursday 2nd July – the Summer Ball at Coombe Abbey, promising an unforgettable evening of celebration and support.  
 
If you want to be part of the Greenfingers story in 2026, do not hesitate to reach out to the fundraising team by emailing fundraising@greenfingerscharity.org.uk
 
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.
 
Greenfingers is a national charity dedicated to supporting life-limited children and their families who spend time in hospices around the UK.  The charity is committed to creating, beautiful, well-designed outdoor spaces for children to enjoy with family, friends and siblings, whether through play and fun, or therapeutic rest and relaxation.  To date Greenfingers Charity has created over 70 inspiring gardens in children’s hospices around the country and has a further waiting list of hospices that need help.

https://www.greenfingerscharity.org.uk/

The Otters Brook Collection will be exhibiting for the first time at the Christmas & Gift Show in Harrogate, marking an important milestone for the brand. Visitors can find Otters Brook in Hall C on stand C13, where the team will be showcasing its new Christmas collection.

For the upcoming season, The Otters Brook Collection is launching a distinctive range of premium Christmas products, designed to bring a more considered, design-focused approach to festive retail. The collection features a carefully curated selection of decorative pieces and room-based Christmas items, aimed at customers looking to dress their homes with subtle seasonal styling rather than traditional novelty décor.

Rooted in home interiors, the Otters Brook Christmas range focuses on products that work seamlessly within living spaces, offering retailers an opportunity to appeal to customers seeking a more refined festive look. The collection has been developed to sit comfortably alongside existing interiors ranges, making it suitable for lifestyle stores, garden centres and home-focused retailers.

The Christmas & Gift Show provides the first opportunity for buyers to view the Otters Brook Christmas collection in person and discuss the range directly with the team. Exhibiting for the first time, Otters Brook is looking forward to introducing the brand to new customers and building relationships with retailers seeking a fresh interiors perspective for Christmas.

Christmas & Gift Show Harrogate
11th–14th January
Hall C | Stand C13

Contact
Tel: 01633 627 300
Web: www.ottersbrook.co.uk

November's Garden Centre Association (GCA) Barometer of Trade (BoT) reveal ‘strong growth’ of +9.04% when compared to the same month in 2024 – with the year-to-date figure up +8.18% too (December 19, 2025).

From the 13 categories recorded by garden centres, 11 were positive, when likened to November 2024 with seeds & bulbs in pole position at +15.04% followed by clothing at +14.62%.

Peter Burks, GCA Chief Executive explains: “The penultimate month of the year has once again showed strong growth for our members despite the significantly wetter month than last year.

“It’s great to see strong increases across the board with seeds & bulbs leading the way and clothing just behind. Were our customers buying warm waterproof clothing so that they could head out to do some gardening?

“It’s also good to see food halls/farm shops and catering still performing strongly. The only disappointing departments were houseplants and hard landscaping with perhaps the weather having an effect here.”

Outdoor plants came in third place at +11.59%, followed by catering at +11.25% and food hall/farm shop at +11.24%.

Christmas was sixth at +8.58%, then furniture & BBQs at 8.22%, garden sundries came next at +7.66%, then the gifts category recorded an upturn of +7.56% and pets & aquatics was also up at +4.1%.

The categories that recorded negatively, when likened with November 2024, where houseplants with -0.85% and hard landscaping at -21.76%.

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.

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.

Tickets for the GCA’s 2026 Annual Conference are now on sale via the members’ section on the body’s website or via https://gca.digitickets.co.uk/.

For further information, please go to www.gca.org.uk.

The Horticultural Trades Association’s (HTA) December Market Update shows a steady growth in garden centre sales, offsetting the uncertainty caused by the Autumn Budget and an exceptionally wet November, with the UK receiving 33% more rainfall than a typical November.
 
Overall garden centre sales rose by +8% by value in November compared to the same month last year, and Christmas sales also got off to a strong start, up +9% from November 2024 and +40% from November 2023.
 
However, consumer confidence remained cautious, with the overall index falling -2pts to -19pts in November. All measures that contribute to the overall index fell by at least -2pts ahead of this year’s Autumn Budget.
 
Fran Barnes, Chief Executive of the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA), said: “November was a steady month for garden centre growth, with sales up +8% compared to November 2024 and gardening sales up +3% during the same period, albeit they were flat in volume terms. Garden centre sales for the year-to-end of November also remain +8% ahead of 2024 and 12% ahead of 2023.
 
“Due to the significant rise in operating costs across our sector this year, the positive sales growth has only delivered minimal profit increases. Many garden centres are having to sprint in order to stand still, and unfortunately, this looks set to continue in 2026.
 
“It is, however, reassuring to see that Christmas sales got off to a strong start in November. When you look even closer at the statistics, Christmas sales alone made up 26% of November's overall sales, more than all the garden and gardening categories combined. Garden centres are increasingly becoming a must-go-to family destination in the run-up to Christmas, offering diverse products and experiences to engage customers and drive more sales in the colder and darker months.
 
“November benefited from an extra weekend of trade this year, compared to 2024 and 2023. Given that sales volume is higher at weekends than on weekdays, this is likely to have helped both general footfall and sales of real Christmas trees, as our research shows volumes sold were approximately 25% higher than the same month last year.
 
“Catering sales were up +11% from November 2024, supported by both higher average transaction values and greater footfall in garden centre cafes compared to other Novembers. Bedding sales were also up +10% by value, but indoor plant sales were weaker, down -1% compared to November 2024.
 
“What’s interesting is looking at how wet November was. We experienced 19 rainy days on average and had 162mm of total rainfall. It’s encouraging that it didn’t deter people from visiting garden centres, and it also means public water reservoir levels have recovered significantly. Some water restrictions have already been lifted (Thames Water and Yorkshire Water), and November’s heavy rainfall has reduced the risk of water restrictions continuing into Spring, the heart of the gardening season next year.”
 
HTA members can access further insights in this month’s Market Update on our website. www.hta.org.uk

Westland Horticulture, home to brands such as Kent & Stowe, Flopro, Boost and Jack’s Magic, is pleased to announce that Unwins seeds is now fully available via its online ordering portal, Westland Live, giving retailers across the UK and Ireland a seamless, efficient route to order and replenish their seed stock.

Westland Live offers real-time stock visibility, mobile-optimised usability so orders can be placed directly from the shop floor at any time of day, rapid replenishment and streamlined repeat ordering to keep on top of customer demand. From growing media and plant feed, to tools and bird care, and now with the addition of Unwins seeds, Westland Live offers a comprehensive solution for all garden centres to quickly and simply manage stock.

Unwins’ mission is to make every step of the growing journey as easy as possible for the consumer. That starts with ensuring retailers are maximising the season, and with Unwins now available on Westland Live, retailers are empowered with an easy to use and seamless ordering tool to give the consumer a comprehensive seed range to start that growing journey.

Arty Speroni, Unwins Brand Manager, at Westland, added: “By adding Unwins to Westland Live, we’re giving retailers the ability to respond instantly to changing demand. It’s never been easier to keep seed pegs stocked, and to offer customers the quality and heritage seeds they can rely on.”

If you don’t yet have a trade account with Westland Live, call +44 (0)28 8772 1080 to have your account set up, or speak to your account manger.

Trans-Continental, the company behind the well-known brands SnowTime and SunTime,has taken the decision to consolidate its activities and focus mainly on fob and direct container business in future.

Chairman Mike Withers commented: "With the lease on our warehouse, which we have occupied for more than 20 years, coming up for renewal, and complications following the hacking of our systems by Russian criminals last year; we have decided to take this step. Many of our customers order in full container loads anyway and discussions as to the way forward have been ongoing within the company for a couple of years. The wild fluctuations in freight rates following the upheaval of the pandemic have rendered this step inevitable.

"In acknowledgement of the fact that some smaller sized products, such as Christmas lights, can make filling a container difficult, we have been working for some time on offering customers a service whereby goods from different manufacturers can be shipped together. We are now able to offer goods from five separate factories consolidated into one container.  There are no added costs for this service, meaning customers can be price competitive while not taking unnecessary risks with stock".

The company will be exhibiting at Harrogate where it will launch the new Wallace & Gromit range of licensed Christmas product.

Managing Director Sara Murray said: "This is an exciting opportunity to develop products based on such well-loved characters, known throughout the world. Our designers have been working for months creating an exciting product range which will be showcased to customers in the new year. It is particularly pleasing as the creator of the series, Nick Park, is from Preston, just a few miles from our offices in Blackpool."

The new range will complement the company’s other licensed brands, the highly successful The Snowman, The Snowman and The Snowdog and the hugely popular Richard MacNeil artwork.

The Colegrave Seabrook Foundation is delighted to announce the appointment of two new trustees, further strengthening its commitment to supporting education and career development within horticulture.

Christine Burton, Joint Managing Director of Bransford Webbs, and Sarah Want, Associate Director at MorePeople, join the existing board, bringing the total number of trustees to 11. Both appointments bring a wealth of experience, insight, and passion for nurturing the next generation of horticultural talent.

Sarah Want began her career in compliance and management at Waitrose before joining recruitment specialists MorePeople in 2019. Initially expecting to focus on the wider food supply chain, Sarah quickly discovered a passion for horticulture — an industry she admits she knew little about at the time. She has since built a successful career within the sector and now leads a dedicated team of three recruiters working exclusively in horticulture. Alongside her role as Associate Director at MorePeople, Sarah is an active member of both the Young People in Horticulture Association (YPHA) Committee and the British Ornamental Association (BOA) Committee.

Commenting on her appointment, Sarah said: “When I joined horticulture, I never expected it to become such a passion, but the people, energy, and opportunities completely drew me in. Supporting the Colegrave Seabrook Foundation feels like a natural extension of that journey. Opportunity, education, and nurturing the next generation of talent are incredibly important to me. Having entered the industry from outside the traditional horticultural route, I’ve seen first-hand just how powerful access, support, and encouragement can be.”

Christine Burton’s horticultural career began at the age of 17, working weekends at Hurran’s Garden Centre before studying for an HND in Commercial Horticulture at Pershore College. There, she built lasting friendships and professional connections while gaining invaluable hands-on experience through work placements at Burford House Gardens and Cotswold Garden Flowers.

Christine joined The Bransford Webbs Plant Company in 1998 and has progressed steadily through the business over the past 27 years. She was appointed Production Director in 2011 and, in 2023, became Joint Managing Director.

Speaking about her new role, Christine said: “I am so pleased and proud to be asked to join the Foundation. I’m very much looking forward to supporting the team and helping to inspire the next generation to love plants and enjoy a rewarding career in horticulture, just as I have.”

Chair of Trustees, Stuart Lowen, welcomed the appointments, saying:“We are absolutely delighted to appoint two such outstanding new trustees to join our highly experienced board. Christine and Sarah both hold influential roles within the horticultural industry, and their enthusiasm, experience, and commitment to encouraging more people into horticulture will be a tremendous asset to the Foundation and its work.”

Peckish has announced the launch of ColourWatch, an engaging new campaign designed to celebrate the joy of feeding wild birds while supporting new consumers entering the category. The initiative combines education, customer rewards and national data collection to help shoppers feel more confident about the birds visiting their gardens.

From the 5th January, Peckish ColourWatch invites consumers to visit a dedicated website, select the colour of the bird they’ve spotted, and instantly view a shortlist of likely species, complete with images, behavioural insights and feeding suggestions. The platform aims to remove uncertainty for those unfamiliar with bird identification, encouraging them to participate more actively in bird feeding. At the same time, the aggregated sighting data will help experts build a clearer picture of bird activity and population trends.

Alongside learning more about garden wildlife, shoppers can also gain entry into a prize draw with a chance to win a range of high-value rewards, including a UK staycation worth £2,500, LED TVs and Canon cameras. The closing date for the prize draw is 31^st July 2026, and there’s no purchase necessary to enter. 

To maximise consumer awareness, Peckish will support ColourWatch with a Prime Video Ad Pause campaign, using static creatives to promote both the initiative and its prizes. Additionally, the brand is utilising in social media advertising with video and static creatives to further drive awareness of the campaign. ColourWatch will run in tandem with Peckish’s award-winning ‘Colour In Your Garden’ above-the-line campaign, returning to TV for a third consecutive year from 5^th January, celebrating the vibrancy and joy that wild birds bring to the nation’s gardens.

In-store, the ColourWatch branding will feature across key products within the Peckish wild bird food range, including:

• Peckish Complete Seed Mix 1.7kg
• Peckish Complete Energy Ball 6-pack and 50-pack refill box
• Peckish Extra Goodness Energy Balls 12-pack. 
• Peckish Extra Goodness 50 Nuggets

Retailers will also have access to a suite of point-of-sale materials to help drive visibility and engagement on and off fixture in store.

Kirk Rothwell, Brand Manager, Peckish, commented: “ColourWatch embodies what Peckish stands for - making wild bird feeding accessible, enjoyable and rewarding. By helping new shoppers understand the birds visiting their gardens, we hope to inspire long-term participation in the category while supporting wider knowledge of UK and Irish bird populations, as well as offering a selection of great prizes up for grabs. We’re excited to partner with retailers to bring this campaign to life and encourage more people to experience the joy of feeding wild birds.”

In common with all Peckish products, the ColourWatch promotional products can be ordered 24/7 via Westland Live, and frequent top-ups are easy as part of a Westland weekly delivery. Scan here to login in or sign up. To benefit from the in-store POS and display units contact your Westland Account Manager.

EGO Power+, the leading manufacturer of cordless outdoor power equipment, marked a major milestone in 2025, as the company celebrated the 10th anniversary of its European launch. 

The brand has seen record growth over the decade, becoming a global leader in the battery-powered outdoor power equipment space. To commemorate the anniversary and to thank its dedicated network of distributors for a decade of partnership, for the very first time, EGO recently hosted its annual distributor conference at its global headquarters in Nanjing, China.

The momentous event welcomed EGO’s distributor network from across Europe to Chervon –EGO’s parent company– New Energy Industrial Park, which boasts a planned 520,000 square metres of production and testing facilities and was awarded as the national ‘Green Factory’ in 2018 for its renewable solutions, becoming the only factory in Nanjing to win this honour.

Peter Melrose, Managing Director of EGO Europe, reflected: “We are immensely proud of how far we have come over the last decade. With our continued commitment to innovating the industry through new technology and advocating for the benefits of battery-power with our Challenge 2025 initiative, we have paved the way for the industry to be accepting of new battery technologies and encouraged a cleaner and safer future for all.

“It was important to us that we celebrated this achievement with the people who helped make it possible. Bringing our distributors together in Nanjing for the first time allowed us to express our gratitude but also share a clear vision of the innovation that will drive the next decade. It was a fantastic event and went well beyond any typical conference!”

Held over four days, delegates were treated to an extensive programme that offered a rare behind-the-scenes look at EGO’s operations. Factory tours highlighted the brand’s stringent quality-control procedures, including a look at its dedicated precision measurement room designed to ensure consistently high standards across every product. Attendees were also given exclusive access to Chervon’s advanced production facilities in alignment with Industry 4.0, including the development of the power tool industry’s first fully automated high-bay warehouse.

A standout moment of the conference was the global launch of the AURA-R2 Robotic Mower range, EGO’s first boundary-wire-free autonomous mowing solution. Held at the new state-of-the-art and purpose-built AURA-R2 outdoor testing facility, guests were given an exclusive first look at the range ahead of its public unveiling in Europe during 2026. 

Attendees also enjoyed a gala dinner, guided city tours, and regionally specific workshops. Each guest was also presented with a commemorative plaque in recognition of their partnership and contribution to EGO’s successes over the past decade.

To learn more about EGO, visit: https://egopowerplus.co.uk/

Spring Fair has announced the debut of the Widdop & Co Village, an immersive new destination showcasing innovation, storytelling, and product launches from one of the industry’s most established suppliers.

Taking place at the NEC Birmingham from 1-4 February 2026, the Widdop & Co Village will deliver a vibrant programme of live content, experiential showcases, and exclusive celebrity appearances.

A major highlight of this year’s activity is the official launch of Parisi, the brand-new homeware collaboration between Widdop & Co and celebrity duo Kelly Brook and Jeremy Parisi. Buyers will have the exclusive opportunity to meet Kelly and Jeremy during a special Meet & Greet and product reveal on Sunday 1 February at 3pm, hosted live from the Widdop & Co Village and streamed on Instagram Live.

Rooted in the 600-year heritage of the Parisi family olive farm in Italy, Parisi blends rustic tradition with modern design. The collection celebrates sustainable living, natural ingredients, and timeless family values, spanning categories such as home and textiles, fragrance, apparel, food and beverage, and outdoor and garden.

The launch at Spring Fair marks the first public unveiling of the range. Kelly Brook comments, “Creating Parisi with Jeremy and Widdop & Co has been such a joyful experience. We wanted to design pieces that feel warm, inviting and full of personality, items that make a house feel like a home. The collection celebrates everything we love about Italy – family, heritage, and authentic living – while offering something truly special for the home and for gifting. Spring Fair is the perfect place to launch the collection, and we can’t wait to meet buyers and share the story behind Parisi for the very first time.”

The Widdop & Co Village will also host a full schedule of live activations:

Opening Day Highlights

• 9:00am – The Grand Opening: Widdop Village Live!

A lively launch moment streamed via Instagram Live from the Widdop Stage with some surprise performances.

• 11:00am – The Greatest Show: Christmas 2026 Reveal

An exclusive preview of over 2,500 new festive products for the upcoming season.

• 1:00pm – Softies World Tour: Meet the Stars

Join the Hampton Bear and Talia Rabbit Softies characters for a fun, interactive showcase of their personalisation experience.

• 3:00pm – Introducing Parisi: Homeware with Kelly & Jeremy

A VIP Meet & Greet and product reveal

Monday Programme Highlights

• 10:00am - WPL Meets WBL: The Future of Impulse Gifting

WPL joins WBL - the brilliant impulse gift business has joined the Widdop and Co stable.

• 2:00pm - A Walk on Widdop Avenue: Visual Magic for Retail

With visual merchandising so critical to retail in 2026, this will provide retailers with the support - from life-size steam trains to Christmas Trees, posters to shop fixtures.

• 4:00pm - Celebrating Sanderson: A Design Icon Collaboration

Join Sanderson’s Head of Licensing Gabrielle Sims for the launch of the amazing new multi brand, global, product partnership with the world’s most famous pattern design businesses, Sanderson and Morris and Co.

Tuesday Programme Highlights

• 10:00am – A Morning for Mums: Mother’s Day Inspiration    

A morning for mum’s- join us on our sentiment stand as we share our ranges for the biggest first half seasonal event of the year - Mother’s Day on 15th March.

• 12:00pm – Lunch on the Farm: Meet the Funny Farm
• 2:00pm – Let Us Show You the World: Licensing Made Easy

Licensing is a big world with great opportunity for every retailer. Join Katie Neal (Head of Product, Widdop) who will talk you through the major content milestones and products for the 2026-27 calendar across Disney, Warner and others!

• 4:00pm – Designing the White Label Future: How to Stop a White Elephant

How to stop a white elephant. Join the national accounts team while they share some case studies of the opportunity for us to design, source and manufacture your standout White Label product ranges with low minimums and great commercial exclusive ranges in 2026-27 from partner factories around the world, including Now or Never Studios, Widdop’s UK manufacturing division.

Stephen Illingworth, CEO of Widdop & Co, adds, “We’re thrilled to bring the Widdop & Co Village to Spring Fair 2026. This year’s line-up celebrates creativity, community and the joy of product. The launch of the Parisi collection with Kelly and Jeremy is a standout moment for us, and we can’t wait to share it with the retail world.”

Registration is now open to join the UK’s most inspiring retail showcase. Discover, connect, and transform your retail journey at www.springfair.com.

Perennial, the UK’s only charity dedicated to supporting everyone facing challenges in horticulture, welcomes leading voices from the horticulture industry to the Board, as well as a new Director of Services with exciting plans for the future.

Working in horticulture isn’t always straightforward. Challenges such as seasonality of work, physical injury, isolated working or risk of financial hardship can arise when least expected. As the charity for the industry, Perennial has a unique understanding of these challenges. They provide a range of free, confidential advice and support services both online and in-person, including a network of caseworkers and debt advisers across the UK, that assist horticulturists and their families when they need it most.

Guy Moreton, Founder and Director of specialist recruitment company, MorePeople, joins Perennial to support the development of the charity, so that more people across the industry can benefit from the expert services they provide. Guy is a sales and marketing specialist who helped pioneer the marketing of cut flowers and plants to multiple retailers in the UK in the 1980s. He has held Commercial Director and Managing Director roles in some of the country’s largest produce and horticultural businesses, before setting up MorePeople in 2000. He is also a Freeman of The City of London and a Liveryman of both The Worshipful Company of Fruiterers and The Worshipful Company of Gardeners.

Guy says, “I have been in the horticulture industry for 40 years and have been very impressed by the calibre, commitment and energy of everyone at Perennial. We have a social responsibility to support people in our industry when they are facing hard times and Perennial offers that safety net. I am in awe of what the charity is trying to do.”

Perennial’s new Director of Services, Helen Waddington, has been with Perennial since 2001. Her family have been in horticulture for over 100 years and her daughter is also a soft landscaper. Helen says, “People in hort are hard-working and care deeply about their craft and each other. Perennial is as vital today as it was in 1839. While we continue to support people through homelessness and times of crisis, our role has evolved to provide advice, information, and practical help that creates lasting change. Perennial is the industry’s safety net, always there to catch people when they need it most, and ideally before they hit crisis, so we can help them build a stronger future.

I’m excited about the opportunity to strengthen our connection with the industry, actively listening, monitoring key issues, and ensuring Perennial remains responsive to real needs so our services truly make a difference to people’s lives.”

Additional Trustee appointments include Julia Collins, James Sinclair Taylor and Lilidh Matthews.

Julia is an accomplished chartered accountant with a successful career in accountancy and financial management including 16 years with PWC, seven as a partner. She has also served on a number of Boards including Cambridge Literary Festival and Birkbeck College. She also has a passion for gardening, which she inherits from her father who was a gardener for the last 15 years of his career.

James was a partner at Russell Cooke in the not-for-profit sector and has significant experience in charity law and governance. He has sat on a variety of different Boards and is now a respected consultant.

Lilidh has worked across the horticulture sector and supply chain from viticulture to fresh produce, cut flowers, and edible and ornamental plants. She also sits on industry committees including the Royal Horticultural Society and Young People in Horticulture Association.

To find out more about Perennial and how the services they provide can support everyone facing challenges in horticulture visit perennial.org.uk

Specialist business property adviser Christie & Co has announced the sale of Rainbow Plants on Holcombe Lane in Ottery St Mary, Devon.

Rainbow Plants is a wholesale plant nursery which sells to garden centres as well as a range of landscaping contractors and housebuilders. The 10-acre site has benefitted from significant investment in recent years.

The site was sold as former owners Peter and Diane wish to retire after running the business for 13 years.

Mayank Shukla of Groh Plants Limited has purchased Rainbow Plants.

Funding for the site was secured through Christie Finance.

WHM Pet, home of Marriage’s, a leading manufacturer of pet feeds, has donated a supply of premium rabbit pellets as well as £100 to Rabbit Rescue Northwest, a charity dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming domestic rabbits. 

The donation was made possible through a special competition hosted in Best4Bunny Magazine, where readers were invited to nominate their favourite rabbit rescues to receive support from WHM Pet. The reader who won the competition chose to donate her prize to her local charity Rabbit Rescue Northwest.

“Supporting the health and wellbeing of companion animals is at the core of what we do,” said Simon Smethurst.“Rabbit Rescue Northwest’s compassionate work ensures vlnerable rabbits receive the care and second chances they deserve. We’re proud to stand behind their mission with both feed and financial resources, especially at this time of year when they need it most.”

Rabbit Rescue Northwest operates across the region via a team of volunteer foster carers. The charity’s aim is to help rabbits in need to find loving forever homes. It relies solely on donations to provide support for rabbits in need of rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming. All rescue spaces are based within the charity’s volunteers’ homes, and there are no paid staff, meaning every penny donated to the rescue, is spent on the rabbits in its care. 

“We are deeply grateful for WHM Pet Group’s generosity,” said Jess Wood. “Rabbits are the third most popular pet in Britain but are also in the top list of household pets that are extremely neglected and often misunderstood, with their care needs often not sustained. 

“Every winter, we brace ourselves for the heartbreaking surge of rabbits dumped, often bought as impulsive Christmas gifts, and quickly abandoned when the novelty wears off. With freezing temperatures and dwindling resources, these gentle animals face immense suffering, whilst rescues like ours struggle under the pressure of caring for so many unwanted rabbits.

“High-quality nutrition is vital to rabbit health, especially for those recovering from neglect or medical issues. WHM Pet’s generous donation of feed as well as funds allows us to stretch our resources further and continue giving each rabbit the care they need.”

Marriage’s® Adult Rabbit Pellets are meticulously formulated by in-house nutritionists using published scientific research. The pellet format combines expert nutrition with cool pressing technology for superior nutrient content and flavour. Fortified with vitamins and minerals and added prebiotics to help support digestive health and immunity. The long individual pellets help prevent selective feeding and support dental health and linseed supports a healthy skin and coat.

Rabbit Rescue Northwest was Animal Charity of the Year in the Animal Star Awards 2025. To find out how you can support Rabbit Rescue Northwest please visit https://www.rabbitrescuenorthwest.org/

WHM Pet supplies retailers and farmers with premium quality wild bird, indoor bird, small animal, racing pigeon, pig, poultry and ruminant feeds. 

For further information visit: https://www.marriages.co.uk/

The team at Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh has been able to successfully cultivate one of Scotland’s rarest mosses – Round‑leaved bryum – during ex‑situ conservation trials with the help of Air-Pot.

The Air-Pot container’s innovative design, which allows precise water management and oxygenation, has enabled trials of this challenging species to go ahead.

Rebecca Drew Galloway, Scottish Native Plant Conservation Horticulturist at RBGE says: “Working with Air-Pot has proved a brilliant breakthrough for us. Its aerating design can replicate complex natural habitats and support propagation of species previously considered almost impossible to grow other than in the wild.”

The moss, historically confined to the muddy edge of a single reservoir, required conditions of sandy mud with variable water submergence.

RBGE horticulturists and conservationists, in collaboration with NatureScot and Scottish Water, needed to determine precise tolerances for moisture and depth – work made possible by the Air-Pot container’s adjustable base system, which allowed fine control of water levels without compromising stability.

Rebecca adds: “Air-Pot modularity lets us manipulate conditions for species that have never been cultivated before. For Round‑leaved bryum, the ability to raise or lower the base and maintain oxygenation was critical.”

Air-Pot containers are engineered for root health, aeration and adaptability, making them ideal for nurseries, research facilities, and conservation projects where precision and flexibility are paramount.

Georgie Single, Marketing & Sales Representative at Air-Pot in Edinburgh, explains: “Our Air-Pot systemgives horticultural professionals complete control and flexibility. Our modular bases allow precise water management, outperforming traditional pots.

“The perforated walls promote aeration and water movement, reducing the risk of anaerobic conditions. Plus, the easy-to-cut panels mean growers can create bespoke profiles for species-specific needs, while the design makes opening the containers up for root inspection simple without disturbing the plant. It’s a game-changer for anyone working with challenging or rare species.”

The Air-Pot adaptability also enabled Rebecca to create large, shallow profiles ideal for moss maintenance, while retaining surface area for growth.

This success forms part of RBGE’s wider strategy to propagate, trial and bulk up native rare species in ex‑situ collections, with the goal of reintroducing plants to the wild and establishing self‑sustaining populations.

Rebecca continues: “I work with Air-Pot a lot and they are my top choice for their intended use such as trees or to encourage lateral root growth. But what I really love about them is their modularity. As we are often working with plants that have never been cultivated, we are creating and developing protocols that have never been done before, and Air-Pot® have the benefit of being manipulatable.

“Here at the nursery, we endeavour to re-create artificial natural growing conditions for a wide range of species for trial work and bulking up our collection, and modularity of a product has a huge benefit for our work.” 

The containers are also more eco-friendly than other pots. They are manufactured with the minimum possible environmental impact using recycled plastic and are sturdy and reusable many times over, even in intense sunshine. Many customers have the same pot they have been reusing for 10 to 15 years.

For further details, please visit www.air-pot.com/nursery/.

Family-owned garden centre group, Notcutts, has announced a new and improved compost formula designed to deliver even better growing results, launching nationwide across its 19 garden centres and online from February 2026.

The Notcutts branded Multi-Purpose Compost with added John Innes will offer customers a new and improved formulation, enriched for healthier plant growth and peat-free. The key benefit is added John Innes to improve overall compost structure, moisture retention and nutrient stability which will support their customer’s seedlings, potted flowers, hanging baskets, and fruit and vegetable plants.

Speaking about the new formulation, Yvonne Archibald, Trading Director at Notcutts, said: “We are proud to launch this exciting new multi-purpose compost product to customers at Notcutts from February 2026. Over the past few months, we have been working with a new supplier to bring this quality compost formula to Notcutts’ shelves and our customer’s gardens. We can’t wait for customers to try this new and improved formula and reap the benefits of the added John Innes to support healthier, stronger plant growth.”

The new Notcutts Multi-Purpose Compost with added John Innes will be available in Notcutts’ 19 garden centres and online from February 2026. Notcutts is a family-owned garden centre, renowned for its horticultural expertise since it was founded in 1897. For more information on Notcutts visit www.notcutts.co.uk.

With three months of the ‘Charity Year’ still to go, a Bradford headquartered garden centre group has exceeded its fundraising target by 50%. 

At the beginning of April, the teams at Yorkshire Garden Centres’ sites in West and North Yorkshire pledged to raise £30,000 for Martin House Children’s Hospice, the independent charity that cares for babies, children and young people with life-shortening conditions from West, North and East Yorkshire.

Through a series of fundraising events, stock donations collection boxes at the tills and the ‘Pennies’ initiative, the teams at Tong, Tingley, Otley, Bingley, York, Scarborough and Pennine Garden Centres have donated over £45,000.

Yorkshire Garden Centres’ group people and culture manager, Steph Harrison said: “Every year Martin House cares for more than 550 children and their families, as well as supporting around 200 bereaved family members, at its hospice, in hospitals and in the community. It is open 24/7, 365 days a year, whenever families need help and support.

“It costs around £10.5 million a year to provide this level of care, the majority of which comes from voluntary donations and fundraising. Thanks to the support of our colleagues and customers who have used our ‘Pennies’ initiative to donate at the checkout, we have smashed our initial fundraising target and are looking forward to raising even more money for this very deserving cause, which was our first Charity of the Year when we acquired Tong Garden Centre in 2015.”

Hannah Finan is the charity’s partnership manager: “This amazing amount could fund Martin House for 24 hours and could also help us provide end of life care for a baby, child, or young person here, giving families precious time with their loved one in peaceful surroundings.”

Mrs Harrison concluded: “In the last decade, we have raised over £140,000 for local charities through our Charity of the Year initiative and have donated £12,500 to community groups through our Kindness Pot which supports projects suggested by our team. This level of giving puts us in the top 1% of Just Giving supporters, which is an amazing statistic to celebrate.”

To contribute to Yorkshire Garden Centres’ fundraising, please visit https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/ygcgroup

Martin House has 15 beds, nine for babies and children, and six for teenagers and young people. Its support includes planned respite stays, symptom control, emergency care, end of life care and bereavement support.

The Greenfingers Charity is celebrating the success of the 2025 Christmas Jumperful Challenge, a fun and festive fundraiser that has once again brought cheer, colour and generosity to the season. Thanks to the efforts of Christmas jumper wearers Matt Mein and Sarah Want, this year’s challenge has already raised over £5,500 to support the charity’s work creating magical, therapeutic gardens for children in hospices across the UK.

The charity extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who has sponsored the challenge, with special recognition to Smart Garden, who has generously supported the final day of this year’s challenge, Christmas Day, with a donation of £500.

Launched in 2020 by Natalie Boynton, the Jumperful Challenge has grown into a much-loved festive tradition. Natalie’s vision and dedication have inspired countless supporters, and thanks to her leading the way, the challenge has now raised over £37,000 since its inception.

Natalie Boynton, initiator of the Jumperful Challenge, said: "What started as a fun way to spread Christmas cheer has grown into something truly special. Seeing so many people come together in their festive jumpers to support Greenfingers Charity fills me with immense pride. It’s incredible to think of what we’ve achieved together – over £37,000 raised is beyond anything I imagined when we began."

Linda Petrons, Director of Fundraising & Communications at Greenfingers Charity, added: "We are enormously grateful to Matt, Sarah, Natalie and everyone who has supported the Jumperful Challenge over the last five years. This fun, festive fundraiser has not only brought joy to so many but has also raised vital funds that will make a real difference to the lives of children and families who spend time in hospices. Every donation helps us create more magical, therapeutic spaces for life-limited children and their families."

Last chances to get involved – don’t wait!
It’s not too late to join the festive fun and support the Jumperful Challenge! Visit www.mostjumperful.co.uk to pledge your support.

Find out more

To learn more about the work of the Greenfingers Charity please visit www.greenfingerscharity.org.uk.  You can also join in the conversation by joining Greenfingers on social media - https://www.facebook.com/Greenfingerscharity/, @GreenfingersCha on Twitter, and @Greenfingerscharity on Instagram and LinkedIn. 

GTN November - December 2025 - GIMA Awards Roll of Honour & GLEE New Products Directory

In this issue: GTN’s Greatest Christmas Awards 2025 – meet the teams, Powering Retailer success in 2026 with Handy, Fordingbridge turn plants into heroes, GIMA Awards 2025 Roll of Honour, Sticky solutions for growth at Pelsis, Jagram from blueprint to bloom, GCA-Westland Rising Stars 2025, Glee New Product Showcase 2025 Directory, PATS 2025 Review, Growing together – Environmental Horticulture Group Viewpoint, Award winning plants – GTN Planteria, Caring and sharing – HTA Viewpoint , A year of growth, grit and joy – GIMA Viewpoint.

with all the news direct to your e-mail inbox.  The best news service every weekend and all the breaking news as it happens.

Subscribe for free using this link

Two weeks ago we are shocked to hear of the passing of Caroline Houghton, Key Account Manager at Tom Chambers, after a short illness.

Caroline had worked in the industry for over 35 years representing, Spread Garden Supplies, Scotts, Solus, Stax & Kapiteyn.

Her funeral will be at 2pm on January 2nd 2026 at Gedling Crematorium, Lambley, NG4 4QH.

Family Flowers only.  Donations to Haywood House Nottingham.

An expert on Retail & Leisure for HSBC is presenting on retail trends at the Garden Centre Association’s (GCA) Conference at Carden Park Chester next month.

James Sawley, the bank’s Head of Retail & Leisure, is speaking at the GCA’s 60th anniversary year Annual Conference on Tuesday, January 27.

GCA Chairman Elect and Operations Director of Haskins Garden Centres, Ben Harrison explains: “We’re really looking forward to welcoming James to the stage to hear all he has to say about retail trends and how these will impact on our industry.

“He supports retailers and leisure operators including garden centres across the country, providing financing solutions, strategic advice and assistance with everyday banking needs. HSBC’s expertise gives him valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities available and we’re sure he will be a very interesting addition to our roster of speakers in January.”

James began his banking career in 2004 as a graduate trainee after earning a degree in Economics from The University of Sheffield.

With more than 20 years’ experience as a corporate banker, including 15 years specialising in the sector, he has worked across leveraged finance, loan syndications and structured debt finance.

 Peter Burks, GCA CEO adds: “James will be joining us for our economy slot on the Tuesday, January 27, along with his HSBC colleague, Chris Hare, who is a Senior Economist for Global Banking and Markets. Together they will give our members some very useful insights into the current economic situation and will share their expertise on future trends. All this information should help our delegates with their financial strategies for the coming year and beyond.”

The 2026 GCA Conference takes place at Carden Park Chester from January 25 until 28. For further information and to book tickets for the 2026 GCA Conference, please visit https://gca.digitickets.co.uk/.

The Government has published its response to the Independent Review of the Windsor Framework, which has assessed how the Framework is operating and the steps it recommends to improve its delivery.

The Review, led by the Rt Hon Lord Murphy of Torfaen, examined how the Windsor Framework is operating following the Northern Ireland Assembly’s vote on its continuation. The Government’s response, published by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn MP, sets out its position on the Review’s recommendations and its approach to governance, democratic scrutiny, stakeholder engagement and business support.

Jennifer Pheasey, Director of Public Affairs, Horticultural Trades Association (HTA), commented: 

“The Government’s response to the Independent Review of the Windsor Framework, and its acceptance of all of Lord Murphy’s recommendations, is a positive and welcome step. It signals a clear intent to address the practical issues that continue to affect our member businesses trading between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

“We particularly welcome the £16.6 million programme of business support announced at the recent Budget for an enhanced ‘one stop shop’ for businesses, a recommendation that emerged directly from this Review. For small and medium-sized enterprises, clear guidance and accessible, responsive support will be essential if the Framework is to work as intended. The focus must now be on swift implementation, supported by a clear and firm timeline for delivering all of the Review’s recommendations.

“However, important questions remain for businesses on the ground. The government must urgently provide clarity on the impact of the EU Deforestation Regulation on Northern Ireland businesses, as well as the implications of the removal of the EU’s Lower Value Import exemption next year. Clarity on these matters is needed as soon as possible, as further delay risks adding to uncertainty and cost.

“Earlier in the year, the HTA gave evidence to the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee, setting out the ongoing challenges faced by horticultural businesses moving plants and plant products from Great Britain to Northern Ireland. While the Windsor Framework has delivered some improvements, burdensome paperwork, complex systems and increased costs continue to restrict trade, with many Northern Ireland businesses finding it difficult to buy from their established GB suppliers.

“The HTA will continue to work constructively with Government and policymakers, including through the Northern Ireland Horticultural Working Group, to identify practical solutions within the current legal framework. Acceptance of the Review’s recommendations is welcome; what matters now is delivery, clarity and pace so that businesses and consumers can see meaningful change.”

Evergreen Garden Care, is proud to announce the gift of 31.4 hectares of Peatland to Natural England, as part of its continued commitment to nature conservation.

The land forms part of the Hatfield Moors, which along with Thorne, Goole and Crowle Moors, comprise the Humberhead Peatlands, the largest area of raised bog wilderness in lowland Britain, at 3,000 hectares in size.

Evergreen Garden Care has been working with Natural England over the restoration of a much larger part of Thorne and Hatfield Moors for many years, and the gift of this last 31.4ha means that Natural England will now have complete autonomy over the Peatlands, in order to complete the restoration works.

Why is Peatland important?

Peatlands are a crucial part of the planet’s life support system, quietly working to regulate the climate and preserve biodiversity. However, clearing the land and harvesting peat for use in horticulture and gardening contributes to a major environmental challenge; destroying habitats for wildlife and releasing large amounts of carbon into the atmosphere. In fact Peatlands in a bad condition account for 3.5%* of carbon emissions in the UK.

Extraction of peat from the Moors had previously taken place at scale since the 1800’s. But it became truly commercial in the 1950’s in a post-war economic boom, reflecting the increased disposable income consumers had to spend on garden care.

Evergreen Garden Care ceased peat extraction at Thorne and Hatfield Moors in 2004, and Miracle-Gro, owned by Evergreen Garden Care, went fully peat-free in 2023; developing a highly effective peat-free solution instead.

Benefits of restoring the Peatlands

In the 20 years since Evergreen Garden Care handed over the Peatland it owned to Natural England, there have been profound improvements in the area.

The stores of peat within Hatfield Moors are now starting to replenish, absorbing more carbon and reducing the amount of harmful greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

Dense vegetation has also returned to Hatfield Moors, which provides fertile breeding ground for many wildlife, including the rare nightjar. Numbers of nightjars dwindled when peat extraction took place, however numbers of male nightjars in the area are now estimated to have doubled. Cranes and deer have also returned to the area, and numbers of rare insects, such as the Mire Pill Beetle, which can be found in the Humberland Pealands and nowhere else, are now thriving.

Peter Andrew, Group Safety & Environmental Manager at Evergreen Garden Care said, “As a garden brand, looking after the environment and natural world is really important to us all at Evergreen Garden Care. That’s why we’re pleased to handover this portion of Hatfield Moors to Natural England, to be looked after through their conservation efforts. As well as restoring the Peatlands, we want to help growers in their transition to using peat-free growing materials, which is why we’ve invested £7 million into our peat-free roadmap, investing in R&D to improve the quality of peat-free growing materials.”

Julian Small, Senior Reserve Manager at Natural England said, “We’ve seen remarkable improvements in the health of the peatlands in recent years — a testament to the dedication of our team on the ground and the support made possible through the transfer of land from Evergreen Garden Care. This area plays a vital role in supporting biodiversity, storing carbon, and providing benefits for local communities. Over the next few years, our ambition is to increase peat levels further and restore this beautiful landscape to its full potential.”

*https://researchbriefings.files.parliament.uk/documents/POST-PN-0668/POST-PN-0668.pdf 

Evergreen Garden Care is Europe’s leading manufacturer of high-quality gardening products, which are designed to inspire current and future gardeners to create their own oasis.  Evergreen Garden Care has some of the best known and trusted consumer brands within the garden care market, including Miracle-Gro®, Levington®, Roundup®, Weedol® and Clear™.  

Evergreen Garden Care is the only garden care manufacturer with its own research centre in the UK, based just outside of Ipswich. This unique facility is staffed by a team of horticultural scientists who work across 19 acres of turf, beds, borders and glasshouses to bring to life your favourite products, developing and testing new creations, crafting the best, innovative, eco-friendly feeds and growing media on the market. Evergreen’s dedicated scientists perform physical analysis and raw material assessments, and engage in field biology where they test the effects of our feeds and growing media, with a cutting edge 2,500m² glasshouse controlled by an environmental computer to ensure optimal growing conditions. 

For more information, please visit lovethegarden.co.uk - Our purpose | Love The Garden

The Spring Edition of PLANTARIUM|GROEN-Direkt is fast approaching. Fortunately, we have a compelling news angle that adds some real value to what could otherwise be a rather standard announcement. At the moment, we’re seeing a 12.6% increase in net reserved stand space. While the number of exhibitors is only slightly up, it’s clear that the average stand size is larger.

You’ll find various other details about the upcoming edition in the attached press release. We’d greatly appreciate it if you could share this information with your readers.

We would also like to warmly invite you to visit the fair. Without being biased, I can honestly say this is the best place to get a complete overview of what the garden plant sector will be offering the retail market in the coming season. It’s the key meeting point where this product segment and its audience come together, where the offering is presented, and where pricing levels are essentially set.

If you’re not yet familiar with the concept, I’d be happy to give you a guided tour. Or I can connect you with new exhibitors, highlight new products, or point out notable developments. Please let me know if I may expect your visit.

Hayes Symington Garden Centre in Kilmarnock, Ayrshire, has burned down as a result of a fire in the early hours of Monday morning, 15th December.

A statement on the garden centres facebook page says: "We regret to inform you that we will be CLOSED for the foreseeable future - the Garden Centre & Cafe have burned down."

Peter Hayes & son Michael developed the site in Symington, Ayrshire in 1988. Michael Hayes is the 7th generation to be involved in the horticultural business. 

Konstsmide UK has written to its customers, informing them that the business has closed down due to the economic climate and rising operating costs.

GTN Xtra has seen a letter that Oscar Johansson, Managing Director of Konstsmide UK, sent to the company’s customers.

In it he said: “Due to the recent economic climate and rising operating costs, we have had to make the difficult decision to close Konstsmide UK. We have worked tirelessly to try and avoid this situation but sadly we have been unable to change this decision.

“Serving independent retailers – gift shops, garden centres, and so many wonderful businesses across the UK and Ireland – has meant a great deal to us. Your loyalty and partnership over the years have been deeply valued.

“We do still have stock available in our UK warehouse, and we will remain here until this stock has been sold. You are very welcome to continue placing orders during this period, and we truly appreciate your support.

“This decision affects only our UK office and does not impact any other Konstsmide branches in Europe, which will continue to operate as normal.”

Statement from Boyd Douglas-Davies, Chair of Trustees, Greenfingers Charity

"It is with deep sadness that we have learned of the forthcoming closure of Richard House Children’s Hospice.

"For many years, Greenfingers Charity has been privileged to support Richard House in its vital work, bringing comfort, care and dignity to children with life-limiting conditions and their families. The hospice has been a place of compassion and hope and our gardens there have been a small part of creating moments of peace and joy for those facing the most difficult of circumstances.

We know how much Richard House has meant to the families it has served, and to the wider community. Its closure marks the end of an extraordinary chapter in children’s palliative care, and we share in the grief and concern that so many will feel at this news.

"On behalf of Greenfingers Charity, I want to express our heartfelt gratitude to the staff, volunteers and supporters of Richard House who have given so much over the years. Their dedication has been an inspiration, and their legacy will live on in the lives they have touched.

"As part of our ongoing commitment, Greenfingers Charity will endeavour to work with Richard House to relocate elements of the gardens we created there to another children’s hospice. In doing so, we hope that the spirit of joy, comfort and connection to nature that those spaces have provided will continue to benefit children and families in need elsewhere.

"Greenfingers Charity remains committed to supporting children’s hospices across the UK, ensuring that outdoor spaces continue to provide comfort and sanctuary where they are most needed. While Richard House may be closing its doors, the spirit of care and compassion it embodied will continue to guide our work."

APAC, one of the UK’s longest-established suppliers with over 50 years in business, is set to make a major entrance into the UK garden centre market.

Known for delivering high-quality, trend-driven products across multiple specialist sectors, APAC is now bringing its proven expertise – and its strongest ranges – directly to garden retail.

The company’s curated categories align seamlessly with the needs of the modern garden centre shopper, spanning:

• Christmas
• Ceramics
• Artificial and silk flowers
• Basketware
• Partyware
• Glassware

Each collection has been crafted with uncompromising quality, distinctive design, and a trend‑driven focus.

Powered by APAC’s national sales team, dedicated sales office, and a nationwide distribution network that ensures dependable weekly deliveries.

As part of this strategic expansion, APAC is pleased to announce the appointment of Hannah Shoesmith as Head of Sales. With extensive experience and long-standing relationships across major garden centre groups and independents, Hannah will lead the development of APAC’s Garden Centre channel while overseeing and structuring the wider sales team.

Under her leadership, buyers will see a more streamlined and accessible way of working with APAC, with clearer ranges, stronger category ownership and an improved end-to-end buying experience.

Alongside Hannah, Nick Davies has been brought in to help support the business in its transition into the garden centre market. Nick said: “APAC’s expansion into garden centres signals an exciting new chapter for the brand, with a dedicated sales structure, driving bold growth and unlocking new opportunities.”

Garden centres are invited to experience the full 2026 offering at APAC’s showroom in Rothley Leicester, as well as at the Harrogate Christmas & Gift Fair – Hall Q, Stand Q6. Buyers can explore new-season ranges, discover margin-driving opportunities, and meet the team behind APAC’s next stage of growth.

For any enquiries or showroom bookings, please contact Hannah on hannah.shoesmith@apacgroup.com or on 07730254483

Corby + Fellas has welcomed another prestigious group – The Gardens Group – to its award winning, WinRetail system, to power the thriving and demanding retail and hospitality operations. 

The company now has over 110 clients in the UK alone, running our systems, with another twenty implementations scheduled for 2026!

The Gardens Group story began in 1987, when Mike and Louise Burks, opened Castle Gardens, in Sherbourne, Dorset. They both graduated in horticulture, and their shared love for local engagement, inspirational gardens and sustainability in the community, allowed them to add a further two sites in Poundsbury and Brimsmore.

Alan McCammon, C+F Managing Directo, said: "We are delighted to work with Mike, Louise, and the wider team to implement our applications, to allow them to further flourish, grow and service the local community with first-class, real-time systems, powered by unrivalled reporting."

If you would like to know more about the EinRetail system email Sales@corbyfellas.com

Pictured: Grant Davis, Head of Retail and Data (C+F) partnered Lucy Hills, Epos Manager, and Mike Burks, owner TGG.

Five individuals from Garden Centre Association member garden centres have been revealed as finalists in the industry body’s Rising Stars programme sponsored by Westland Horticulture.

Put forward by their garden centres, the staff completed a series of workshops in 2025 and will now present at the GCA’s 60th anniversary Annual Conference in January.

Gordon Emslie, who mentored the workshops for the GCA, said: “Congratulations to our outstanding finalists: Aaron Caffarelli from Thetford Garden Centre, Louise Lockwood from Planters Tamworth, Charlotte Sait from Haskins Ferndown, Jess Salter from British Garden Centres (BGC) – Gloucester and Lewis O'Neill also from BGC – Gloucester. I’m excited to see them showcase their talents at the GCA Conference in January. Every year, our finalists set the bar high, and this year is no exception.

“This initiative simply wouldn’t be possible without the fantastic partnership between the GCA and Westlands. My sincere thanks to both organisations for their enthusiasm, commitment, and unwavering support in helping develop talent across our sector.”

All the candidates undertook projects, within their garden centres, which ran from March to September. They then presented them to a Dragons’ Den style panel of judges including Gina Lewis, Head of Content at Westland Horticulture, Sam Bosworth from Bosworths Garden Centre and Trevor Pfeiffer from GTN at Bell Plantation Garden Centre in October, who scored them and the final five were the top scoring projects.

Gordon added: “This season’s Rising Stars have once again demonstrated the exceptional calibre of talent within the garden centre industry. Their commitment, enthusiasm, and tenacity in delivering sustainability and environmental projects has been outstanding. Every one of them should feel immensely proud of their journey through this year’s programme and of how confidently they presented at the Dragons’ Den.

“Each finalist tackled important issues around sustainability and the environment – topics that too often go overlooked – and approached their projects with impressive breadth and creativity.

“They faced challenges throughout the year, as the programme is designed to uncover strengths and weaknesses, yet their determination to see their projects through never wavered. Personally, I’ve found working with this year’s candidates a wonderful experience, and I am proud to have served as a mentor once again.”

The finalists will present their projects at the 2026 GCA Conference at Carden Park Chester on the Monday of the event, January 26 and share with the audience how the Rising Stars programme has helped them develop during the past 10 months.

A final winner will be voted for by conference delegates and crowned at the event.

Gina Lewis, Head of Content at Westland Horticulture, said: “Garden centres – and the incredible teams behind them – are vital to the success and future growth of the UK gardening industry. At Westland, we are passionate about supporting the next generation of industry leaders, and we’re proud to have continued sponsoring and supporting this year’s Rising Stars throughout their 12-month journey to the GCA Conference.

“The presentations they’ve prepared, with Gordon’s expert guidance, are thought-provoking, insightful and innovative, showcasing the enormous potential within this talented group. Each Rising Star has delivered real value to their garden centre through their projects, keeping sustainability at the heart of everything they’ve achieved. We wish them the very best as they move into the next stage of the competition and hope they continue to make a lasting impact on our industry as their careers progress.”

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.

Tickets for the GCA’s 2026 Annual Conference are now on sale via the members’ section on the body’s website or via https://gca.digitickets.co.uk/.

For further information, please go to www.gca.org.uk.

With just two weeks to go until Christmas, now is the peak time to buy a real Christmas tree, according to the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA), which says UK garden centres are leading the way in sales of real trees.

New research from the membership organisation, which represents over 1,400 garden retailers, growers, suppliers, manufacturers, landscapers, and garden designers across the UK, reveals that 4.9 million households bought a real Christmas tree last year, with more than half of households (52%) purchasing theirs at UK garden centres.

Garden centres have significantly grown their share of the real Christmas tree market over the last eight years. In 2016, an HTA survey found that approximately 4.2 millionhouseholds had purchased a real Christmas tree for the 2016 festive season, with just 37% of households buying from a garden centre or retail nursery.

The HTA’s Independent Christmas Tree Survey (2024) also reveals that the total spend on real Christmas trees topped £194 million. So, with Christmas tree buying in full swing, now is the time to head to the garden centre, spruce up the house and prepare for a tree-mendous Christmas.

The festive season is a vital trading period for garden centres across the UK, but it’s not just real Christmas trees that sell well. 11% of total annual garden centre turnover in 2024 occurred in December, and HTA research shows that Christmas and gifting departments accounted for more than a third (35%) of those sales.

The other highest-selling categories at garden centres in December (by value; excl. VAT) were:

• Catering (14%)
• Food and farm shop (11%)
• Indoor living and homewares (10%)

Source: HTA Garden Retail Monitor

Laura Loveridge, Market Research Manager at the HTA, said:

“Nowhere does Christmas quite like garden centres, where festive departments have grown to become a bigger part of their offer over recent years to now account for over one quarter of turnover in December, keeping the customers visiting throughout colder winter months.

“Visiting the garden centre over the build-up to Christmas is a day out for the whole family, from choosing the tree, to picking new decorations and visiting the restaurant for a treat afterwards. Many garden centres now offer added magical experiences for families to enjoy, such as Santa's grotto, making a visit to your local garden centre an annual tradition for many to look forward to. Coupled with the expert advice available from staff in store, it’s unsurprising that garden centres are the leading sales channel for real Christmas trees.”

Blue Diamond Blackdown - GTN's Greatest Christmas Awards 2025 judges visit, 22nd October 2025

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Ransoms Jersey - GTN's Greatest Christmas Awards 2025 judges visit, 20th October 2025.

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Summerhill Garden Centre- GTN's Greatest Christmas Awards 2025 judges visit, 22nd October 2025.

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