GIMA has today announced that its long-standing Director, Vicky Nuttall, will step down from her role in May 2026, marking the end of a remarkable 12-year tenure at the helm of the trade association.

Since joining GIMA, Vicky has overseen a period of significant growth, shaping the organisation into the respected, influential, and collaborative body it is today. Under her leadership, GIMA has strengthened its position within the garden retail sector, expanded member services, and deepened engagement across the industry.

Reflecting on the decision, Vicky said: “After 12 years leading GIMA, and 25 years working within the garden retail sector since starting out at Forest Garden in 2001, the time feels right to plan for my next chapter and equally, to support GIMA as it plans for its own. Stepping down has not been an easy decision, but the organisation is in great shape. We’re continuing to grow, our members are engaged, and there is a brilliant team behind the scenes - both in-house and among our associate members who provide business support - who I know will continue to guide GIMA forward with confidence.

“I’m incredibly proud of what has been achieved, from steering the organisation through the challenges of Covid to strengthening our voice and value for members, and it has been an absolute privilege to serve the industry I care so deeply about.”

Paying tribute to Vicky’s impact, GIMA President Kate Ebbens said: “It is impossible to fully capture the influence Vicky has had on GIMA and the wider garden retail community. Her leadership, drive, and deep passion have helped shape GIMA into the vibrant, forward-thinking organisation it is today. Alongside the professional progress she has delivered, she has brought warmth and positivity to the Council, qualities we will all miss enormously.

“We are hugely grateful for her dedication in supporting a smooth transition over the coming months, and we know she will continue to give the very best of herself to GIMA right up until her final day. Vicky leaves not only an outstanding legacy, but also many friends who regard her with the utmost respect and affection.”

Vicky will remain in post until May 2026, ensuring continuity while the recruitment process for her successor gets underway. After that time, she looks forward to spending more time with her family and hobbies, while remaining open to any new business opportunities that may arise.

Those interested in learning more about the role are invited to contact Mark Butler of Vitax and GIMA Secretary, by emailing mark.butler@vitax.co.uk

Find out more
For further information or to register interest, please visit the GIMA events calendar at gima.org.uk or contact the team at info@gima.org.uk

Over 5,000 Garden centre customers across the UK have already voted for their Greatest Garden Centre Team at Christmas, with thousands more expected to vote in the run up to the closing date of 22nd December 2025.  They are voting on-line, in-store and by post, all exuding high praise on the teams they believe are The Greatest at spreading joy this Christmas.

On-line votes are being added every hour and it is getting very close at the top. It may well be that the in-store votes could change things when they get sent into the GTN offices.

As of today, 3rd December 2025 in A-Z order these are the Top 50 Greatest Christmas Garden Centre Teams as voted for by garden centre customers:

Albrighton BGC

Arcadia

Astbury Meadow Klondyke

Aylsham Garden Centre

Bents

Birkacre

Blofield Garden Centre at Norwich Camping & Leisure

Botany Bay Garden Centre

Bow Garden and Aquatic Centre

Bridgnorth BGC

Brockworth BGC

Burford House BGC

Cambridge Home & Garden

Chacewater Garden Centre

Charlecote BGC

Chessington Garden Centre

Chilton BGC

Conkers Garden Centre

Dobbies Ashford

Fakenham Garden Centre

Fron Goch

Garden King

Glendoick Garden Centre

Gloucester BGC

Haddenham Garden Centre

Harrogate BGC

Hayes BGC

Henry Street Garden Centre

Hillmount Bangor

Keydell Nurseries

Kirktown Garden Centre

Langlands BGC

Longacres Bagshot

Meadow Croft

Monkton Elm

Munros

Newquay Garden Centre

Newton Regis BGC

Old Railway Line

Old Well Garden Centre

Owl Lane Farm Nurseries

Perrywood Sudbury

Perrywood Tiptree

Ransoms Jersey

Rugby BGC

Snowdonia Nurseries

Summerhill Garden Centre

Trevena Cross Nurseries

Trevisker Garden Centre

Trioscape Garden Centre

Wolseley Bridge BGC

Wolvercroft Garden Centre

And here is the current list of all 118 centres that are being voted for on-line:

3 Shires Blue Diamond, Albrighton BGC, Alton, Arcadia, Astbury Meadow Klondyke, Aylsham Garden Centre , Bents, Berkely Park Klondyke, Bicester Blue Diamond, Birkacre, Blackdown Blue Diamond, Blofield Garden Centre at Norwich Camping & Leisure, Bold Heath BGC, Botany Bay Garden Centre, Bow Garden and Aquatic Centre , Braintree BGC, Bridgnorth BGC, Brockworth BGC, Bromsgrove BGC, Brookside Klondyke, Burford House BGC, Burnside Klondyke, Cambridge Home & Garden, Cardiff Blue Diamond, Caulders Dumfries, Chacewater Garden Centre, Charlecote BGC, Chessington Garden Centre, Chiltern View Garden Centre, Chilton BGC, Chipperfield BGC, Conkers Garden Centre, Daleside Klondyke, Dobbies Ashford, East Durham BGC, Elm Farm Florist and Nursery Billericay, Enfield BGC, Fakenham Garden Centre, Fron Goch, Garden King, Gardenwise Klondyke, Garforth Klondyke, Garsons Titchfield, Glendoick Garden Centre, Gloucester BGC, Haddenham Garden Centre, Harrogate BGC, Hartwell Nurseries, Hatton BGC, Havant BGC, Hayes BGC, Hemel BGC, Henry Street Garden Centre, High Legh Klondyke, Hillmount Bangor, Hillmount Belfast , Hillmount Carrickfergus, Hillmount Newtownards, Hockley Market Garden Centre, Holt Garden Centre, Keydell Nurseries, Kirktown Garden Centre, Lady Green Klondyke, Langlands BGC, Leyland BGC, Livingston Klondyke, Longacres Bagshot, Louth BGC, Mayfield Klondyke, Meadow Croft, Monkton Elm, Moulton Nurseries Garden Centre & Coffee Shop, Munros, Newquay Garden Centre, Newstead Nurseries, Newton Regis BGC, Northampton BGC, Notcutts Oxford, Notcutts Peterborough, Notcutts Rivendell, Old Railway Line, Old Well Garden Centre, Oswaldtwistle Mills, Otter Nurseries Ottery St Mary, Owl Lane Farm Nurseries, Parker’s Garden Centre, Pennells Lincoln, Perrywood Buckhatch, Perrywood Sudbury, Perrywood Tiptree, Plant Perfections Garden centre, Plants Galore Garden centre, Poplar Nurseries, Ransoms Jersey, Rowena Leicester, Rugby BGC, Sapcote Garden Centre, Snowdonia Nurseries, Southwood Garden Centre , Squires Badshot Lea, Squires Twickenham, Srtikes Stokesley, Stringers Klondyke, Summerhill Garden Centre, Thatcham BGC, Toad Hall Garden Centre, Trelawney Blue Diamond, Trevena Cross Nurseries, Trevisker Garden Centre, Trioscape Garden Centre , Trowell Garden Centre, Upcountry Stone Cross Garden Centre , Whitegates Nursery, Wilmslow Klondyke, Wolseley Bridge BGC, Wolvercroft Garden Centre, Woodbank Garden Centre, Woodthorpe BGC

GTN’s team of intrepid Christmas Award judges are still out and about visiting the record number of teams that have been nominated.  With over 150 teams nominated, they are doing their best to get to as many as possible and this is the list of centres the judges will be visiting over the coming three weeks:

Albrighton BGC, Azure, Barton Grange Blue Diamond, Baytree, Bents, Birkacre Garden Centre, Blackdown Blue Diamond, Blofield Garden Centre at Norwich Camping & Leisure, Bosworths Burton Latimer, Bow Garden and Aquatic Centre , Braintree BGC, Bridgemere Blue Diamond, Brigg BGC, Brimsmore Gardens, Brockworth BGC, Burford House BGC, Byrkley Park Klondyke, Cadbury Blue Diamond, Cambridge Home & Garden, California Lodge, Castle Gardens, Caulders Cupar, Caulders Kirkintilloch, Caulders Linlithgow, Charlecote BGC, Chepstow, Chessington Garden Centre, Codsell & Wergs, Conkers Garden Centre, Cooks, Coolings Main Road, Coolings Rushmore Hill, Daleside Klondyke, Deans York YGC, Derby Blue Diamond, Dobbies Beaconsfield, Dobbies Bury, Dobbies Chesterfield, Dobbies Edinburgh, Duchy of Cornwall Nursery, Fairways Ashbourne, Fakenham Garden Centre, Fron Goch, Garsons Esher, Garsons Titchfield, Gates Oakham, Gates Stapleton, Glendoick Garden Centre, Gloucester BGC, Gouldings Garden Centre & Valley View, Haddenham Garden Centre, Harrogate BGC, Haskins Snowhill, Haskins West End, Hayes BGC, Heighley Gate BGC, Henry Street Garden Centre, Holt Garden Centre, Howdens Klondyke, Jacksons Boutique, Keydell Nurseries, Kirktown Stonehaven, Knights Betchworth, Langlands BGC, Longacres Bagshot, Mackenzie & Cruickshank, Mains of Drum, Milbrook Staplehurst, Monkton Elm, Morris of Usk, Mortonhall Klondyke, Moss & Moor, Munros Nurseries, Newquay Garden Centre, Notcutts Brampton, Notcutts Oxford, Notcutts Rivendell, Notcutts Solihull, Oakington Garden Centre, Old Railway Line, Old Well Garden Centre, Osterley BGC, Parker’s Garden Centre, Pengelly Garden Centre, Perrywood Sudbury, Perrywood Tiptree, Planters Garden King, Planters Tamworth, Playhatch BGC, Polhill, Polmont Klondyke, Poplar Nurseries, Poundbury Gardens, Pugh's Radyr, Pugh's Wenvoe, Raemoir Garden Centre, Raglan, Ransoms Jersey, Rosebank, Rowena Leicester, Rutland Garden Nursery, Ruxley Manor, Silverbirch, Simpsons, Skylark Garden Centre, Snowdonia Nurseries, Southwood Garden Centre, Squires Badshot Lea, Squires Milford, Squires Reigate, Squires Twickenham, St Peters Garden Centre, Stewarts Christchurch, Stringers Doncaster Klondyke, Summerhill Garden Centre, Sunshine Garden Centre, The Garden Society, Thetford Garden Centre, Trentham Blue Diamond, Trevisker (Cornwall), Trioscape Garden Centre, Trowell, Van Hage Great Amwell Blue Diamond, Webbs of Wychbold, Wentworth Garden Centre, Winnersh BGC, Woodthorpe BGC.

You can see some of the photo tours from centres already visited elsewhere in this issue of GTN Xtra. More will be added as the judging continues so watch this space.

With 2 1/2 weeks still to go for customers to vote there is plenty of opportunity for more centres to join in and feel the warmth of their customers votes, and their comments as to why they are The Greatest at Christmas.

As a key part of our Greatest Christmas Awards, customers are already having the final say on just who are The Greatest Garden Centre Christmas teams in 2025.  Voting is live on-line and in store from now until 22^nd December and the first 10 centres to register on-line votes are:

To ask your customers to vote for you and your team, all you need to do is print off the posters, there are four different designs to choose from, that can be accessed via this link: GTN Greatest Christmas Awards Voting Materials, display them in store, add a link to your social media pages or website where you can put the voting link or the QR code as below and let the voting begin.

You can also let your customers vote in-store by printing off the voting postcards and collecting them in-store before sending them in to us for counting before Christmas. This is a great way for your team to see just what customers really like about your Christmas, as they can read through the positive comments and take a big pat on the back too.

It’s as simple as that.  Voting is open now and will remain open until 4:00pm on December 22nd.

As last year, awards will be made on a regional basis as well as overall and will also take size of garden centre and team into account too, so every vote will count!

Here is the link to the on-line voting page: GTN Greatest Christmas Awards 2025 On-Line Voting Link

Here are links to the posters, postcards and "Post your Votes here" artwork - just click on the images below: 

Here is a link to the Voting QR code:

GTN Greatest Christmas Awards Voting QR code

If you have any questions please contact: trevor@pottingshedpress.co.uk or call 07973 504214.

Caulders Garden Centre has officially opened its impressive new 300-seater restaurant at Kirkintilloch, Glasgow – a major investment in the site where Caulders hospitality journey first began.

Kirkintilloch was the first restaurant Caulders ever built. It is where their passion for warm, friendly table service was established and where the high standards they hold themselves to today were first set. After many years of incredible support from local customers, the team felt it was the perfect time to give this much-loved restaurant the upgrade it deserved.

This £2 million development has transformed the dining experience, offering a bright, spacious and comfortable environment for customers to enjoy freshly prepared meals and delicious homemade baking every day. A key feature is the brand new purpose-built bakery, proudly supplying Caulders famous home baking to their nine restaurants across Scotland. The restaurant also includes flexible venue rooms, which customers can hire for celebrations and gatherings – all while enjoying Caulders well-loved hospitality.

The project has created 20 new jobs, bringing Caulders team to almost 500 people across their 10 centres. The investment has been fully funded through Caulders own cashflow – a reflection of the strength of the business and its long-term commitment to growing sustainably.

Environmental performance has been central to the build. High-performance insulation, modern glazing, energy-efficient air source heat pumps and a 75kW solar PV system work together to reduce energy use. A 30,000 litre rainwater harvesting tank also helps water the plants across the centre, reducing mains water usage.

Colin Barrie, Managing Director, said: “This new restaurant, together with the improvements we are making across our existing restaurants, shows our continued commitment to offering great hospitality to our customers. Our customers at Kirkintilloch have been continually loyal and we are delighted to be able to offer them this wonderful new facility.”

Pleydell Smithyman, the specialist garden centre and farm shop consultancy known for its strategic insight and design making it a sector-leading expert, has announced that Kathryn Farden and Andrew Burton have been appointed as directors. 

This development marks an important step in the firm’s ongoing growth strategy and reflects its commitment to strengthening leadership in its core specialist sectors.

Paul Pleydell, Director at Pleydell Smithyman, welcomed the appointments with enthusiasm: “Bringing Kathryn and Andrew on board as directors is a significant milestone for us,” Paul said. “They are both exceptional specialists whose knowledge and leadership have already added huge value to our clients and our business.  Their expertise perfectly supports our long-term strategy, and I’m absolutely delighted to have them join the board.”

Sector-Leading Expertise

Kathryn Farden, an accomplished and leading town planner in her sector, is recognised for her strong success rate in successful planning submissions and her analytical approach and ability to navigate complex planning environments have established her as a leading planning figure within the sector.  Kathryn’s expertise enhances the consultancy’s ability to deliver robust, forward-thinking planning solutions for clients across the UK in their specialist industries.

Andrew Burton, a highly respected retail and catering consultant specialising in retail and catering, brings a wealth of industry-specific knowledge.  Known for his commercial insight, operational expertise, and innovative approach to retail and hospitality within the garden centre and farm shop sector, Andrew is regarded as one of the country’s leading consultants in this niche.  His strategic guidance continues to support clients in identifying their opportunities, elevating their offer and improving business performance.

Strengthening Future Strategy

The appointment of Kathryn and Andrew as directors reinforces Pleydell Smithyman’s strategy of building a strong, specialist-led leadership structure.

Paul Pleydell added “Our business is built on trust, passion, empathy, specialist knowledge, collaboration, and long-term client partnerships. Kathryn and Andrew reflect these values wholeheartedly.  Their appointment strengthens our strategic direction and gives our clients even greater confidence in the depth and stability of our leadership team.”

Pleydell Smithyman www.pleydellsmithyman.co.uk 01952 433211 psl@pleydellsmithyman.co.uk

The Greenfingers Charity’s ambitious Kilimanjaro Trek has stormed past the £40,000 fundraising mark with more than six months still to go before the 23-strong team sets foot on Africa’s highest peak.

The total continues to climb as new adventurers sign up, including the latest fundraisers to join the challenge, Helen Taylor from Allan Morris Estate Agents in Worcester and Theunis (Rene) Reinder Assies from Power Sonic. Their involvement reflects the growing momentum behind the trek, which is uniting supporters from across the garden retail sector, alongside new friends from the wider business communities, all working together to raise the profile of the children’s hospice garden charity.

The fundraising pot was given a huge lift recently at a packed charity auction, where over 80 guests dug deep to support the cause. Thanks to their generosity, plus an incredible 101 auction prizes donated by industry suppliers and supporters, the evening raised a significant sum, further boosted by a lively raffle.

Prizes on the night ranged from indulgent local beauty treatments and stylish garden pots and furniture, to mirrors, lanterns, plants, gardening tools and a host of unforgettable experiences. Every winning bid and raffle ticket has helped push the Kilimanjaro total to new heights.

With more events already in the diary and new trekkers like Helen and Rene stepping forward, the team now has its sights firmly set on a £100,000 fundraising goal.

The funds raised will go directly towards the design and creation of a brand-new Greenfingers garden at Naomi House & Jacksplace in Winchester, a beautiful, fully accessible outdoor sanctuary where children with life-limiting conditions and their families will find comfort, connection and precious moments of escape together.

Linda Petrons, Director of Fundraising & Communications at the Greenfingers Charity, said: “Our Kilimanjaro Trekkers continue to amaze us. Smashing through £40,000 with months still to go is a phenomenal achievement, and we’re thrilled to welcome new adventurers like Helen and Rene to the team.

“We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who has already supported the trek, from the suppliers and supporters who so generously donated auction and raffle prizes, to every guest who bid, bought tickets, has sponsored a trekker, their kit or have helped to spread the word. And with the challenge drawing ever closer, we’re hugely thankful for the continued backing we know will make all the difference in the months ahead. The collective energy, belief and generosity behind this incredible effort will enable us to create truly magical outdoor spaces for the children and families who need them most.”

Join the adventure
It’s not too late to be part of this extraordinary challenge. If you’re inspired to take on Mount Kilimanjaro in June next year - or would like to support the team by sponsoring kit or equipment - please contact Kirsty in the Greenfingers Fundraising Team at 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.

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...

Climate scientist Professor Tamsin Edwards will be speaking at the Garden Centre Association’s (GCA) 2026 Annual Conference at Carden Park Chester on the Tuesday (January 27, 2026).

Prof Edwards, who regularly appears on TV and radio, specialises in quantifying the uncertainties of climate model predictions, particularly for the ice sheet and glacier contributions to sea level rise.

GCA Chairman Elect and Operations Director of Haskins Garden Centres, Ben Harrison explains: “The changes in the climate are a reoccurring discussion point for our members, as the weather has such an impact on our sector’s sales. Tamsin was a Lead Author of the  Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Sixth Assessment Report published in 2021 and regularly provides expert advice on climate science to the public, policymakers, media and businesses.

“Tamsin is currently the first Parliamentary Thematic Research Lead for Climate & Environment, advising the UK Parliament on research evidence to better inform scrutiny, legislation and debate.”

She is an award-winning communicator, including through Twitter her blog for the Public Library of Science, PLoS All Models Are Wrong and articles for The Guardian. Tamsin also co-presented the BBC Radio 4 series ‘39 Ways to Save the Planet’.

She regularly appears on various news outlets as an expert commentator for climate related stories including BBC News at 10, ITV News and the BBC’s Radio 4 Today Programme.

Peter Burks, GCA CEO says: “Tamsin’s research, accompanied by her teaching role at King’s College London, makes her a hugely engaging and informative speaker. 

“She will draw from a wide range of research within her field of climate science and the environment for her presentation and, as such, you will leave the auditorium feeling better informed, enlivened to join the debate and also more equipped to question your own and others’ pre-existing beliefs. She will use details from her own investigations, which include how to use information about recent and palaeoclimates to improve predictions of the future.

“Tamsin has previously presented to the Royal Geographical Society, the Government’s Department for International Development, as well as the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. She is a great addition to our roster of speakers for our 60th anniversary year Annual Conference and we’re delighted she has agreed to join us to speak on the Tuesday, January 27.”

The 2026 GCA Conference takes place at Carden Park Chester from January 25 until 28.

To find out more and to book tickets, please visit the conference pages in the members’ section of the body’s website or go directly to https://gca.digitickets.co.uk/.

Dobbies Garden Centre at Moreton Park in Shropshire is the seventh store to be upgraded as part of the retailer’s national refurbishment programme.  

The store now features a brand-new large coffee shop on the mezzanine level, providing a welcoming space for customers to enjoy hot drinks, cakes and light bites. The main restaurant has also been fully refurbished and expanded, and offers a full menu across the day.

The popular soft play has been revitalised too, with a new separate area created which features more seating and play space for families to enjoy.

The store’s shopping village has been expanded, introducing Edinburgh Woollen Mill and Regatta alongside the existing popular ranges from Mountain Warehouse, Klass, Weird Fish and Pavers.

Dobbies Moreton Park now offers an expanded gardening range, featuring Dobbies’ own-brand tools, as well as growhouses, garden power products and storage.

As well as the biggest ever Christmas range to shop, there are also Christmas events taking place across December such as the Meet Santa experience, along with the popular Santa Paws and Santa’s Breakfast.

General Manager, Jim Noble, said: “The store has been completely refreshed and feels like a whole new shopping experience. With exciting new ranges and the addition of a brand-new coffee shop, it’s looking absolutely fantastic. 

“This transformation has been a team effort, with people from across the business all playing their part. A huge thank you to everyone involved – we’re so excited for customers to come in and enjoy the results over the busy Christmas period.”

David Robinson, CEO of Dobbies, said: “This year, we’ve focused on upgrading our stores, and Moreton Park is the seventh to be relaunched in 2025.

“It’s been encouraging to see how the improvements we’ve made across our store estate, both in product range and customer experience, are resonating with our customers. We’re committed to delivering our best ever Christmas, building on the strong results we achieved in spring.”

Completed refurbishments this year are Dobbies’ Brighton, Cadnam, Hungerford, Beaconsfield, Bury St Edmunds, Royston and Moreton Park. 

See gallery of pictures of the revamped Moreton Park centre below...

The Gardens Group at Brimsmore Gardens, Yeovil, was the setting for a romantic moment when a regular customer made a proposal of marriage to his loved one. 

While visiting the centre to judge The Greatest Christmas Awards, GTN Xtra’s Neil Gow learned that customer Richard proposed to Natt, who revealed that Brimsmore was  her ‘favourite place on earth’.

Brimsmore staff helped set up the scene for the romantic moment and presented the happy couple with a bottle of champagne.

We’re happy to report that Natt said yes!

If there was a category for ‘Most Romantic Moment’ in the Greatest Christmas Awards, then this Brimsmore event would surely be favourite to win.

With festive spirit rising and December barely underway, the newest duo to take on the ‘Most Jumperful Time of the Year’ challenge have been confirmed: Glee Event Director, Matthew Mein, and Sarah Want from MorePeople. Both have stepped forward with true jumperful courage to shine a light on the Greenfingers Charity and they’re already being met with remarkable industry support.

Despite the 2025 campaign only just launching, sponsorship slots have been filling at speed, proving again how wholeheartedly the garden sector gets behind this brilliant initiative.

This year’s sponsors include Fargro, Garden Trade News, Farplants, Joy of Plants, Sipcam, Welling United FC, FP Matthews, Jane Lawler Associates, Green Solutions, Trowell Garden Centres, Cowells Garden Centre, Hyve Group, Bob Marley, Hornby George PR, BOA, Woodlodge, Volmary, The Underground Podcast, Garden Radio, Garden Centre Association, HSK, Tong Garden Centre, Happy Plants, MorePeople, Pleydell Smithyman, GIMA, The Old Railway Line, LBC Boots, Henry Bell, British Garden Centres and The Boyd Partnership. Together their generosity is helping raise vital funds to ensure even more hospice gardens can become a reality in 2026 and beyond.

Just days into their challenge, Matthew and Sarah are urging the industry to get involved before it’s too late. With only a handful of sponsorship dates left, each available for just £100, it’s an easy yet powerful way to help change lives. Sponsors can also join the fun by encouraging their teams to wear their most joyful knitwear on their chosen day, spreading warmth in more ways than one.

Funds raised from the Most Jumperful campaign – which to-date sits at £31,600 since the initiative was launched by Natalie Boynton in 2020 - helps Greenfingers Charity continue its transformational work in children’s hospices nationwide. Now with 70 gardens built and more planned for 2026, the charity designs and creates precious outdoor sanctuaries for families navigating some of the most challenging and difficult times.

Speaking about the Challenge, Linda Petrons, Director of Fundraising & Communications at Greenfingers Charity, said: "It is truly heartwarming to see Matthew and Sarah step forward with such enthusiasm and to witness the industry rally behind them so quickly. Every sponsorship, every festive jumper worn and every pound raised helps us continue bringing the gift of magical, therapeutic gardens to the children and families who need them most. Together, we are showing that something as simple as wearing a Christmas jumper can make a remarkable difference."

Last chances to get involved – don’t wait!
Support this year’s jumper wearers, help them raise even more, and ensure Greenfingers can keep delivering life-changing gardens for families who need them most. 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. 

The team at a Bradford-based garden centre group is celebrating after reaching the final of TheBusinessDesk.com Yorkshire Business of the Year Awards 2026. 

Yorkshire Garden Centres – owner of Tong, Tingley, Bingley, Otley and Pennine Garden Centres, plus Dean’s York and Scarborough – has been shortlisted in the Large Business of the Year category of the annual awards, which celebrate the best business successes from across the region.

Yorkshire Garden Centres’ MD, Mark Farnsworth, said: “We’re proud to have reached the final of this prestigious award which recognises the Yorkshire businesses that are innovating, disrupting and thriving. We’re delighted that the judges were impressed by what they saw and heard when they visited in October, and we’re looking forward to pitching our finalist presentation in January.”

A spokesperson for TheBusinessDesk.com said: “The Large Business award will go to one of the region’s strong success stories that is really setting the pace. The winning business will have outstanding financials but will also have a great story to tell and be making a significant impact in the region.”

Yorkshire Garden Centres faces competition from Adler & Allan, FMG, Keepmoat, NG Bailey
Polypipe Building Products and Zenith.

The team will learn whether they have been successful at an awards ceremony and gala dinner, which takes place on February 19th at New Dock Hall, Leeds.

Garden centres will get the chance to connect with three different nurseries – Frank Matthews Trees, New Leaf Plants and The Bransford Webbs Plant Company – on the same day at the popular Roots to Retail event in 2026.

Entering its fourth consecutive year, this collaborative event will be held at Frank Matthews Trees in Tenbury Wells on Wednesday 25th and Thursday 26th February.

Delegates attending will be given a tour of the Frank Matthews Trees site, whilst New Leaf Plants will give an informative presentation on their new marketing and promotional strategies for climbers in retail. 

Bransford Webbs will share the inside story on its Hebe breeding program, specifically highlighting the development of new varieties and the benefits these offer to both the retail customer and final consumer. Lunch will be provided on site. 

“We’re absolutely thrilled to be hosting Roots to Retail, especially as we will be celebrating our 125th year in 2026,” said Steph Dunn James, Managing Director of Frank Matthews Trees. 

“This event has become a real highlight for the industry, giving us the chance to welcome customers onto the nursery, share what we’re passionate about, and collaborate with our fantastic partners. It’s a wonderful opportunity to bring growers and retailers together, and we look forward to another inspiring and successful day.”

To book a place or for more information email sales@bransfordwebbs.co.uk or call 01886 833733.

Family keepsake company The Lovely Gift Group, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, has witnessed signbificant growth in garden centres... 

The Hull-based business has gone full circle a decade since it launched its first retail keepsake website in June 2015, www.thelovelykeepsakecompany.co.uk, supplying a full range of family keepsakes under the original brand name.

The Lovely Keepsake Company range initially comprises eight products and includes new baby handprint and clay impression kits, family handprint frames and 3D plaster casting kits for children and couples. 

The business originally launched in 2015 as The Lovely Keepsake Company which was a single website selling keepsake ideas. Ten years on and rebranded as The Lovely Gift Group, the company now has six retail websites, with in-house personalised gift production, 3 retail brands, a wholesale business and the recent acquisition of personalised gift business, Always Personal.  On track for a £2M turnover this year and employing 20 team members the company has come a long way from the dining table in South Newbald, with a garage stacked high with boxes of stock.

Founder and director Helen Davies said: “Any entrepreneur will tell you that there is nothing like seeing your dream physically appear in front of you to give you a real thrill and appetite to do more. I’ve worked hard and been lucky to have had many ‘pinch me’ moments in the last 10 years, but I can honestly say this is one is particularly special. That logo was sketched out, briefed to a designer and appeared on our very first website.  To see it in the warehouse now, as it originally was, on thousands of products stacked on pallets is incredible.”

“We have learned a lot about what is popular and what customers both want and don’t know what they are actually looking for! Creating our own brand of keepsakes, using that experience, was always the future plan and it’s exciting for us to now see the new brand already selling for presents for this Christmas in 2025, 10 years on since we launched.”

For more information visit www.thelovelykeepsakecompany.co.uk, or contact Helen by email helen@thelovelygiftgroup.co.uk.

A 19-foot Norway Spruce from Britain’s champion Christmas tree grower has been lit up outside No 10 Downing Street as a gift for the nation. 

The towering and immaculately decorated spruce celebrates British Christmas tree growers who nurture locally grown real trees on plantations across Great Britain and Northern Ireland as seasonal centrepieces for millions of homes, businesses and public spaces.

The Prime Minister hosted an event to illuminate the Downing Street Christmas tree during a switch-on celebration today (Monday 1st December) as the countdown to Christmas truly begins. 

Cadeby Tree Trust from Leicestershire provided the Downing Street Christmas tree this year after being named Champion Christmas Tree Grower of the Year in an annual competition run by the British Christmas Tree Growers Association (BCTGA).

Their Norway Spruce, with its dark green foliage, strong fragrance and conical shape, is a nod to traditions of yesteryear, with the tree species a renowned favourite for households up until more recent times, having been surpassed as bestsellers since by the Nordman Fir. To keep a Norway Spruce looking its best, indoors, it is best purchased closer to Christmas and kept well-watered.

Tom Theobald from Cadeby Tree Trust, who have been growing Christmas trees for more than 36 years, said: “It is an absolute pleasure to see our Norway Spruce stand tall and proud outside one of the world’s most famous addresses for all the nation to see. Hundreds of passionate British Christmas tree growers invest great skill and craft into nurturing the finest trees for everyone to enjoy, and I hope that our tree is a reminder that nothing beats a real British Christmas tree, grown locally and sustainably in harmony with nature.” 

The No 10 Christmas tree was decorated by Jane and Rebecca Ingram of The Tree Barn, Watlington, Oxfordshire.

The wreath on Downing Street’s iconic black door was provided by Strawson Woodland of Lincolnshire, winners of Champion Festive Wreath in the BCTGA competition. 

The runner up of this year’s Champion Christmas Tree Grower of the Year, Scottish Christmas Trees in Dumfries and Galloway, has supplied Christmas trees for inside No 10, whilst Infinity Christmas Trees, Herefordshire, has supplied trees to decorate the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) after winning the BCTGA’s Photo of the Year.

Russell Parkins, Chair of BCTGA said: “There’s something special about the humble Christmas tree bringing families together year after year to continue traditions that have spun throughout the generations. The simplicity of bringing evergreens from outside to inside to symbolise the start of a new year, and hope for the future, is a ritual that started more than a thousand years ago. The competition winners whose trees and wreaths adorn Downing Street and the FCDO are reminders that this treasured tradition is in great hands.”

The British Christmas Tree Growers Association represents 300 members across Great Britain and Northern Ireland and is managed by farming charity, the Yorkshire Agricultural Society.

Picture credit: No 10 Downing Street.

The Greenfingers Charity - dedicated to creating therapeutic gardens for life-limited children and their families in children’s hospices across the country - is delighted to announce the appointment of six new Garden Ambassadors, marking an exciting milestone for its expanding national programme.

These Garden Ambassadors will play an important role in the long-term care and development of Greenfingers gardens. Working closely with the charity, hospice teams and volunteers, each ambassador will support ongoing maintenance, help coordinate corporate volunteering days and provide regular updates to ensure every garden remains uplifting, accessible and beautifully nurtured throughout the year.

The newly confirmed Garden Ambassadors are Alex Valk, Penny Veel, Marion Cooper, Lisa White and garden designers Phil Hirst and Jo Charlton.

The ambassadors have already spent time getting to know their hospice garden and meeting the staff and volunteers who use and care for these spaces, laying the foundations for a collaborative and meaningful partnership.

Neil Sewell, Operations Director of Greenfingers Charity, said: “We’re delighted to welcome our first group of Garden Ambassadors to the Greenfingers family. Each brings unique experience, enthusiasm and a real passion for supporting children’s hospice communities. Their commitment will make a lasting difference to the gardens we create, helping ensure they continue to flourish and provide comfort for the families who rely on them.”

A 25-year legacy of therapeutic gardens

For more than 25 years, Greenfingers Charity has designed and created nearly 70 inspiring gardens in children’s hospices across the UK. These outdoor spaces offer respite, comfort and connection, places for families to make memories, find quiet moments of reflection, or simply enjoy nature together.

The new Garden Ambassador programme ensures these gardens receive dedicated, ongoing support long after their initial creation. The charity expects more ambassadors to join in 2026 and beyond, strengthening the network of gardeners helping these cherished spaces continue to thrive.

The role is ideally suited to experienced, self-employed gardeners with practical maintenance skills and strong plant knowledge. Applicants must hold a full driving licence, have their own transport, public liability insurance and a DBS certificate.

The Greenfingers Charity encourages anyone interested in future Garden Ambassador opportunities to get in touch to learn more about joining the programme.

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. 

Spring Fair returns to the NEC Birmingham from 1–4 February 2026 with an enhanced, experience-led event designed to support, inspire and empower the retail community. Alongside its bold new creative direction – Retail Alchemists: Masters of the Mix – Spring Fair is unveiling a suite of exclusive buyer benefits, immersive feature spaces, and the launch of the 2026 Little Black Book, the ultimate pre-show planning guide.

The Little Black Book Returns - Your First Look at Spring Fair 2026

Spring Fair has announced the return of its iconic Little Black Book, the essential pre-show guide used by buyers to plan their visit. Register by 14th December and tick the Little Black Book box to receive a complimentary printed copy delivered to your door. Highlights include:

• New editorial-led design aligned with the 2026 campaign
• “New to Show” previews for Fashion, Licensing, Design and Glee at Spring Fair
• A complete “What’s On” guide to every new feature stage
• Curated exhibitor edits and product spotlights

With thousands of copies mailed each year, the Little Black Book remains one of the most influential planning tools in the retail industry.

Jackson Szabo, Portfolio Director, Spring Fair says, “Your Spring Fair 2026 buying journey starts with the Little Black Book. The Little Black Book isn’t just any show preview. It’s your essential Spring Fair companion, designed to help you plan your visit and spot your next bestseller before you even arrive. It’s packed full of exhibitor highlights, product previews, the brands that deserve a place on your shortlist, and plenty of tips to help you have a successful show. And it is just the beginning of the many buyer benefits we’ve introduced this year.”

Exclusive Benefits for Buyers

For 2026, Spring Fair is making it easier than ever for buyers to enjoy a productive, cost-efficient and inspiring visit. All registered buyers will receive a complimentary benefits package worth £30+ per day, including free parking, complimentary tea, coffee and water, and free cloakroom service. The partnerships with Avanti Trains continue to offer registered attendees 20% off travel to Birmingham International or New Street, and HotelMaps offers the best hotel deals. These savings ensure buyers can focus on sourcing, trend discovery and meaningful conversations without unnecessary costs.

In The Buyer’s Retreat in Hall 3 discover a botanical-inspired oasis designed to help buyers pause, recharge and reconnect, offering complimentary hospitality, and space for quiet planning sessions or informal meetings.

The Summer House Edit Café returns to the Atrium in Hall 6 offering a curated, relaxed space to explore home, gift, design and garden selections in a tactile, real-world buying environment. Nearby, discover the debut Design at Spring Fair, a major new destination dedicated to the worlds of interiors, architecture, and hospitality.

Immersive New Feature Experiences

Supporting its evolution from marketplace to experience, Spring Fair 2026 introduces five groundbreaking feature destinations, each designed to spark creativity, provide practical expertise, and connect buyers with the future of retail.

Style Atelier – Hall 2

A fashion-forward space delivering styling masterclasses led by top industry creatives, and keynote interviews with leaders shaping the future of fashion.

The Licensing Lab – Hall 4

A vibrant hub connecting brands and retailers through expert workshops and case-study sessions, and practical insights for both licensing newcomers and seasoned professionals.

Merchant’s Corner – Hall 3

A British high street–inspired setting offering Pitch Live, a Dragons’ Den–style showcase of indie retail innovation, and keynotes from leaders reinventing customer experience and resilience.

Design Studio – Hall 6

A sophisticated environment for the interiors and design community featuring keynote conversations with leading designers, architects and home experts, and trend-led sessions and networking moments.

The Hidden Forum

A single daily Power Talk featuring one of the industry’s most influential voices - intimate, provocative, and future-shaping.

Spring Fair 2026 takes place from 1–4 February at the NEC Birmingham. Register now to unlock all buyer benefits and receive your complimentary Little Black Book.

For more information and to register to attend, please visit www.springfair.com.

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The Horticultural Trades Association and Zest Sustainable ICM have secured a £50,000 grant from Horticulture Crop Protection UK Ltd to test and evaluate new herbicides for use on container-grown hardy nursery stock.

The trial “Herbicide phytotoxicity testing on a range of container-grown ornamental plant species” will examine six herbicide products, four pre-emergence products, including Emerger (aclonifen), and two with post-emergence activity, over 25 different plant species.

This important research is expected to produce extensive technical knowledge and findings, which the HTA will share with growers, giving them the confidence to further test the herbicides on their own nurseries with their own crop varieties. The aim of this learning is for UK growers to use the new herbicides within nursery weed control programmes in the near future.

Managed by Selchuk Kurtev at Zest Sustainable ICM, the trial is set to start in early spring 2026 at HTA member, Darby Nursery Stock in Norfolk. The HTA will also stage industry open events for spring and autumn 2026, so members and UK growers can see firsthand the impact of the herbicides being tested.

Alastair Hazell from Darby Nursery Stock Ltd, commented:

“We’re looking forward to being involved in the herbicide phytotoxicity trial. Our business has hosted AHDB-funded trials in the past, so we know how important they are in generating practical information which benefits the whole sector.

“There has been a lack of new relevant herbicides for use on container-grown nursery stock over the years, and many herbicides are being revoked on a regular basis, so we hope this trial will highlight new products that provide robust, economic weed control”.

To safeguard the future of UK plant production, the HTA, along with other crop associations, supports Horticulture Crop Protection UK Ltd (HCP) as an organisation which generates Extension of Authorisation for Minor Use (EAMU) and Emergency Authorisations for ornamental horticulture.

Chemical and biological plant protection products (PPPs) require authorisation from the Health and Safety Executive. Without HCP applying for these authorisations, up to 70% of professional PPPs used by ornamental growers could be lost, posing a significant risk to the future of UK plant and tree production.

In addition to securing the £50,000 grant from the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), HCP has recently obtained two new EAMUs for the herbicide Emerger, for use on outdoor container-grown ornamentals (3341/2025) and protected container-grown ornamentals (3340/2025).

The EAMU lists numerous weeds that the product is effective against. For container-grown stock production - when applied via a horizontal boom sprayer in 200 to 400 litres of water per hectare - it should be effective against:

• annual meadow grass (Poa annua) and other grasses,
• chickweed (Stellaria media),
• hairy bittercress (Cardamine hirsuta),
• and sow thistle (Sonchus oleraceus)

The herbicide has also been evaluated in Horticulture Development Company (HDC) funded field-grown trials, including HNS 155 Nursery stock: Herbicide screening for tree seed beds, HNS 198 Improving weed control in hardy nursery stock, as aclonifen and as a coded product (HDC H44).

Charles Carr, Head of Wholesale Hillier Nurseries and HCP Board Director, said:

“This is the first new residual herbicide for use on container-grown ornamentals for many years. With the loss of Ronstar 2G (oxadiazon) and limitations placed on other products such as Springbok/Sultan 50SC (metazachlor), creating robust, long-term weed control programmes for crops has become difficult and new EAMUs are very welcome.

“It is also great news that the funding released for crop protection, following the closure of AHDB Horticulture, via HCP, is being put to good practical use to benefit the sector by identifying other potential herbicide products”.

David Denny, Director of Research and Knowledge Transfer at the HTA, added:

“It is vitally important that as many growers as possible support ongoing crop protection work, for the collective good of UK production. We are hugely grateful to our member, Darby Nursery Stock Ltd and their involvement in this trial.

“The HTA now has a growing role in facilitating research and development through projects that will boost productivity among UK growers. We look forward to sharing more information and learning from trials like this, to support a developing vision for the Nursery of the Future.”

For more information about how UK growers can support horticulture crop protection, visit: hta.org.uk/hcp

Walmart Marketplace will be the next retail partner for the GIMA Buyer Connect programme – and host of the first ‘Meet the Buyer’ event of 2026.

Taking place on Wednesday 21st January 2026 at Walmart’s newly established London offices, the event will be exclusive to GIMA members and offers suppliers the chance to explore listing opportunities on the U.S. Walmart Marketplace - the online platform of the world’s number one retailer, with access to millions of shoppers every week.

Supporting international seller growth

Walmart Marketplace continues to deliver strong year-on-year growth as the retailer builds a best-in-class eCommerce platform. Alongside expansion across key categories and investment in omnichannel experiences, Walmart is creating new pathways for international brands to scale digitally.

Although the Buyer Connect sessions arranged through GIMA focus specifically on the U.S. Walmart Marketplace, successful sellers may also have the potential to extend into other Walmart markets, including Canada, Mexico and Chile.

The newly formed Walmart Marketplace team in London has been established specifically to support EMEA sellers, guiding them through onboarding, compliance, operations and long-term growth within the Walmart ecosystem.

Opportunity for GIMA members

Held on site at Walmart’s London offices, the event is designed to create direct, high-value conversations between marketplace buyers and brands that are ready to scale.

Event format (GIMA members only):

• One-to-one meetings – each approved supplier will receive a 25-minute appointment with the Walmart buying team
• Attendance – up to two representatives per company per session
• Cost – free of charge for GIMA members

GIMA Membership Ambassador, Tony Kersey, commented: “This is a unique ‘Meet the Buyer’ event that reflects the rapid evolution of global retail and the influence of international marketplace platforms. Walmart is one of the world’s largest and most respected retail organisations, and this event represents a fantastic opportunity for our members to open fresh discussions, present their ranges and explore a completely new route to global consumers.

As the platform is U.S.-based, there are specific requirements involved in launching products on Walmart Marketplace, but for members ready to meet those criteria, the potential rewards are significant.”

Seller eligibility – at a glance

To qualify for a meeting, applicants must be registered businesses that can demonstrate proven eCommerce experience and product readiness for the U.S. marketplace. Full criteria and guidance will be provided during the application process.

How to take part

• Eligibility - exclusive to GIMA members
• Application deadline - Friday 19th December 2025
• How to apply - request and submit the application form via info@gima.org.uk
• Approval - meetings are subject to review and approval by Walmart, with confirmed appointments issued by the GIMA team in due course

Find out more

For further details and to register your interest, visit: www.gima.org.uk/calendar-of-events

Or contact the GIMA team directly via info@gima.org.uk.

The Leisure and Outdoor Furniture Association raised £12,500 for Greenfingers at the LOFA Charity Christmas Lunch, which took place on Friday 28 November at The Dorchester Hotel, London.

The event was attended by Jim Carter, acclaimed actor and beloved star of stage and screen – best known for his iconic portrayal of butler Mr Carson in the global hit series Downton Abbey – and his wife, fellow actor Imelda Staunton.

As a patrons of Greenfingers Charity, Jim and Imelda have long championed the charity’s work, inspired by their own lifelong love of gardening. Greenfingers Charity creates therapeutic gardens for children and families in hospices across the UK, offering a space for relaxation, reflection, and precious moments together.

The LOFA Charity Christmas Lunch brought together members of the garden and leisure industry for a festive celebration with purpose. All proceeds from the lunch go directly to Greenfingers Charity, and it was announced that £12,500 was raised.

Gina Hinde, General Manager at LOFA, said: “It was a very successful event and it was wonderful to raise so much money for Greenfingers. We were thrilled and honoured that Jim and Imelda joined us."

A further cheque for £5,000 from LOFA and British Garden Centres was also presented to Greenfingers Charity at the event.

www.greenfingerscharity.org.uk

See GTN Xtra's gallery of photos from the Charity Christmas lunch below

BBC Radio 4's You and Yours programme today featured a story about garden centre Christmas retailing with a visit to Astbury Meadow Garden Centre and an interview with Jonathan Stobart from Smart Garden Products.

The programme can be listened to via this link: 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/live/bbc_radio_fourfm?partner=uk.co.bbc&origin=share-mobile

starting at about 12:28pm.

Squire’s Garden Centres has appointed Matt Tanner as its new Group Health, Safety & Facilities Manager, overseeing this vital function across the company’s 17 garden centres, Group Office and nursery locations.

Matt has been part of the Squire’s family for over 20 years, having first joined the business in 2002 as a weekend team member. Since then, he has progressed through a variety of roles including Centre Manager positions at Chertsey and, most recently, Wokingham, gaining extensive operational experience and a deep understanding of the company’s values, people and culture.

In his new role, Matt will be responsible for leading and developing Squire’s health, safety and facilities management across all locations. He holds a Level 3 Health & Safety qualification and IOSH certification and will further strengthen his expertise undertaking the NEBOSH Diploma.

Sarah Squire, Chairman of Squire’s Garden Centres, comments: “We are delighted to appoint Matt to this important Group role. His extensive experience across our centres and his dedication to ensuring a safe, welcoming environment for both colleagues and customers make him exceptionally well suited to the position. Nothing is more important than keeping our colleagues and our customers safe. Matt’s knowledge of our business and commitment to continuous improvement will be invaluable as we continue to develop and uphold the highest standards of safety and compliance across all our sites.”

The Horticultural Trades Association would like to congratulate the winners of the 2025 WorldSkills UK National Finals in Landscaping and Horticulture, both of which are supported by the HTA’s Association of Professional Landscapers (APL).

As a competition organising partner, the APL designs the skills component to meet the needs of employers and ensure the competition remains an essential way to raise standards in apprenticeship and training programmes, attracting more young people into Landscaping and Environmental Horticulture in the UK.

From 25 to 28 November 2025, hundreds of competitors showcased their talents in over 40 skill areas at the WorldSkills UK National Finals, held across various venues in South Wales. The two competitions supported by the APL are Construction and Infrastructure: Landscaping, and Foundation Skills: Horticulture.

Phil Tremayne, APL General Manager, said: “Congratulations to the winner of the Landscaping competition: Archie Matthews, and to our Foundation Skills, Horticulture winner: Junior Rozhon. This year’s events across South Wales showcased the incredible expertise, creativity, and resilience of these young professionals. All the finalists should be proud of their performance and the skills and abilities they’ve demonstrated.

“The APL is proud to support these competitions, which emphasise the importance of skills development in our sector, but it wouldn’t be possible without our sponsors: J A Jones, Landscape Plus, Bradstone, Composite Prime and Pugh’s Garden Village in Cardiff.

“We now look ahead to the 2026 competition, where the APL will continue to nurture the next generation of landscaping and horticultural talent.”

The Landscaping WorldSkills UK Final, supported by the APL, was held at Bridgend College in Pencoed between Tuesday, 25 November and Thursday, 27 November. It is an individual competition where finalists have 16 and a half hours to build the same garden to the same specifications. It is judged against criteria set by the APL to determine who has created the highest quality garden. The judges also consider health and safety, as well as the competitors' work processes. For the planting section of the challenge, finalists are provided with a selection of plants to work with, but it is up to them to be creative and truly stand out.

Ben Blackledge, Chief Executive of WorldSkills UK, said: “Congratulations to all those who participated in the WorldSkills UK national finals in Landscape Gardening.  We are grateful for the HTA’s ongoing support, which enables us to help apprentices and learners develop their skills to the highest level.  Our finalists are the new generation of high-flyers that will give UK employers a competitive edge.”

The Foundation Skills: Horticulture WorldSkills UK Final, supported by the APL, was held at Cardiff and Vale City Centre Campus in Cardiff on Friday, 28 November. This competition is to showcase the skills of students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) or additional learning needs (ALN). Finalists have two and a half hours to plant up seven planters – three identical ones for indoor arrangements, three of differing sizes for outdoor arrangements and one cone-shaped hanging basket. Competitors are encouraged to create their own eye-catching designs using the plants provided. Once planted, the next phase of the competition is to merchandise their arrangements. There is a planogram to follow, but also plenty of space and props to create an attractive display. They are judged on accessibility, creativity, adherence to the given theme, as well as Health and Safety and work processes.

The Association of Professional Landscapers is the specialist group within the HTA for landscapers and garden designer members and has an esteemed reputation for quality and landscaping excellence. To learn more about the APL, visit landscaper.org.uk

For more information about WorldSkills UK, a world-class skills network focused on raising standards, championing future skills and empowering young people from all backgrounds, visit worldskillsuk.org.

Construction and Infrastructure: Landscaping

(In partnership with: J A Jones, Landscape Plus, Bradstone, Composite Prime)

Winners

Gold: Archie Matthews from Myerscough College

Silver: Luke Donald from College of Agriculture, Food & Rural Enterprise (CAFRE)

Bronze: Cameron Gilbert from College of Agriculture, Food & Rural Enterprise (CAFRE)

Finalists

• Archie Matthews - Myerscough College
• Cameron Gilbert - College of Agriculture, Food & Rural Enterprise (CAFRE)
• David Thomas - Bridgend College
• Johnny Stout - Myerscough College           
• Kieran Ashby - Myerscough College
• Luke Donald - College of Agriculture, Food & Rural Enterprise (CAFRE)
• Rhyslando Logan - College of Agriculture, Food & Rural Enterprise (CAFRE)
• Tiernan Kelly - College of Agriculture, Food & Rural Enterprise (CAFRE)

Foundation Skills: Horticulture

(In partnership with: Pugh’s Garden Village, Cardiff)

WinnersGold: Junior Rozhon from Pembrokeshire College

Silver: Matthew Duncombe from Pembrokeshire College

Bronze: Aimee-Leigh Phillips from Riverside College

Finalists

• Aimee-Leigh Phillips – Riverside College
• Alex Horton – NPTC Group of Colleges
• Celyn Sollis – Pembrokeshire College
• Dylan Jones – NPTC Group of Colleges
• James Armstrong – New College Lanarkshire (NCLAN)
• Junior Rozhon – Pembrokeshire College
• Matthew Duncombe – Pembrokeshire College
• Russell Reeves – Elidyr Communities Trust

BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine has revealed the winner of its annual Gardens of the Year Competition in its December issue, with Simon Richard’s garden in Folkestone, Kent topping the judge’s votes.

Simon beat hundreds of entrants to win over expert judges including: TV presenter and Gardeners’ World Magazine columnist, Alan Titchmarsh; Garden designer and BBC Gardeners’ World presenter, Arit Anderson; Garden designer and author, Ann-Marie Powell; BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Content Director, Kevin Smith, and last year’s winning gardeners. 

Simon inherited a very traditional garden with a large central lawn and mature trees, with a sweet summer house with a Kent tiled roof, a pergola, and an apple and pear arch – features that gave him a great foundation to build on. The biggest transformation was digging up about two-thirds of the lawn and creating a gravel garden, inspired by Beth Chatto. Over time, he filled the space with a mix of self-seeding plants and deliberate plantings. 

On being announced the winner, Simon said: “'I was completely thrilled to be make it to the final six, which to me was like winning anyway. To be the overall Judges’ Choice is wonderful and slightly surreal. Being recognised for doing something I absolutely love is really very special. Thank you, Gardeners’ World Magazine!”

TV presenter and BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine regular Alan Titchmarsh said: "This is a classic example of good hard and soft working together, with some lovely planting. It’s not over complicated and the pond is lovely too.’

Garden designer, writer and BBC Gardeners’ World presenter Arit Anderson said: "I really like this garden. He had a goal and cracked on with it, absolutely nailing his vision, from a brown lawn in June into a gorgeous gravel garden and largely done with plants. The use of grasses – how they work with the light and screen the house, plus the relaxed and subtle use of materials is just lovely."

Garden designer, presenter and author Ann-Marie Powell said: "This is lovely! He’s really used the dynamic of the uplift and worked with nature, creating an evolving ecology for all seasons. The birds will love the seedheads in winter and self-seeders create more plants."

BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Content Director Kevin Smith said: "I love how he’s been so climate conscious and had worked with that. The planting is beautiful, with great height, structure and texture. It’s a garden that’s all about plants."

As winner of the Judge’s Choice Award 2025, Simon wins a seven-night Italian holiday for two worth £7,000, staying at Hotel Palazzo Belmonte on the Cilento coast, south of Naples, courtesy of Long Travel.

All six finalists in this year’s competition had their gardens professionally shot by leading garden photographer Jason Ingram and will feature in BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine in 2025/26. The finalists are:

• Francis O'Kane and Barry Hopkins, Stockwell, London
• Kamal Hussain (Kaan), Saltaire, Yorkshire
• Kate Marshall-Evans, Avonwick, Devon
• Paul and Sian Everden, North Walsham, Norfolk
• Sheila Averbuch, Pencaitland, Edinburgh
• Simon Richards, Folkestone, Kent

They now also enter the People’s Choice Award, which is open to the public for voting from 20 November until midday on 18 December 2025. For full details of all the gardens and the prize – a 7-night holiday for up to six people in the award-winning Riverside Cabins in rural Shropshire worth £3,000 – and to vote for your favourite garden, see GardenersWorld.com/peoples-choice. Look out for the winner of the People’s Choice award in the March 2026 issue of BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine.

The Garden Media Guild (GMG) has announced the winners of its 2025 Awards, celebrating exceptional talent and achievement across garden writing, photography, digital communication and broadcasting. The Awards remain the most respected accolades in the gardening media calendar, recognising both established names and emerging voices who are shaping how the public engages with plants, gardens and the natural world.

This year’s entries reflected a sector brimming with creativity, technical expertise and environmental awareness. From compelling long-form journalism to inventive social storytelling and powerful visual work, the 2025 winners embody the very best of contemporary garden media.

Outstanding Contribution Award (sponsored by Westland) Award: Arit Anderson

Peter Seabrook Practical Book of the Year – The Greenhouse Book: Tom Brown

The judges said: “The judging panel were delighted with the high standard, diversity and range of books submitted to this category, but agreed that this winner would be a solid addition to any gardening library.  The winning book has uniqueness, style and is well researched with accurate information on a subject that many gardeners want to know more about and yet do not know where to start.”

Gardening Book of the Year (sponsored by Stihl) – The Kindest Garden: Marian Boswall

The judges said: “The judges agreed that even within this very strong field, the winner stood out with its useful and sensitive approach to regenerative gardening. This book is well-laid out, logical, and manages to link garden design with science through the use of good photography and clear diagrams. It is both informative and moving: a work that merits a place on any gardener's bookshelf.”

Garden Publication of the Year (sponsored by Stiga): The Garden

The judges said: “The judges found it challenging to select a shortlist - all entrants are excellent publications, some targeted at very specific audiences. Although the scores were close, the winner stood out for the variety of articles and fresh appeal of every issue.  It clearly understands the variable level of expertise of its readers, from novice to true expert and its content covers everything from vegetables to choice ornamentals; plant problems, gardens to visit and more. Even those without a garden of their own would find this magazine inspiring.”

Roy Lancaster Feature Writer of the Year: James Armitage

The judges said: “With a distinctive and personable style, the winner is a leader in this very experienced and talented pool of writers. Not only is there rock-solid botanical information, but their turn of phrase and superb story telling entice the reader in from the very first sentence. Every detail, every phrase and every ounce of information are shared with warmth and passion, making reading this work a distinctive and incredibly enjoyable experience.”

Practical Journalist of the Year (sponsored by the HTA): Lucy Chamberlain

The judges said: “The judges were really impressed with the amount and variety of entries for  the practical journalist of the year. Learning and education were important and some of the most impressive articles were ones that gave lots of how, why, tricks and tips for readers to make informed decisions. The star of the Practical Journalist of 2025 shone just a little brighter. The articles were clear, concise, no waffle and beautifully presented with supporting images. The reader could grasp the information with ease. It was informative and educational with a pinch of humour. You just wanted to get into the garden and start putting all that information into practice.”

Gardening Columnist of the Year (sponsored by Charles Dowding): Charlotte Harris

The judges said: “This year's entries were a joy to read -all submissions, especially the finalists, offered fascinating insights, advice and opinions gathered from their own skills and experiences. However, the winner pipped them all to the post with a series of columns that shared their knowledge of design in an accessible way, inspiring readers and giving examples of what can work where, backed up by examples, sketches and images of real life successes. An exquisite series of articles.”

Digital Gardening Writer of the Year (sponsored by Thompson & Morgan): James Alexander-Sinclair

The judges said: “With so many good entrants, the judges’ task was difficult but they felt that the winner of this category had researched their pieces especially well, giving us an insight into the historical facts with plenty of horticultural interest. This deep dive into the history has meant there are some obscure subjects written in a quirky manner and good humour.  The winner writes well for the readership of the platform.”

Beth Chatto Environmental Award (sponsored by Beth Chatto Educational trust): Angela Youngman for the Water Efficient Gardener

The judges said: “This entry was both innovative and accessible, with beautiful illustrations, holding the gardener in mind, having a beautiful balance of climate extremes and ecological practice.”

Gordan Rae Photographer of the Year: Annaïck Guitteny

The judges said: “With a range of images that display a thoughtful understanding of the subject, the winner of the Gordon Rae Photographer of the Year emerged from an extremely strong field. A gentle, soft light pervades many of these photographs, with a subtle use of colour, to create evocative images of plants and gardens in all seasons. You can imagine yourself standing in the garden, watching as the horticultural beauty reveals itself around you.”

Features Photographer of the Year (sponsored by Roses UK): Marianne Majerus

The judges said: “All entries on the shortlist were of superb quality, composition and technique. The winner was a photographer who had flawless technical execution in all three features, who captured an incredible amount of wow-factor light, and who covered a great variety of garden aspects. In one example, the winner followed the story of the garden through the seasons, which speaks to her consistent skill - and also physical tenacity on a freezing winter morning - as a visual story-teller.”

Portfolio Photographer of the Year: Marina Walker

The judges said: “The winner communicated the value of a garden in a historical and contemporary context, finding quiet and renewal within cityscape and ruin. The theme was well-chosen and explored with depth and sensitivity. A consistent approach provided energy and warmth, story and character in beautiful, considered, quite original ways. The texture of historic walls, the scale of surrounding offices, the stillness of a visitor and a modern pool provide contrast yet harmony.”

Alan Titchmarsh New Talent of the Year (sponsored by Johnsons Lawn Seed): Andrew Jackson

The judges said: “This year’s winner of the Alan Titchmarsh New Talent of the Year award impressed the judges with socially minded plans to bring real change and create opportunity. They turn complex horticultural issues into engaging, practical solutions, presenting well-researched information with clarity and purpose. Their imaginative, constructive approach is pursued with integrity and flair, and has the potential to improve living environments for thousands across the country, benefitting both gardeners and the wider horticultural industry.”

Gardening TV or Video Documentary Feature of the Year (sponsored by British Garden Centres): Monty Don’s British Gardens

The judges said: “The winner is a natural presenter with real authority, leading viewers through a wide-ranging exploration of remarkable and often little-seen British gardens. The ambition and scale of the series stand out, as does the winner’s easy rapport with garden owners, encouraging them to share why these spaces matter both creatively and historically. A very worthy winner.”

Gardening TV or Video Short Film of the Year: Charles Dowding – No Dig Potato Harvest

The judges said: “The winner is passionate and inspiring, offering plenty of detailed practical advice, telling the viewers everything they need to know about every stage of the planting and growing of a particular vegetable,including storage, and then how to replant the area with a different vegetable, showing what is possible even in a small space.”

Radio Broadcast or Podcast of the Year (sponsored by Plantgrow): Hortweek Podcast – The End of Peat (Episode 2)

The judges said: “This winner showcases excellent journalism. The broadcast addressed a tricky horticultural issue and was in the true sense a professional, topical documentary. It was unafraid of airing a wide range of views, even those currently considered unfashionable. The panel felt the broadcast dug deep - challenging lazy assumptions, but also offering potential solutions.”

Individual Social Media Influencer of the Year (sponsored by RocketGro): Simon Akeroyd (@simonakeroydgardenwriter)

The judges said: “There was an exceptionally high standard of entries in this category, making it difficult to narrow them down to a shortlist and, finally, a single winner - a creator who has built and nurtured a thriving community by showing up consistently on two platforms, sharing expert gardening knowledge in an accessible but accurate way. With a relaxed, simple filming style and a strong, still growing connection with the audience, this winner truly stands out.”

Brand Social Media Influencer of the Year (sponsored by the Garden Press Event): Hayloft (@hayloftplants)

The judges said: “This account captures simplicity and originality at the same time as offering accurate horticulture information. The judges were impressed with the imagination in the creation of posts. There is a fun factor, and you do forget that it is a business that is being showcased but find yourself Googling to buy their plants! We all found the account very engaging.”

Commenting on the Awards, GMG Co-Chair Kimberley Hornby George said: “I am thrilled to congratulate this year’s winners, who illustrate the depth, innovation and sheer passion of garden media today. The standard of entries was exceptionally high and across every category we saw fresh ideas, engaging storytelling and a genuine commitment to helping gardens, gardeners and nature. These winning works will inspire both current professionals and the next generation of garden communicators.”

She added: “The Awards are a wonderful reminder of how vital good communication is, not only in sharing knowledge, but in fostering a deeper connection with the environment. Thank you to our judges, our members and everyone who entered. Your work helps elevate gardening media and ensures the stories of plants, people and places are shared in meaningful and creative ways.”

Find out more

The Garden Media Guild is the UK’s professional association for communicators in the gardening and horticultural sectors. Originally founded in 1991 as the Garden Writers’ Guild, the organisation broadened its scope to encompass all forms of garden-media communication — from photography, videography, broadcasting and social media to editing, illustrating, lecturing and public relations. Its aims are to raise the quality of garden media across all formats, keep members informed about developments in horticulture and support professional development and education.

Sipcam Home & Garden is proud to announce exciting developments for its patio care partner range, Block Blitz®, as the brand continues to innovate in outdoor cleaning solutions. Block Blitz® has worked in partnership with Sipcam Home & Garden to develop new products that not only clean but also protect and restore outdoor spaces. 

Already trusted by retailers nationwide, Block Blitz® has built its reputation on delivering unique, high-performing outdoor cleaners. Now, the range is expanding with two new powerful additions designed to meet the growing demand for multi-functional, easy-to-use products: 

The New Moss & Weed Solution 

Block Blitz® Go Moss is a ready-to-use acetic acid formulation designed to control weeds and moss on hard surfaces and areas not intended to bear vegetation. Ideal for patios, paths, and driveways, Go Moss offers fast, visible results with minimal effort. Available as a 1 litre spray bottle and 5 litre jerry can spray, Go Moss not only kills moss fast, but it also kills weeds. This quick and easy glyphosate-free solution is a fantastic addition to the Block Blitz® range, ideal for those who want to handle unwanted outdoor surface growth at the same time! 

3 in 1 Multi Surface Powerful Powder 

Block Blitz® Gravel & Stone Cleaner & Restorer is the new three-in-one cleaner specifically formulated for gravel, chippings, stones, cobbles, pebbles, and all aggregates. This product helps maintain clean surfaces while restoring the natural beauty of decorative ground coverings. Made from a powerful mineral and plant-based powder, the cleaner is mixed with water and sprayed onto outdoor surfaces in need of a clean. Each 675g pouch pack contains three pouches of powder, each treating 10 sqm for cleaning and upto 20 sqm for protecting. As a rain activated product, Block Blitz® Gravel & Stone Cleaner & Restorer is easy to use and will return great looking gravel areas whatever the weather! 

The Block Blitz® Evolution Continues 

These new launches join the existing Block Blitz® line up, including the Original Eco Cleaner, Patio Cleaner & Black Spot Stain Remover, and Go Weed, reinforcing the brand’s position as the ultimate patio care range. 

To complement the expanded range, Block Blitz® has undergone a packaging and point of sale refresh, refining its branding and colourways to ensure strong shelf presence and clear category positioning in-store. The updated look is designed to help garden centres merchandise with confidence, making it easier than ever for customers to find the right solution for their outdoor needs. This includes the option to utilise the Block Blitz® gondola end point of sale kit which has been created to maximise visibility on the shop floor. 

Contact the Sipcam Home & Garden team today (enquiries@sipcamhg.co.uk) to explore the full Block Blitz® range, discover the new additions, and see how this evolving brand can drive category sales and deliver results for your customers. 

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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