As the UK garden industry prepares to gather at Glee 2026, Burton McCall is looking forward to exhibiting at the NEC Birmingham this September, showcasing two of the most respected names in premium cutting tools: FELCO and ALPEN (Swiss Tools).

Taking centre stage on the Burton McCall stand will be FELCO, the iconic Swiss manufacturer renowned worldwide for its precision pruning tools. Trusted by horticultural professionals, arborists, and gardeners alike, FELCO products are celebrated for their exceptional cutting performance, robust construction and repairable design, making them a sustainable choice for years of use.

Joining FELCO at Glee is ALPEN, a growing brand that brings Swiss engineering expertise to a comprehensive range of pruning, cutting, and outdoor tools. Combining lightweight construction, advanced materials and ergonomic design, ALPEN products are developed to provide outstanding comfort, efficiency, and precision across a wide range of gardening and landscaping tasks.

Visitors to the Burton McCall stand will have the opportunity to explore the latest developments from both brands, experience product demonstrations and discuss retail opportunities with the company's experienced sales team. Whether serving professional landscapers or home gardening enthusiasts, Burton McCall's carefully curated range continues to deliver trusted solutions for the modern gardening market.

With decades of experience introducing and developing leading international brands within the UK market, Burton McCall has established a strong reputation for supplying high-quality products that meet the needs of both professional users and enthusiastic gardeners. The company's garden portfolio is built around innovation, durability, and performance, helping retailers offer products that deliver genuine value and long-term reliability.

The team looks forward to welcoming visitors to Glee 2026 and demonstrating why Swiss-made quality remains the benchmark for cutting tool performance.

Burton McCall is the UK distributor for FELCO and ALPEN.

Available now – sales@burton-mccall.com – 0116 234 4600.

Garden Centre Living – Burton McCall

Felco Directory 2026

Alpen Directory 2026

Altico is preparing for Glee 2026 with one of its most exciting new product launches to date, giving garden centre customers an exclusive first look at its plans for the 2027 season.

Visitors to Stand 19A10-C11 will discover a host of new products, range extensions and merchandising concepts developed to create fresh opportunities across the garden centre.

The 2027 launch will build on Altico’s established product portfolio, with new introductions across decorative aggregates, landscaping, water features and accessories. Alongside extensions to some of the company’s best-performing ranges, visitors will also get a first look at completely new product categories being introduced for the coming season.

With a strong focus on commercial appeal, quality and retail presentation, the new collection has been developed to offer garden centres even greater choice while creating additional opportunities to grow sales across key categories.

GLEE will also provide the first opportunity to see Altico’s latest merchandising and POS developments, designed to make products easier to shop, create stronger displays and help retailers maximise the potential of valuable retail space.

With more than 60 new products for 2027, there will be plenty to discover on the stand – but Altico is keeping some of its biggest introductions under wraps until the doors open in Birmingham.

Discover what’s new from Altico at GLEE, NEC Birmingham, 8–10 September 2026 – Stand 19A10-C11.

Garden centre owners encouraged to revisit growth and diversification plans following major changes to national planning policy and Garden centres that have previously put expansion, diversification or investment plans on hold could now have good reason to look at them again.

Leading garden centre planning and strategic advisers Pleydell Smithyman are encouraging owners to take a fresh look at their longer-term ambitions following the Government's publication of a significantly revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) on 17 August 2026.

The changes could provide a more positive planning environment for businesses looking to grow, diversify and invest – particularly where development supports the role that rural businesses play in their local communities and economies.

While the changes do not mean that every garden centre development will automatically receive planning permission, they do provide an important opportunity for owners to revisit plans, test previously shelved ideas and consider what the future of their site could look like.

Why should garden centres take notice?

Garden centres have evolved considerably beyond their traditional role as places to buy plants and gardening products.  Today, many are significant destinations combining retail, catering, food, leisure, events and experiences.  For some businesses, the next stage of growth could involve a new café or restaurant, expanded retail space, improved outdoor trading, visitor attractions or other complementary uses.  Planning policy, however, has not always made it straightforward to develop these ambitions in rural locations.

The revised NPPF places greater emphasis on economic growth, investment and the sustainable development of rural businesses, which could be particularly relevant to garden centres.

New Policies S3 to S5 replace the previous approach set out under Paragraph 11 and introduce a more permanent presumption in favour of suitably located development.

Policy S5 identifies development outside settlement boundaries that can benefit from this presumption, including agriculture, horticulture and forestry, outdoor sport and recreation, allotments, and rural businesses and services, including tourism.

The framework also makes clear that an unmet need is not limited to housing. This could provide rural businesses with another way of demonstrating the need for new services or facilities.

From garden centre to destination

 The changes could be particularly relevant to garden centres looking at how they can remain competitive and commercially sustainable over the longer term.

Potential opportunities could include:

• Retail expansion – improving or increasing the space available for core and complementary retail.
• Catering investment – creating new cafés, restaurants or food-led experiences.
• Leisure and visitor facilities – introducing attractions or experiences that increase dwell time and repeat visits.
• Outdoor trading – improving plant areas and seasonal outdoor sales environments.
• Diversification – introducing complementary uses that strengthen the overall business.
• Building investment – converting existing buildings or considering new facilities where appropriate.
• Masterplanning – developing a long-term strategy for the whole site rather than considering individual projects in isolation.

The economic policies within the revised NPPF also place significant weight on business investment.

Policy E2 directs “substantial weight” towards investment, expansion and adaptation by businesses, while Policy E4 specifically supports the sustainable growth and diversification of rural businesses, including agriculture, tourism, leisure and local services.

For garden centres, this could be an important shift in the way future development proposals are considered.

Planning should support the commercial strategy

Andrew Burton, Director at Pleydell Smithyman, said: “The Pleydell Smithyman planning team have been reviewing these immediate changes alongside the work we are already doing, and the wider team are now aware of the updates when discussing projects with clients.

“Overall, we are positive about the changes. For someone who doesn't work in planning, the system can sometimes feel like a series of obstacles. What these changes appear to do is provide a clearer framework and, importantly, greater recognition of the contribution that rural businesses make to their local communities and economies.”

Andrew believes the opportunity for garden centres goes beyond simply asking whether a particular development can be approved.  “The real opportunity is to step back and think about what the garden centre needs to become in the future.  If a business has previously considered expanding its café, introducing a visitor attraction, developing additional retail space or diversifying into other areas and decided not to progress because of planning risk, it could now be worth revisiting those ideas.”

Andrew added: “Planning should not be considered in isolation.  The starting point should be the commercial strategy – what does the business need to achieve?  Planning then becomes part of understanding how that ambition might be delivered.”

It is not a green light for every project

The revised NPPF does not remove the need for careful planning assessment.

Andrew added “But feedback from our planning team is that there are still important considerations. The sequential test and impact assessments remain, and Green Belt policies have not fundamentally changed.  Every site will continue to be assessed on its own merits.

“So, this is not about saying that every garden centre can now expand or diversify without restriction.  It is about recognising that the national policy environment has changed and making sure garden centre owners understand what that could mean for their particular business and site.”

A reason to start the conversation

With changing customer expectations and increasing competition for leisure and retail spending, many garden centres are already considering how they can make their businesses more resilient and give customers more reasons to visit.

The revised planning framework could form an important part of that conversation.

Andrew said “We understand that garden centre owners are busy running their businesses and don't necessarily have the time to keep up with every planning policy change.  Our role is to understand what they want to achieve, explain what the changes could mean for them in straightforward terms, and help them explore the opportunities in a realistic and commercially sensible way.  For garden centres considering their next stage of growth, we believe now is a good time to revisit those plans.”

Christie & Co has highlighted some of the key takeaways from its latest Garden Centre Market Snapshot and commented on its experiences and insights gained from another six months at the forefront of the garden centre transactional market.

The UK garden centre sector has continued to demonstrate resilience and adaptability during the first half of 2026. Despite ongoing cost pressures, consumer demand remains robust, supported by enduring lifestyle trends, growing interest in wellbeing and outdoor living, and an increasingly diversified retail offering.

Transaction activity in the sector also remains strong, as buyer demand continues to exceed supply, and well-positioned operators are attracting significant interest from across the market.  

DEMAND CONTINUES TO OUTWEIGH SUPPLY

One of the main themes of H1 2026 has been the strength of buyer demand, as corporate operators, regional groups and first-time buyers have all remained active, creating a competitive market for quality opportunities. Well-invested businesses with multiple income streams and clear growth opportunities continue to command significant buyer attention.

CONSOLIDATION REMAINS A KEY THEME

Market consolidation continues at pace, with acquisitive operators such as British Garden Centres and Blue Diamond actively expanding their portfolios.

Alongside established groups, independent operators and lifestyle buyers remain a significant force in the market. In the first half of 2026, 50% of garden centre sales completed by Christie & Co in this period were acquired by a first-time buyer, while 100% of the sites sold to new-to-sector entrants were following a fully open marketing campaign.

REASONS FOR SALE

Many sales continue to be driven by retirement, with two-thirds of transactions we completed in H1 2026 coming as a result of owners stepping back from the industry after many years of ownership.  Other less commonly found reasons for sale have included diversification and strategic disposal.

Notably, we have seen no distress-sale completions during the first half of 2026, highlighting the underlying strength and stability of the sector.

THE IMPORTANCE OF DIVERSIFICATION

While overall trading performance remains generally positive, profitability pressures continue to impact operators as a result of rising employment costs, energy prices and inflation. Businesses are increasingly focusing on operational efficiency and alternative revenue streams.

The strongest-performing garden centres are now destination-led businesses that combine traditional horticultural retailing with cafés, restaurants, farm shops, concessions and leisure experiences. Buyers continue to favour these models, attracted by their broader customer appeal and multiple income streams, and the Horticultural Trades Association reported a 9% year-on-year increase in café and restaurant sales during May 2026.

OUTLOOK FOR THE REST OF 2026

Looking ahead, demand for quality garden centre businesses is expected to remain high from both larger operators and new entrants to the sector. Garden centres and farm shops with diversified income streams and clear opportunities for future growth are likely to continue attracting significant buyer interest.

Regional operators continue to seek acquisition opportunities, while larger transactions are increasingly being structured through leasehold agreements and share sales. For owners considering their options, market conditions remain favourable, particularly where businesses are well-invested and professionally presented.

For more insights, read our Garden Centre Market Snapshot 2026 here: https://www.christie.com/news-resources/publications/garden-centre-snapshot-h1-2026/

The Horti House has been confirmed as the Official Plant Partner for Glee and Autumn Fair 2026, bringing greenery and natural inspiration to key spaces across both shows at the NEC Birmingham this September.

As part of the partnership, plants supplied by The Horti House will be seen throughout Glee and Autumn Fair, helping to transform some of the exhibitions’ busiest meeting, content and feature spaces. Look out for Hort House plants across the seminar stages, at the entrances to Halls 6 and 8, and within The Clubhouse in Hall 20, which will sit alongside Glee’s dedicated Green Heart and provide another welcoming, plant-filled space at the heart of the show.

The Horti House is on a mission to transform houseplant wholesale by creating a true one-stop shop for UK retailers. Bringing together the best of British-grown plants alongside carefully selected Dutch and European ranges, the business offers everything from foliage, flowering plants, orchids, cacti and succulents to ceramics, planted arrangements and CITES products. Combined with range planning, retail insight, product development and marketing support, The Horti House helps retailers of every size, from independent garden centres to national retail groups, build stronger, more commercially successful houseplant departments.

Ed Hill, Founder, The Horti House, said: “We’re delighted to be partnering with Glee and Autumn Fair as the Official Plant Partner for 2026. It’s a fantastic opportunity to inspire retailers by showing how plants can do more, they can create engaging retail experiences, tell compelling stories and ultimately drive sales. We hope visitors leave with fresh ideas, practical inspiration and renewed confidence in the commercial potential of houseplants.”

Matthew Mein, Event Director for Glee and Autumn Fair, said: “We’re delighted to welcome The Horti House as our Official Plant Partner for 2026. It’s a natural fit for both shows. Plants are fundamental to garden retail, but they’re also an important part of how we style and enjoy our homes, from statement houseplants and windowsill displays to table decoration and balcony herb gardens.

“Having The Horti House on board gives us the opportunity to reflect that throughout the show itself, using plants to enhance key feature areas, whilst creating spaces that feel connected to the products and trends our visitors are there to discover.”

The partnership reflects The Horti House’s ambition to make houseplants easier to buy, easier to sell and more commercially successful for UK retailers. By combining leading British growers with the very best Dutch and European suppliers, alongside practical retail expertise, merchandising support and market insight, The Horti House continues to help retailers create inspiring plant departments that deliver stronger results for their businesses.

Find out more

See The Horti House bring plants to life across the show and discover hundreds more inspiring brands, new products and fresh ideas at Glee 2026, taking place at the NEC Birmingham from 8th – 10th September. Co-located with Autumn Fair on the 8th and 9th, the two shows form Europe’s biggest buying moment for home and garden, bringing together an unrivalled mix of garden, home, gift and lifestyle brands under one roof.

Find out more at www.gleebirmingham.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Event Details

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

Date: Friday 23 October 2026

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

Cost: £10 per member

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

Places are limited and early booking is encouraged.

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

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

GTN August-September 2026 Glee Preview. In this issue: What’s new at Westland for 2027, GTN at Glee, Discover the Vitavia difference, GTN’s 45 page Glee Preview, Glee at a Glance, Glee hall highlights, Durstons at Glee – one year on, Glee exhibitor News, Apex Pot Products launches at Glee, Floral FUNdraising at Glee, Adding Klass Holiday Shop at Glee , New to Glee: Angro - house of brands, Fothergills growing plans – GTN Planteria, Nurture retailing – Adapt or Die, Diversification, a strength or a weakness – Paul Peydell, Grow your staff with GCA Grow – GCA Viewpoint, Remembering our roots – HTA Viewpoint.

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At this year’s Glee (8-10 September 2026 at the NEC, Birmingham), British garden equipment manufacturer and supplier Webb Garden Power will be highlighting its support for retailers, with an enhanced 2027 pre-season programme and new products on show at stand 18D50-E51.

A key focus at the show will be Webb’s enhanced pre-season programme. Qualifying orders placed before 18 December will benefit from extra margin discount, while retailers will also have the opportunity to secure selected products early at the promotional price. Payment can be spread across three equal instalments between April, March and May, with further deals available across fast-selling machinery, consumables and workshop essentials. 

The Webb team will also be on hand to discuss its point-of-sale and merchandising support, alongside customer experience insights designed to help strengthen in-store engagement and make the most of the spring selling season.

Visitors to the show will be able to explore the wider Webb Garden Power range, with petrol and cordless machinery products, including lawnmowers, line and hedge trimmers, pruners, tillers, blowers, chainsaws and shredders. The Webb Eco 20V and X-Series 40V ranges will also feature prominently, alongside the latest additions for 2027.

Among the new products being showcased at Glee will be the new Webb Eco Drop & Mow 20V Wire-Free Robotic Lawnmower (WEV20ROB200), designed for lawns of up to 200m². The mower requires no boundary wire, app or complicated installation; users simply insert the 20V battery, place it on the lawn and start the mowing process.

An intelligent camera and smart navigation system detects grass, paths, borders and objects as the mower works, while its portable design allows it to be moved between separate lawns or mowing areas. It has a three-blade cutting disc, 16cm cutting width and eight cutting-height settings from 25mm to 60mm and comes supplied with a 4Ah battery and charger.

The Drop & Mow will be joined on the Webb stand by several other new products for 2027, including the Webb Eco X Series 40V Cordless Tiller and Webb Eco 20V Cordless Water Pump, as well as the Webb 7.2V Cordless Secateurs, Webb 12V Cordless 20-Litre Sprayer and Webb 12V Cordless Water Butt Pump. 

Mark Moseley, Handy’s Sales & Marketing Director, said: “Glee is a great opportunity for us to meet with our retail partners and give them a first look at what Webb has planned for the 2027 season. We’ve got a strong mix of new products, an improved pre-season offer and a growing cordless range, so there’s plenty for retailers to explore. We’re looking forward to welcoming visitors to the stand and discussing how Webb can help them make the most of the season ahead.”

For more information, visit Webb Garden Power at Glee on Stand 18D50-E51, or go to www.handys.co.uk or webbgardenpower.co.uk. For information about Glee and to book free tickets, visit www.gleebirmingham.com.

Autumn Fair has unveiled the full programme for its new Counter Talks Stage, bringing four days of free talks, workshops, live conversations and expert advice to the NEC Birmingham from 6–9 September 2026.

The finalised programme brings together leading names from across retail, buying, technology, social media, visual merchandising, licensing, business strategy and consumer trends including Buy Women Built, Google, Faire, Retail Huddle, BIRA, George at ASDA, and Jeff Banks, with sessions designed to give retailers the practical ideas and inspiration they can take straight back to their businesses.

The programme responds directly to the challenges and opportunities highlighted in the Voices of Retail 2026 report from Spring & Autumn Fair and Faire, which surveyed 650 independent retailers and more than 2,000 UK consumers. The report identified changing consumer behaviour, retail crime, pressure on margins as key issues for today's retailers, and the growing importance of experience, storytelling, community and digital engagement.

Sessions putting the spotlight on the issues retailers need to know about now

The completed programme adds a host of new sessions to the Counter Talks line-up, including Gift Of The Year: Discover the Award-Winning Products Shaping Retail, giving buyers a first look at award-winning products and the trends and ideas behind them.

The stage will tackle one of the biggest issues facing retailers with Tackling Retail Crime: How to Reduce Theft and Protect Your People, bringing together Lisa Maslen, Superintendent at City of London Police, and Andrew Goodacre, CEO of BIRA, alongside Jackson Szabo of Hyve Group. The session will explore practical ways retailers can respond to theft and protect both their teams and businesses.

Digital growth is another major theme, with new sessions including a fireside chat with Tom Gatenby, Co-Founder of Shopify agency Squashed Pixel and Matthew Mein, Event Director of Autumn Fair, exploring how retailers can attract customers, convert shoppers and turn their online presence into a stronger driver of growth.

Google returns with practical sessions designed to help businesses make better use of digital tools, including Practical AI for Your Business and Build Your Business Online with Google, while Google: Social Media Masterclass will explore how AI can help retailers identify trends, develop social strategies and create content more efficiently.

From the shop floor to the screen: practical ideas for every retailer

The wider Counter Talks programme brings together an equally strong line-up of practical sessions for retailers. John Abbate (right), Economic Growth Lead for High Streets at Westminster City Council and visual merchandising expert, will reveal simple changes retailers can make to transform their stores and customer experience, while Elyse McAvoy of Fairewill share the latest consumer insights, buying behaviours and product trends in The Independent Signal: Growth Strategies & Trends Shaping the Season Ahead.

Licensing International’s Steve Manners will explore how retailers can unlock new opportunities through licensed products, from major entertainment properties to emerging trends, while social media strategist Alison Battisby of Avocado Social will tackle social advertising, content and the growing opportunities presented by live shopping.

From Buy Women Built to Buying & Beyond

The programme also puts community, collaboration and smarter buying firmly on the agenda. A new Buy Women Builtpanel, Building a Business Customers Come Back To, will bring together founders Laura Rudoe of Evolve Beauty and Jennifer Bailey of Calla Shoes, alongside Spring Fair’s Event Director Fay Tranter, to explore how businesses can build trust, loyalty and customer connection through storytelling and authentic brand experiences.

Autumn Fair has partnered with Buying & Beyond, founded by former senior buyers Katy Norton and Lynsey Abbott, who between them have more than 30 years' buying experience across retailers including Accessorize, M&S, Moonpig, Hobbycraft and Dobbies Garden Centres.

The partnership will see Buying & Beyond host a live podcast on the Counter Talks Stage, The Secrets Behind How the Smartest Retailers Stay Ahead, exploring how leading buyers find inspiration, spot emerging trends and discover opportunities beyond algorithms and screens.

Buying & Beyond will host a Buyers Meet Up in The Clubhouse on Tuesday 8 September, giving buyers the chance to network with their peers, and will offer exclusive 1-to-1 mentoring sessions for retailers, buyers and brands looking for tailored advice on product ranges, margins and commercial growth.

Visit https://www.autumnfair.com/buying-beyond to book your place on The Buyers Meet Up.

New sessions bring fresh thinking on growth, digital commerce and customer trust

The agenda has been expanded with a trio of new sessions tackling some of the biggest opportunities for retailers looking to scale, build digital sales and strengthen customer relationships. From One to Many: How Independent Retailers Scale into Chains with Alex Schlagman, founder of Save The High Street explores the journey from independent business to multi-site growth, offering a timely look at what it takes to move beyond a single store and build a successful retail operation at scale. Meanwhile, The 7-Figure TikTok Shop Playbook turns the spotlight on the explosive potential of social commerce, giving retailers insight into how TikTok Shop can become a serious sales and growth channel.

Trust First: Turning Service Platforms into Marketplaces Customers Use with Anooj Sridhar from Esetrix, Emma Grantfrom Checkatrade, and Chris Dawson from ChannelX will examine the importance of trust, customer experience and community in creating platforms that people actively choose to use.

Live commerce comes to The Clubhouse

Adding a digital dimension to the Autumn Fair experience, Whatnot will bring live commerce to life at The Clubhouse in Hall 9, giving retailers and brands the opportunity to see the platform in action and explore how live selling can help them reach new audiences, move more stock and build engaged online communities. Throughout the show, Whatnot sellers will broadcast live from the space, showcasing products and sharing their expertise in real time, while visitors can meet the Whatnot team, watch experienced sellers and discover how to get started themselves.

During the Whatnot Takeover After Party on Monday 7 September, 4–8pm, The Clubhouse will become a hands-on live commerce experience. Visitors can have a go at selling live themselves with 1-to-1 support from the Whatnot team, alongside food, drinks and a DJ. With spaces limited, visitors can sign up to save their spot and experience live selling first-hand at https://www.autumnfair.com/whatnot-takeover.

Pitch Live moves into the morning

Autumn Fair's popular Pitch Live competition returns with a new morning timeslot, taking place at 11am across the first three days of the show. Fashion, Accessories & Jewellery will pitch on Sunday 6 September, Home & Gift on Monday 7 September, and Kids, Toy, Play & Clothing on Tuesday 8 September.

The earlier format is designed to give shortlisted brands greater visibility and allow buyers to continue conversations, visit stands and potentially place orders throughout the day.

Judges include Jeff Banks from Jeff Banks London; Estella Arroyo, Head of Design, George at Asda; Judy Bendall, Head of Retail at Blenheim Palace; Joanne Barker, Founder of Hettie & Sid; Ami Rabheru, Retail Strategist and Founder of Retail Huddle and a former Retail Buyer for M&S, Next & Tesco;

Retail Huddle Live brings the programme to a close

The final day of Autumn Fair will see Retail Huddle Live x Autumn Fair take over the Counter Talks Stage on Wednesday 9 September, bringing its Join the Conversation format to the show with a morning of honest discussions, interactive workshops, shared learning and practical advice for founders, retailers and buyers. Designed to help businesses trade smarter, grow with confidence and plan for profit, the programme tackles the commercial issues that matter now, from securing retail listings and maximising sell-through to building profitable seasonal ranges, using AI and digital tools, strengthening visual merchandising and communicating sustainability with impact.

The morning will feature six expert-led sessions across two blocks, with three sessions beginning at 10.30am and three more at 11.30am. The 10.30am line-up includes Toyin Laketu, Creative Business Consultant and Founder of Onwards and Up, exploring practical AI skills for business, Laura Harrison, Retail Specialist and Planning Strategist, on building a seasonal plan that drives profit, and Natasha Birk, Head of Product & Ecommerce at FlightStory (home of The Diary Of A CEO), leading a workshop on unlocking growth through small, strategic improvements to conversion, retention and the customer journey.

At 11.30am, Rachel Sheila Kan, Ecosystem Architect and Founder of The Ecosystem Incubator, Circular Earth and Real Circularity, will explore communicating sustainability stories, Ami Rabheru, former retail buyer for M&S, Next & Tesco, Retail Strategist and Founder of Retail Huddle, will share her retail buying expertise on winning more retail listings, while visual merchandising specialist Sarah Manning will lead a practical visual merchandising workshop focused on boosting sales.

From 12.30–1.30pm, The Huddle: Networking & Drop In will give visitors the chance to pause, connect and continue the conversation, with founders, retailers and buyers able to meet the hosts and industry experts, ask questions and pick up a free Digital SWAG Bag packed with resources and guides from Retail Huddle and its hosts. Spaces are limited, so retailers are encouraged to book their sessions in advance and make the final day of Autumn Fair count. Book at https://www.autumnfair.com/whats-on/retail-huddle-x-autumn-fair.

Get more from your visit

Alongside the free Counter Talks programme, retailers attending Autumn Fair can access free 1-to-1 mentoring sessionsin The Clubhouse with experienced retail experts, offering personalised advice on everything from product ranges and store design to sales, strategy and business growth. Spaces are limited and visitors must be registered to secure a session.

Register at https://www.autumnfair.com/register-mentor-sessions

Centre Stage at Glee

Alongside Autumn Fair, co-located show Glee, the UK’s leading garden and outdoor living trade show, will also launch an expanded content programme for 2026 focused on the future of garden retail, hospitality and operational growth.

Glee’s content offering will include the return of Centre Stage, featuring keynote sessions and industry discussions exploring topics including garden retail performance, operational productivity, sustainability, talent challenges and the role of data in modern retail.

A new Feed Your Business Stage will focus specifically on food, beverage and hospitality innovation, helping garden retailers unlock new revenue opportunities through evolving customer expectations and experience-led retail. The programme will feature sessions with leading industry names including David Robinson, Chief Executive of Dobbies Garden Centres, George Hillier, Chairman of Hillier Nurseries, and Sam Dickson, Managing Director of Squires Garden Centres.

Matthew Mein, Event Director at Autumn Fair & Glee, said: “We want Autumn Fair and Glee to be more than a place to discover great products, they should give retailers the ideas, insight and connections they need to make better decisions for their businesses. This year, there is an incredible breadth of expertise and inspiration across the shows, from the Counter Talks programme and Retail Huddle Live to Buying & Beyond, mentoring, live commerce and the wider opportunities to connect with fellow retailers and industry experts. Whether you’re looking for new products, fresh ideas, practical solutions or simply a different perspective, there is something for every retailer to take away and put into action. We’re particularly excited about the new partnerships and formats that make the show more interactive, relevant and valuable for our visitors.”

View the Agenda at https://www.autumnfair.com/agenda-2026

Autumn Fair takes place at NEC Birmingham from 6–9 September 2026.

The Horticultural Trades Association is sharing some of the innovative ways that its members are already introducing to future-proof gardens with smarter planting and design choices that will thrive in a changing climate.

Gardens are one of the UK's biggest climate assets. The trees, shrubs and plants grown by the environmental horticulture industry help cool homes and streets during heatwaves, absorb rainfall during wet weather, support pollinators and wildlife, and create greener, healthier places to live.

From choosing more resilient plants through to improving soil health and capturing rainwater, gardeners can make some simple changes that will help their gardens cope with increasingly extreme weather while reducing pressure on valuable water resources.

The environmental horticulture sector, which includes the HTA's 1,400 members comprising garden retailers, growers, landscapers, designers, suppliers and manufacturers, is already adapting to our changing UK climate. UK growers are investing in rainwater harvesting, automated irrigation, and more resilient plant production, while garden centres and landscapers are helping customers create gardens better prepared for the future. Latest HTA research shows that, among the members surveyed, 64% of growers recycle rainwater, 64% use automated watering systems, and more than half (52%) have on-site reservoirs.

Gardens that work with the weather

A climate-resilient garden is about much more than surviving a heatwave. It's about creating outdoor spaces that can cope with dry summers, intense rainfall and changing seasons without losing colour, biodiversity or beauty.

Simple changes can often make the biggest difference, including planting trees for shade, improving soil with organic matter to help it retain moisture longer, using mulch to reduce evaporation, collecting rainwater in water butts, and choosing plants that can cope with both drought and winter wet.

Gardens can also help manage water naturally. Permeable paths and patios, rain gardens, planted borders and healthy soils all allow rainwater to soak into the ground rather than overwhelming drains during heavy downpours. These features not only reduce surface water runoff but also create habitats for birds, bees and other wildlife.

Samantha Smith, Policy and Public Affairs Manager at the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA), said: "Environmental horticulture has a vital role to play in helping the UK adapt to a changing climate. Every garden, no matter its size, can become part of the solution.

"The trees and plants grown by our industry cool our towns and cities during heatwaves, help absorb rainfall during wetter winters and support biodiversity throughout the year. Across the industry, we're investing in more climate-resilient plants, rainwater harvesting and smarter watering systems to help gardeners create outdoor spaces that are ready for the weather of the future.

"The good news is that creating a climate-resilient garden doesn't mean compromising on colour or enjoyment. It's about choosing the right plants, improving the soil, using water wisely and designing gardens that work with nature."

Designing beautiful gardens that are built to last

The Association of Professional Landscapers (APL), made up of the HTA’s accredited landscaper and garden designer members, are seeing growing interest in gardens that combine beauty with practical climate resilience.

Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) include features such as permeable paving, gravel, planted swales, dry riverbeds and rain gardens that slow down and absorb rainfall naturally. Rather than directing water into drains, these gardens hold and filter rainwater through plants and soil before it gradually returns to the ground.

These ideas work in gardens of every size, from replacing a section of paving with planting to creating a wildlife-friendly rain garden or installing a water butt to collect rainfall for drier periods.

Phil Tremayne, General Manager of the Association of Professional Landscapers (APL), said: “Modern landscaping isn't just about appearance; it's also about how a garden or surfaces, like your driveway or patio, handle rainwater. Traditional hard surfaces can cause water to run off quickly, which increases the risk of flooding and drainage problems.

“Our climate is changing, and we know that more areas of the UK will need to cope with both intense rainfall and prolonged dry periods, which means thoughtful design, planting and permeable landscaping are the answer to managing water more effectively and creating a more sustainable, long-lasting environment.

“A professional landscaper or garden designer can help homeowners choose practical solutions that suit their garden, soil and local conditions.”

The HTA’s Horticulture Manager and regular panellist on Gardeners’ Question Time, Pippa Greenwood, has compiled a list of Top tips to help the public plan for their gardens of the future.

Pippa Greenwood's Top Ten Tips for creating a climate-resilient garden

1. Choose the right plant for the right place
   Select plants that suit your soil, aspect and local conditions, and can cope with a range of weather extremes, including drought, heavy rain and cold snaps.
2. Choose proven drought-tolerant plants
   Reliable examples include English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), Nepeta, Salvia and hardy herbaceous geraniums, which can cope with a wide range of conditions once established.
3. Plant more trees where you have space
   Trees are nature’s air-conditioning, providing shade during heatwaves, improving soil structure and helping manage rainfall. Trees that cope well with climate change include Paulownia tomentosa (Princess Tree), Koelreuteria paniculata (Golden Rain Tree) and Cercis siliquastrum (Judas Tree).
4. Prepare your soil before planting
   Incorporate plenty of organic matter to improve soil structure, increase moisture retention and give plants the best chance to establish and thrive.
5. Water deeply and at the right time
   To help plants make the most of available moisture, water less frequently but more thoroughly and aim water at the roots. Early morning or evening watering is best to reduce evaporation.
6. Capture and reuse water wherever possible
   Invest in a water butt to collect rainwater. You can also fit a diverter to the downpipe from e.g. the bath/shower to collect ‘grey’ water - perfect for watering plants in beds and borders, and that also means you’ll be filling those butts regardless of the weather, making your garden a bit more resilient for future dry spells. You can find these at your local garden centre too!
7. Mulch for moisture
   Applying mulch when temperatures are lower will help to reduce evaporation, regulate soil temperature and improve moisture retention during dry periods.
8. Give newly planted trees and shrubs extra care
   Newly planted specimens need the most attention. Regular watering during their first year helps them develop strong root systems and better withstand future weather extremes.
9. Use efficient watering methods
   Drip and trickle irrigation systems deliver water directly to the roots, reducing waste and improving water efficiency during dry weather. Check with your water supplier if these can be used during any restrictions.
10. Create a garden that works with water naturally
    Features such as permeable paving, rain gardens, planted borders and healthy soils help absorb heavy rainfall, reduce runoff and support wildlife.

For the latest landscaping guidance from the Association of Professional Landscapers (APL), visit: www.landscaper.org.uk.

Johnsons Lawn Seed will head to Glee 2026, taking place on 8-10 September at the NEC Birmingham, with a clear message for retailers: as hotter, drier summers become an increasingly familiar challenge, lawncare products must deliver performance long after they leave the shelf.

Backed by a long history of grass breeding and product innovation, Johnsons Lawn Seed continues to focus on the science beneath the surface, developing lawn seed mixtures capable of coping with heat, drought and other forms of climate stress.

Central to this is the use of amenity perennial ryegrass and deeper-rooting tetraploid perennial ryegrasses within selected Johnsons mixtures. Capable of producing up to 40% more roots than conventional alternatives, these grasses can reach moisture and nutrients held further down the soil profile. The result is a stronger, more resilient lawn that is better equipped to withstand periods of drought, recover when conditions improve and remain healthy for longer.

For garden retailers, Johnsons believes this performance story is becoming increasingly important as consumers seek reassurance that a natural lawn remains a practical and sustainable choice in a changing climate.

Guy Jenkins, Consumer Manager at Johnsons Lawn Seed, said: “Customers faced with scorched lawns, watering restrictions and repeated summer stress understandably want confidence that their lawn can cope. Drought resilience is becoming increasingly commercially important for garden centres, and retailers need to be able to answer the questions consumers are now asking.

“With this summer giving us another indication of the conditions we may face more regularly in the future, our focus remains firmly on future-proofing lawns and developing drought-tolerant solutions that meet changing customer needs.

“Heatwaves and prolonged dry spells will continue to create challenges, but they also give retailers an opportunity to educate customers, build trust and demonstrate that choosing the right seed mix can make a significant difference. Climate-resilient lawns have an important role to play in protecting both gardens and the wider lawncare category.”

Garden centre buyers and retailers can discover more about Johnsons Lawn Seed’s drought-resilient mixtures, deeper-rooting grass varieties and the science helping to future-proof British lawns at Glee 2026, Hall 19, stand F50-G51.

For more information about the Johnsons Lawn Seed portfolio, visit www.johnsonslawnseed.com.

After several years away, Mims Pottery is returning to Glee this September with a renewed sense of purpose, an evolving portfolio and eight Icons ready to take centre stage.

For almost 40 years, Mims has been at the heart of the garden retail industry. The brand has become synonymous with quality, carefully curated and exclusively designed garden pots, combining proven commercial appeal with distinctive design, craftsmanship and value.  Its portfolio also includes Errington Reay, the historic British pottery brand renowned for its traditional salt-glazed, hand-thrown garden pots, manufactured in the UK using time-honoured techniques.

Now Mims is embarking on an exciting new chapter – and the company’s return to Glee provides the perfect moment to make some noise in the sector. Taking centre stage on stand 18C62 will be Mims Icons: eight designs chosen to showcase the very best of the company’s pottery portfolio.

Proven Classics. Guaranteed Performers

Bringing together exceptional value, premium quality, exclusive design and true craftsmanship, each Icon has earned its status for a different reason. Some are dependable, high-volume favourites that retailers and consumers return to year after year. Others stand apart because of a distinctive material, signature detail, unique design story or exceptional level of craftsmanship.

Together, they represent eight characterful collections capable of anchoring a garden centre pot area, generating immediate visual impact and delivering the proven consumer appeal retailers need.

Exactly which designs have secured Icon status? Mims is keeping the full line-up under wraps for now. Retailers wanting to discover the final eight – and understand what makes each worthy of the title – will need to join the team at Glee.

“We are incredibly excited to be returning to Glee after several years away,” says Mimi Milne, Managing Director of Mims. “Mims has been part of the garden retail industry for almost four decades, but we are still evolving, innovating and finding new ways to support our customers. Our return to Glee with our Icons feels like the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the business and the right time to put Mims firmly back in the spotlight. The Icons represent everything we stand for, from dependable performance and exceptional value to exclusive design and genuine craftsmanship. We cannot wait to reveal them at the show.”

The Mims Icons will take centre stage alongside the company’s wider portfolio of garden pots, outdoor décor and water features, offering retailers fresh inspiration and new commercial opportunities for the 2027 season.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to reconnect with the Mims team, explore the breadth of its latest collections and discover how nearly 40 years of experience are shaping the company’s next phase.

After several years away, Mims is not simply returning to Glee. It is coming back with something to say – and eight very good reasons for garden retailers to listen.

Find out more

For more information, email sales@mimspottery.com, call 0141 336 4970 or visit www.mimspottery.com.

HSBC Bank's Chris Hare and James Sawley are returning by popular demand to speak at the Garden Centre Association’s conference in January 2027 following the success of their 2026 session.

The duo will deliver a ‘big picture’ view of the macroeconomic landscape to delegates on January 26, was well as a deep dive into the UK retail economy.

GCA Chairman, Ben Harrison says: “We’re very pleased to welcome Chris and James back to our conference podium after they delivered such a popular and perceptive session at our last event back in January this year.

“Their return is in direct response to member demand and reflects just how valuable their analysis of the wider financial picture and retail landscape is for our sector. Understanding the economic environment is crucial for our members and their session will once again provide clear, informed and highly relevant insights.”

Chris is part of HSBC’s European Economics team, focusing on UK and European economic issues including inflation, housing markets and long-term growth trends.

Prior to joining HSBC in 2017, he worked as a UK and global economist at an international investment bank and spent five years at the Bank of England contributing to economic forecasts and advising on the UK outlook.

James is Head of Retail & Leisure at HSBC, where he works closely with retailers and leisure operators across the UK, providing strategic advice, financing solutions and understanding of market dynamics.

With more than 20 years’ experience in corporate banking, including extensive sector specialism, he brings a deep understanding of the opportunities and pressures facing retail businesses today.

One after the other, Chris and James will explore key economic trends, the outlook for the UK economy and the implications for the retail sector, equipping delegates with a clearer understanding of the broader context in which they operate.

GCA CEO, Peter Burks says: “We’re delighted Chris and James are able to join us again. Their presentations at our last conference were so well received by our members. Their sessions in 2027 looks just as interesting and will provide an important overview of the economic landscape and how it translates into real-world impacts for our members. Intelligence like this is vital for planning, investment and long-term strategy.”

The GCA’s annual conference regularly attracts hundreds of members from across the UK, offering opportunities to hear from leading speakers, gain industry insight and network with peers.

The leading industry body represents nearly 230 garden centres nationwide and, through sharing information and its inspection programme, helps members achieve high standards in customer service, plant quality and reliability.

For further information and to buy tickets, please visit the members’ section of www.gca.org.uk.

Last autumn, JUB Holland’s bulb planting machine moved steadily along Eliot footpath at the University of Kent. Within just a few hours, 60,000 bulbs were planted beneath the grass along one of the busiest walking routes on the campus.

Early spring, the transformation became visible. Daffodils were first to emerge, followed by tulips, camassias and alliums. And now, as summer gives way to autumn and the campus community returns for the new academic year, crocus and colchicum bring the flowering season back to life.

The planting forms part of The River, a two-kilometre trail created for the University’s 60th anniversary and celebrating six decades of growth across its distinctive parkland campus. The bulb scheme adds a new seasonal dimension to that story – one designed to deliver much more than a burst of spring colour. At an early stage of the project, the scheme was visualised using JUB Holland’s FlowerDesigner App, helping to explore how the planting would work along Eliot footpath and how the flowering sequence would unfold through the seasons.

Flowering beyond spring

JUB Holland’s Kent Mixture provided a fitting starting point for the project – not least because of its name. Its succession of spring-flowering bulbs already creates a long and varied display from March to June. For the University of Kent, the mixture was taken a step further with the addition of autumn-flowering crocus and colchicum, extending both the flowering season and the visual impact well beyond spring – all mechanically planted in one go.

The colour palette shifts with it: from fresh whites, yellows and reds early in the season to cooler purples and blues towards summer, before soft lilac and white return in autumn. Rather than one concentrated display, the planting creates a sequence of distinctly different seasonal scenes along the route.

For the hundreds of students, staff and visitors using Eliot footpath every day, that means a landscape that continues to change and surprise. For pollinators, it means a succession of flowering plants at key points in the season, including periods when other food sources are scarce.

Emily Mason, Sustainability Officer (Biodiversity and Natural Spaces), University of Kent: “The River is about celebrating the plant communities that make our campus distinctive. The bulb planting brings a strong seasonal experience to one of our busiest routes and helps us extend the flowering opportunities available for pollinators across the year.”

The bulbs sit alongside ancient woodland, grassland meadows, orchards and ornamental trees, adding a new flowering element to an already varied network of habitats.

A mixture shaped by the site

Successful bulb planting begins with understanding the landscape it has to work in. For JUB Holland, species selection goes far beyond colour. Soil conditions, grass growth, flowering period, long-term performance and the mowing regime all influence the final mixture. At Kent, the brief combined three clear ambitions: a long flowering season, lasting value for pollinators and a planting that works with less intensive grass management.

Job van Eeden, JUB Holland UK: “The strongest bulb schemes start with the site. We look at when colour is needed, how the planting can support pollinators, which bulbs will perform well in grass and how the area needs to be managed afterwards. That is what turns a bulb mixture into a landscape solution.”

The autumn-flowering species are an important part of that thinking. Rather than allowing the display to finish in June, they bring renewed colour and flowering later in the year, when fewer plants may be in bloom elsewhere.

Managing with the flowering cycle

The success of a naturalising bulb scheme depends as much on what happens after flowering as on what is planted. Once the main spring display has finished, foliage needs time to die back naturally and return energy to the bulbs for the following season. At Kent, the current guidance is to allow around eight weeks, depending on growing conditions.

That creates a defined mowing window in high summer. Once the spring bulbs have completed their cycle, the grass can be cut before the first shoots of the autumn-flowering bulbs appear. The approach fits naturally with Kent’s wider grassland management, including No Mow May and its new Let it Bloom June trial.

Lee Ballard, Landscape, Grounds and Biodiversity Manager, University of Kent: “The timing of this flower bulb mixture gives us a clear way to manage the area through the season. It supports the planting, works with our wider biodiversity goals and still allows us to keep the campus looking cared for and purposeful.”

From flowering to biodiversity

The ecological life of Kent’s Canterbury campus is actively monitored. Its annual BioBlitz brings together students, scientists, wildlife organisations and the local community to record the species found across the grounds.

Ongoing biodiversity monitoring has now brought the campus total to 1,800 recorded species, placing Kent second among participating UK university campuses for recorded species diversity. These observations provide a valuable evidence base, helping the University track how changes in landscape management are reflected in the wildlife found across the campus.

A particularly interesting discovery came on 1 June, when students from Kent’s Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology recorded a Fiery Clearwing Moth (Pyropteron chrysidiformis) among the grass and alliums – a first recorded sighting for the campus. The rare and protected species has traditionally been associated with coastal habitats in Kent, but recent monitoring shows that its distribution is shifting further inland. Its appearance on campus provides an intriguing new data point in Kent’s ongoing biodiversity monitoring. Continued recording will help reveal whether this was an isolated sighting or part of a wider change in how the species is using the campus landscape.

Next spring starts this autumn

Kent was the first of many UK locations mechanically planted by JUB Holland during the 2025 planting season. Its first full flowering year is also a reminder of an important principle: the best spring landscapes are planned well before spring arrives.

Early autumn planning gives landscape managers a wider choice of species and mixtures, more opportunity to match planting to site conditions and maintenance, and greater flexibility when scheduling installation. Planting within the right autumn window (from mid-September to mid-December) also gives perennial bulbs the opportunity to establish before winter and perform strongly in the seasons ahead.

So where could the flowering season be stretched further in the landscape already under your care? Where could grass deliver more colour, more ecological value and a more purposeful management regime? With the right bulbs, in the right place, under the right management, an ordinary stretch of grass can become one of the hardest-working parts of the landscape.

Next spring’s impact starts with the choices made this autumn.

Project at a glance

Location: University of Kent, Eliot footpath (project The River)
Flower bulbs mixture: 60,000 bulbs, 2-phase naturalising bulb mixture “Kent Mixture”, featuring various daffodils, tulips, camassias and alliums, with added autumn-flowering crocus and colchicum.
Service: Project visualisation with the JUB FlowerDesigner App
Planting method: mechanical planting by JUB Holland
Planting stretch: approx. 400m²
Plant timing: October
Key aims: extended flowering, pollinator value, colour and reduced mowing
Management: approx. eight weeks of rest after spring flowering, followed by a short summer mowing window before autumn-flowering bulbs emerge.

Photo credit: University of Kent

Corby + Fellas has announced that Poplars Garden Centre has joined it as a new customer and partner.

A spokesperson for Corby + Fellas said: "Poplars is a fantastic independent, family-run business with a remarkable horticultural heritage stretching back more than 120 years. From its early beginnings as a glasshouse nursery, it has grown into one of Britain’s leading garden centres- while remaining proudly rooted in family, community, quality and service.

"We’d like to extend a particularly warm welcome to the Goodhand family and the entire Poplars team. We’re incredibly excited to be working with you and look forward to building a long, successful partnership together.

"Welcome to the family, Poplars!"

Find out more: https://poplars.co.uk/

Pictured L–R: Poplars’ Mikala Jackson and Colin Goodhand; C+F’s Jacob Parker and Lee Ashpool; and Poplars’ Zoe Goodhand, Jack Goodhand and David Little.

Give your customers garden a natural boost with the SoilWorx range of organic poultry manure pellets—an easy-to-use, nutrient-rich fertiliser designed to help plants grow stronger and healthier.

Made from locally sourced poultry manure, these convenient pellets provide a valuable source of organic nutrients and organic matter. They’re ideal for gardeners looking to improve soil fertility while supporting a more natural approach to feeding plants.

Perfect for borders, vegetable beds, containers, fruit trees and shrubs, poultry manure pellets can be incorporated into the soil before planting or applied around established plants as part of your regular feeding routine. Their pellet form makes them simple to handle, store and apply, with less mess than traditional manure.

Using organic fertilisers can also help improve soil structure and encourage healthy soil activity, creating a better growing environment for plants.

Whether you’re looking for a UK supplier or interested in own label products, SoilWorx has a solution for you!!

Choose the SoilWorx poultry manure pellet range for your store today and put organic goodness back into your customers soil—helping them grow a healthier, more productive garden, season after season.

Website: www.soilworx.co.uk

Specific Home garden link: https://soilworx.ie/sectors/home-garden/

Contact Info: info@soilworx.co.uk

UK:+44 28 96205588 | ROI:+353 46 9404050

Mayobridge | Newry | Co.Down | BT34 2HZ | UK

A biodegradable pot marketing trial is the result of a collaboration between Klondyke and Strikes, Allensmore Nurseries and Oxford Biodegradable Solutions. 

This new pot is made from resin derived from sugar cane. The pot degrades very slowly when plants are growing on the nursery or being offered for sales but degrades quickly once planted by the customer in a patio pot or the border. 

The pot needs to be surrounded by damp soil to speed up the degradation process.

The following images are from trials conducted at Allensmore Nurseries:

Before planting, planted for seven weeks, planted for 23 weeks.

Labelling

These plants will be supplied with biodegradable labels on biodegradable bamboo sticks.

The label has been designed to provide information about the plant but also ensure our customers know that the pot is biodegradable and should be planted with the plant. Labels have a QR code which takes customers to the Klondyke and Strikes website with more information about the pot.

Poster

Each store will be supplied by Klondyke and Strikes with a poster providing information about the pot, please make sure the plants are displayed in front of the poster.

Garden Centre Association members enjoyed a strong trading performance during July with overall sales increasing by +10.66% compared to July 2025 according to the latest Barometer of Trade (BoT) released this week.

Despite intense heat and water restrictions for gardeners in nearly all areas, garden centres nationwide delivered strong trading figures and exceeded expectations, and the year-to-date performance also remained positive.

Peter Burks, GCA CEO, says: “Despite the terrific heat and temporary use water orders, our members had a very strong month sales wise when compared to July 2025; much to most people’s surprise and pleasure.

“It was great to see strong plant sales as customers were looking for fresh colourful replacements for those lost in the heat. However, while plant sales were certainly up, so were the costs for caring for them in both watering and wastage. Furniture as expected had a very strong month and it’s great to see the food offering also brought in good numbers. All in all, a very pleasing month.”

The strongest performing category during July was furniture & BBQs, which rose by +27.76% when compared to July 2025. Garden sundries also enjoyed an exceptional month, increasing by +16.72%, while clothing sales were up +13.41%.

Other categories posting strong growth included hard landscaping, +10.30%, outdoor plants, +8.50%, food hall/farm shop, +7.52%, seeds & bulbs, +7.40% and catering, which increased by +6.86%.

Gifts also performed well, up +3.42%, while pets & aquatics recorded a modest increase of +1.32% and houseplants rose by +0.37%.

Regionally, the strongest growth was recorded in the North, Scotland and Northern Ireland, where sales increased by +15.43%. The East followed closely with growth of +14.97%, while Midlands, Wales and the West were up +8.96% and the South increased by +7.18%.

The GCA’s BoT reports 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 nearly 230 garden centres nationwide. Through sharing information and its inspection programme, the GCA helps members achieve high standards in customer service, plant quality and reliability.

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

One of Britain’s best-known names in art pottery is set for a new chapter after Woodlodge acquired Brannam Pottery and its historic design archive.

The Tetbury-based garden pottery specialist has acquired Brannam Pottery, C.H. Brannam, Royal Barum Ware and Litchdon Potteries, together with the intellectual property and original design books associated with the brands.

The acquisition brings more than 175 years of British pottery heritage into the care of Woodlodge, which plans to preserve the archive while using it as inspiration for the future of the Brannam name.

Brannam traces its roots to Barnstaple, North Devon, in 1848 and became a prominent name in the British art-pottery movement designing and manufacturing pottery for famous retail names such as Liberty & Heals. Under Charles Hubert Brannam, the pottery became known for expressive shapes, rich glazes, tactile finishes and distinctive botanical and animal decoration. Its reputation extended well beyond Devon, with Queen Victoria placing an order in 1885 and the Royal Barum Ware name registered the following year.

Central to the acquisition is Brannam’s collection of historic design books. The archive provides a record of generations of pottery design, capturing the shapes, motifs, colours and decorative techniques that helped establish the distinctive Brannam style.

Woodlodge plans to use these original designs as a creative reference rather than simply reproducing pieces from the past, with the archive informing future interpretations for contemporary homes and gardens.

Michael Wooldridge, Director of Woodlodge Products, said: “Brannam represents exactly the kind of British design heritage that deserves to be protected and brought back to life. We see ourselves as custodians of that heritage.”

Simon Fox, who led Brannam Pottery for many years, said: “Woodlodge has a deep understanding of pottery, an established relationship with garden centres across the country and, most importantly, a genuine enthusiasm for the history and design legacy behind Brannam. I believe they are ideally placed to act as custodians of the name and to introduce its iconic British earthenware style to a new generation.”

The acquisition marks a natural step for Woodlodge, a second-generation family business established in 1987. The company has built its reputation around garden pottery and supports garden centres and retail outlets across the UK.

An exclusive preview of the next chapter for Brannam will be revealed at Glee, where visitors can find Woodlodge at Hall 19, Stand E10-G11.

Contact: pots@woodlodge.co.uk
Website: www.woodlodge.co.uk 

With two days to go, on-line votes are being registered every day and our postman has already been delivering batches of in-store collected votes.

On-line voting for The Greatest Restaurant & Food Hall Team Awards is open until midnight on Tuesday 1st September and in-store collected votes need to be posted to reach the GTN offices by Thursday 3rd September when the final vote count will take place.

Send your in-store collected votes to:

GTN's Greatest Restaurant & Food Hall Awards, Potting Shed Press, dairy House, Dairy Drove, Thorney PE6 0TX.

Full details can be found in the story below where online voting posters and in-store paper voting forms can be downloaded from this dropbox folder: GTN's Greatest Restaurant & Food Hall Team Awards 2026

The results will be announced and the Awards presented on the Feed Your Business Stage at Glee on Wednesday 9th September at 1:00pm.

See you there!

Thousands of customers have voted already, both on-line and on paper voting forms in-store. There's 2 days of voting to go before votes close on Tuesday 1st September so still time be in with a chance of winning a Greatest Restaurant & Food Hall Team award which will be announced and presented on Wednesday 9th September at Glee.  There will be awards for small, medium and large Restaurant & Food Hall teams plus regional awards, so plenty of opportunities for your excellent hardworking teams to receive high recognition - your customers will be the judges of Greatness.

As customer service and customer satisfaction are the keys to the ongoing success of garden centre catering, especially during this difficult summer, the winners of The Greatest Restaurant & Food Hall Team awards will be decided by the number and quality of customer votes your teams receive before the closing date of September 1st 2026.

Your customers can vote online by scanning the QR codes below or you can get them to vote in store and then send completed voting forms to the GTN office for counting.

To get your customers voting, all you have to do is download the voting posters and voting forms from the links below and display them in your restaurant, coffee shop and Food Hall.  In the meantime you could be adding the voting links into your websites and social media pages.

GTN's Greatest Restaurant Team Awards Voting QR Code

GTN's Greatest Food Hall Team Awards Voting QR Code

Restaurant Team Poster - Download       Restaurant Team Voting Forms - Download

Food Hall Team Poster - Download        Food Hall Team Voting Forms - Download

Or, download all files from this Dropbox link

As well as overall Greatest Restaurant & Food Hall Team Awards for different sizes of garden centre catering operations there will be regional awards too.  What better way to promote your Food & Drink offerings during the Autumn than with a GTN Greatest Awards win, especially as it will be thanks to your customers.

Customer voting is live now and runs until midnight on Tuesday 1st September, when the votes will be counted in readiness for the presentations at Glee on Wednesday 9th September at 1:00pm on the Feed Your Business Stage.

Do you have The Greatest Tantalising Garden Centre Menu?

This year, we are looking for the garden centre team that has created the most Tantalising Menu to attract new customers and to keep regulars coming back for more.  if you believe your team currently have The Greatest Tantalising Garden Centre Menu then send a copy of the menu with a brief explanation as to the rationale and success of the menu to: trevor@pottingshedpress.co.uk.

The menus will be judged by a panel of experts and the winners announced on the “Feed Your Business Stage” at Glee on Wednesday 9th September at 1:00pm on the Feed Your Business Stage.

The deadline for menu entries is Tuesday 1st September. You could also send a short video too!

GTN's Greatest Garden Centre Restaurant & Food Hall Team Awards are sponsored by Pleydell Smithyman and Glee.  Other sponsorship opportunities are available, please contact alan@pottingshedpress.co.uk for details.

Do you have The Greatest Tantalising Garden Centre Menu?

Alongside the customer voting for The Greatest Restaurant & Food Hall Teams we are also looking for the most tantalising menus at garden centres this summer.  Has your team delivered a menu that has encouraged new customers this summer and secured repeat visits, even during the hot weather?

This year, we are looking for the garden centre team that has created the most Tantalising Menu to attract new customers and to keep regulars coming back for more. If you believe your team currently have The Greatest Tantalising Garden Centre Menu then send a copy of the menu with a brief explanation as to the rationale and success of the menu to: trevor@pottingshedpress.co.uk.

The menus will be judged by a panel of experts and the winners announced on the “Feed Your Business Stage” at Glee on Wednesday 9th September at 1:00pm on the Feed Your Business Stage.

The deadline for menu entries is Tuesday 1st September. You could also send a short video too!