Decco is delighted to announce that we will be exhibiting at Glee Birmingham for the very first time this September, marking an exciting new chapter in our growth within the garden retail sector.

As the UK's leading suppliers of Garden and DIY products, exhibiting at Glee provides the perfect opportunity to showcase our expertise to garden centre retailers, buying groups and industry professionals from across the UK and beyond. Glee has long been recognised as the premier event for garden retail, bringing together hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of buyers at the NEC Birmingham each year.

Our team is looking forward to meeting both existing customers and new retail partners, demonstrating Decco's carefully selected product portfolio. In particular we are excited to present our exclusive Decco Spaces furniture range, which can help garden centres diversify their offer and drive additional sales. Stocking all the major brands, we believe our ranges are perfectly positioned to support the evolving needs of today's garden centre customers.

"We're excited to be exhibiting at Glee for the first time," said the Decco team. "The show has a fantastic reputation for bringing together the very best in garden retail and we're looking forward to demonstrating how Decco can help retailers across multiple categories with profitable, customer-focused ranges."

Visitors to the Decco stands will be able to explore our diverse product ranges, discuss merchandising opportunities and see our commitment to quality alongside our branded suppliers.

We look forward to welcoming visitors to our stand 19E40-G41, for Garden Products including STV, Apollo, Gorilla Glue, S&J, Ronseal, Red Gorilla, EcoBag, Supreme & Energizer, The Buffalo Co, Charles Bentley, Hi-Spec, Crown, Xtrade, Sika, Akzo, Johnstone & Jeff, Green Olive, Nebo, Wool-Pots, and Monty Miracle.

Our Exclusive Garden Furniture range will be showcased on 20C30-D31.

Sunnii Lifestyle is helping garden centres prepare for the next outdoor living season with a refreshed 2027 collection of stylish, commercial garden furniture designed for today’s retail customer.

Based on the edge of the Lake District, the outdoor furniture supplier has developed its latest offer with independent retailers in mind, combining attractive design, practical materials and flexible supply options to suit garden centres of different sizes.

The 2027 collection includes hand-woven, aluminium, textilene, rope and sintered-stone designs across lounge, dining, bistro and corner-set formats. Premium ranges including Elba, Carmel and Bali give retailers strong options for customers looking for statement outdoor living pieces, while Lifestyle-like ranges such as Panama add further choice within a broad and versatile portfolio.

Flexibility remains central to Sunnii Lifestyle’s trade offer. Retailers can choose from flexible order options, from pre-ordered sets for smaller customers through to full-containers, with packaging available in branded, unbranded and own-branded formats. The company also provides product specifications, imagery and sales information to help retailers promote the ranges confidently in-store and online.

The Elba Collection is one of the key premium ranges for modern garden living, combining hand-woven detail with deep cushioned seating, aluminium frames and inset glass tabletops. Designed for patios, terraces, decking areas and outdoor entertaining, Elba offers both lounge and dining options for customers looking to create sociable outdoor spaces.

Alongside product development, Sunnii Lifestyle continues to support retailers across design, manufacture, quality control, shipping, delivery and after-sales service.

The Sunnii Lifestyle showroom is now available by appointment, giving retailers the opportunity to view the collections and discuss the best options for their customer base ahead of the next outdoor season.

Retailers interested in finding out more or arranging a showroom visit can contact Sunnii Lifestyle on 015242 73555 or visit https://sunnii.co.uk/

When garden centres are thinking about investing in all-weather retail space, bespoke structures often steal the spotlight. But an increasing number of centres are discovering that pre-designed canopy ranges can offer the perfect balance of speed, value and visual impact.

Suffolk-based centre upgrades all-weather plant display

Kiln Farm Nursery in Ipswich is a case in point. As part of an ambitious redevelopment programme including a new café and expanded retail and parking space, the family-run centre wanted to elevate its plant browsing experience. The solution came in the form of a timber-framed canopy from Fordingbridge’s pre-designed range of canopy solutions.

Positioned alongside the centre’s new retail building, the new canopy structure has created a hybrid indoor/outdoor browsing space enabling customers to discover Kiln Farm’s impressive plant range – much of which is own-grown – comfortably throughout the year.

Careful design details

The canopy’s natural timber frame complements high-end timber plant displays to create visual impact, while Opal 60 roofing allows generous levels of natural daylight to filter through – creating favourable growing conditions and a bright retail environment.

Four reasons why pre-designed canopies are surging in popularity

Kiln Farm Nursery’s transformation highlights why pre-designed solutions are rapidly gaining in popularity across the sector:

• A faster route to transformation: helping centres unlock additional retail space without the lead times often associated with bespoke projects
• Excellent value: the same high-quality materials and craftsmanship as many bespoke designs
• Long-term durability: Fordingbridge’s pre-designed timber canopies come with sector-leading 25-year guarantees
• Flexiblity: Fordingbridge’s range comes in widths from 2m-6m, making their canopies suitable for plant display spaces, outdoor retail areas, walkways and even all-weather dining spaces 

With centres increasingly needing to maximise revenue across every square metre, the ability to create attractive new hybrid retail environments with minimal stress can be transformative. Why not follow Kiln Farm’s lead and discover the potential of pre-designed solutions at your site?

Box out: Fordingbridge: Helping centres unlock potential for over 50 years

Discover Fordingbridge’s sector leading pre-designed canopy range or or get in touch with their expert team today to arrange a complimentary site visit. 

Timber garden furniture and outdoor leisure specialist, Zest will be welcoming a host of customers and new visitors to its stand (#430) as it unveiled its latest additions to its award-winning outdoor entertaining range.

The star new products are:

• The Terraza High Dining Range combines contemporary styling and trendy high chairs - with practical functionality and complements the Zest’s popular Terraza Outdoor Kitchen collection. 
• Finished in a pebble tone, Zest’s Verona Outdoor Kitchen combines the functionality and aspirational contemporary appeal of a premium metal kitchen, at an accessible price.  It includes corner, single, and double and open units which can be sold individually or as a sets, enabling retailers to upsell and encourage customers to expand layouts over time.  
• Zest’s new dining sets include the six-seater farmhouse-inspired Harper, finished in a pebble tone, the contemporary ‘high-dining’ four-seater Zara, and the Sophie range, made in the UK, which is finished in brown and offers a choice of table, chair and bench combinations.  
• Zest’s new Rydal Pergola Seat is an innovative outdoor retreat, combining a clean-lined pergola frame with integrated fixed seating to create a comfortable, stylish outdoor shelter.
• Zest’s established Lily Relax range is designed for comfort and contemplation in the Adirondack style.  Now Zest has added a new high Lily Relax Chair for a contemporary twist.  

Zest’s Commercial Sales Manager, John Gomersall commented, “Our SOLEX launches build on the success of Zest’s outdoor entertaining collection, especially the modular concepts.  Now we’ve added some unique on trend new kitchen, dining, and relaxation options to suit all consumer types.”   

Zest’s outdoor entertaining products are made from sustainable slow-grown softwood sourced from PEFC certified (PEFC/16-37-1490) forests.  

For further information about Zest’s outdoor leisure products, visit www.zestoutdoorliving.co.uk/solex-2026  or email sales@zestoutdoorliving.co.uk

The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) and Bramblecrest, the premium outdoor furniture brand, have announced a major extension to RHS by Bramblecrest, a special RHS collection of dining, lounging and reclining outdoor furniture and accessories launched to great acclaim in July 2024.

The system of naming the various furniture sets after famous RHS gardens continues in this collection with RHS Hyde (named after RHS Garden Hyde Hall in Essex) and RHS Harlow (a reference to RHS Garden Harlow Carr in Yorkshire), both launching in early 2027.

Replacing and updating the previous RHS Bridgewater set is RHS Hyde, a wonderful addition to courtyards and walled gardens and, once again, a homage to classic English garden design with a timeless style. A cast aluminium set – aluminium is favoured due to its recyclable properties – this truly traditional take on outdoor dining and lounging is available in a palette of seven heritage-inspired colours.

RHS Harlow is a new woven set in five colourways. Inspired by RHS Garden Harlow Carr, RHS Harlow combines intricate fine loom weaving with a timeless, traditional design. Durable materials are paired with season-proof cushions for lasting comfort and performance, while the refined woven finish adds depth and character to every piece.

The very popular selection of scatter cushions accompanying this collection is also to be expanded, again using designs inspired by artwork from the RHS Lindley Collections, the world’s finest collection of botanical art. As before, the scatter cushions will be filled with certified recycled fibres, and most of the outer cushion covers will be made from 70% recycled plastic bottles.

And that’s not all! York – a popular Bramblecrest premium cantilever parasol that combines refined design with exceptional performance – will join the RHS by Bramblecrest collection. As a highly appropriate addition to the outdoor living theme of the collection, it will receive an RHS endorsement.

The RHS name will appear on all the new products, which join the existing RHS Wisley and RHS Rosemoor sets.

The new additions to the RHS by Bramblecrest collections will be previewed at the Summer Outdoor Living Exhibition (SOLEX), the biggest three-day event in the outdoor living trade calendar, taking place from 7-9 July at the NEC in Birmingham. They will arrive at garden centres and online at www.bramblecrest.com from early 2027. A selection of the RHS by Bramblecrest products can also be seen on the Bramblecrest stand at RHS Chelsea Flower Show next spring (18-22 May).

Bramblecrest, based in South West England, is a leading UK designer and wholesaler of premium garden furniture and accessories, with a passion for outdoor living. Since its beginnings as a company started by two friends in 2000, Bramblecrest has enjoyed continuous growth and now boasts a team of over 60 talented people in its Cotswolds HQ serving outlets in the UK and Europe.

Underlining its UK craft and sustainability credentials, the Cotswold-based company is in the process of becoming fully employee-owned and is working with Ecologi, which plants a tree for every Bramblecrest set sold, with over 110,000 sets sold and trees planted to date.

Bramblecrest not only supports a strong customer base but also supplies furniture to the leisure and hospitality industries and can be found in premier sporting venues, residential establishments and hotels across the UK.

Tim Pennell, Head of Sales and Marketing, Bramblecrest, says: “After the success of the first RHS by Bramblecrest collection, we were delighted to have the opportunity to again combine our expertise in garden and conservatory furniture with a name that is synonymous with a love of gardens and outdoor living. We’re sure our customers will love these extensions to this popular collection.”

Cathy Snow, RHS Licensing Manager, adds: “Our first collaboration with Bramblecrest was a big success, so we were very receptive to the idea of extending and enhancing this range of innovative, high-quality outdoor furniture. The new additions have exceeded our expectations. We expect a very strong consumer response in the run-up to summer 2027.”

BeefEater returns to SOLEX to unveil the Proline Series Gen 2, a premium barbecue range designed to bring professional performance and modern style to outdoor cooking.

As more homeowners invest in outdoor living, the demand for high-quality barbecues and outdoor kitchens continues to grow. The original integrated barbecue gen 2 has been developed to meet that demand, combining powerful performance with sleek design and everyday ease of use.

Visitors can explore the new range alongside BeefEater's wider collection of barbecues at SOLEX. Whether it's a compact setup for family meals or a fully integrated outdoor kitchen, the range offers options to suit every space.

Built with premium materials and designed for consistent cooking results, the Proline Series features enhanced burner performance, precise temperature control, NEW contemporary black finish or Marine grade 316 stainless steel finish. Every detail has been designed to make outdoor cooking simple, reliable and enjoyable.

With decades of barbecue expertise behind the brand, BeefEater continues to help retailers and homeowners create outdoor spaces where people can cook, entertain and spend more time together.

Visit Stand 700 to discover the new Proline Series and see what's next for outdoor cooking.

Kettler is continuing to invest in supporting its trade partners with the launch of a new Stock Portal in September 2026.

The new portal will provide an expanded library of high-quality digital assets and targeted content, giving trade customers everything they need to create richer, more engaging Kettler product pages than ever before.

Regular updates will be shared throughout the rollout, keeping customers informed about new resources, product developments and the latest Kettler activities.

Customers will be contacted in the coming weeks with further details and guidance to ensure a smooth transition to the new Stock Portal.

For more information contact Laura Ravenhill at laura.r@kettler.co.uk

Leading provider of mental health support via horticultural therapy, Plants and Minds, is looking to expand its Board of Trustees and appoint a new Chair of Trustees to lead the charity through an exciting period of growth.

Plants and Minds runs two award-winning projects: Cherry Tree Nursery in Bournemouth and Chestnut Nursery in Poole. The nurseries provide meaningful work in a supportive and pressure-free environment for adults with life-impacting mental health conditions. Revenue from plants grown and sold at both nurseries is vital for sustaining the charity’s provision of mental health support.

Cherry Tree and Chestnut Nursery have experienced strong performance in recent seasons. Now, Trustees are looking to strengthen the leadership team to steer the charity’s commercial operations and raise its profile in the mental health sector.

Directing the charity’s future
The appointment of a new Chair of Trustees will be pivotal to shaping the charity’s future direction. For the past five years, Plants and Minds has been chaired by James Robinson, Partner at accountancy firm PKF Francis Clark in Poole, who led the charity during a period of sustained growth in the post-Covid era.

Previous Chairs include garden retail expert Martin Stewart, Director of the pioneering Stewarts group of family-owned garden centres. Martin was instrumental in the 2018/2019 redevelopment of Chestnut Nursery, helping to transform the project into a financially viable, state-of-the-art, eco-friendly garden centre.

Keilah Towers, a Trustee of Plants and Minds, said: “It’s an exciting time at Plants and Minds, with both nurseries delivering superb performance during the first half of 2026 – while meeting strong demand for mental health support in the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole areas.

“With the charity’s commercial operations continuing to grow, and high levels of demand from professional services looking to refer adults with mental health challenges to the charity for horticultural therapy, Plants and Minds needs to expand its Board of Trustees.

“We are keen to hear from people with leadership experience, ideally in the garden retail or nursery sector, or within mental health services, or in the provision of business advisory services to small and medium-sized enterprises.”

Knowledge of charity governance or previous experience as a trustee would be beneficial but is not essential. A good working knowledge of HR practices would be advantageous, as is an understanding and interest in mental health support.

Looking to the future
Plants and Minds Trustees attend quarterly in-person meetings, although additional discussion and review of documents can be required on an ad-hoc basis.

Trustees act as ambassadors for Plants and Minds, bringing management expertise, local and industry insight and occasionally business connections to the charity. Trustees act impartially at all times, making informed and balanced decisions in the charity’s best interests.

Plants and Minds’ Chair and Trustees will determine the charity’s direction and priorities; ensure the organisation is run efficiently, oversee sound decision-making and ensure compliance with legal obligations.

Ideally, new Trustees should be based in or have a connection with the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) area. Reasonable expenses incurred carrying out duties for the charity will be reimbursed.

For more information, or to request an informal chat, please email Keilah Towers at: keilah@accounting4charities.co.uk.

Libby and Phillippa Stubbs of British Garden Centres have returned from Tanzania having successfully summited Mount Kilimanjaro, as part of a 23-strong team of horticultural industry professionals raising money for Greenfingers Charity.

The mother and daughter duo are now making a final appeal to the trade to help them smash their £50,000 fundraising target, money that will pay for the Kilimanjaro Garden, a new therapeutic outdoor space at Naomi House & Jacksplace Hospice in Winchester.

The team, accompanied by Dr Charlotte, spent seven days on the mountain tackling the Lemosho route, which is widely regarded as the most scenic approach to the summit. They climbed through rainforest, moorland, alpine desert, and the freezing conditions of the upper mountain, contending with altitude sickness, exhaustion, and temperatures well below zero. On the final morning, the group set off before dawn, reaching Uhuru Peak at 5,895 metres just in time to watch the sun rise over Africa. For Phillippa, it was also an exciting challenge to mark her 50th birthday.

The funds raised will transform a tired paved area at Naomi House & Jacksplace into a fully accessible sensory garden for seriously ill children, young adults, and their families.

Phillippa Stubbs, Director at British Garden Centres, said: “This mountain threw everything at us from altitude, exhaustion, freezing temperatures in the middle of the night. But none of that compares to what the families at Naomi House face every single day. If we can give them somewhere beautiful to breathe, somewhere peaceful to just be together, then every blister was worth it. This was a challenge to celebrate my 5oth birthday and standing on that summit as the sun came up, I wouldn't have changed it for the world. Now we just need to finish what we started and get this garden built and change lives for the children and their families in the hospice.”

Libby Stubbs, Events Manager at British Garden Centres, added: "When you're exhausted and struggling to breathe at 5,000 metres in the dark, you think about why you're there. We were there for children who don't get to choose their challenges. That thought got me to the top. The mountain was brutal, but it also put everything into perspective. We get to go home and recover. The families at Naomi House don't have that luxury. If this garden gives them one moment of peace, every step was worth it.”

The pair are asking the industry for one final push to hit their target of £50,000. Donations can be made at https://www.justgiving.com/page/bgcclimbkili26

GIMA's latest Buyer Connect event has been hailed a resounding success, bringing together selected member suppliers with the buying team from The Tillington Group for a day of focused commercial conversations, new connections and future business opportunities.

Held at Squires Garden Centre, Badshot Lea, the event saw suppliers take part in a series of dedicated 25-minute one-to-one meetings with Tillington's buying team, discussing everything from innovative new products and future ranging opportunities through to dropship solutions and routes to market.

Building on the growing success of GIMA's Buyer Connect programme, the event once again demonstrated the value of creating meaningful introductions away from the distractions of a busy trade show, allowing both buyers and suppliers the time to explore genuine commercial opportunities.

Mark Farnsworth, Managing Director, Yorkshire Garden Centre Group (part of the Tillington Group), said: "We met 20 suppliers throughout the day. There were one or two that we trade with, but the majority were potential new suppliers and there were some really interesting conversations.

"When you attend trade shows like Glee, the focus is inevitably on the main supply base, so to have a day which was dedicated to other suppliers was really useful. We look forward to following up with several of these suppliers and taking things forward into next season.  The day was also extremely well organised, and we'd like to pass on our thanks to the GIMA team for all their efforts."

New conversations, new opportunities

Suppliers were equally enthusiastic about the format, highlighting the value of having dedicated time with key retail decision-makers, the quality of the conversations held throughout the day and the opportunities the event created to showcase their businesses.

Brian Gardner, Director at Multi-Sharp Tools, said: "Thanks for the opportunity to present our range to Tillington. We're keen to expand our sales within garden centres, and it's often difficult to get in front of buyers. The Tillington Group Buyer Connect gave us a fantastic opportunity to meet face to face, something I doubt we would have been able to achieve on our own."

Alexandra Mangan, General Manager at GreenKey Garden & Home, echoed these sentiments, adding: "The event, and others like it, have been invaluable for us. They have put us in front of buyers who have a genuine interest in our business."

Commenting on the success of the day, Martin Ward, Director of GIMA, also added: "Buyer Connect continues to go from strength to strength and this event was another fantastic example of what can be achieved when you bring the right people together. The conversations taking place throughout the day were exactly what these events are designed to facilitate – commercially focused discussions that have the potential to develop into long-term partnerships.

"We're incredibly grateful to the Tillington buying team for giving so generously of their time, and to our members for embracing the opportunity with such enthusiasm. The feedback we've received from both sides has been overwhelmingly positive, reinforcing the importance of creating dedicated opportunities for buyers and suppliers to connect away from the pressures of a traditional exhibition environment.

"Providing these types of commercial opportunities remains one of GIMA's core priorities, and we're already looking forward to delivering further Buyer Connect events for our members in the months ahead."

More opportunities on the horizon

The Tillington Group Buyer Connect follows a series of successful GIMA buyer engagement initiatives and forms part of the association's ongoing commitment to helping members develop new retail relationships, unlock fresh commercial opportunities and support long-term business growth.

With further Buyer Connect events in the pipeline, alongside exclusive buyer meeting programmes at Glee 2026, GIMA continues to expand the opportunities available to members to place their products directly in front of key retail decision-makers.

For further information about GIMA and its wide range of member benefits, please contact the GIMA Press Office on (01959) 564947 or info@gima.org.uk

The Garden Centre Association is inviting businesses across the horticultural and retail sectors to explore sponsorship opportunities for its 2027 annual conference, taking place from January 24–27.

The prestigious event at the Crowne Plaza, Stratford-upon-Avon will once again bring together key decision makers from leading garden centres across the UK, offering sponsors valuable exposure within the industry.

Peter Burks, Chief Executive of the GCA, says: “Following continued strong interest in our annual conference, we are pleased to offer a broad variety of sponsorship opportunities for 2027. These range from headline and day sponsorships through to supporting elements such as refreshments, delegate materials, guest speakers and our popular awards and competitions.

“More than 400 delegates are expected to join us across the two days and our conference provides an ideal platform for sponsors to engage directly with owners, directors and senior managers, all key decision-makers, from garden centres nationwide. It’s also a fantastic environment to build relationships and showcase products and services to a highly relevant audience.”

Available sponsorship options include secondary sponsorship packages, day sponsorship, tea and coffee break sponsorship, delegate materials such as pens, speaker sponsorship, as well as awards and competition sponsorship.

A key highlight of the conference is the GCA awards programme, which celebrates excellence across the sector, with businesses able to align their brand with categories including the Customer Service Award, Ruxley Rose – Best Plant Area, Best Garden Products Retailer, Best Outdoor Living Retailer, Best Indoor Lifestyle Retailer, Catering Excellence Award – Best Garden Centre Restaurant, The Paul Cooling Award for the Environment and Sustainability, The Ian Boardman Award for Best Indoor Plants Retailer, Best Food Hall/Farm Shop, Best Clothing Retailer, Best Hard Landscaping Retailer and new for 2027, the Social Media Award.

Peter continues: “Sponsorship of our awards offers a unique opportunity to associate your brand with excellence and innovation in the garden centre industry. These accolades are highly regarded, featured heavily in national trade and consumer press and widely celebrated by our members.”

The GCA has published a full sponsorship brochure outlining the available packages and benefits. Companies interested in getting involved are encouraged to review the brochure and reserve opportunities as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

The brochure can be accessed here: https://gca.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2027_SponsorshipBrochureA5.pdf

Garden Trading's latest results demonstrate how a customer-centric approach is helping drive growth across key performance metrics, while strengthening brand loyalty in an increasingly crowded marketplace.

The Wiltshire-based premium home and garden retailer reported a record second quarter, 20% LFL growth, driven by strong performance across its direct-to-consumer and wholesale channels, with sales accelerating throughout the period. This growth was supported by standout Easter trading and a 40% uplift YoY in May, alongside gains across acquisition, retention, and customer value metrics.

The results reflect a company-wide focus on deepening engagement with both existing and new customers, against a backdrop of continued investment in their Home and Garden categories. 

Garden Trading delivered growth across all key customer volume indicators during the quarter, while improvements in spend and frequency also increased average customer value by 15%. An overhaul of their CRM is credited as the main driver behind this, capitalising on traffic gains from more top of funnel brand activity.

Lead acquisition also increased by 26%, driven by highly successful brand partnerships with Seasalt Cornwall, and Gozney, helping to introduce the Garden Trading brand to new audiences.

Additionally, web stats strengthened significantly with click-to-open rates increasing by 25%, reflecting stronger content relevance, customer engagement, and service excellence.

As well as the marketing and creative execution behind it, a major driver of Garden Trading's year-to-date growth has been the success of new and expanded product collections across furniture, garden living, and home categories.

Demand for outdoor living products remained exceptionally strong, with standout performances from:

• Rattan Garden Furniture collections: +130% 
• Teak Garden Furniture collections: +65% 
• Bistro Sets: +50% 

The furniture category continued to gain momentum as customers invested in their homes:

• Dining Chairs: +65% 
• Occasional Chairs: +55% 

And new product launches and expanded ranges generated significant growth across the home category:

• Throws, Seat Pads and Floor Cushions: +225% 
• Mugs: +185% 
• Tableware: +95%

Richard Bell, Managing Director at Garden Trading, commented, "Our Q2 performance demonstrates the strength of the brand, our proposition, and the effectiveness of our customer-first strategy. Every area of the business has been working towards the same objective: improving customer engagement and lifetime value."

 “This progress demonstrates increased positive brand awareness and a more effective online customer journey, meaning that customers not only arrive with greater intent, but are increasingly satisfied with their experience from beginning to end. It’s validation of the team’s hard work and the growing reputation we have within the homeware market.”

With demand for home and garden categories remaining resilient despite ongoing pressure across the wider retail landscape, Garden Trading has stated it will continue to invest in its customer-first approach as it looks to build on first-half momentum and strengthen long-term customer value across both retail and wholesale channels.

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Multi-award-winning Foxbury Fields Vineyard at Bromsberrow celebrated a significant milestone recently as it marked 10 years since its first vines were planted in 2016.

The business was co-founded by Heather Williamson and Richard Baker whose shared love of the countryside and their passion for producing exceptional English wine inspired the venture.

Heather, who is also Hereford-based Wyevale Nurseries’ Chairman, explains: “Reaching our 10-year anniversary is incredibly special. What started as a shared idea and a passion for the land has grown into something we’re truly proud of.

“Every vine we planted back in June 2016 has been nurtured with care and each bottle we produce reflects not just the character of the season, but the place we call home here in Herefordshire. It’s been an amazing journey so far and we’re very excited for what the future holds.

“It’s an incredibly exciting time to be part of the English wine industry. According to our sector’s leading body WineGB, UK production rose by 39% in 2025, with one of the earliest and ripest harvests ever recorded thanks to the weather.

“English wine is going from strength-to-strength and last year was particularly special for us with a WineGB Award for our 2023 Ortega. We’ve been fortunate to receive lots of recognition and awards during the last few years for our wines, but what matters most is seeing just how far English wine has come. All eyes are now on the 2026 season!”

Last year, Foxbury Fields Vineyard joined five other independent vineyards in Herefordshire, Gloucestershire and Worcestershire to pool their experience, expertise and reputation for growing great grapes and making excellent wines.

Collectively, they are known as The Malvern Hills Vineyards, www.malvernhillsvineyards.co.uk, and grow 14 grape varieties across more than 68 acres.

Heather adds: “We’re very proud of the cultivation, land management and environmental practices we’ve implemented at our vineyard, as well as the award-winning wines we make and were delighted we celebrated our 10th anniversary with friends, family and colleagues.”

For further details about Foxbury Fields Vineyard at Russell End Farm, Bromsberrow, please call 07974793367 or visit www.foxburyfields.co.uk.

Cold Glass Productions, the company behind award winning show Dish From Waitrose, today announce Outsiding, a new digital entertainment franchise. Hosted by broadcaster and author Caitlin Moran and leading garden designer and TV presenter Adam Frost, Outsiding will see Caitlin and Adam celebrate the simple joys of nature, wildlife, and gardening inviting celebrity guests to join them outdoors for a chat. Subscribe HERE.

The joyful conversation set outside in gardens, surrounded by nature, will uncover a side to the celebrity guest not usually revealed in interviews.

It’ll be a conversation that should heighten the senses and help us all to re-evaluate the world around us. Encouraging us to pay more attention to the things that will bring us joy and cost us nothing. You will want to spend more time in the garden or to go on a walk in the countryside after watching or listening.

To support this premise, the show is produced completely on-location with no episode taking place inside a studio - the outdoors is the backdrop and lens for the conversation.

With episodes released every Thursday, comedian and TV presenter Bob Mortimer is the first guest to join Caitlin and Adam this Thursday, sharing memories of his father, “rock n roll” exploits from the Vic & Bob era, and the joy of a pint following a country walk. Other guests confirmed across the ongoing series include an array of celebrities including Adrian Lester, Alex James, Alexander Armstrong, Charlotte Church, Dawn O’Porter, Kerry Godliman, Mel Giedroyc and Mike D from the Beastie Boys.

Adam will also be using his gardening expertise to provide accessible, practical advice that helps Caitlin, their guests and the audience enjoy their garden and life outdoors.

The franchise will span long-form podcast and YouTube episodes, short-form content across YouTube Shorts, TikTok and Instagram. You’ll be able to subscribe to Outsidingon Substack which will provide the community with access to additional video content, photos and articles.

Caitlin Moran, said: "Three years ago, I put a wish out into the universe: I wanted a Gardening Friend. None of my friends are into gardening, and I desperately wanted someone to nerd out with about soil, and who would really appreciate my dazzling "strike an epimedium"* joke. Imagine how thrilled I was when the universe ended up giving me GARDENING GOD ADAM FROST, and our own podcast - where we can nerd out together, with like-minded Outsiders, about buds, bugs, and being outside in the sun**"

**rain also acceptable, so long as we have waterproofs and a cuppa

Adam Frost, said: “I can’t wait to spend time with Caitlin every week. My hope for this podcast is that it makes people smile - after that everything is a bonus. I'm really not sure where our conversations will go, which is why I'm looking forward to it - we might even learn something along the way! On top of that we are going to meet so many new people and chat all things Outsiding (whatever that is)!!”

Ben Kerr, CEO of Cold Glass Productions, said: “There are 13.1 million people in the UK who regularly listen to podcasts and love being outside in either the countryside or their garden. Outsiding is the show for them, wherever they are, at whatever time of day they can get outdoors with Adam, Caitlin and our celebrity guests. For a world in flux we will offer; company, bonhomie, laughter, advice, inspiring stories and escapism with a community of like-minded people.”

Outsiding follows the ongoing success of Cold Glass Productions’ multi-award-winning podcast Dish from Waitrose, co-hosted by Nick Grimshaw and Michelin-starred chef Angela Hartnett OBE. The show continues to dominate the podcast charts, attract headline guests including Olivia Colman, Benedict Cumberbatch, Cynthia Erivo, Keira Knightley, Romesh Ranganathan, Helena Bonham Carter, Dua Lipa, Florence Pugh, Shania Twain, Tom Holland and Gordon Ramsay, and has generated over a billion listens and views for Waitrose.

Cold Glass Productions works with talent, rights holders, broadcasters and advertisers to make digital entertainment.

Members of the Horticultural Trades Association attended this year’s European Nurserystock Association summer meeting in the Republic of Ireland, where conversations on future changes to trade agreements between the UK and EU, and plant health were on the agenda.

Sally Cullimore, the HTA’s Technical and Trade Policy Manager, and Guy Massey from Joseph Rochford Gardens, the HTA’s representative for ENA, joined delegates from 21 other European professional member organisations for a programme of meetings and visits in Dublin during the last week of June.

They discussed with their European counterparts their optimism about the upcoming UK-EU reset and their disappointment at the postponement of the Leaders’ Summit, originally scheduled for 22 July, with many details still unknown, impacting the trade of plants and plant products.

The Irish Hardy Nursery Stock Association (IHNSA) and the Irish Farmers Association (IFA) hosted this year’s ENA summer meeting, which also covered key areas of interest to European supply chains such as sustainability, communications, digitisation and plant health.

Sally Cullimore, Technical and Trade Policy Manager at the HTA, said: “The ENA annual summer meeting is an excellent opportunity for the HTA to represent UK horticultural growers and connect with sister organisations across Europe. We discuss common topics such as trade, skills, and sustainability, learn from others, and build meaningful, beneficial relationships.

“We were hoping to share positive news with our friends in Europe after receiving a confirmed date for the UK-EU Leaders’ Summit, but events in British politics mean we’ll have to wait a little longer for the details of the reset, and we are as such still calling for pragmatic and urgent easements at the border.

“Whilst we wait for a new date to be set and for details to be given to help businesses rebuild supply chains, I hope the HTA and other European member organisations are able to continue building strong friendships for the future.”

Guy Massey, Production Manager at Joseph Rochford Gardens, added: “It is a pleasure to represent the HTA and UK environmental horticulture at the European Nurserystock Association (ENA) summer meeting, sharing best practice, learning from international colleagues, and attending a dynamic and engaging programme of meetings and events.

“After a complex few years for UK imports and exports, an SPS trade agreement between the UK and the EU is just around the corner. Working with ENA, we hope to continue communicating with our European counterparts to clarify what that new agreement will look like in 2027 and how it will operate between both parties.

"I remain committed to enhancing our collaborative efforts across Europe, particularly in key areas such as the role of peat in horticulture, attracting and retaining skilled workforces, particularly now that the UK has the opportunity to take part in Erasmus+ projects inspiring the next generation, and developing digital workflows. These are shared priorities across all member countries.”

Wyevale Nurseries is calling for better implementation of smarter biodiversity planning initiatives to create built environments where nature is part of everyday life – improving people’s wellbeing through access to green space.

While Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is the framework for bridging the gap, it wants to see more planting being done to turn Cecil Konijnendijk’s 3-30-300 Rule into reality across development projects.

Kersten Catella, Sales and Marketing Director at Hereford-based Wyevale Nurseries, explains: “The rule, first proposed by the urban forestry expert in 2021, focuses on what residents can see and reach daily.

“The thinking behind it is that there should: three trees visible from every building, 30% canopy cover in every neighbourhood and people should have access to green space within 300 metres from where they are. Studies consistently show that simply seeing natural elements – even from indoors – can boost and support positive mental wellbeing. Trees are so important for human beings and we’ve lost sight of this.

“We’re raising awareness of the 3-30-300 vision, but it’s the BNG that provides the framework to help make it happen. It ensures that trees and green infrastructure are not token gestures, but core components of how developments are designed, delivered and managed over time and we need more of this to start making a meaningful difference to people’s lives.

“We believe BNG straddles the divide between aspiration and implementation, ensuring trees and green infrastructure are planned, measurable and managed long-term rather than treated as a last-minute addition.”

BNG has marked a fundamental shift in how biodiversity is considered within development, moving it from a ‘nice-to-have’ aspiration to a measurable, enforceable requirement.

Developers must now demonstrate a minimum 10% net gain in biodiversity value, changing the way planting, habitat creation and long-term landscape management are approached.

Kersten continues: “It’s so important to go further than the minimum when new developments are built. More trees are better for everyone. Towns and cities are under increasing pressure from climate change, rising temperatures, densification and growing demands on public space. At the same time, awareness of the links between nature and quality of life have never been greater.

“Trees play a critical role in addressing many of these challenges. They provide shade, reduce urban heat, capture carbon, improve air quality and create habitat – while also delivering less tangible benefits such as stress reduction and improved mental health.”

Under BNG, habitat creation is planned rather than incidental, planting schemes are quantified rather than purely aesthetic, and long-term stewardship is embedded from the outset. This prompts a more searching question at the heart of development design: what does this space actually deliver over time?

It is a question that closely aligns with the aims of the 3-30-300 Rule – the urban greening framework that calls for three trees visible from every home.

While 3-30-300 is rooted in human experience, visibility and access, BNG approaches the same ambition through biodiversity metrics, habitat value and policy compliance.

Although BNG is often discussed in terms of policy and compliance, Wyevale Nurseries believes it represents one of the most practical mechanisms available for embedding the principles behind 3-30-300 into real places.

By pushing biodiversity considerations earlier in the design process and requiring robust measurement and management, BNG helps ensure green infrastructure delivers lasting value.

Across housing, public realm and infrastructure projects, Wyevale Nurseries is seeing growing demand for trees, hedging and plants that do more than meet a specification.

Clients are increasingly seeking planting that supports biodiversity objectives, withstands changing climatic conditions and contributes to healthier, more resilient environments.

Kersten adds: “These are the building blocks of the 3-30-300 ideal. By integrating biodiversity and tree planting from day one, developments are better placed to create places where nature is not incidental, but part of everyday life – for people and wildlife alike.”

Wyevale Nurseries supplies a wide range of UK-grown trees, hedging and plants to support developments seeking to meet both BNG requirements and broader urban greening ambitions.

Founded in 1930 and still family‑owned, it manages 800 acres of production across multiple sites.

As a wholesale grower and supplier of trees, shrubs, hedging and herbaceous plants, Wyevale Nurseries serves the professional trade nationwide, including landscape contractors, local authorities, housebuilders, commercial estates, garden centres and plant retailers.

One of the last remaining large general nurseries in the UK with its own propagation unit, it grows the majority of its stock in‑house.

This gives clients access to UK‑grown, traceable plants, backed by robust health protocols and acclimatisation standards that reduce failure risk and contractor liability.

For further details about Wyevale Nurseries or to find out more, please call 01432 845 200 or visit www.wyevalenurseries.co.uk.

The Horti House has announced the appointment of two highly respected industry professionals, Brian Redman and Daan Spaargaren, as the business continues to invest in its growth, international sourcing capabilities and support for UK garden centres. 

The appointments represent a significant step forward in The Horti House's expansion plans and further strengthen its ability to deliver industry-leading plant ranges, sourcing expertise and grower partnerships across both the UK and the Netherlands. 

Brian Redman joins The Horti House full-time, bringing more than 20 years of experience across the garden retail and horticultural supply sectors. Brian is widely recognised for his expertise in European plant sourcing, having previously led the European plant supply programme for Blue Diamond Garden Centres. He has also held senior positions within several Dutch export businesses, giving him an extensive network of grower relationships and a deep understanding of the European horticultural supply chain. 

His unrivalled knowledge of sourcing plants from Holland, combined with his experience working on both the retail and supply side of the industry, will enable The Horti House to further strengthen their range and o er for UK Garden centres. 

Joining Brian is Daan Spaargaren, who has been supporting Double H Nurseries  European plant supply chain.   Previously he has worked with Waterdrinker, one of the Netherlands' best-known horticultural wholesale  businesses. Daan brings a wealth of expertise in plant sourcing, buying and range development and will play a key role in supporting The Horti House's growing customer base. 

Daan will be based in The Horti House's o ice in Aalsmeer, shared with Double H Nurseries and located near to Royal Flora Holland, placing the business at the very heart of the Dutch horticultural industry. The o ice provides direct access to Dutch growers, market intelligence and supply opportunities, enabling The Horti House to react quickly to customer needs, emerging trends and offers. 

Together, the appointments significantly enhance The Horti House's ability to source, develop and deliver market-leading houseplant ranges for UK garden centres. 

Commenting on the appointments, Ed Hill, Managing Director of The Horti House, said:  "These are two hugely strategic hires for The Horti House. We've already got an incredibly strong team and this investment in people helps us better support UK garden centres and help them profitably grow the sector. 

Between Brian and Daan, we have an unrivalled level of experience across both the British and Dutch houseplant markets. Their expertise, relationships and understanding of the supply chain strengthen our ability to deliver exceptional plant ranges and create even closer partnerships with growers. 

This isn't just investment in people. We're also making significant investments in systems and technology that will help us scale our operation even more.  We believe no other business can o er this combination of sector expertise, deep understanding of the UK market and a combined British and Dutch o er that is so important”. 

These appointments underline The Horti House's commitment to providing customers with the expertise, market insight, sourcing capabilities and marketing support required to succeed in an increasingly competitive marketplace. 

The scent and colour of lavender are filling Merriments Gardens this summer, as the Medicinal Garden comes into full bloom with drifts of fragrant purple flowers around its tranquil water rill.

Visitors can now enjoy one of the garden’s most atmospheric seasonal highlights, with lavender bringing its distinctive perfume, silvery foliage and nectar-rich flowers to the four-acre East Sussex garden.

Long valued for its calming fragrance and loved by gardeners for its resilience in sunny, well-drained positions, lavender is bringing a classic summer spectacle to the garden while providing a rich source of nectar for wildlife.

The lavender is also playing an important role in Merriments’ wildlife-friendly approach. Grown as part of the garden’s organic, pesticide-free planting, it is helping attract pollinators including bees and butterflies, while adding scent, texture and colour for visitors to enjoy.

The lavender display comes as Merriments welcomes 30,000 bees from Sussex-based specialist R and R Bees, a small business that breeds bees, including queens. The new arrivals, Buckfast bees known for their prolific honey production, have settled into two new hives - and within just a month, the colony is expected to double to around 60,000.

Dan Warne, Head Gardener and beekeeper, said: “Lavender is one of the great sensory plants of summer. It brings scent, colour and movement to the Medicinal Garden, and it is wonderful for pollinators. As our bees are a small colony, we are focused on building up their numbers this year, but they are doing so well we are expecting our first honey harvest this year. We hope to harvest around 100lbs of honey next year, which we will either sell or use in the Merriments Conservatory Café.”

Summer is the perfect time to experience the lavender at Merriments and uncover this garden gem. Just off the A21 near Hurst Green, Merriments is easy to find and packed with reasons to visit.

Now owned by Caravan Tech, the well-established family-run business that relocated from its previous site in Hurst Green to this idyllic countryside setting, Merriments has entered an exciting new chapter.

Since the acquisition, the gardens have benefited from extensive renovation and improvement, including the opening of a new eatery known as the conservatory. Visitors can now enjoy a relaxed day out that combines a leisurely stroll through the gardens with food and drink in the Merriments Conservatory café, which offers both indoor and outdoor seating.

Head Gardener Dan Warne, alongside his team and dedicated volunteers, has brought fresh energy to the four-acre site, restoring water features and introducing vibrant new flower beds.

The gardens are open daily throughout the year Monday - Saturday: 8:30am-4:30pm. Sunday: 9:30am-4:30pm.  Admission is £8 for adults and Children under 15 are free. Free admission for RHS Members.

Garden tickets including season tickets are available from the conservatory café, offering free entry to the gardens throughout the year. Prices are season tickets are £35 for a single ticket and £55 for a joint ticket.

Dogs are welcome in both the gardens and Merriments Conservatory Café, and the accessible, wheelchair-friendly paths help ensure everyone can enjoy the experience.  There is also a children’s play area at Merriments.

Merriments Gardens is at Hawkhurst Road, Hurst Green, Etchingham, East Sussex, TN19 7RA. www.caravantech.co.uk/merriments

As rising temperatures and warmer summers encourage Brits to rethink what they plant, new data from TikTok Shop gardening business YouGarden suggests shoppers are increasingly embracing Mediterranean-inspired gardens and easy-to-grow edible produce.

The standout trend has been citrus trees. 

YouGarden is enjoying its strongest-ever year for citrus sales since launching in 2011, with lemon trees proving the clear favourite. Year-to-date, lemon tree sales on TikTok Shop are up 613% compared with the same period last year*, helping drive the company's best year yet for citrus sales overall.

The business is also seeing strong demand for edible gardening, with sales of fruit and vegetable plants up 50% year-on-year, while sales of ready-made edible hanging baskets – featuring strawberries, tumbling tomatoes, chillies and pineberries – have surged by 1,467%.

Mediterranean-inspired food and drink culture also appears to be resonating with consumers. On TikTok, #Margarita has amassed more than 838,000 posts, reflecting growing interest in citrus-led flavours, alfresco entertaining and holiday-inspired living.

Peter McDermott, founder of YouGarden, believes the figures reflect changing consumer habits, driven by warmer summers, holiday-inspired outdoor spaces and a growing desire for gardens to function as extensions of the home.

"People increasingly want gardens that feel like an extension of their lifestyles," Peter says. "We're seeing customers inspired by holidays abroad, Mediterranean planting and alfresco living, while warmer summers are giving people more confidence to try varieties that might once have felt a little ambitious for UK gardens. Citrus trees, olives and figs provide an exotic touch to any garden, while offering all the benefits of hardy, easy-to-care-for plants.”

"At the same time, customers are looking for convenience. They don't necessarily want hundreds of choices – they want confidence they'll succeed. That's always been our philosophy: offering a curated range that's picked with purpose and helping people choose the right plants for their space. Ready-made fruit collections, hanging baskets and kits that include compost and planters are proving particularly popular because they take some of the guesswork out of gardening.”

The trends mirror wider momentum on TikTok Shop. The platform's flowers and gardening category is up 440% year-on-year**, while gardening content continues to gain traction, with #GardenTok reaching 1.2 million posts and #Gardening surpassing 3.7 million videos.

The changing shopping habits are reflected in YouGarden's bestselling products this year, which are dominated by colourful summer displays, homegrown fruit and convenient gardening solutions.

YouGarden's Top 10 bestselling products on TikTok Shop (YTD)*:

1. 300-piece Summer Bulb Collection (seven varieties)
2. 'Sweet Summer' everbearing strawberry runners (12 and 24 packs)
3. Full Season Blueberry Collection (early, mid and late-fruiting varieties)
4. Premium Professional Compost (100L)
5. Heavy-duty 30L pots (set of four)
6. Hydrangea 'Incrediball'
7. 'Sweet Summer' strawberry growing kit, including stackable planters and compost
8. 'Colossus' jumbo strawberry plug plants
9. Standard Ceanothus 'Californian Lilac'
10. 'Sweet Stella' cherry tree

The International Association of Horticultural Producers has announced that the AIPH World Green City Awards 2026 Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony will take place in Hong Kong, China, on 29 October 2026, alongside the 62nd International Federation of Landscape Architects (IFLA) World and Asia-Pacific Regional Congress 2026.

The event will bring together city leaders, policymakers, landscape architects, researchers, urban greening professionals, industry partners, and international experts committed to creating greener, healthier, and more resilient cities. Representatives from the 21 Finalist cities of the AIPH World Green City Awards 2026 have been invited to attend the celebration and share their experiences.

By bringing together two significant international platforms focused on the future of cities, the collaboration creates a unique opportunity for knowledge exchange, networking, and collaboration across disciplines. Participants will explore how plants, nature, and landscape-led approaches are helping cities address some of the world's most pressing urban challenges.

The IFLA World Congress 2026, organised by IFLA, IFLA Asia Pacific Region and The Hong Kong Institute of Landscape Architects (HKILA), will take place from 28–30 October under the theme "Liminal Landscapes: Shifting Boundaries of Watersheds and Coastlines." The Congress expects to welcome more than 1,500 international and local participants from over 82 countries and regions.

Following previous Awards Ceremonies held alongside major international gatherings, the AIPH World Green City Awards 2026 continue a tradition of connecting global urban greening leaders with influential audiences from across government, academia, industry, and the landscape profession.

Audrey Timm, Technical Initiatives Manager at AIPH commented: “The success of the cities that enter the AIPH World Green City Awards is made possible by the exceptional talent of many urban professionals supported by visionary city leadership. This event in Hong Kong brings people together and celebrates the conversations and connections that will shape the future of our urban space."

Bruno Marques, President, IFLA added: "Hosting the AIPH World Green City Awards 2026 alongside the International Federation of Landscape Architects (IFLA) World Congress in Hong Kong represents a profound alignment of our shared global missions. By bringing together the world’s most innovative green cities with leading landscape architects, we are cultivating a vital interdisciplinary approach to built environment challenges. This collaboration underscores that Nature-based Solutions and climate-resilient urban design are no longer optional, but essential for the future of our urban landscapes.”

The AIPH World Green City Awards 2026 and IFLA World Congress 2026 offer a unique opportunity to connect with leading cities, international experts, and organisations shaping the future of urban greening and landscape-led city development.

Cities, organisations, sponsors, industry stakeholders, and professionals interested in attending the AIPH World Green City Awards or learning more about participation opportunities are encouraged to contact greencity@aiph.org.

Approximately 80% of UK consumers believe that bank holidays are a good time to garden and complete DIY tasks.

Over the last May bank holiday weekend, retailers that promoted smaller ticket DIY and gardening products, such as late-season seeds and garden decorations, were the most likely to prosper. As consumers purchased plants, garden tools and furniture in advance of the late May heatwave, retailers that only started highlighting these categories in the lead up to the bank holiday weekend missed out on spend.

Next year, retailers must begin promoting big ticket items, such as BBQ sets and garden decorations, in March and April to meet demand, says GlobalData, a leading intelligence and productivity platform.

Tash Van Boxel, Senior Retail Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “To encourage spending in May, retailers need to highlight gardening tasks which consumers can undertake later in the year, such as planting flora that requires low frost risk. Promoting garden decorations which shoppers can benefit from immediately may also bolster spend, as consumers look to improve their outdoor spaces ahead of hosting friends and family over bank holiday weekends.”

For the upcoming August bank holiday, many gardening tasks have already been completed, with simple garden maintenance providing little opportunity for retailers to encourage spending in the category. Retailers operating in the sector must focus on DIY promotions instead, ahead of the next bank holiday, highlighting manageable DIY projects consumers can undertake.

Van Boxel concludes: “Uncertainty and lack of knowledge are obstacles for consumers considering a DIY project; therefore, retailers need to highlight guides and budget beginner-friendly equipment to reduce the barrier to entry for DIY. For example, social media campaigns which showcase how to involve the whole family in DIY activities may help to bolster spend for the category, as parents seek easy ways to entertain their children whilst retaining productivity over the long weekend.”

After 60 years of extremely varied employment in the UK forestry, timber harvesting and horticultural industries, Melcourt Industries chairman Andy Chalmers is retiring.

Andy said: “How time flies! I would like to say a very big and loud ‘Thank You’ to all of the people who helped and encouraged me throughout my varied and most interesting career, including work colleagues, customers, suppliers, competitors and many friends along the way.”

After leaving Sanford Street Secondary Modern school ‘B stream’ in 1966, his career can be summarised as follows:

• 1966-1968 – Trainee forester, Forestry Commission, Dunkeld, Scotland
• 1968-1970 – Apprentice, COSIRA / Fountain Forestry Ltd, SW England
• 1970-1972 – Sawmill trainee, Heinrich Harling, Bergen, North Germany
• Sawmill trainee, Gebruder + Weber, Bischweier, South Germany
• 1972-1973 – Farmhand, Callington, Cornwall
• 1973-1974 – Timber Harvesting Contractor, Tilhill Forestry Marketing Ltd,
• South England
• 1975-1979 – Area Manager, Tihill Forestry Marketing Ltd, South England
• 1979-1982 – Divisional Manager, Forestry Thinnings Ltd, East Anglia & Home
• Counties
• 1983-1990 – Divisional Manager, Economic Forestry Group, UK
• 1991- 2026 – Sales & Marketing Manager, then Managing Director and Chairman, Melcourt Industries Ltd, Tetbury, Gloucestershire

In addition to various forestry qualifications, Andy also achieved:

• Diploma in Industrial Management
• Diploma in Marketing
• Queens Scout Award

“I look back with fond memories and few regrets,” added Andy. “Finally, despite my humble beginnings, I have tried my hardest, been honest and

respectful, always keen and wanting to learn. Fortunately, I came out on the right site.”

https://www.justgiving.com/page/bob-marley-1

Fresh from conquering Africa's highest mountain, Greenfingers Charity Ambassador Bob Marley is continuing his remarkable fundraising mission, with a charity golf day helping Team Greenfingers edge ever closer to its next fundraising milestone.

Bob was one of the 23-strong Team Greenfingers who recently tackled the Mount Kilimanjaro challenge, alongside fellow horticultural industry supporters including Kate Ebbens of Woodlodge, Matt Jones of Sipcam, Alexa Blackmore of The Gardens Group, Nicole and David Higginson of New Leaf Plants, Daniel and Jodie Rowlandson of Team Max Foundation, Matthew Rowlandson of Dobsons, Tara Adams of Woodmansterne, Heidi Baylis Towse of Blue Diamond, Phillippa and Libby Stubbs of British Garden Centres and many more. 

Together, the team has now raised more than £244,000 towards creating another magical Greenfingers Charity garden for children with life-limiting conditions and their families.

The latest fundraising boost came courtesy of a charity golf day held at Ombersley Golf Club on 23rd June, organised by Phil Dutton of Autograph Finance. Bringing together supporters from across both the horticultural and financial sectors, the event combined friendly competition with a shared determination to keep fundraising momentum high following the team's return from Tanzania.

Adding to the occasion, members of Team Greenfingers were stationed around the course throughout the day, keeping golfers refreshed while sharing stories from the Kilimanjaro challenge and highlighting the life-changing impact Greenfingers Charity gardens have on children and families spending precious time in hospices.

Funds raised will contribute towards the charity's next garden, providing children with life-limiting conditions and their families with a beautiful outdoor sanctuary where they can enjoy precious moments together away from the clinical surroundings of hospice care.

Phil Dutton, organiser of the event, said: "Watching Team Greenfingers take on Kilimanjaro was incredibly inspiring, but what has impressed me just as much is the determination to keep fundraising long after the summit was reached. This golf day was a wonderful opportunity to bring people together, celebrate what has already been achieved and raise even more for a truly worthwhile cause. The generosity shown by everyone involved has been fantastic."

Boyd Douglas-Davies, Chairman of the Greenfingers Charity, added: "The commitment shown by everyone who took on Kilimanjaro has been nothing short of extraordinary. Raising more than £244,000 is an incredible achievement, and it's wonderful to see that fundraising continues with events such as this. Every pound raised brings us closer to creating another inspiring garden where children and families can enjoy precious time together."

The Greenfingers Charity extends its sincere thanks to Phil Dutton of Autograph Finance for organising the event, Ombersley Golf Club for its hospitality, event sponsors SJL Insurance Services, goody bag sponsor Lockett & Co, and everyone who attended, donated or supported the day.

Help Team Greenfingers reach £250,000

The Greenfingers Charity Kilimanjaro team has now raised more than £244,000, with donations continuing to arrive daily.

Anyone wishing to support the Kilimanjaro fundraising efforts can still donate via JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/page/bob-marley-1

Meet the Kili Trekkers

• Kate Ebbens, Woodlodge, Greenfingers Ambassador
• Heidi Baylis Towse, Greenfingers Trustee and Blue Diamond
• Phillippa Stubbs and Libby Stubbs of British Garden Centres
• Greenfingers Ambassador, Bob Marley
• Alexa Blackmore from The Gardens Group
• Matt Jones of Sipcam and his partner Nicola
• Matthew Rowlandson, Dobsons
• Daniel and Jodie Rowlandson, Team Max Foundation
• Tara Adams from Woodmansterne
• Nicole and David Higginson of New Leaf Plants
• Richard Howard of Doddington Nurseries along with Tia Blunt
• Johan Huibers from Huibers Co.
• Richard Quarmby from AKN Build
• Thomas Forsyth from AKN Build
• Helen Taylor from Allan Morris Estate Agents
• Tammy Woodhouse, Greenfingers Trustee
• Rene Assies of Assies
• Jess Dollimore of Ruxley Manor

John Ravenscroft

John was a pioneer of gardening and of garden retailing.

Always with an eye for a good garden plant, John and his wife Liz developed a remarkable garden centre which in spite of its rural location became a must visit gardening emporium. 

Realising that customers needed to have a good reason to travel into the countryside, John arguably created the first destination garden centre. This ensured that not only did masses travel to his centre but they then spent a whole day there. He and Liz were perhaps the first to add what has now become an essential ingredient of a modern garden centre and that is of course a cafe! He also added on-site show gardens which were sometimes show gardens that were given life after winning trophies at major garden shows. John used these to film and present his own gardening TV shows which he then sold to TV companies.

Alongside the large destination garden centre, John developed a thriving nursery that supplied great plants to his garden centre planteria.

Ultimately he sold Bridgemere Garden World to Wyevale Garden Centres and then in turn this has become a Blue Diamond Centre.

Not satisfied with quietly retiring, John planted  and developed a remarkable arboretum filling it with fine hardy and interesting trees.

John’s great impact on the UK garden industry was recognised by the HTA by the highest award of the Pearson Memorial Medal.

Alan Down, Immediate Past President HTA

The funeral will be at St Luke’s Hodnet Shropshire on Monday 29th June.

See also GTN's tribute to John Ravenscroft in the June-July 2026 Issue.

Harrowden has acquired George Davies Turf & Stone (GDT), bringing together two highly respected businesses with shared values, complementary strengths and a shared commitment to quality, service and long-term customer relationships.

Harrowden is the UK's largest grower and distributor of turf and mat products, with more than 60 years of experience serving the landscaping and horticultural sectors.

The acquisition follows a long-standing relationship between the two businesses, with Harrowden having been a trusted supplier to George Davies Turf & Stone for many years. It reflects a shared commitment to quality, service and doing business the right way, as well as a belief that the combined business will be stronger together than either organisation could be alone.

Founded in 2001 by George Davies, George Davies Turf & Stone has grown from a start-up business into a leading supplier of turf and landscaping materials, serving more than 3,250 trade customers and supplying approximately 1.4 million rolls of turf each year. The business employs 30 people across its Clifton Reynes and St Albans depots and has built a reputation for exceptional customer service, operational excellence and long-term customer relationships.

George Davies will remain actively involved in the business as part of the senior leadership team for at least the next three years, providing continuity for customers, suppliers and employees while helping shape the next phase of growth.

George Davies said:

“After 25 years of building George Davies Turf & Stone, this was one of the biggest decisions I've ever had to make. When the opportunity arose, it quickly became clear that it was the right fit for the business, our customers and our team.

“Harrowden stood out because they share many of the same values and recognise the strength of the business our team has built together. They want to build on that success rather than fundamentally change it.

“I'm incredibly proud of what we've achieved over the last 25 years and excited about what comes next. I'm also delighted to be staying involved and helping shape the next chapter for the business, our customers and our team.”

George Davies Turf & Stone will continue to operate under its established brand, with customers continuing to work with the same trusted team while benefiting from the additional strength, investment and opportunities the acquisition brings.

Together, Harrowden and George Davies Turf & Stone will employ more than 130 people, operate from seven locations across the UK and have a combined turnover approaching £20 million, combining national reach with the local expertise, customer focus and service standards that have helped both organisations succeed.

Chantall Ridd-Jones, Director, Harrowden, added:

“We've admired what George and his team have built for a long time. George Davies Turf & Stone has an excellent reputation within the industry for the way it looks after its customers and the relationships it has built over the last 25 years.

“What stood out to us during our conversations was how closely our values align, and we’re excited about what we can achieve together, while preserving the culture and standards that have made both businesses successful. This is about building on those strengths and creating new opportunities for our customers, employees and the wider business.”

While the acquisition creates opportunities for future investment and growth, customers can continue to expect the same commitment to service, reliability and personal relationships that have always been at the heart of the business.

Harrowden and George Davies Turf & Stone are well placed to build on their shared strengths, continuing to deliver high-quality products, exceptional service and innovative solutions while building on their shared values.

The momentum behind Glee 2026 shows no signs of slowing, with another exciting group of brands confirming their place on the show floor and adding even more innovation, inspiration and commercial opportunity for visitors.

The latest additions include:

• AWS Trading – EXCLUSIVE TO GLEE - joining Landscaping & Garden Decoration with its range of marble tables, chairs, sofas, beds and composite wood decking, fencing and panelling solutions.
• Creekwood – EXCLUSIVE TO GLEE 2026 - bringing stylish outdoor pots and planters to Landscaping & Garden Decoration, helping retailers tap into continued consumer demand for beautiful outdoor spaces.
• Better Future – strengthening the thriving Garden Care sector with practical solutions designed for today’s gardeners.
• The Good Life Outdoors Co. (Treadstone Products) – adding its extensive range of gardening accessories and essentials to the Garden Care halls.
• Celtic Leisure – joining Outdoor Leisure with a collection of contemporary aluminium pergolas designed to help consumers make more of their outdoor spaces.
• CHF Solutions – EXCLUSIVE TO GLEE - taking its place within the fast-growing Retail Services sector, supporting garden retailers with solutions designed to improve efficiency, operations and customer experience through market-leading shopfitting and retail equipment
• JW Products – bringing serious outdoor cooking credentials to Glee with Traeger Grills and Blackstone barbecues, alongside an exciting new robotic mower brand that will be revealed closer to the show. Watch this space for more information!
• Robe Factory – adding even more inspiration to Home, Gift & Clothing, strengthening a sector that reflects the increasingly lifestyle-led nature of modern garden retail.

Commenting on the latest wave of signings, Matthew Mein, Event Director at Glee and Autumn Fair, said:  "It’s been another fantastic week for exhibitor signings, and what’s particularly exciting is seeing new brands joining us from right across the show floor.  The momentum behind Glee 2026 continues to build, with suppliers recognising the opportunity the show provides to launch products, meet new customers and strengthen valuable relationships.

"The floorplan is filling fast and the breadth of products and services on offer is only getting stronger. Whether you’re looking for innovation, inspiration or new commercial opportunities, Glee 2026 is an event not to be missed."

Be part of Europe’s biggest buying moment

Whether you’re looking to source the latest products, discover emerging brands, gain fresh business insights or explore new opportunities for diversification, Glee 2026 is the one event where the entire garden retail community comes together.

Taking place from 8th – 10th September at the NEC Birmingham, Glee 2026 offers three packed days of product discovery, networking and industry insight, with two days of co-location alongside Autumn Fair creating even greater opportunities to explore complementary sectors and identify new ideas.

Register for your free ticket today at www.gleebirmingham.com and secure your place at Europe’s biggest buying moment.

Corby + Fellas' Jacob Parker and Jamie Cann successfully completed the installation of WinRetail at the wonderful Warbreck Garden Centre in Lathom, near Ormskirk, Lancashire.

A well-established destination in the heart of West Lancashire, Warbreck Garden Centre has built a fantastic reputation for its quality plants, lifestyle ranges, and welcoming dining experience, serving customers from across the region.

It was a pleasure for Jacob and Jamie to work alongside the fantastic Warbreck team throughout the project, delivering a seamless implementation designed to enhance both operational efficiency and customer experience.

The project included much more than WinRetail, with the team now benefiting from a fully integrated solution including table service, kitchen display screens, soon to come CRM, and a dedicated customer App. Together, these systems provide a connected experience across retail and hospitality while supporting future growth.

We're proud to be working with such a respected independent centre and look forward to supporting the team for many years to come.

Pictured: Jenette, Laura, Richard, Laura and Kate from Warbreck Garden Centre, along with C+F’s Jacob & Jamie.

Following the outstanding success of Zest’s outdoor entertaining collection during the 2025 season, the timber garden furniture and outdoor leisure specialist is returning to SOLEX to unveil a host of additional ‘al fresco’ products (stand 430) and show promotions, exclusive to Zest’s on stand visitors.

The Zest stand will boast additions to the modular Terraza Outdoor Kitchen range, a brand-new, Verona outdoor kitchen offer in a pebble tone, a choice of stylish new dining sets to suit different tastes and budgets, an innovative pergola seat concept and a brown dining and seating range, made in the UK, in response to consumer demand.  

Zest will also be showcasing its recently acquired B-Corp supplier status.  B Corp certification is awarded by B Lab to companies that demonstrate a commitment to balancing profit with purpose. The Zest senior team including Steve Morgan, Andrew Baker and new Commercial Sales Manager, John Gomersall as well as the regional sales team will guide existing and new customers through the latest product developments.

All products come with merchandising and lifestyle imagery. New products will be promoted in consumer magazines and on digital platforms in 2027. The new additions are designed to appeal to a broader and more diverse consumer audience as well as its current Zest admirers.

Zest’s outdoor entertaining products are made from sustainable slow-grown softwood sourced from PEFC certified (PEFC/16-37-1490) forests. 

For further information about Zest’s outdoor leisure products, visit www.zestoutdoorliving.co.uk/solex-2025 or email sales@zestoutdoorliving.co.uk 

Supremo continues to set the benchmark for outdoor living, offering trade buyers beautifully crafted furniture that elevates any collection.

With a focus on detail, durability, and timeless style, our 2027 range showcases the quality and craftsmanship retailers have come to expect from Supremo.

This year at SOLEX, we’re adding an exciting opportunity for trade visitors: the chance to win a luxury two‑night stay at the award‑winning Miiro Templeton Garden in London, including The Hidden Garden Afternoon Tea for two.

The PRIZE DRAW PRESENTED BY A SPECIAL GUEST, FOOTBALL LEGEND, IAN TAYLOR, Live at Stand 220 – Wednesday 8 July, 16:00, celebrating SOLEX alongside the excitement of the Football World Cup.

Attendees can enter the giveaway directly at Stand 220, while those not attending until Thursday can register in advance via Supremo’s website.

Stand 220

Weather has always been a major influence on Garden Centre trading success – and with increasingly extreme and unpredictable conditions, the need for smarter, forward-looking tools has never been greater.

WorkForce Manager’s integrated AI assistant helps businesses plan and respond more effectively. It goes beyond simply displaying a forecast, combining AI-driven weather predictions with historical data and workforce planning to ensure the right people are in the right place at the right time.

But the benefits extend far beyond staffing.

If a heatwave is forecast, WorkForce Manager AI can prompt tasks such as moving vulnerable plants, increasing watering programmes, deploying shade protection, or checking irrigation systems. Ahead of storms, it can prioritise securing outdoor displays and signage, while frost warnings can trigger plant protection activities and greenhouse inspections.

By turning weather insights into practical, automated task planning, managers spend less time reorganising workloads and more time focusing on customers. Staff are deployed where they’re needed most, essential tasks are less likely to be missed, and labour is used far more efficiently.

Designed specifically for UK Garden Centres, WorkForce Manager AI understands the seasonal pressures and operational challenges unique to the industry. It doesn’t replace the experience of managers—it enhances it, enabling faster, more informed decisions when conditions change.

As the industry evolves, technology that protects stock, improves efficiency, and supports customer service is becoming essential.

Stay one step ahead of the weather—and your workload.

Book a demo today and discover how WorkForce Manager can transform your operations.

The Greenfingers Charity is extending its heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported this year's Summer Ball, following an unforgettable evening of celebration, generosity and fundraising in aid of children with life-limiting conditions and their families.

Held at the magnificent Coombe Abbey Hotel, the black-tie event welcomed supporters from across the horticultural industry and beyond for an evening of fine dining, entertainment and fundraising, all united by a shared commitment to helping the Greenfingers Charity create magical gardens at children's hospices throughout the UK.

The charity would like to extend special thanks to the many sponsors, partners and supporters whose generosity helped make the evening such a success. Garden Centre Magazine served as headline sponsor, whilst Vitax sponsored the Champagne Reception and Westland Horticulture sponsored the Champagne Auction.

Guests were welcomed through a stunning garden-inspired entrance, designed and created by Tom Cook of The Gardening Club, setting the scene for a truly memorable evening. The display was enhanced by beautiful plants kindly loaned by British Garden Centres and dramatic tree ferns supplied by HSK. APAC provided the elegant floral table centrepieces, whilst Clover Grow ensured guests were well looked after with sponsored bacon rolls at the close of the evening.

The Greenfingers Charity would also like to thank the many businesses and individuals who generously donated raffle and auction prizes. Their continued support played a vital role in helping the charity raise essential funds and added to the excitement and success of the evening.

While the final fundraising total is still being calculated, early indications suggest another hugely successful event, with the charity set to announce the final amount raised in the coming days.

For those unable to attend – or anyone who missed out on bidding during the evening – there is still time to support the Greenfingers Charity. The Summer Ball Silent Auction has been extended until the end of this week, giving supporters one final opportunity to bid on an array of fantastic prizes whilst helping to fund future hospice gardens. The auction can be viewed at: https://astarauction.com/greenfingersball2026.

Linda Petrons, Director of Fundraising & Communications at the Greenfingers Charity,said: "Our Summer Ball has become one of the highlights of the Greenfingers calendar, and once again we were overwhelmed by the kindness, generosity and friendship shown by everyone who joined us. It was wonderful to welcome so many familiar faces, alongside new supporters, all coming together to make a real difference.

"On behalf of everyone at the Greenfingers Charity, I would like to say a heartfelt thank you to our sponsors, guests, volunteers, prize donors and everyone who contributed to making the evening such a success. Every raffle ticket purchased, every auction bid placed and every donation made will help us create more beautiful gardens where children with life-limiting conditions and their families can spend precious time together.

"We look forward to sharing the final fundraising total very soon, but for now I simply want to say thank you. Your support enables us to continue creating magical outdoor spaces where children and families can play, relax, reflect, care, learn and make precious memories together."

Anyone who missed this year's event can already save the date, as the 2027 Greenfingers Charity Summer Ball will return to Coombe Abbey Hotel on Thursday 1st July 2027.

Early Bird tickets are now available, with sponsorship opportunities also on offer. To find out more, book your place or enquire about sponsorship, please contact Linda@greenfingerscharity.org.uk.

For more information about the Greenfingers Charity, and to view photographs from this year's Summer Ball, visit the charity's website: www.greenfingerscharity.org.uk

We’re just days away from the biggest event in the outdoor living calendar – SOLEX 2026 is set to open its doors from 7th July to 9th July, and excitement is building fast! LOFA's General Manager and SOLEX Event Director Gina Hinde looks forward to three exciting days starting on Tuesday...

“Every year, as we get closer to SOLEX, I find myself feeling exactly the same. There's a mixture of excitement, anticipation and, if I'm honest, a few sleepless nights! After months of planning, phone calls, meetings and countless emails, it's finally the time of year when everything comes together.

“For me, SOLEX is much more than an exhibition. It's the one week of the year when our industry comes together under one roof. It's where I get to catch up with our LOFA members, hear how they've been doing, find out what kind of season they've had and, most importantly, share a few laughs along the way. Those conversations are priceless and are one of the reasons I love what I do.

“When we launched the very first SOLEX back in 2008 at the Telford International Centre, our aim was simple – to create an event organised by the industry, for the industry. We wanted somewhere our members could showcase their products in a friendly, relaxed environment where genuine business could be done.

“Nearly twenty years on, that hasn't changed.

“SOLEX is owned and run by LOFA, and because of that our members always come first. We aren't a commercial exhibition driven by shareholders or profit; we're a member event. Every decision we make is based on what our members tell us they need. I think that's reflected in the atmosphere of the show. Visitors often comment on how welcoming it feels, and exhibitors tell us they enjoy doing business because it's relaxed, professional and full of quality buyers.

“This year we're delighted to welcome around 50 of the outdoor living industry's leading brands, all showcasing their latest collections and innovations for Spring/Summer 2027. SOLEX has become the place where retailers can see new products, compare ranges, meet suppliers face to face and start planning for the season ahead.

“Of course, none of us would pretend the market has been easy. I would describe it as optimistically cautious. Thankfully, the excess stock that built up after Covid has now worked its way through the system, but trading has still been challenging. We've enjoyed some lovely weather, but it hasn't been consistent enough to create steady sales throughout the season.

“At the same time, suppliers continue to face rising costs. Increased container prices, higher raw material costs and ongoing global uncertainty all have an impact on our industry. Consumers are also thinking more carefully about how they spend their money, so retailers and suppliers have had to adapt.

“One thing I have learned over the years is that our industry is incredibly resilient. We always find a way forward.

“That's another reason why SOLEX is so important. It gives people the chance to step away from the day-to-day pressures of business and spend time talking to one another. Business relationships are strengthened, new partnerships begin and ideas are shared. Sometimes the best conversations don't happen in a meeting room – they happen over a coffee or while walking around the exhibition together.

“If you're exhibiting for the first time, my advice is simple: make your stand welcoming and be ready to engage. Create a stand that catches people's attention, use good lighting and, above all, smile and talk to visitors. Don't spend the day sitting behind a desk looking at your phone. People buy from people, and those personal conversations are often where great business relationships begin.

“What many visitors don't see is what happens behind the scenes. SOLEX may last for three days, but organising it takes the best part of a year. As soon as one exhibition finishes, planning for the next one begins. It's a real team effort, and I'm incredibly grateful to everyone who helps make the show the success it is.

“Looking ahead, next year is a very special one for LOFA as we celebrate our 60th anniversary. It's a wonderful opportunity to reflect on everything the Association has achieved, but it's also a chance to look to the future. We have to keep listening to our members, continue bringing fresh ideas to the table and make sure both LOFA and SOLEX remain relevant for the next generation coming into our industry.

“People often ask me why we put so much into organising SOLEX. The answer is very simple. We love doing it.

“For three days each year, the outdoor living industry comes together. New products are launched, orders are placed and business gets done, but for me that's only part of the story. What makes SOLEX special is the people. It's the friendships, the conversations, the support we give one another and the sense that we're all part of something bigger than ourselves.

“Products will change. Trends will come and go. Markets will rise and fall. But one thing has never changed. This industry is built on people. That's why SOLEX still matters, and I can't wait to welcome you all next week.”

SOLEX – The Summer Outdoor Living Exhibition organised by the industry for the industry.
7th - 9th July 2026 NEC, Birmingham

Register for SOLEX today – click here

GTN's SOLEX Preview 2026. In this issue: SOLEX Exhibitor plan and listing, Welcome to SOLEX 2026 , SOLEX Afterparty, awards and events, People-powered design from Bramblecrest, Nine pages of SOLEX exhibitor news, Garden escape competition from Supremo, Making Napolean famous, Why SOLEX Matters.