Blue Diamond Garden Centres, the largest garden centre group in the UK, has released its interim results for the six-month period ending 30 June 2026. These numbers come after a summer of record-breaking heat and illustrate how Blue Diamond is able to stay strong despite industry-wide challenges. 

• Overall sales rose 12.5pc to £216m in the six months to the end of June, while pre-tax profits climbed 16pc to £24m.

• Like-for-like sales up 1.6%, outperforming the Garden Centre Association (GCA) benchmark by 0.8 percentage points and the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) benchmark by 3.4 percentage points.

• Like-for-like restaurant sales up 6.2%, with strong performances in Garden Furniture and Fashion.

• They also announced their 3-year Diddly Squat Farm partnership in this period and completed two new leasehold acquisitions (Leaf Creative and Holt) and one freehold (Highfield Garden World).

• Brands and Partnerships:
• Chelsea Flower Show: The Group won its second consecutive Gold Medal at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, for their drought-resistant immersive display.
• Diddly Squat Farm: Announced a three-year exclusive partnership with Diddly Squat Farm to develop a co-branded range of gardening products.
• YouTube: Blue Diamond's series Step by Step Gardening with David Domoney is now the most popular gardening programme on YouTube, with more than 500,000 viewers per episode.

While there was disruptive weather affecting the industry generally, as well as the obvious challenges in the UK economy and consumer sentiment at large, they are looking forward to the year with confidence. Strong performances across Garden Furniture, Fashion and Restaurants underscored the benefits of BD's diversified strategy.

About Blue Diamond:

Blue Diamond Limited is the UK’s leading garden centre group, operating a portfolio of destination garden centres across the United Kingdom and Channel Islands. The Group offers a comprehensive range of plants, gardening products, garden leisure, home, food and 

hospitality, serving a broad and growing customer base. For more information, visit: www.bluediamond.gg

You can find their trading statement here or click the image above

From countryside-inspired decorations to realistic winter foliage, Floralsilk shares the buying trends shaping Christmas 2026, based on order data across its extensive festive collection.

As a leading supplier of premium artificial flowers, foliage and seasonal decorations to UK garden centres and retailers, Floralsilk has analysed its Christmas 2026 order data to reveal the products and trends driving demand for the season ahead.

Berries are the backbone of winter

Natural, countryside-inspired styling is proving particularly popular, with berries emerging as a particular standout category this year. Floralsilk's Classic Berry Pick is its most ordered product across five colourways, while Rosehip & Blackberry Sprays are featuring regularly in repeat orders.

Realistic greenery is another strong performer, appearing in almost half of customers' top-up orders. Cedar sprays with berries & Eucalyptus proving popular, alongside traditional mistletoe and poinsettias, with hydrangeas, roses and dahlias bringing a fresh botanical approach to festive displays.

Garlands go cedar & frosted

Evergreen garlands are always a popular category. This year, Cedar, frosted cypress and berry-led garlands feature among the leading items this year.

Winter gardens inspire festive styling

Frosted foliage, snowdrops and hellebores are helping create a softer, winter-garden aesthetic, reflecting a move towards natural textures and understated seasonal styling.

Layering & Character decorations capture attention

When it comes to Christmas trees, layering remains key. Glass baubles, decorative bows and metallic stems & picks are being combined to create individual, curated looks.

Characterful decorations with a distinctly British countryside influence are also proving popular, with Floralsilk's Glass Land Rover decoration its most widely purchased decoration of the season, and the robin clips and picks are as popular as ever.

Still time to maximise Christmas sales

With the festive trading period approaching, Floralsilk is encouraging garden centres to review their seasonal ranges and capitalise on proven bestsellers while availability lasts.

A first look at 2027

Floralsilk’s Christmas 2027 collection will be available to order from December 2026. It introduces new themes and 100s of new items. Retailers can book a showroom appointment at their 6500 sq.ft showroom in Bourne, Lincolnshire between 1^st December to 22^nd December to preview the new ranges and place orders ahead of next season.

To top up Christmas 2026 orders or book a 2027 showroom appointment, visit Floralsilk.co.uk/trade

Email Sales@florasilk.co.uk or call 01778 425205

Investing in future talent

Choice also announced the launch of ‘Choice Champions’, a new talent programme run in partnership with Westland to attract, develop and retain the best people in horticultural retail from within the group. Around 20 colleagues from member centres will join a year-long programme of workshops and visits, and the finalists will present at next year’s conference, where the overall winner will be announced.

Kate Stenner, Choice’s Group Co-Ordinator, said: “Going it alone as an independent is harder than ever, which is why what our members have built together matters so much. There isn’t anything we don’t share: our buying power, our knowledge and our experiences, good and bad. With Choice Champions we are now investing in the people who will lead our centres for the next 25 years.”

Join the group

Choice is open to new members and will continue to grow as the right UK independent garden centres come forward. Membership offers far more than preferential terms, with members keeping complete independence.

Bay View Garden Centre, which joined in 2023, said: “We joined Choice in 2023 confident that membership would benefit our business and help us to grow. In the time since, our membership has become the ‘gift that keeps on giving’.”

Chris Cory of ACW & Woodbank Garden Centres, who joined Choice in November 2025, said: “We are really enjoying the benefits of being a member of Choice, and I only wish we had joined ten years ago. It’s such a great group to be a part of.”

Interested in finding out what membership could offer your business? Joining is relaxed and informal, starting with an open conversation. Geographical restrictions apply around existing member centres. For membership enquiries please email: info@choice-marketing.co.uk.

RocketGro continues to push industry boundaries embracing clever marketing strategies with the launch of its second TV quality advert.

RocketGro is thrilled to be able to announce the release of its second TV advert. Incorporating vibrant, eye catching, intense images and audio, RocketGro has produced a stunning second advert that takes the company up a level and places a marker down by elevating what can be done in the world of growing media.

By avoiding the traditional advert form that may be associated with the gardening sector, RocketGro is attempting to take a modern forward thinking position that embraces both the youth and the nostalgia of older generations.  

With yet more projected growth in 2027, RocketGro is making sure their marketing spend really pays off and grabs eyes across online platforms. RocketGro is not a gardening sector household name…yet. That is changing fast and the brand grows from strength to strength. More and more customers now walk into garden centres and ask if they sell RocketGro. 

Managing Director Toby Thomas commented: “We are so excited by our continued efforts to produce absorbing, engaging, ‘wow’ marketing. This second advert is another major milestone in the ongoing growth of our company. Supporting our brand and therefore our retailers with stunning marketing investment is a game changer. Consumers have embraced our fun, dynamic, innovative positioning of our brand. Coupled with our unbeatable eco story, we are a brand fit for the modern era and we are making sure we are not just future proofed, we are creating the future. Turn up the volume. RocketGro are here!’’

Watch the advert here

Find out more

If you want to learn more about RocketGro or are keen to discuss adding its product portfolio into your 2025/26 offering, please contact Toby Thomas (hello@rocketgro.co.uk /07936 928 981) or Andy Abraham (andy@rocketgro.co.uk / 07446 937902). View the full range and discover more about the RocketGro story at www.rocketgro.co.uk

The Horticultural Trades Association has joined Defra Minister Stephen Morgan MP, Defra Director General Emma Bourne OBE and UK agri-food business leaders on a trade mission to Paris, marking the first time UK environmental horticulture has been represented on a visit of this kind.

Including environmental horticulture is a significant step toward securing recognition for the sector and its potential to grow UK exports. The HTA used the opportunity to set out members’ priorities for a UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) agreement, key easements to support sector competitiveness and the action needed to help horticultural businesses compete in international markets.

The programme included a roundtable with ministers, senior officials and business leaders, followed by a reception celebrating the UK agri-food sector at the British Ambassador’s Residence in Paris.

Jennifer Pheasey, HTA Director of Policy and Public Affairs, said: “It was a privilege to represent UK environmental horticulture on a trade mission of this kind for the first time. We welcome Minister Stephen Morgan’s invitation to champion HTA members and echo our call for plants to be alongside the government’s mission for growth in our food sector. Much of the discussion focused on the imminent UK-EU Leaders’ Summit, and it was an opportunity to clearly set out HTA members' needs: swift delivery of a deal, an end to unnecessary border chaos, and support for easements and the transition to new arrangements.

“UK horticulture has a vital role to play in delivering the gardens, green spaces and green infrastructure we need to build more resilient nations. Global demand for our plants, trees, breeding expertise, and green services is strong, but businesses need the right conditions to compete and reach international markets.

“Since Brexit, UK exports of certain plants and trees to the EU have fallen by nearly half and reversing that decline must be a priority. We need prompt delivery of an SPS agreement that reduces unnecessary border friction and costs while addressing horticulture’s specific needs, including plant protection products and plant variety rights.

“An agreement is only part of the picture. The government must work with us to rebuild supply chains, restore lost export opportunities and support businesses that have invested heavily in facilities and systems to meet changing plant health requirements.

“With UK and EU leaders due to meet in Brussels on 20 November, businesses need clarity and confidence about what the agreement will mean in practice. Our members must be involved throughout negotiations and implementation.

“Meanwhile, energy and employment costs, global uncertainty and climate impacts continue to put pressure on our sector. These challenges must be addressed if we are to improve competitiveness, support growth in every UK postcode and realise the potential of UK horticultural exports.

“We welcome this invitation as recognition of environmental horticulture’s importance. The opportunity now is to turn that recognition into action and ensure our sector has a stronger voice in shaping the UK’s trading future.”

With new scholarships, international work experience and industry visits the Colegrave Seabrook Foundation Scholarships offer students and early-career horticulturists opportunities to develop their skills and build their careers.

The Colegrave Seabrook Foundation has launched its latest scholarship application season, offering students studying horticulture, plant science and related subjects a range of exciting opportunities to develop their knowledge, gain practical experience and take their next steps towards a career in the horticultural industry.

With scholarships covering a wide variety of industry specialisms and career ambitions, the Foundation aims to support the next generation of horticultural professionals, with a particular emphasis on commercial production horticulture. Alongside financial awards, many of its scholarships provide valuable opportunities to connect with industry experts, visit leading horticultural businesses and gain experience that can help shape future careers.

This year sees the introduction of the Selecta one Scholarship, offering an exciting opportunity for a student with a particular interest in plant breeding or commercial plant production for the ornamental horticultural industry. In addition to a financial award, the successful applicant will have the opportunity to visit Selecta one's world-class facility in Germany, gaining insight into the work of a leading international ornamental plant breeder.

The Foundation is also delighted to be relaunching the Markham Colegrave Scholarship, which offers a fantastic opportunity for a student, recently qualified horticulturist, or someone in the early stages of their career to gain practical experience through a paid work placement in the United States. Working in partnership with Ohio State University, the scholarship provides financial support and assistance with finding a suitable placement, obtaining the necessary visa and arranging accommodation. The experience offers an opportunity to broaden professional horizons, discover different approaches to horticulture and develop valuable international industry contacts.

For educators looking to give their students an inspiring experience beyond the classroom, the Gillian Taylor Travel Fund supports tutors and group organisers in arranging career-enhancing horticultural trips. These visits can include trade shows, commercial growers, nurseries and other horticultural establishments, helping students broaden their horizons and deepen their understanding of the industry.

These opportunities sit alongside the Foundation's established scholarships, including the highly sought after Smart Garden Products Scholarship, giving applicants a wide range of ways to develop their skills, explore different areas of horticulture and gain a better understanding of the career opportunities available to them.

The benefits extend beyond the financial award. Successful applicants can gain first-hand industry experience, build professional networks and become part of the Colegrave Seabrook Foundation alumni community, connecting them with others who share a passion for horticulture.

The Foundation encourages students studying horticulture, plant science or related subjects to explore the opportunities available and find out which scholarships best match their interests and ambitions. Tutors and educators are also encouraged to consider how the Gillian Taylor Travel Fund could help create memorable and valuable learning experiences for their students.

To find out more about the scholarships available and how to apply, visit the Colegrave Seabrook Foundation website:

www.colegraveseabrookfoundation.org.uk

The Colegrave Seabrook Foundation is the only registered charity dedicated to supporting students studying horticulture, plant science and related subjects in the UK and Ireland. Through its scholarships, bursaries and other opportunities, the Foundation helps students develop their knowledge, gain practical experience and build connections within the horticultural industry, with a particular focus on commercial production horticulture. Many of the scholarships are supported by industry sponsors to whom we are very grateful.

Ball Colegrave Scholarship sponsored by Ball Horticulture

BOA Scholarship sponsored by British Ornamental association

John Gibson Scholarship, sponsored by the Worshipful Company of Gardeners

Levington, Evergreen Garden Care scholarship, sponsored by Evergreen Garden Care

Smart Garden Products Scholarship, sponsored by Smart Garden Products

The Selecta one Scholarship, sponsored by Selecta one

The Gillian Taylor Travel Fund, sponsored by Gillian Taylor

Hillier Garden Centres is getting ready for a busy festive season, with a packed programme of Christmas events, seasonal experiences and retail offerings planned across its portfolio.

The Christmas programme will officially get underway with three special evening events, designed to give customers the opportunity to enjoy festive displays and Christmas shopping after hours. The first, the Christmas Launch Night on 3 November, will mark the start of the season, followed by dedicated Festive Food and Christmas Shopping evenings at select centres, throughout November and December. 

Christmas trees will arrive at the centres towards the end of November, with thousands of UK-grown trees available for customers to choose from, alongside exclusive discounts available for Hillier Gardening Club members. 

Food and drink will take centre stage this year, with the Hillier restaurants serving a seasonal festive menu throughout the Christmas period. Customers can enjoy festive two-course lunches or a Christmas afternoon tea, providing an opportunity to turn Christmas shopping into a full, festive day out.

The Hillier programme of Christmas workshops and experiences will also return, including its wreath-making workshops. The workshops have already proved highly popular, with some sessions selling out ahead of the festive season, demonstrating continued demand for hands-on Christmas experiences led by Hillier experts.

Following its success last year, Breakfast with Santa will also return, offering families the chance to enjoy a festive breakfast and meet the man himself. 

Carl Milton, Retail Director at Hillier, who brings a wealth of retail experience, said: “Christmas is such an important and exciting time in the garden centre calendar, and we’re looking forward to bringing a really strong programme of events and experiences to our customers this year.

“We hope visitors will be impressed by the breadth of our Christmas offering and the passion of our teams to creating memorable experiences in all our centres. From our evening events and Christmas trees through to our restaurants, workshops and family experiences, we've created a programme designed to give customers plenty of reasons to visit Hillier and return throughout the festive season.

“We know that customers are looking for more when Christmas shopping, and our aim is to make Hillier a destination where they can enjoy the full festive experience.” 

With its combination of Christmas retail, events, food and family experiences, Hillier is expecting another strong festive season across its garden centre portfolio. 

For further information about Hillier and its Christmas events, visit www.hillier.co.uk

Bramblecrest, the leading premium garden furniture brand, is celebrating after being named Employer of the Year at the prestigious South West 250 Awards last week.

The region-wide awards run by Insider Media, the UK’s largest regional B2B media and news site, celebrate the top high-performing privately-owned businesses across a broad range of sectors within the South West. The awards programme recognises exceptional growth, business resilience, sustained commercial growth, regional impact and market leadership.

The highly coveted 'Employer of the Year' category, one of only six awards from the awards ceremony held in Bristol on Tuesday evening, shortlisted companies that place culture, employee wellbeing, and staff engagement at the heart of their operational success.

Johnny Sparkes, Director and Head of Product at Bramblecrest, comments on the momentous win: "We are incredibly proud to receive this award as Employer of the Year. It is a testament to the hard work, passion, and collaborative spirit of our entire team.  

“As we transition to an Employee Ownership Trust, the process has only supercharged our commitment to putting our people first. We have a shared vision and a culture where everyone has a voice in shaping our future. Our customers experience that commitment first-hand, working with a team personally invested in our success and empowered to make a real impact.

“To be recognised by such a prestigious regional business awards programme reinforces our belief that putting people first drives business success.”

The major business growth accolade follows Bramblecrest’s industry-wide recognition at SOLEX this summer where the brand also scooped the coveted SOLEX 2026 Best Furniture Product Award. This top honour was awarded for its innovative industry-first design of the Bramblecrest Bench.

Bramblecrest embarked on its transition to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) in 2023, believed to be a first within the outdoor furniture sector and marking a landmark chapter in the company’s development. The move underlines its commitment to putting people first, enabling employees to benefit from the business’s long-term success and play a central role in shaping its future.

Having celebrated its 25th anniversary last year, the British owned and designed Cotswold-based brand continues to grow and thrive, especially as a leader for the garden retail sector, spotlighting the sector amidst the fierce competition faced in the SW250 Awards such as the long-established Hunts Food Group and British cosmetics retailer Lush, in the same category.

As a long-standing champion of quality and innovation within the garden retail industry, Bramblecrest plans to carry this momentum into the upcoming season. The 2027 season will see new launches and extensions across established collections, while strengthening its position as a people‑focused business, investing in long‑term thinking, collaboration and product development.

The new and exclusive Diddly Squat Farm x Blue Diamond Garden Centres garden gifting collection is now available exclusively in all Blue Diamond Garden Centres and Diddly Squat Farm Shop, and Diamond Club customers have the chance to win an unforgettable Diddly Squat Farm Experience.

The countdown to Christmas has begun, and there’s a little bit of Diddly Squat Farm arriving in gardens across the country. Blue Diamond Garden Centres and Diddly Squat Farm are bringing their exclusive, co-produced garden gifting collection to customers, with a range of practical, playful and distinctly different gifts for gardeners, growers and fans of the farm.

And there’s an extra reason to get shopping. Diamond Club customers who make a qualifying purchase from the garden gifting collection by 30 November 2026  inclusive will automatically be entered into a prize draw for the chance to win a Diddly Squat Farm Experience.

The prize promises a memorable countryside escape, including a visit to Diddly Squat Farm Shop, lunch for two at The Farmer’s Dog, an overnight stay for two and a £50 voucher to spend at the farm shop.

Something a little different for the garden

Following the success of the Diddly Squat Farm Rosé Rose, which launched at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026, the new collection brings together Blue Diamond’s horticultural expertise and Diddly Squat Farm’s distinctive personality and connection to British farming.

Exclusive to Blue Diamond Garden Centres and Diddly Squat Farm Shop, the collection offers something for everyone, whether they love growing their own, enjoy attracting wildlife into the garden or simply want a Christmas gift with a little more character.

Highlights include Diddly Squat Farm Seedy Balls, available in Bee, Wildflower and Shady mixes, for an easy way to introduce more flowers into the garden; the innovative Fruit & Nut Bar for birds and bespoke feeder, inspired by Jeremy Clarkson’s love of British birds; and the award-winning Plantable Garden Planner, packed with gardening tips, a gardener’s logbook and 12 plantable seed papers.

For a festive twist, the 12 Days of Christmas Flower Seed Calendar combines a Christmas countdown with flower seeds to grow, a special surprise and the opportunity to enter a separate competition, for details please visit bluediamond.gg. There are also plantable Christmas cards and a plantable notebook, colourful spring-flowering bulb mixes of Daffs and Tulips, the striking Amaryllis ‘Candy Cane’ personally christened by Lisa Hogan and the Flaming Hot Mug, which starts life as a chilli-growing kit before becoming a drinking mug.

It’s a collection designed to be grown, planted, enjoyed and gifted – with plenty of Diddly Squat Farm humour along the way.

Shop, enter and win

The Diamond Club competition gives Blue Diamond customers an added incentive to discover the new collection. Every qualifying purchase made by a Diamond Club customer during the promotional period, which closes on 30 November 2026, will count as an entry into the prize draw.

Customers who are not yet Diamond Club members can join for free online or in store to enjoy exclusive offers, news, events and gardening inspiration, as well as the chance to take part in this competition.

Alan Roper, Chief Executive of Blue Diamond Garden Centres, said:

“Following the success of the Diddly Squat Farm Rosé Rose, we have now launched an innovative and exclusive collection of garden gifts, just in time for Christmas.

The products are practical, unique and have a clear connection to gardening and the countryside. We expect they will appeal to both gardeners and Diddly Squat fans looking for something a little different this Christmas and I am sure these products will appear under many of the nation’s Christmas trees this year.”

Lisa Hogan, Co-Founder of Diddly Squat Farm Shop, said:

“We have really enjoyed working with Blue Diamond to bring this collection to life. There is something rather satisfying about creating Christmas presents that can actually be grown, planted or used in the garden. We hope the range brings a bit of fun to Christmas shopping and, of course, a bit of Diddly Squat to gardens across the country.”

The collection is now available exclusively in all Blue Diamond Garden Centres and in the Diddly Squat Farm Shop.

For more information, visit bluediamond.gg and diddlysquatfarmshop.com

The arrival of the poinsettia in store is the signal to customers that the Christmas season has begun. Poinsettias are a brilliant way to create eye catching displays and Christmas theatre in store.  Helping you to upsell and drive gift sales. Here is how to make the most of it.

For many shoppers, the poinsettia is a habit purchase: a red Christmas plant, picked up near the till, taken home because it is December. But many retailers are missing an opportunity – especially this year as deep red berry shades are on trend. Using the poinsettia as a hero product merchandisers can build around this Christmas staple by adding other colour varieties and mixing in berry toned interior pieces such as cosy throws and candles. Deep raspberry, cranberry, plum and soft blush pinks feel current, sit beautifully alongside on-trend interiors and give the display team a richer palette to work with than a single wall of scarlet. They also open a conversation with customers who think they already know what a poinsettia looks like.

The opportunity is not to replace classic red, which customers still expect and which anchors any range, but to build around it. 

Merchandising: six ideas to try

1. Build a berry colour block. Group plants in a graded run from blush pink through raspberry and cranberry to deep plum. A single, confident colour gradient stops shoppers in a way a mixed bench rarely does, and it photographs well for your own social channels.

2. Play with height and scale. Mix mini plants, standard pots and larger specimens, and lift some onto crates, tiered stands or upturned pots. Varying height turns a flat bench into a feature and lets you show the full range at a glance.

3. Dress the table, not just the bench. Set up a festive dining table with berry poinsettias as the centrepiece, alongside napkins, candles, glassware and crackers from elsewhere in the store. Customers see the plant in context and you create natural links to other departments.

4. Pair with seasonal companions. Berry tones sit well with silver and grey foliage, frosted eucalyptus, ivy, skimmia and white cyclamen. Mixed planters and bowls give customers a ready-made arrangement and lift the average spend.

5. Coordinate the pot. Berry shades look striking in brushed gold, copper, matt cream and deep green containers. Show a few pre-potted combinations so customers can picture the finished look, and keep matching covers within arm's reach.

6. Confident Merchandising. Give poinsettias a clearly signed home, ideally away from doors and draughts, rather than scattering them near the tills. A dedicated area tells customers this is a plant worth choosing carefully, and it protects plant quality too.

Care advice as a sales tool

When a poinsettia wilts, the cause is often what happens shortly after purchase. Good care advice protects the plant, builds trust in your plant offer and brings customers back next year. It is also one of the simplest ways for a garden centre to show expertise that a supermarket cannot match.

The key messages for customers are straightforward:

• Wrap it for the journey. Poinsettias dislike cold, so a sleeve or paper wrap on the way home matters, even for a short trip. Offer it at the till as standard.
• Choose a warm, bright spot. A light room away from cold draughts, radiators and open fires suits them best.
• Water little and often. Water when the top of the compost feels dry, and never leave the pot standing in water.
• Keep it away from the fruit bowl. Ripening fruit can shorten the life of the display.

Ways to bring that advice to the shop floor:

• Simple, attractive care cards tucked into every pot or sleeve
• Bench signage with three or four headline tips, written in a friendly tone
• A short briefing for weekend and seasonal staff so every team member can answer the questions customers ask most
• A care tip printed on gift tags, so the advice travels with the plant to the person receiving it
• A scannable code on signage linking to a short care video or web page

Gifting potential

Poinsettias are among the most giftable plants of the year: affordable, instantly festive and suitable for almost anyone. Berry shades add a sense of something a little more special than the expected red.

• Gift-ready presentation. Offer a selection already wrapped in coordinated paper, ribbon and a tag, so customers can pick up and go.
• Bundles at clear price points. Pair a poinsettia with a pot cover, a candle or a box of chocolates from your food hall at set prices. Bundles make decisions easy for time-pressed shoppers.
• The hostess gift. Position minis and small pots as the ideal thank you for a festive lunch or party, merchandised near cards and wrap.
• Corporate and bulk orders. Local offices, care homes, hotels, restaurants and churches all decorate for Christmas. A simple order form and a delivery offer can open a valuable stream of trade.
• Buy one to keep, one to give. A multibuy on smaller sizes encourages customers to treat themselves as well as someone else.

Beyond the shop floor

Poinsettias work hardest when they are treated as part of the whole festive experience, not just a line on a bench.

• Workshops and events. A festive planter or table centrepiece workshop built around berry poinsettias is easy to run, sells tickets and sends every guest home as an advocate.
• The café. A poinsettia on every table, with a small sign pointing to the display, turns the café into a showroom.
• Social media. Berry colour blocks, styled tables and staff sharing their favourite care tip all make strong, shareable content. A short video series on styling one plant three ways works well across Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.
• Customer clubs and newsletters. Share a care tip and a styling idea with loyalty members, with an incentive to visit.
• Charity tie-ins. A donation from each sale of a featured colour gives customers an extra reason to choose your plants and creates a local story.

Webb Garden Power is expanding its range for 2027, bringing retailers new opportunities in robotic mowing, cordless garden care and watering, alongside additions to its petrol lawnmower line-up.

The launches build on Webb’s commitment to good quality garden machinery at affordable prices, giving stockists a wider choice of products to offer customers seeking practical features and value for money.

Leading the additions are Webb Eco Drop & Mow 20V Robotic Lawnmowers, with models for lawns up to 200m² and 400m². With no boundary wires, app or fixed charging station required, users insert the battery, place the mower on the lawn and start mowing. Camera-based navigation helps detect grass, paths, flower beds, lawn edges and objects, while the portable design allows movement between separate lawns. The Recommended Retail Price (RRP), which includes the battery and charger, is £349.99 and £399.99 respectively.

For petrol lawn mowers, which remain popular amongst more traditional gardeners, new Webb Supreme 48cm and 53cm self-propelled models will be launched featuring aluminium decks and four swing-tip blades. The 48cm mower combines a Briggs & Stratton 750e Series engine with variable-speed drive, while the 53cm version uses a 225cc Rato engine and three-speed shaft drive.

Following the launch of the Webb Eco 40V series for medium to large gardens in 2026, a new Tiller will be added to this cordless range.  It combines a 600W brushless motor with a 40cm working width and cultivation depth of up to 20cm for beds, borders and vegetable plots.

Webb Eco 7.2V Cordless Secateurs, weighing just 0.8kg yet able to cut softwood growth up to 22mm thick, will be released in 2027 and is expected to generate a lot of interest.  These ergonomically designed secateurs help reduce hand effort during repetitive pruning.

Last but not last, watering and spraying additions have been announced for 2027 in the form of the Webb Eco 20V Cordless Water Pump, Webb 12V Cordless Water Butt Pump and Webb 12V Cordless Sprayers in 8- and 20-litre capacities. The 20-litre sprayer can be pulled as a trolley or worn as a knapsack, with battery-powered operation removing the need for manual pumping.

Mark Moseley, Sales & Marketing Director at Handy, which owns the Webb Garden Power brand, comments: “Retailers need products that give customers a clear reason to buy, backed by quality they can feel confident recommending. That is where Webb sits in the market: well-made garden machinery with useful features, at an affordable price point.

“For 2027, we are giving our retail partners more ways to meet their customers’ needs, from an accessible approach to robotic mowing through to cordless tools for everyday garden tasks. Just as importantly, we want to help stockists identify the right mix for their customers and make the most of these additions.

“We are looking forward to working with our retailers as they plan for 2027 and to building on the relationships that continue to drive Webb’s growth.”

Retailer support includes point of sale options, sales and marketing assistance, spare parts backup and aftersales support. Stockists can explore the 2027 Pre-Season Range & Pricing brochure through their Handy trade account, or contact their Regional Sales Manager. For further information, email sales@handys.co.uk or visit handytrade.co.uk

GTN September-October 2026. In this issue: Exclusive Interview with Sam Dickson MD at Squires, Fantastic at Food - GTN’s Greatest Restaurant & Food Hall Team Award winners, Wall art additions at Woodmansterne, Launch of the 2026 Greatest Christmas Awards, Report from the annual HTA Conference, Glee 2026 review, All the New Product Award winners at Glee, GTN In conversation with Dobbies CEO at Glee, Glee exhibitor news, Floral Thursday for Greenfingers at Glee, Zig Zag retailers - Adapt or Die, Retailing with values - GCA Viewpoint, Unforgettable messages - HTA Viewpoint.

GTN Magazine is printed and mailed to Garden Retailing and Garden Industry professionals in the UK. To receive a printed copy please e-mail trevor@pottingshedpress.co.uk

GIMA Buyers Guide & New Product Digest - Autumn 2026 - A valuable reference for the UK Garden Trade

New Products for the UK Garden Trade for 2027 from GIMA Members: Altico, Angro, Auto Pot Global, Backdoor Shoes, Bees Seeds, Burgon & Ball, Cerland, Charles Bentley, Claber SPA, Durstons, Ecoo BV, elho, Emerald Eternal Green BV, Evergreen Garden Care, Floramadia, GreenKey, Glee, GRDN Living, Greenman Garden Tools, Handy, Hortiwool, Husqvarna, Jeyes, Johnsons Lawn Seeds, Lava-Lite, Lodi UK, Lohas Fertilliser, LV Bespoke, Meadow View Stone, Melcourt, Mims Pottery, Museums & Galleries Ltd, Norfolk Leisure, PlantWork, Sipcam, Super Ninja, The MAD Company, Toro, Vitavia, Vita, Woodmansterne, Zero - STV, Zest and the GIMA Member Directory.

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Fothergill’s recently joined with Sefton Council to provide as many schools as possible with seed packets that they could use to create green spaces, however small.

Educational settings are increasingly expected to develop sustainability plans covering decarbonisation, adaptation and resilience, biodiversity, and climate education and green careers, in line with the Department for Education's expectations.

As Oliver Stenson from the Council told us: “For many children across Sefton, school provides one of their main opportunities to connect with nature. Some schools have very limited outdoor space, and a small number have little or no meaningful green space on site, making opportunities such as this particularly valuable.”

The donation removed a financial barrier for schools at a time when budgets continue to face significant pressure, enabling them to undertake projects that may otherwise not have been possible.

The donation reached more than 36,000 pupils across around 100 educational institutions and the seeds have helped create habitats for wildlife and support pollinators such as bees and butterflies. It has helped children connect with nature first-hand and develop a greater understanding of the environment around them.

Schools have used the seeds for both biodiversity and food-growing projects, helping pupils learn where their food comes from and gain practical growing skills. The hands-on learning opportunities bring environmental education to life and help pupils understand their role in protecting the natural world.

Oliver continues: “Having recently visited several schools and spoken to staff about the donation, I found they were genuinely delighted to receive the seeds. One school specifically asked whether sunflower seeds could be included, as they were hoping to run a sunflower-growing competition with their children.”

The seeds were distributed across nursery, primary and secondary schools, colleges and special schools.

Jayne Wilson from Merefield Schools said of the seeds that they received: “They were distributed around the whole of the school as the topic for the term was "Growing". The planting, monitoring, caring and measuring of the seeds were all part of the pupils work. The children thoroughly enjoyed the topic and watching the seeds grow. Thank you for your kind donation.”

Bents Garden & Home’s horticultural heritage continues to flourish as John Bent, 93, is recognised for his years of fundraising, donating more than £25,000 to charity through the National Garden Scheme.

Brothers Ron and John took over the family business from their parents Alfred and Margaret Bent, but when John left the business in the 1980s he dedicated his time to the creation of Weeping Ash, a beautiful garden located next to the centre which has now received a special recognition from the National Garden Scheme (NGS).

Now aged 93, John has been opening Weeping Ash Garden to visitors as part of the NGS for 34 years, raising more than £25,000 for the nursing and caring charities supported by the scheme.

John’s contribution was recently celebrated at a special presentation attended by Marian and Brian Jones, NGS County Organisers for Lancashire, Merseyside and Greater Manchester, and Jan Bashforth, NGS County Organiser for neighbouring Cheshire. The High Sheriff of Greater Manchester, Mark Llewellin, presented John with a certificate in recognition of his remarkable fundraising achievement.

Weeping Ash Garden is particularly admired for its winter and spring planting, offering colour, interest and inspiration across the seasons. By opening it to visitors through the National Garden Scheme, John has combined his lifelong love of gardening with a lasting contribution to good causes.

Matthew Bent, Managing Director of Bents Garden & Home and a member of the third generation of the Bent family, said: “We’re incredibly proud of our Uncle John and everything he has achieved through his garden. To have opened Weeping Ash to the public for 34 years and raised more than £25,000 for such worthwhile causes is a fantastic achievement.

“At 93, John gets a little help with the garden’s upkeep, but he can still often be found tending to and enjoying the garden he has lovingly developed over many years. His passion for plants and the pleasure he gets from sharing his garden with others are an inspiration to us all.”

John’s recognition comes at a special time for the Bent family, as Bents Garden & Home looks ahead to its 90th anniversary in 2027. From Alfred and Margaret’s original rose growing business to the destination centre it is today, the family’s story has always been rooted in a love of plants, gardening and bringing people together.

Spring & Autumn Fair has re-launched Inside Retail, a year-round retail content platform designed to provide 24/7, 365-day insight into the industry, with a new fortnightly podcast available at https://www.springfair.com/retail-news/retail-news-podcasts.

Created to extend the conversation beyond the Spring Fair and Autumn Fair show floors, Inside Retail will bring together retailers, buyers, brands, industry experts and thought leaders to explore the ideas and issues shaping retail now and next.

The new Podcast will form a key part of the platform, with episodes spanning retail trends, consumer behaviour, technology, independent retail, fashion, licensing, social commerce and the future of the high street. The series will feature a mix of retail leaders and practitioners, giving listeners access to perspectives and experiences from across the industry.

The podcast will launch with Ami Rabheru, retail strategist and founder of Retail Huddle, followed by British fashion designer and retail entrepreneur Jeff Banks, and Charlotte Broadbent, Head of International Partnerships and Marketing at Faire, whose career has spanned investment, luxury retail, retail operations and independent retail. The series will be hosted by members of the Spring & Autumn Fair team including Jackson Szabo, Fay Tranter, Matthew Mein and Morgan Swinford, with episodes designed to be practical, provocative and relevant to the realities facing retailers and brands today.

What does the retailer of the future actually look like?

Kicking off the series, Ami Rabheru will explore what is really happening in retail as businesses look towards 2027. Her episode will examine what retailers are most worried about and what is genuinely exciting them, alongside changing consumer behaviour, the role of physical stores, technology and the challenges facing independent retailers.

The episode will also introduce a new recurring feature, Buy or Bye, in which each guest is presented with a real product and asked for an instant verdict: would they buy it, or give it a bye? The feature explores not only the product itself, but what makes consumers pick something up, what makes them put it back and what it says about the wider retail landscape. Ami will be challenged with a £300 AI-powered smart shopping trolley.

What can 50+ years in fashion teach us about surviving change?

The second episode, launching on 29th October, sees Jeff Banks reflect on more than five decades at the heart of British fashion. With a career spanning generations of change in fashion and retail, Jeff will discuss what it takes to build a brand that lasts, how the industry has evolved and the balance between creativity and commercial reality.

The conversation will also explore the changing relationship between online and physical retail and what today's designers and retailers can learn from previous generations as they navigate a rapidly changing market. Jeff will also take part in Buy or Bye, giving his verdict on a £500 designer suit bought entirely online and considering whether this represents the future of fashion retail.

What are retailers actually buying?

The third episode, launching on 12th November, welcomes Charlotte Broadbent of Faire to explore the data behind the future of independent retail.

Charlotte sits at the intersection of retail, technology and independent business, with experience spanning investment and luxury retail before moving to Faire, where she works closely with independent retailers and brands across the UK and beyond. Her episode will explore what millions of wholesale transactions can reveal about what retailers are actually buying, and which trends could become significantly bigger over the next 12 months. The conversation will also examine the return of individuality in retail, the rise of AI and where technology can genuinely help smaller businesses compete, while considering where retailers should continue to prioritise the human touch.

A year-round retail conversation

Following the launch episodes, the podcast will continue with a programme of guests and subjects, including Alison Battisby, founder of Avocado Social, discussing social media, creators, social commerce and AI; Laura Rudoe, founder of Evolve Beauty, exploring purpose-led brands and the conscious consumer; Steve Manners of Licensing International, examining the growing commercial opportunity in licensing; and John Abbate of Westminster City Council, looking at the future of the high street.

Episodes will be released fortnightly across Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube, as well as being hosted prominently on the Inside Retail platform.

The aim is to build a year-round connection and community that extends beyond the Spring Fair and Autumn Fair show floor, creating an ongoing source of insight and inspiration for independent retailers, buyers, decision-makers, brands and the wider retail community.

Fay Tranter, Event Director of Spring Fair says, “Inside Retail is about keeping the retail conversation going all year round. Our shows bring the industry together face to face, but the conversations, challenges and opportunities facing retailers don't stop when the doors close. We wanted to create a platform that gives the industry access to great people, useful insight and fresh thinking 365 days a year. The podcast gives us the opportunity to have deeper, more honest conversations with the people shaping retail, from retailers and founders to technology experts, designers and industry leaders. We want listeners to come away with something they can think about, question or take back to their business.”

With new episodes every two weeks and a growing programme of guests, Inside Retail will provide an always-on platform for the conversations shaping the industry, connecting the retail community between the shows and keeping the ideas, insight and inspiration moving throughout the year.

Listen and find out more: https://www.springfair.com/retail-news/retail-news-podcasts

The Bransford Webbs Plant Company, New Leaf Plants and Frank P Matthews Trees are joining forces once again to bring you an inspiring day of talks and tours from three renowned British Growers to kickstart your 2027 season. 

Taking place on Wednesday 24th and Thursday 25th February 2027 at The Bransford Webbs Plant Company, the day will feature a comprehensive tour of the new developments at the Worcester based site including the newly completed 5700m² EnviroPro Multispan tunnel, along with the groundbreaking ErfGoed floor system.  

New Leaf Plants will take you on an inspirational exploration of their new products and ranges for the coming season and introduce you to their new and must have lines for your plantarea, whilst Frank P Matthews are eager to share with you their future plans as they look to build on their successful 125 year celebratory year in 2026 with a raft of new introductions and promotions for the year ahead. 

“We are delighted to welcome our customers, alongside our industry colleagues from New Leaf and Frank P Matthews, back to Bransford”, commented David Chilvers, Bransford Webbs Sales and Marketing Director. “Since the event was last held here in 2023, we have continued to invest in growing environments designed to meet the changing needs of the market while reducing our environmental impact. This is an ongoing journey, and we look forward to sharing some of the developments we have made, the work currently under way and our plans for the future.”

If you are interested in attending our open event, places are free of charge but are limited and do include hospitality, please follow the link to book your place now https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/82yYZ9Njn8?origin=lprLink or contact suzanne@bransfordwebbs.co.uk if you have any questions. 

Denbighshire County Council’s Tree Nursery is successfully propagating vital native Aspen trees to assist with biodiversity, carbon capture and climate resilience initiatives…and Air-Pot containers are playing a key role.

The nursery has produced around 100 rapid carbon-capturing Aspen trees in three litre Air-Pot containers with plants reaching 120-180cm tall and demonstrating exceptional root development and vigorous growth.

Keegan Blazey, a Tree Nursery Officer from DCC’s Ecology and Biodiversity Team, explains: “As part of our work to address the climate and nature emergencies declared by the Welsh Government, we’re using techniques developed by Aspen specialist Dr Jenny Wong, Honorary Lecturer at Bangor University and Director of Wild Resources Ltd, to propagate Aspen.

“Aspen (Populus tremula) is increasingly recognised as a valuable species for future landscapes because it can tolerate both drought and flooding, supports a wide range of wildlife and can rapidly capture carbon. The species also plays an important role in flood mitigation and is a preferred food source for European beavers.

“Often described as second only to oak for biodiversity value, it also has significant potential to help replace some of the ecological functions being lost through ash dieback.”

As climate conditions become increasingly unpredictable, with growers needing trees capable of withstanding both hotter summers and colder winters, experts believe greater tree diversity will be essential to building resilience into future landscapes. Aspen is viewed as an important part of that mix due to its wide natural climatic range and ability to establish across varied environments.

Keegan continues: “Air-Pot containers have been instrumental in establishing strong, healthy root systems, giving these important trees the best possible chance to thrive and helping us maximise the environmental benefits they can deliver.”

At DCC’s Tree Nursery, root cuttings were collected from a flowering female Aspen stand and propagated using techniques developed by Dr Wong. Root sections were initially placed in Air-Pot propagation trays and grown in carefully selected growing media to encourage healthy shoot production.

Aspen can be challenging to propagate because male and female trees often exist in fragmented populations and successful seed production can be limited. As a result, specialist propagation from root cuttings and shoots is often required to increase tree numbers for conservation and restoration projects.

Once rooted, young plants were transferred into three litre Air-Pot containers, where they achieved remarkable growth rates of approximately one metre within a month. The nursery team found the containers encouraged the development of dense, fibrous root systems while preventing root circling and girdling.

Strong root establishment is particularly important for Aspen, which naturally develops extensive underground rhizome networks. The Air-Pot system enables roots to fully colonise the growing medium, helping plants continue growing until the available soil volume is fully utilised.

Dr Wong says: “Over the past few years we have been developing a low-tech technique for propagating Aspen from root shoots for planting out in Eryri National Park. We are delighted to see Keegan putting the training into practice and achieving such impressive results. After only a few months, Denbighshire’s young Aspen trees are already ready for planting out. Aethnen eto indeed!

“Aspen is a remarkable native species which may have been present in Britain since the last Ice Age. It can thrive from sea level to mountain environments, supports exceptional biodiversity and has an important role to play in both climate adaptation and conservation. We need a broader diversity of tree species in our landscapes to build resilience for an uncertain future climate.”

Aspen is regarded as a keystone species and an ecosystem engineer, supporting a rich array of insects, mammals, fungi and lichens. Fast growing and capable of creating natural green firebreaks, Aspen can also provide a sustainable fibre source for paper production.

The species is also the preferred food source of European beavers. With beavers expected to become part of future conservation work associated with the nursery, DCC is growing Aspen to support both habitat creation and biodiversity enhancement projects.

The nursery’s experience has also highlighted the importance of root development in helping young trees cope with increasingly challenging weather conditions. While bare-root Aspen planted on the site’s nature reserve did not survive recent heatwaves, container-grown Air-Pot specimens have continued to develop robust root systems that are expected to improve establishment and reduce transplant shock when planted out.

As demand grows for tree species capable of withstanding both drought and flooding, Aspen offers significant potential for climate adaptation projects across the UK. DCC believes Air-Pot technology can help overcome some of the challenges associated with propagating and establishing the species at scale.

Georgie Single, Sales & Marketing Representative at Air-Pot, says: “We are so proud and absolutely delighted we have been involved in this vital work. Projects such as this demonstrate how healthy root development can support both conservation goals and climate adaptation objectives by giving trees the strongest possible start in life.”

Air-Pot containers are pioneering root-air-pruning technology designed to produce healthy, vigorous root systems for plants of all sizes.

They are designed to eliminate root circling, promote a strong fibrous root system and support long-term plant resilience.

Used by growers, nurseries, botanic gardens and research institutions worldwide, the system enhances growth, resilience and long-term plant performance.

By promoting stronger root development during the nursery phase, Air-Pot® containers are helping DCC produce healthier, more resilient trees capable of contributing to biodiversity enhancement, carbon sequestration and long-term landscape resilience.

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

Stonehouse in Bloom, Gloucestershire, has won the RHS Britain in Bloom UK Finals Competition 2026 with all residents taking on the role of ‘tree custodians’ within the self-designated ‘arboretum’.

With a long history fighting for local woodland and tree planting, Stonehouse created and oversaw local government adoption of its Community Arboretum Management Plan which sets out a framework whereby public and private landowners, renters and community groups can help Stonehouse leverage the benefits of trees for people and planet and contribute to the area’s ambitious plan to achieve tree canopy coverage of 30% by 2040.

Unlike a traditional arboretum confined to a single site, Stonehouse's Community Arboretum is defined by the town's boundaries and includes every tree, whether on public or private land. Internationally recognised and held up as best practice by the UK government, the management plan prioritises the establishment of healthy trees over the quantity planted, with diversity in species a core consideration in future proofing the town. There are approximately 150 tree species growing in the town with climate resilient species including London plane, Tibetan cherry and swamp cypress.

Among the targets listed in the management plan is for at least 95% of newly planted trees to reach maturity. To this end local people are encouraged to play an active role as tree wardens, helping to water them while also contributing to species selection for future plantings. Reflecting the community's collective ownership of the arboretum, cuttings from the town's iconic Globe Willow – a weeping willow planted in 1921 to absorb excess water around a natural spring - are now growing in residents' gardens following major pruning of the storm-damaged tree in 2024.

Throughout judging, Stonehouse in Bloom showcased how horticulture and nature recovery are woven through the town. Judges were taken on a boat trip along the canal, highlighting its importance as a wildlife corridor for species including water voles and otters, and celebrating the community’s effort in restoring Stonehouse’s identity as a historic canal town. The judges praised the group’s horticultural achievements, particularly in adapting planting combinations around the town dependent on exposure to wind and sun, including dry beds filled with agapanthus, Mexican fleabane and lavender.

44 groups were selected to compete in the UK finals, having impressed Bloom judges in the regional arm of the competition. The finalists competed to win in one of eight categories as well for an RHS award: gold, silver gilt, silver or bronze.

Stonehouse in Bloom secured an RHS Gold and won in the Small Town category for which they were entered, going on to be crowned Overall Winner. The results were unveiled at a ceremony in Rochdale Town Hall this afternoon.

Darren Share, Chair of the Britain in Bloom judges, said: “Huge congratulations to Stonehouse, worthy winners of the Britan in Bloom UK Finals 2026. It’s fantastic to see how much the group is investing in its urban forest and the real community effort behind it. They are an inspiring reminder that Bloom groups can have a real and lasting impact, enhancing local environments and leaving a legacy that reaches far beyond their own communities.”

The care of trees was a strong theme for finalists across the UK this year, demonstrating the important role they play in the fight against climate change as well as their cultural significance. Rugby in Bloom worked with Warwickshire Wildlife Trust to secure over 5,000 trees for 25 farmers across the region, which helped restore and create 810 metres of hedgerow. Elsewhere the group planted 60 trees - quince, apple, pear, and a range of stone fruits including local heritage varieties - to create a community orchard. Meanwhile Wrexham in Bloom has involved schools in its community tree planting programmes to inspire long-term environmental stewardship and Portishead in Bloom enlisted the help of Duke of Edinburgh students in clearing tree pits in their community orchard.

Sarah Galvin, RHS Head of National Community Programmes, said: “We have been so impressed by the achievements of this year’s finalists. After a summer of consecutive heatwaves and drought, engaging communities in hands-on approaches to tackling the climate crisis has never felt more urgent. This is the power of Britain in Bloom and the wider community gardening movement: turning practical local action into lasting environmental and social impact, while inspiring others to do the same.”

Other notable winners include:

• Wrexham in Bloom, winner of the Small City & City category, shone in their environmental efforts. The Wrexham Litter Pickers - engaging all ages from children to over 80s - have filled 41,000 bags of rubbish since 2021 and 9,000 this year alone. Elsewhere, 1125 hedgehog boxes have been given to the local community, as well as the installation of swift boxes made by volunteers using recycled wood.
• North Berwick in Bloom, winner of the Coastal category, have demonstrated resilience as a group in responding to the stormy conditions in the region. Volunteers from the group have been planting Maram grass into the sand dunes to reduce erosion.
• Community Champion Lisa Oulton is Director and Founder of Dover-based Future Foundry CIC, which works with young people aged 10–25 to build confidence and skills through creative and cultural practice. Through connecting with Dover in Bloom, more young people have had the opportunity to work directly with nature by planting native species, restoring habitats and improving green spaces.
• Young Champion Florence has worked hard on projects that help connect people with nature in Fletching, East Sussex. A highlight is her community buzz box, which saw Florence transform a disused phone box into an engaging hub for exploring the local environment, featuring identification charts, magnifying glasses, and even a seed swap station.

For the full list of Britain in Bloom results, please visit: www.rhs.org.uk/get-involved/britain-in-bloom/bloom-awards-results

New figures published today have highlighted the UK’s dependence on imported trees despite increasing demand for woodland creation, greener towns and cities, and nature recovery. Campaigners say the reliance on overseas-grown stock represents a missed opportunity to support British businesses and build a strong domestic tree production sector, resilience to foreign disease and pests, and capacity to meet future demand.

The figures show that 85 million tree and shrubs worth £229 million were imported in 2025. While the number of imported trees and shrubs has fallen, the overall volume imported has seen a less significant drop, suggesting a continuing reliance on imports of larger, mature trees. The trend points to a potential gap in domestic production capacity and reinforces calls for greater support for domestic nurseries to capture a greater share of a growing market, and strengthen resilience of our mature tree supply chain.

The announcement has promoted renewed calls from the Strong Roots partnership for greater action to boost the production of trees in Britain. The partnership is an alliance between leading environmental and horticultural organisations, the Woodland Trust, the Horticultural Trades Association, National Trust and the Royal Horticultural Society. 

They say that with increased government support, British tree nurseries could help secure the supply of trees needed for future planting ambitions, while supporting economic growth and creating opportunities for growers to expand and invest with confidence.

Increasing domestic tree production could also help improve tree equity by making it easier to bring trees to the urban communities that need them the most. Access to tree cover remains uneven across the UK, with many neighbourhoods missing out on the environmental, health, and social benefits that trees provide.

The Strong Roots report, published last year, found that Britain imported 128.5 million trees and shrubs worth £280 million in 2023, despite strong demand for British-grown stock and ambitious national tree planting targets. The report also highlighted the economic benefits of the horticultural industry, currently worth an estimated £2.6 billion.

The figures come just days after parliamentarians and industry representitives met at a joint meeting of the APPGs on Trees and Horticulture to discuss the future of domestic tree production. Participants heard that British growers continue to face barriers including market uncertainty, skills shortages and limited support for expanding production.

In light of the latest figures, and building on the recommendations set out in their joint report, the organisations are calling on the UK and devolved governments to assess how many of the imported trees could be produced domestically and develop a clear plan to increase domestic tree production for productive and ornamental trees.

The Strong Roots partnership of organisations is also calling on the governments to commit to the domestic supply chain to allow British nurseries to invest with confidence, recruit skilled staff while also insulating against tree disease and pests from abroad.

Alex Mayer MP, Chair of the APPG for Woods and Trees, said: “We have a Government committed to tree planting. To realise that ambition nurseries need the confidence to plan ahead, invest and expand to supply them.

“Britain has the domestic expertise and businesses. I want Ministers to work on a clear plan to grow more of the trees we need here in Britain. This would cut our reliance on imports and the pest and disease risks that can come with them. And it would be good for growth in every way.

“We need to create a stronger domestic supply chain, with more skilled forestry and horticultural jobs. The result will be healthier, more resilient woods and trees for generations to come.

Sarah Russell MP, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Trees and Horticulture, said: “Behind every tree-planting ambition are nurseries investing time, expertise and resources to grow healthy trees. As future plans are developed, the industry would benefit from being closely involved at an early stage.

“Britain has a skilled nursery sector with the potential to contribute much more to our tree-planting ambitions. Better coordination between government, those delivering planting schemes and the businesses growing the trees would help create more certainty for growers, support skilled jobs and ensure we have the right trees available in the right places.”

Andy Egan, Head of Policy Advocacy at the Woodland Trust added: "With the right support, British tree growers could play a far greater role in meeting our future needs. Growing more trees at home would strengthen biosecurity, support nature's recovery and help secure the long-term supply of trees our industry need."

Sally Cullimore, Technical and Trade Policy Manager at the Horticultural Trades Association, said: “Our tree growers need the certainty and support to grow the trees we need. Market confidence means growers can deliver the quantity and diversity of trees needed to fulfil the vital roles trees play in nature recovery, tackling the impacts of climate change and making our towns and cities greener. While imports may continue to be an important part of meeting that need, there is real opportunity to grow more in Great Britain.

“Strong Roots has highlighted the need for a long-term plan that gives British nurseries the confidence to invest, develop their businesses and contribute to future planting ambitions.

“Supporting domestic production will help build a resilient, sustainable supply chain and ensure the sector is well placed to meet future demand.”

Rebecca Bevan, Senior National Specialist - Environmental Horticulture, at the National Trust said: “Over-reliance on imported trees, particularly the more mature specimens often used in gardens and for street planting, poses a real risk of introducing new pests and diseases to this country which could have a negative impact on our existing trees and associated biodiversity. Significantly boosting production of trees in the UK is a win-win for people and nature."

The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) has responded to the Chancellor’s plans to cut red tape for businesses and extend tariff suspensions on more than 250 products.

Jennifer Pheasey, Director of Policy and Public Affairs at the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA), said: “Action to reduce unnecessary paperwork and form-filling will be welcomed by businesses across environmental horticulture, a sector worth £38bn that supports 722,000 jobs.

“The HTA has long campaigned to cut the regulatory and administrative burdens that hold SMEs across the country back from having the time to grow and invest, and in our sector, to deliver more for the UK’s gardens and green spaces.

“However, today’s announcements must go further and serve as a springboard to address some of the biggest pain points causing cost and frustration for SMEs across the nation. Extended Producer Responsibility and its associated costs must be addressed; barriers within the planning system and to water resilience must be removed; and rising fuel costs, punitive business rates and employment laws must be reformed to support job creation rather than discourage it.

“On tariff suspensions, we have led calls to maintain reductions for floriculture. This support for cross-border trade must be matched by the swift delivery of the EU–UK SPS agreement and practical easements to end unnecessary disruption at the border.

“We look forward to seeing the details of today’s announcement and hope next week’s Budget will mark a turning point in backing British horticulture and delivering growth.”

The 50 Keukenhof gardeners have started planting 7 million flower bulbs. Keukenhof will be open from 18 March to 9 May 2027. Tickets are now available via www.keukenhof.nl.

Garden Centre Association members recorded an overall sales increase of +7.05% last month when compared to September 2025, according to the body’s latest Barometer of Trade.

Following the end of the summer heat, customers returned to their gardens, helping plants and gardening categories drive growth alongside continuing strong sales of furniture, barbecues and Christmas products.

GCA CEO Peter Burks explains: “Another excellent month for our members with some very strong performances. It is so good to see the month’s trade is headed by plants and gardening, demonstrating that the public were very keen to get gardening again once the summer’s heat subsided.

“Furniture and barbecues carried on selling well and Christmas has also started positively. The year-to-date figure increased to +2.7%. We now hope for a good run to Christmas.”

The strongest performing category during September was outdoor plants, which increased by +16.83% when compared to the same month in 2025. Garden sundries also performed well, rising by +15.12%, while furniture & BBQ sales were up +14.22% and houseplants increased by +13.05%.

Additional growth was seen in hard landscaping, which rose by +10.65%, catering was up +5.65%, Christmas +4.92%, food hall/farm shop +3.89% and seeds & bulbs increased by +0.05%.

Categories recording small declines during the month were clothing, which fell slightly by -0.5%, gifts -1.38% and pets & aquatics, down -1.44%.

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Regionally, the strongest growth was recorded in the East, where sales increased by +13.63%. The South followed with growth of +8.87%, while North, Scotland and Northern Ireland were up +4.83% and Midlands, Wales and the West increased by +4.44%.

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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.

It's full steam ahead for Corby + Fellas at Morris of Usk Garden Centre where the company has installed its WinRetail retail management system.

The Morris’ story began in 1982, when Chris and Jane Morris purchased The Nurseries in Llanbadoc.

Growing demand led to the garden centre opening in 1990, and today it remains family owned and run, with a garden centre, farm shop and restaurant, alongside its own two-acre nursery.

Pictured are Jac, Gillian, Kate and Helen from Morris of Usk, alongside Jacob and Jamie from C+F. Jac has taken the driving seat on the vintage tractor – with WinRetail installed, it’s full steam ahead!

25 years on from it's inception as Choice Marketing Ltd the garden centre buying and marketing group for independent garden centres has re-branded as Choice Garden Centre Group and celebrated in style with a record breaking conference at the Crowne Plaza hotel in Stratford-on-Avon.

Over 420 delegates attended over the course of the 2 day event which included an awards dinner where Westland were once again named as the Choice Supplier of the Year.

Choice Garden Centre Group Supplier of the Year Awards

2026 Plant Supplier - Allensmore

2026 Gift & Home Supplier - Woodmansterne

2026 Furniture & Outdoor Living Supplier - LeisureGrow

2026 Non-Retail Services Supplier - Corby+Fellas

2026 Sundry Associate Supplier - Altico

2026 Partnership & Support Supplier - Woodlodge

2026 Major Associate Supplier - The Peter Wilson Cup - Westland

See GTN Xtras photos from the Awards dinner and the Trade Show below

The latest HTA Market Update (October 2026) reports encouraging news, with garden centre sales, including catering, increasing year-on-year. But while higher turnover is welcome, it doesn't automatically mean higher profit.

For many garden centres and nurseries, rising employment costs, inflationary pressures and increasing operating expenses mean profitability is under greater scrutiny than ever. The challenge is no longer simply generating more sales. It's ensuring every labour hour delivers value.

Demand across a garden centre is rarely consistent. A busy café doesn't necessarily mean additional staff are needed in the plant area. Weather changes, seasonal peaks, local events and customer behaviour can all significantly impact where and when resource is required.

When costs rise, reducing staffing levels can seem like an obvious solution. However, fewer team members often result in longer queues, reduced customer service, missed sales opportunities and increased pressure on existing staff. Cutting labour costs without understanding customer demand can prove a false economy.

The real opportunity lies in deploying the right people, with the right skills, in the right place at the right time.

WorkForce Manager has been developed specifically for garden centres and nurseries to help managers achieve exactly that. Its new SMART Rota feature considers departmental demand, employee skills and availability, contractual requirements, weather forecasts and local events to create more effective schedules.

The result? Better labour cost control, reduced administration, improved service levels and more informed decision-making.

As garden centres look ahead to 2027, the most successful businesses may not be those employing the fewest people, but those making the smartest use of the teams they already have.

Looking to make better use of your existing team?

Book a free demonstration to see how WorkForce Manager helps garden centres and nurseries deploy the right people, with the right skills, in the right place at the right time.

www.workforce-manager.co.uk

info@workforce-manager.co.uk

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Former AMES UK CEO, Paul North is to join Kingfisher plc in January 2027 as Category Director for Technical Category.

In a Linkedin post Deberati Sen, Kingfisher plc Cheif Commercial Officer, said: "we welcome Paul North as Category Director for Technical Category effective Jan 1'2027. Paul brings more than 25 years of leadership experience in well recognized industry leading companies and brings a strong combination of product, category and commercial expertise. I know his collaborative energy, knowledge of the market and focus on results will bring real value to our teams, banners and supplier partners"

Altico Garden Products Ltd, the UK’s leading supplier of landscaping products and water features, has appointed Al Sheppard as National Sales Manager.

Al brings more than 35 years of experience in the garden sector. He began his career in 1988 as a duty manager at a garden centre before going on to hold national account, key account and senior sales roles with some of the industry’s best-known suppliers, including William Sinclair, Town & Country, Burgon & Ball and Kelkay, where he was Sales Director. Most recently, Al was Garden Products Buyer for one of the UK’s leading garden centre groups.

Like many of Altico’s management team, Al has extensive experience on both sides of the garden centre industry, having worked within garden centres as well as for major suppliers to the sector. This gives Altico valuable insight into the day-to-day challenges its customers face and the support they need from their suppliers.

In his new role, Al will lead Altico’s national sales team and take responsibility for a significant part of the company’s UK garden centre customer base.

Garden centres remain at the heart of Altico’s DNA, and the appointment reflects the company’s continued investment in the relationships behind every order. Al’s focus will be on ensuring customers, large and small, receive knowledgeable and consistent support, backed by strong product availability, dependable service and ranges designed to deliver sales throughout the season.

Antony Harker, Owner of Altico Garden Products, said: “I’m delighted to have the opportunity to work with Al again, having spent many years together at Kelkay. Al’s knowledge of the industry and his commitment to looking after customers will be invaluable as we continue the rapid growth of our business.

“Customer service and availability remain our number one priorities, and building a great team is a key part of delivering on those priorities and our plans for the future. I wish Al every success in his new role and look forward to working with him again.”

Al Sheppard, National Sales Manager at Altico, said: “I’ve known Altico and many of the people behind the business for a long time, and I’ve watched the company grow while keeping a real focus on its customers. The opportunity to join the team at such an exciting point in its development was one I couldn’t turn down.

“Having worked both in garden centres and on the supplier side of the industry, I understand what customers need from their suppliers. I’m looking forward to getting out and seeing customers, listening to what they need and making sure Altico continues to be a business they can rely on.”

The GTN e-mail inbox has been inundated in the past few weeks with notifications of Christmas openings at garden centres across the county and the Garden Radio team at Potting Shed Press have received plenty of last minute requests for Christmas music to be played for opening days.

Unfortunately we can't get to all of the opening days, but we will be out and about during November and early December visiting up to 100 centres that are nominated in GTN's Greatest Christmas Awards.  Entry nominations close at midnight tonight, so to be sure of a judges visit please use the form on at:  GTN's Greatest Christmas Awards 2026

GTN's editor was able to visit opening events over the past two weeks at Dobbies Peterborough, Blue Diamond Peterborough and the press preview afternoon at BGC Rugby and you can see our photo tours in stories below.

Meanwhile our West Midlands correspondent has sent us photos of past Christmas Greatest Gold Award winners Cooks Christmas 2026. See the gallery below

Christmas jumpers were the order of the evening for Dobbies staff at Peterborough as they welcomed customers for their Christmas Opening event.

See GTN Xtra's gallery of photos from the opening evening below.

A caroling choir and Santa himself entertained customers at Blue Diamond Peterborough for their Christmas open evening last week.

See GTN Xtra's gallery of photos from the evening below..

British Garden Centres held a Press Preview afternoon at Rugby Garden centre last week.  See GTN Xtra's photos from the preview below.

Christmas Stats from BGC Christmas 2025

• 32,265 poinsettias sold
• 35,211 cut trees sold
• 9,776 pot grown trees sold
• TOTAL trees sold: 44,987 (both cut and pot grown)
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• 1,139,597m lit length worth of string lights. This is long enough to wrap around the entire circumference of London's M25 motorway nearly 6 times.
• 225,330 single baubles
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• Crackers: 45,000 equivalent to 8.39 miles
• Dog Gifts: 635
• Christmas Puddings: 9,324
• Turkey (kg): 17,574
• Pigs in Blankets: 126,364 equivalent to 6.28 miles
• Mince Pies: 14,616
• Christmas dinner served- 22,792
• Festive afternoon tea served- 7,071

• Total number of children who visited Santa at a British Garden Centre 2025: 29,626 

• Not to forget- the 432 dogs who came to meet Santa too!

The search has started for The Greatest Garden Centre Christmas Teams of 2026.  The Garden Trade News team of expert judges will once again be travelling across the country to find The Greatest Christmas Teams in UK garden centres.

To be sure of a judging visit all you need to do is complete the entry form using this link. CLICK HERE.

The winners will be announced at the Spring Fair in February 2027.

Entries close at midnight on Monday 19th October 2026.