Corby+Fellas is partnering with Springtime Nurseries, one of the leading garden centres on Crews Hill’s famous 'Golden Mile' of gardening stores and nurseries.

With more than 30 years’ experience in the garden centre trade, Springtime Nurseries has built an excellent reputation for its extensive choice of plants, flowers, tools and accessories for the home and garden. The family-run business also offers a wide selection of homeware, gifts and seasonal products and is well known locally for its popular Pumpkin Patch and Christmas Wonderland.

As part of the partnership, Springtime Nurseries has introduced Corby+Fellas’ WinRetail system to bring its retail operations together within one connected solution. Corby+Fellas’ Jacob Parker and Jamie Cann were onsite to implement the system and support the Springtime team throughout the process.

WinRetail will help the team manage its day-to-day operations, improve stock visibility and continue providing the excellent customer experience for which the business is known.

We’re grateful that Springtime Nurseries has chosen to work with Corby+Fellas and proud to support such a respected and well-established independent garden centre.

We look forward to working closely with the Springtime team and developing a successful, long-standing partnership as the business continues to grow and evolve.

To find out more about how Corby+Fellas could support your business, please contact sales@corbyfellas.com.

David J. C. Austin died at his Shropshire home, surrounded by his family at the age of 67. He had been diagnosed with Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD), a rare and incurable neurological condition.

David joined the family business in Albrighton, Shropshire, in 1990, as his father, the late David C. H. Austin, was gaining wider recognition for his work in breeding English Roses. He went on to lead the business for more than three decades, driving its growth and transformation from a specialist nursery into a globally recognised name among rose lovers. Throughout his leadership, the creation of beautiful, fragrant roses was always central to the business he built.

David’s children, Richard, James and Olivia, said: “First and foremost, Dad was a gardener. That was at the heart of who he was. He carried our grandfather’s vision with humility and an unwavering sense of responsibility, always putting the roses, the family business and its people before himself. He was kind and modest, with a playful spirit, a sense of adventure and a real enjoyment of life. He faced his illness with the same courage and dignity that he brought to life. Above all, he was our Dad, and words cannot express how much we will miss him. We couldn’t be more proud of him.”

The Austin family would like to thank everyone who cared for David and supported them during his illness.

David Austin Roses continues under its experienced leadership team, working closely with the next generation of the Austin family, and we are as committed as ever to serving our partners and rose lovers around the world.

Bents Garden & Home is celebrating success with two prestigious and widely respected awards; both providing the perfect start to a landmark year as the family owned and run business prepares to celebrate its 90th anniversary in 2027.

Having recently been crowned Best Destination Garden Centre in the North West at the GCA reginal awards, it has also been officially recognised by the 2026 UK’s Best Workplaces for Women and is listed within the top 100 large company category, alongside organisations including Tropic Skincare and Lindt. 

Founded in 1937, Bents has grown from Alfred and Margaret Bent selling roses from their front garden, just yards from the Centre's current location in Glazebury, into one of the UK's leading destination garden centres. Both awards recognise Bents continued commitment to its colleagues, who remain at the heart of the family business.

The latest GCA accolade also recognises the continued commitment to quality, innovation and customer experience that have also been fundamental to Bents’ success for almost nine decades.

The regional title follows the GCA's rigorous annual inspection programme, during which member garden centres are independently assessed across every aspect of their business. From plant quality and visual merchandising to customer service, catering and innovation, every department is judged against the highest industry standards.

Following an unannounced inspection, Bents achieved one of the highest scores in the country, securing the title of Best Destination Garden Centre in the North West, along with regional awards for Best Customer Service, Food Hall and Catering. 

Matthew Bent, Managing Director of Bents Garden & Home, said: "To receive this recognition from the Garden Centre Association is a fantastic achievement and one we're incredibly proud of, particularly as we prepare to celebrate our 90th anniversary next year.”

The 2026 UK’s Best Workplaces for Women list is made up of employers whose people have told Great Place To Work® UK they work for a place that is inclusive and equitable for all. The 350 companies on the list are committed to ensuring a reasonable balance of women and men across the organisation; removing barriers to women’s career advancement; and creating workplaces where all employees, regardless of gender, can flourish.

Benedict Gautrey, Managing Director of Great Place To Work UK says: “This year’s UK’s Best Workplaces for Women list celebrates businesses making a genuine difference day to day, not just in what they say, but in how people experience work. What matters most is that this recognition comes directly from women working in these organisations, who tell us they feel supported, valued, and able to grow.

“Our research demonstrates that these organisations creating high-trust environments are delivering stronger results, whether in financial outcomes, impact, or service delivery, alongside greater agility and resilience in the face of change. Congratulations to Bents for creating an environment where inclusion is clearly felt in practice.”

Adds Matthew:  "Both of these awards reflect the passion, commitment and expertise of every one of our colleagues and I'd like to thank every member of the team for the part they've played in these fantastic successes."

In response to the announcement that pubs, clubs and live music venues will see their business rates cut, Fran Barnes, Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) Chief Executive, said:

“The Chancellor’s recognition that the cost of doing business is as serious as the cost of living is a welcome step change; however, the Prime Minister’s announcement for business rates cuts for pubs, clubs and live music venues must extend to retail and leisure venues like our member garden centres, which play a critical role in their local communities. While short-term support for specific sectors will provide some immediate relief, the Prime Minister must focus on fixing the wider business rates system in its entirety.”

“If we are serious about supporting UK business, then reducing VAT in hospitality, which is far higher in the UK than in Europe, is needed. This would give our member businesses operating cafés and restaurants significantly more breathing space, which will in turn drive investment, increase spending power, and boost growth. Now is the time to back British business. The Prime Minister must seize the opportunity.”

Poundbury Gardens near Dorchester has been named Local Garden Centre of the Year at the Garden Centre Association’s Summer 2026 Midlands, Wales & West regional awards.

Part of The Gardens Group, Poundbury Gardens was presented with the award on Thursday 16 July during a presentation at Gates Garden Centre in Hinckley.

In a year that has seen the garden centre celebrate 20 years under the same stewardship, Poundbury Gardens stood out in the region during the annual GCA inspection. It was recognised for showing excellent examples of best practice when it comes to customer service, plant quality and sustainability. Following a second inspection, Poundbury Gardens has been listed in the top three UK local garden centres nationally and will find out the result in January 2027.

Richard Jenkins, assistant manager of Poundbury Gardens, commented: “We’ve had lots of cause to celebrate already this year as we marked our 20th anniversary, and this announcement is the icing on the cake. As well as finding ways to minimise our impact on the environment, we all pull together to create a warm and inviting space for gardeners of all ages and abilities to visit. This is certainly an achievement that we can all be proud of, and it will provide further motivation for us to continue demonstrating how gardening can be a force for good when it comes to both people and planet.”

Brimsmore Gardens, Castle Gardens and Poundbury Gardens all returned from the presentation event with awards in the Garden Centre and Local Garden Centre Categories. The full list of awards is below.

The GIMA Award for Best Garden Products Retailer:

Local Garden Centre

Poundbury Gardens – The Gardens Group – First place

The Award for Catering Excellence for Best Garden Centre Restaurant:

Local Garden Centre

Poundbury Gardens – The Gardens Group – Third place

Customer Service Award for Best Customer Service:

Garden Centre

Brimsmore Gardens – The Gardens Group – Second place

Local Garden Centre

Poundbury Gardens – The Gardens Group – First place

The Paul Cooling Award for Environment and Sustainability:

Garden Centre

Castle Gardens – The Gardens Group – First place

Brimsmore Gardens – The Gardens Group - Second place

Local Garden Centre

Poundbury Gardens – The Gardens Group – First place

Ian Boardman Award for Best Indoor Plants Retailer

Local Garden Centre

Poundbury Gardens – The Gardens Group – Third place

Indoor Lifestyle Award for Best Indoor Lifestyle Retailer:

Garden Centre

Castle Gardens – The Gardens Group – joint third place with Pugh’s Radyr

Local Garden Centre

Poundbury Gardens – The Gardens Group – First place

Outdoor Living Award for Best Outdoor Living Retailer:

Garden Centre

Castle Gardens – The Gardens Group – First place

Local Garden Centre

Poundbury Gardens – The Gardens Group – joint first place with Webbs Garden Centre, West Hagley

Pots and Outdoor Ornamentation

Local Garden Centre

Poundbury Gardens – The Gardens Group – Third place

Plantaria (Ruxley Rose):

Garden Centre

Castle Gardens – The Gardens Group – Third place

Local Garden Centre

Poundbury Gardens – The Gardens Group – Second place

Picture caption: GCA Midlands, Wales & West region Garden Centre of the Year winners in the LGC category, Poundbury Gardens.

At this week’s Royal Welsh Show, the Horticultural Trades Association brought politicians, businesses and industry stakeholders together to discuss the vital contributions that environmental horticulture makes to Wales’ economy, environment, health and wellbeing.

The HTA used the show to continue conversations with Members of the Senedd and Welsh Government representatives about the priorities set out in its Welsh Manifesto, which calls for greater recognition of the role environmental horticulture can play in supporting economic growth, healthier communities and a more resilient Wales.

Llyr Gruffydd MS, Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability, attended the HTA’s Royal Welsh Show reception, where he met directly with HTA member businesses and heard first-hand about the opportunities and challenges facing the sector.

Speaking at the HTA’s reception hosted at the Lantra Building, Llyr Gruffydd MS, Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability, said:

“Environmental horticulture is about far more than just gardening and landscaping. It supports jobs and businesses, healthier communities, nature recovery, and places where people want to live, work and invest.

“Green infrastructure helps to manage flood risk, improve air quality, cool our towns and cities during periods of heat, and provide essential habitats for wildlife. As Wales responds to climate change and biodiversity loss, that contribution matters more than ever.

“Garden centres and horticultural businesses play a vital role in local economies, particularly in rural areas, and together we are working to create the conditions for this sector to grow — helping Wales become greener, healthier, more prosperous and more resilient.”

Jane Dodds MS, Welsh Liberal Democrats Leader and Senedd Member for Brycheiniog Tawe Nedd, also spoke at the HTA reception. Over the course of the show, the HTA met with a number of officials and political representatives.  

The environmental horticulture sector contributes £1.8 billion to Wales’ GDP and supports 37,000 jobs, with the potential to grow to £2.1 billion by 2030. The HTA represents 44 member businesses across 70 sites in Wales, including garden centres, growers, nurseries and suppliers.

Discussions throughout the week focused on the opportunities and challenges facing horticultural businesses, including rising costs, water resilience, skills, investment and the need for stronger recognition of the sector’s contribution to Wales’ green economy.

The HTA also highlighted the wider benefits of gardens and green spaces, with 81% of Welsh adults saying they benefit their physical health, 86% recognising the benefits to mental health, and 84% saying access to gardens and public green spaces is important to them.

Katie Neenan, Senior Public Affairs and Policy Executive at the HTA, said: “Environmental horticulture businesses across Wales are delivering significant economic, environmental and social benefits, but they are operating in an increasingly challenging environment.

“The Royal Welsh Show has been an important opportunity to bring together businesses, policymakers and stakeholders to discuss how we can unlock the sector’s potential and support its future growth.

“Our Welsh Manifesto sets out practical actions that would help create the conditions for horticultural businesses to thrive, from improving access to support and investment, to strengthening skills, water resilience and recognition of the value of gardens and green spaces.

“We look forward to continuing these conversations with the Welsh Government and Members of the Senedd to ensure environmental horticulture is recognised as a key partner in delivering a greener, healthier and more resilient Wales.”

A key highlight of the programme was an HTA-hosted panel discussion on the Dysgubor Stage, “How do we grow Welsh Environmental Horticulture?” The session featured James Evans MS, Chair of the Climate Change, Environment, Sustainability and Rural Affairs Committee, alongside industry representatives Roger Crookes from Pugh’s Garden Centre, Andrew Collings from Franchi Seeds and Sarah Gould from Lantra, exploring how Wales can support a thriving horticultural sector through skills, productivity, investment and sustainable growth.

James Evans MS, Chair of the Climate Change, Environment, Sustainability and Rural Affairs Committee, said: “My thanks go to the HTA and their member businesses involved in the Royal Welsh Show for highlighting the important contribution this sector makes to Wales. I was delighted to join the panel discussion and hear directly from businesses about the opportunities and challenges they face.

“As Chair of the Climate Change, Environment, Sustainability and Rural Affairs Committee, I welcome the opportunity to continue listening to the sector and understanding how we can support a thriving and sustainable horticultural industry in Wales.”

Roger Crookes, Pugh’s Garden Centre, said: “The Royal Welsh Show is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the contribution horticultural businesses make to communities across Wales.

“Businesses like ours are proud to support local economies, create jobs and provide plants and green spaces that benefit people’s health and wellbeing. However, like many businesses, we are facing rising costs and increasing pressures that make it harder to invest for the future.

“Having the opportunity to speak directly with policymakers is hugely valuable. We want to work with the Welsh Government to ensure we have the support we need to continue growing and delivering benefits for our local communities.”

The HTA’s Welsh Manifesto sets out priorities for working with the Welsh Government and Members of the Senedd to support environmental horticulture through policies that encourage sustainable business growth, strengthen water resilience, develop future skills, support investment and recognise the sector’s contribution to economic growth, biodiversity, health and wellbeing. This includes developing a Horticulture Strategy for Wales, establishing stronger cross-government working on environmental horticulture and green spaces, improving access to financial support, supporting UK plant production, strengthening skills pathways, and ensuring businesses can operate and grow sustainably.

In a fantastic collaboration with emerging designers, Durston Garden Products Ltd donated more than 520 bags of peat-free growing media to gardens in the Pocket Planting category at the Badminton Flower Show, where first-time exhibitors proudly earned RHS accolades, including two Gold medals.  

Somerset compost provider, Durstons began talks with garden designers back in May with a view to supporting a selection of small-format show gardens at RHS Badminton, helping to fulfil their growing media needs. Fast forward to the flower show this month and Durstons was delighted to have supplied nine of the 12 Pocket Planting gardens with as many as 523 bags of compost, soil conditioner, top soil and decorative bark.

The popular Pocket Planting category at Badminton serves as an entry point for emerging designers, offering practical experience, visibility, and a chance to build the confidence needed to progress to full‑scale RHS show gardens. Each small-scale show garden in this category occupies just 15sq m and is created on a relatively small budget.

Whilst successful applicants receive £1,000 funding from the RHS, they are are encouraged to seek further financial backing to fund their exhibit, with some designers bringing sponsors on board or even crowdfunding to reach their goal.

The theme this year was ‘The Space We Share’, with a variety of inspirational interpretations on show, including A Celebration of Compost & Community, designed by Simon Reeves, and Where Nature Navigates, which was designed by Alison Johnston and achieved not only an RHS Gold medal but was named Best Pocket Planting garden overall.

For visitors, these compact plots provide an early look at new voices in garden design and the ideas shaping the next wave of talent.

Durstons’ support proved instrumental, with all nine gardens that used the company’s growing media securing medals, including Silver, Silver-Gilt and Gold. The results underline the impact of reliable, peat‑free substrates in helping first‑time exhibitors deliver high‑quality planting and confident design in a challenging, small‑format setting.

Sales Director Dan Durston was delighted to have the opportunity to attend the show, meet the designers his family business had supported, and to see the finished gardens in all their glory. He described the experience as “genuinely moving”, particularly when visiting the Woodstock Homes Multiple Sclerosis Garden, created by designers Michael Leech and Gavin Moth. Exploring Gavin’s personal experience of living with MS, the garden demonstrates how a safe, restorative space can be created within a compact footprint. He said: “Sitting in that garden was a moment I won’t forget,” Dan said. “It was a powerful reminder of what thoughtful design can do and why it matters that companies like ours help new designers bring these ideas to life.”

Dan added: “We were absolutely thrilled to support the Pocket Planting designers this year. These gardens show what can be achieved with creativity, determination and the right materials. As a business, we believe strongly in supporting the next generation of horticulturalists and in making gardening accessible for everyone. The Pocket Planting category embodies that spirit – small spaces, big ideas, and opportunities for designers who are just starting out.”

In June, designers Michael Leech and Gavin Moth visited Durstons’ Somerset base on behalf of the Pocket Planting exhibitors to thank the team for their contribution and to get up close with the Durstons range. Speaking after the visit, which included a tour of Durstons’ existing site and the new Eclipse Works facility, Gavin said: “Durstons kindly donated a huge amount of growing media for us to use in our show gardens. They use only the best ingredients, sustainably sourced, to create a comprehensive range of products that can help every gardener. Thank you from us all.”

With strong results across the board and a clear appetite from designers for high‑quality peat‑free materials, Durstons say it hopes to continue supporting emerging talent at future RHS shows.

Find out more
Retailers interested in strengthening their peat-free offer and supporting gardeners through the transition can find out more about Durstons’ award-winning range and point-of-sale support at www.durstongardenproducts.co.uk or by calling 01458 442688.

Leading consumer behaviour expert Kate Hardcastle MBE has joined the roster of speakers for the Garden Centre Association’s annual conference in January 2027.

Kate will offer her expertise on consumer trends, retail futures and building trust with customers on Monday, January 25 at the Crowne Plaza, Stratford-upon-Avon.

GCA Chairman and Operations Director of Haskins Garden Centres, Ben Harrison, who is organising the conference alongside GCA CEO Peter Burks, explains: “Kate is widely recognised for her expertise in consumer behaviour and retail strategy and brings a wealth of experience working with global brands.

“Her understanding of what drives customer decision-making and how businesses can adapt to changing expectations will be incredibly valuable to our members.”

Kate is an internationally respected business consultant, broadcaster and author, advising organisations including Disney, Marks & Spencer and EVRi on growth, technology and customer strategy.

With a career spanning more than three decades, her experience covers global supply chains, sustainability and the evolving commercial landscape of modern retail. She is also the founder of Buy Smarter, Buy Greener and a recognised advocate for responsible, consumer-focused business.

Ben continues: “Kate’s ability to translate complex consumer trends into practical, actionable insight makes her a highly engaging and relevant speaker. Her focus on trust, sustainability and innovation aligns closely with the challenges and opportunities facing our members today.”

A familiar face across major media outlets including the BBC, Sky, CNBC and NHK Japan, Kate has fronted documentaries and provided expert analysis to global audiences. She is also a sought-after keynote speaker at international events such as Cannes Lions and SXSW.

Peter Burks, GCA CEO, concludes: “Kate brings a fresh and insightful perspective on the future of retail and consumer behaviour. Her expertise will help our members better understand how to connect with their customers and adapt to an ever-changing marketplace.

“Our 2027 conference programme is continuing to take shape with a strong and diverse range of speakers, and we’re looking forward to sharing more announcements soon.”

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

The leading industry body represents more than 200 garden centres nationwide and, through sharing information and its inspection programme, helps members achieve high standards in customer service, plant quality and reliability.

For further information and to buy tickets, please visit the GCA’s online members’ section: www.gca.org.uk. There’s an early bird 10% discount available for those booking before the end of July.

Frank P Matthews, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of ornamental and fruit trees, has been granted a Royal Warrant by Appointment to His Majesty King Charles III.

Based in Tenbury Wells, Worcestershire, the fourth-generation, family-run nursery produces over one million trees each year, supplying customers across the UK, including the Royal Household.

The Royal Warrant recognises the company’s longstanding commitment to excellence, quality and service, following more than eight years of supplying trees to the Royal Estates.

This prestigious honour reflects decades of dedication to growing exceptional ornamental and fruit trees, underpinned by deep horticultural expertise and a strong commitment to sustainability.

“Receiving the Royal Warrant is a great privilege for us all at FPM. Our motivation has always been to grow quality trees and provide a high level of customer service and this award will encourage us to further maintain and improve on these very same endeavours for the future," said Nick Dunn, Director and grantee of the Royal Warrant.

The Royal Warrant is a mark of recognition for companies that have supplied goods or services to the Royal Household for at least five years, demonstrating outstanding service, quality, and reliability.

Frank P Matthews will proudly display the Royal Warrant as a symbol of its heritage, expertise and ongoing commitment to excellence in horticulture, in what marks a fitting celebration alongside its 125th anniversary.

Every year, Glee welcomes businesses at every stage of their journey. Some arrive as established names, whilst others are taking their first steps into the garden retail market, armed with little more than a handful of products, a small stand and plenty of ambition. Grass Gains was one of those businesses.

Making its Glee debut in 2022 with just three products and a modest stand, the company had a clear ambition: to introduce its fresh approach to lawn care to retailers, listen to the industry and begin building the relationships that would support its future growth.

Four years later, that ambition has become reality. Today, Grass Gains has evolved into one of the sector's recognised lawn care brands, with an expanded team, a significantly broader product portfolio and a growing presence across both retail and direct-to-consumer channels.

Humble beginnings, ambitious plans

Reflecting on those early days, Josef Farrow, Sales Director at Grass Gains, says the business was still finding its feet. He said: "When we first exhibited at Glee in 2022, Grass Gains was still very much in its early growth phase. We had a much smaller team, a much narrower product offering and were focused on establishing ourselves within the lawn care market.

"We launched with around three SKUs and a simple stand. Our aim was straightforward – to raise awareness, meet retailers face-to-face, gather feedback and start building relationships across the industry."

Those early conversations laid the foundations for the next stage of the business, helping Grass Gains build the relationships and market understanding that would support its rapid growth.

Growing the business

Since that first exhibition, Grass Gains has expanded its team, increased its retail footprint, secured listings with major retailers and invested heavily in its warehouse facilities, whilst simultaneously building a thriving direct-to-consumer business serving homeowners, keen gardeners, retailers and trade customers across the UK.

Innovation has also remained at the heart of the company's development. What began as a focused lawn care range has grown into a comprehensive portfolio covering year-round lawn maintenance, whilst the launch of Plant Gains has seen the business successfully move into plant care, helping gardeners overcome some of the nutrient challenges associated with peat-free compost.

The Glee effect

Whilst product development has driven much of Grass Gains' success, Josef believes the relationships forged through Glee have been equally important. He said: "Glee has been instrumental in helping us build relationships across the sector. Many of the conversations and introductions we've made at the exhibition have gone on to become valuable partnerships, retail opportunities and long-term business relationships.

"What’s more, Glee gives us a platform to showcase our latest products, meet key decision-makers and keep up to date with developments across the sector. It's also been a great place to strengthen relationships through organisations such as GIMA."

Looking ahead, Glee continues to play an important role in the company's growth strategy, providing the ideal opportunity to reconnect with customers, launch innovations and maintain a strong presence within the market.  Josef added: "We continue to invest in Glee because it remains the leading event for the garden industry. It’s that simple”

Advice for the next generation

Asked what advice he would give to businesses considering exhibiting for the first time, Josef's answer is one born from experience.

"Go into the exhibition with clear objectives, have as many conversations as possible and focus on building relationships rather than chasing immediate sales. The long-term value comes from the connections you make.  And don't be afraid to get buyers onto your stand. If you're passionate about your products, people will see that. Be patient too. Not every opportunity happens there and then, but the relationships you build can have a lasting impact on your business."

Grass Gains' story is a reminder that success at Glee isn't built over three days alone. It's created through the conversations that begin on the show floor and develop into long-term partnerships, helping ambitious businesses grow from promising start-ups into established names within the garden retail industry.

Find out more

Co-locating alongside Autumn Fair for two crossover days, Glee 2026 is set to create Europe's biggest buying moment, delivering access to an even broader audience of buyers, more opportunities to build valuable retail relationships and unrivalled business insight – before a dedicated third day focused exclusively on the garden retail sector.

If you're ready to start your own Glee success story, visit www.gleebirmingham.com to find out more about exhibiting at Glee 2026.

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As consumers embrace seasonal styling beyond spring and summer, Mims is encouraging retailers to rethink their autumn pottery displays and capitalise on one of the fastest-growing home and garden trends.

While spring has traditionally been the key season for refreshing outdoor spaces, today's consumers are increasingly decorating for every season. The rise of Halloween, cosy interiors, autumn entertaining and festive styling has created demand for products that help transform both indoor and outdoor spaces with warm, seasonal colour palettes.

For garden centres, pottery is perfectly placed to help customers achieve the look. Rich terracottas, warm bronzes, burnt oranges and weathered finishes complement the colours of the season while providing the ideal backdrop for autumn planting, whether that's heucheras, chrysanthemums, cyclamen, ornamental grasses or evergreen shrubs that continue into winter.

Capturing the colours of the season

Recognising this shift in consumer tastes, Mims offers a number of collections that tap directly into today's autumn colour trends, while giving retailers the flexibility to create displays that suit their available space, customer profile and budget.

Leading the range is the new Lancaster Collection, whose distinctive ombré glaze reflects the seasonal transition from the soft greens of late summer through to golden autumn hues. Available in four sizes and three complementary colourways, the collection enables retailers to create eye-catching displays with depth and variety, while encouraging customers to mix different sizes and colours to complete the look.

The Radiance Collection also embraces warm seasonal tones, with sunset-inspired ombré finishes available across bowls, vases and planters. Supplied in convenient mixed pallets of 19 sets, retailers can introduce a coordinated collection without committing to large quantities of individual lines, making it easy to trial new trends while maintaining an inspiring, varied display.

Meanwhile, the new Bolton Collection reflects the growing popularity of aged, natural finishes.  Featuring a richly textured bronze patina with darker weathered detailing, the collection delivers the appearance of time-worn stone and pairs beautifully with the earthy planting combinations synonymous with autumn. Available as an 18-set Mix & Match option or as pallets of 36 sets, Bolton gives retailers the freedom to tailor their range to local demand while creating a cohesive display with broad customer appeal.

Alongside these contemporary collections, Mims' extensive terracotta range remains an autumn favourite. Available in a wide choice of shapes and sizes, retailers can build a bespoke terracotta offering that reflects both their available retail space and customer preferences. Flexible ordering options, including Mix & Match selections, make it simple to create commercially balanced displays that combine timeless appeal with strong sales potential.

Creating displays that inspire

Mimi Milne, Managing Director of Mims, said:"We're seeing consumers treat autumn as another opportunity to refresh their homes and gardens, rather than simply preparing for winter. People are investing in seasonal planting, updating entranceways and creating warm, welcoming outdoor spaces that reflect the colours of the season.

"For retailers, pottery is one of the easiest ways to capture that trend. By combining different colours, finishes and sizes, it's possible to create inspirational displays that encourage customers to imagine how these products could transform their own homes and gardens."

Find out more

Retailers looking to refresh their autumn pottery offering can speak to the Mims team about creating a tailored display that reflects seasonal trends, available retail space and local customer demand. With flexible ordering options, nationwide merchandising support and one of the UK's broadest pottery collections, Mims helps retailers create displays that inspire customers throughout every season.

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

Wyevale Nurseries in Hereford has developed an ‘Original Select’ range to help landscapers, amenity specifiers and gardeners establish resilient native trees that can better withstand climate change and urban pressures.

Carefully curated by the commercial grower’s team following extensive trials, the collection offers enhanced establishment, consistency and long-term performance while retaining the ecological benefits that native species have.

John Lawrence, Amenity Sales Manager at Wyevale Nurseries, says: “As environmental challenges continue to increase, it’s vital that we provide landscapers, local authorities and developers, and even gardeners via our garden centre stockists, with trees that offer dependable performance without losing the valuable characteristics of our native species.

“Our Original Select range has been carefully developed to deliver improved establishment, uniformity and resilience. These trees have undergone extensive trials and have demonstrated significant advantages over standard seedling stock, particularly in challenging urban environments.”

With more than 95 years of horticultural expertise and a long-standing commitment to sustainability, Wyevale Nurseries has developed the range in response to the increasing challenges facing native trees, including climate change and difficult planting environments.

The selected cultivars have been chosen specifically by the leading commercial nursery’s tree production team for their ability to establish successfully in challenging conditions, including drought, compacted soils, fluctuating moisture levels and elevated urban temperatures.

The range has also been developed to maximise ecosystem benefits, including carbon sequestration, urban cooling, stormwater interception, air quality improvement and wildlife habitat provision.

All the Original Select cultivars are also propagated and grown in the UK, supporting plant health security while reducing reliance on imported planting stock.

The collection includes:

• Betula pendula ‘Select’ – an upright Silver Birch with distinctive white bark and a narrow canopy suited to urban settings.
• Crataegus monogyna ‘Select’ – a vigorous, uniform Hawthorn producing abundant flowers for pollinators and fruits for birds.
• Prunus padus ‘Select’ – an upright Bird Cherry selected for stronger foliage colour and resilience in challenging conditions.
• Quercus robur ‘Select’ – a specially cultivated English Oak that retains exceptional ecological value while offering a more predictable urban form.
• Tilia cordata ‘Select’ – a native Lime selected for urban suitability and improved foliage characteristics.

John explains: “The objective was to identify and propagate the very best examples of native species that can meet the demands of modern landscapes.

“Whether they are being planted in streetscapes, public realm projects, housing developments or landscape schemes, these selections provide greater confidence in long-term success while continuing to support biodiversity and ecological health.

“As a UK grower, we’re proud that all our Original Select cultivars are propagated and produced here in Britain, helping ensure quality, biosecurity and environmental responsibility throughout the supply chain.”

Wyevale Nurseries continues to invest in sustainable growing methods, including peat-free composts, water-efficient irrigation systems and integrated pest management, ensuring its trees and plants contribute positively to the landscapes and ecosystems they inhabit.

The family-run company has a product selection and a highly knowledgeable and experienced team that’s admired across the industry.

It supplies landscape contractors, local authorities, foresters, landowners and garden centres with a comprehensive array of trees, shrubs, hedging, herbaceous and specimen plants.

For further information on the Original Select range, please call 01432 845 200 or visit www.wyevalenurseries.co.uk.

Independent retailers preparing for the busiest trading season of the year are being given the chance to boost their buying budget with the launch of 'Stock Up On Us', a new competition from Autumn Fair 2026 worth up to £2,000.

One lucky winner will receive a £1,000 buying budget to spend with exhibitors at Autumn Fair, along with travel expenses, lunch and a VIP visitor experience, while five runners-up will each receive £100 to spend at the show. Buyers simply need to register for Autumn Fair before 11.59pm on Sunday 16th August to be entered into the prize draw.

Taking place at the NEC Birmingham on 6-9 September, Autumn Fair arrives at one of the most important buying moments in the retail calendar, helping retailers source new products, replenish stock and discover emerging brands. This year, the event is co-locating with Glee on 8th – 9th September, creating Europe's biggest buying moment with more than 20,000 buyers, 1,200+ exhibitors and over 500,000 products spanning home, gift, fashion, garden and outdoor living.

The competition has been designed to support independent retailers at a time when careful buying decisions are more important than ever. Whether investing in proven bestsellers, discovering new brands or exploring emerging trends, the additional buying budget gives winners even greater freedom to stock their shelves with confidence ahead of the festive season and into early 2027.

Autumn Fair brings together hundreds of leading and emerging brands across Home, Gift and Fashion, with more than 30% of exhibitors exclusive to the show and over 25% exhibiting for the first time, ensuring buyers have access to fresh products and unique collections unavailable elsewhere. Alongside thousands of new product launches, visitors can also benefit from an expanded content programme featuring retail trends, expert advice, networking opportunities and practical business insights.

The launch of the competition reinforces Autumn Fair's commitment to supporting independent retailers not only by connecting them with leading suppliers, but also by helping them maximise their buying budgets at one of the industry's most important sourcing events.

To enter, buyers simply need to register for their free ticket to Autumn Fair before 11.59pm on Sunday 16th August. The winner and five runners-up will be selected after the closing date.

For full terms and conditions and to register, visit https://www.autumnfair.com/stock-up-on-us

Autumn Fair 2026 takes place 6-9 September 2026 at the NEC Birmingham.

Visitors to GroundsFest 2026 will be among the first to discover EGO's 2027 product line-up, as the leader in battery-powered outdoor power equipment unveils its latest innovations.

Taking place on 16-17 September, GroundsFest will host the debut of EGO's largest-ever line-up of new products, giving visitors exclusive access to the solutions shaping the future of battery-powered outdoor power equipment.

Leading EGO’s 2027 line-up is its first PRO X zero-turn ride-on mower, the new ZTX4800E. Aptly nicknamed ‘The Mothership’ for its advanced technology, onboard DC-DC charging capabilities, and mounting fixtures, it enables other EGO tools to be transported, and batteries charged, reducing downtime and increasing productivity on the job site.

Powered by EGO’s high-capacity batteries, the ZTX4800E delivers the power and runtime needed to handle demanding commercial applications throughout the working day. Fully compatible with the EGO Fleet app, the ZTX4800E is designed to enhance operational efficiency for commercial businesses by improving fleet visibility and streamlining daily operations.

Visitors will have the opportunity to experience the mower’s capabilities first-hand by taking it for a test drive in the outdoor demonstration area.

David Mortimer, Sales Director UK & Ireland for EGO, said: “We’re delighted to be returning to GroundsFest and look forward to welcoming both familiar and new faces to the EGO stand. This year’s display will feature our largest product showcases to date, and we’re confident visitors will be impressed by the breadth of innovation on display. 

“Our product development has always been shaped by listening to our customers, so it’s a fantastic opportunity to meet with professional users and our long-term Dealer partners, hear their feedback, and discuss the future of battery-powered outdoor power equipment.”

Visitors will be able to get hands-on with the new products in the outdoor demo area, from taking a spin on the PRO X ride-on mowers to testing out the latest handheld equipment. They will also see the performance of EGO’s new ARC Lithium MAXTM, the brand’s first battery range featuring tabless cell technology. Representing the next evolution of EGO’s battery innovation and delivering up to 40% more power than an equivalent 8Ah battery using standard cells, the 8Ah BA4480XARC Lithium MAXTM launched earlier this year and will be joined by 3Ah and 6Ah models in 2027. 

Visitors can also enter an exclusive competition to win an LMX5300SP 53cm PRO X Self-propelled lawn mower.

Visit EGO on the Grand Ring at Stand OSA630 during GroundsFest 2026 on 16-17 September and be among the first to discover the future of battery-powered outdoor power equipment.

For more information, visit https://egopowerplus.co.uk/

A critically endangered Mulanje cedar tree has recently been successfully transported and planted on Tresco as part of an international conservation effort – with support from the innovative Air‑Pot container system.

The young cedar, native to Mount Mulanje in Malawi and declared commercially extinct in 2018, was grown as part of Forestry England’s ex situ conservation programme at Bedgebury National Pinetum.

Collections Manager at Bedgebury National Pinetum, Dan Luscombe says: “The Mulanje cedar represents a remarkable and tragic example of how over-exploitation can push a species to the brink. The trees being planted originate from preserved seed and represent an important effort to safeguard living genetic material for the future.”

The tree was flown to Tresco in the spring before being planted by Dan and the island’s garden team as part of wider regeneration work following storm damage.

Tresco’s Head of Estate, Alasdair Moore explains: “This is a wonderful opportunity for Tresco to work with Forestry England to help conserve a critically endangered tree, given the unique nature of our island’s plant collection. It’s also a joyful and positive moment for us all on Tresco to focus on planting trees in the wake of Storm Goretti and restoring our woodland.”

The Mulanje cedar, Widdringtonia whytei, has suffered decades of illegal logging and habitat loss, leaving no known mature seed‑producing trees remaining in the wild. New propagation efforts rely on preserved seed stocks, making every successfully grown tree vital to the species’ survival.

Georgie Single, Marketing & Sales Representative at Air-Pot in Edinburgh, says: “Our Air‑Pot containers played a key role in cultivating and safeguarding the tree prior to its journey and planting on the Isles of Scilly.”

The unique Air‑Pot design, which promotes strong root development through enhanced aeration and prevents root circling, provided an ideal environment for the young cedar during its early growth stages. The system also enabled safe transport, ensuring the plant arrived in optimum condition for planting.

Georgie adds: “Supporting the conservation of such an important and endangered species is something we’re proud of. The Mulanje cedar is not only ecologically significant, but also a powerful reminder of the importance of plant conservation globally.

“Our Air‑Pot system is designed to encourage healthy, resilient root systems, which is crucial when growing trees for conservation and relocation projects like this. Knowing the container helped nurture and protect this tree on its journey to Tresco is incredibly rewarding.”

Tresco’s mild maritime climate offers one of the few suitable environments in the UK for this frost‑sensitive species. If the planting is successful, it will help establish a living genetic backup population and raise awareness of global conservation challenges.

Air‑Pot containers are widely used in nurseries, research institutions and conservation projects for their adaptability and performance. The perforated walls improve oxygenation and drainage, while the modular design allows growers to tailor conditions to specific species – an essential feature when working with rare and difficult‑to‑cultivate plants.

This project highlights the importance of collaboration between horticultural innovation and conservation expertise, demonstrating how practical growing solutions can contribute to safeguarding some of the world’s most threatened species.

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

Colin Stephens, Managing Director of Evergreen Garden Care for UK and Ireland, has joined BHETA’s DIY Committee.

Colin has been in this role for three years, driving significant growth for Evergreen. He has overseen Evergreen’s transition to peat-free growing media, including the acquisition of Greener Garden Company assets to support this journey. Before joining Evergreen Garden Care, Colin held leadership roles in several branded food businesses, including Hovis, Whitworths and Genius Gluten Free. Colin lives in Ascot with his wife and two children.  He is a keen golfer and a long-suffering Tottenham Hotspur fan.

The BHETA DIY Committee represents the interests of the association’s DIY and garden members and ensures that insights, challenges, and opportunities from across the sector are shared and considered. Colin’s expertise in brand strategy, sustainable innovation, and commercial growth will help the committee continue supporting and advocating for members in the DIY and garden market.

Commenting on the appointment, Steve Edwards, BHETA’s Sector Manager for DIY & Gardening said, "We’re delighted to have Colin join the DIY Committee. His experience of building successful brands, working closely with retailers, and leading through periods of change will be a real asset. We’re looking forward to working with him and benefiting from his knowledge as we continue to support our members across the DIY and garden sectors."

The British Home Enhancement Trade Association represents 300 member businesses with £11 billion in collective annual sales across DIY, Garden, Housewares, and Small Electrical Accessories sectors. BHETA provides members with market intelligence, legislative guidance, networking, and more.

For more information about BHETA services and events, suppliers should visit www.bheta.co.uk or contact BHETA’s Member Services team at info@bheta.co.uk or +44 (0)121 237 1130.

Mims has appointed Adrian Haslam as Head Merchandiser, strengthening the support available to garden centres through its growing nationwide merchandising team.

Adrian has represented Mims across East Anglia for the past 18 months, having previously worked for another pots and planters supplier. In his new role, he will oversee new retail installations and support the wider team with display standards, product presentation and merchandising best practice.

Adrian said: “I enjoy transforming a tired area of a garden centre into a fresh, vibrant pots and planters display, then returning to see how much has sold and knowing the retailer is happy with the results.

“As Head Merchandiser, I’ll be looking after new set-ups and supporting the team to maintain consistently high standards across every display.”

Adrian heads up Mims’ wider merchandising team, which includes Ben Evans in the North West, John Bowie across northern England and the Scottish Borders, and Millie Hendry in the South West.

Together, the team supports retailers with everything from installing benches and creating new pots and planters departments to merchandising deliveries, replenishing stock and refreshing existing displays.

Every visit is tailored to the individual garden centre. The merchandisers review what has sold, assess available stock and make the best use of the retail space to create displays that are attractive, safe, well stocked and easy for customers to shop.

The hands-on service also saves garden centre teams the considerable time and physical effort involved in unpacking, moving and presenting pots and planters.

Mimi Milne, Managing Director at Mims, said: “Our merchandising service is a hugely important part of the support we provide to retailers, so we are delighted to appoint Adrian as Head Merchandiser.

“Adrian brings valuable category experience, a strong eye for presentation and enormous pride in his work. His new role will help us share best practice across the wider team and ensure our customers continue to receive a consistently high standard of support, wherever they are in the country.

“Pots and planters can be one of the fastest-moving and most profitable areas of a garden centre, but displays need regular attention to fulfil their potential. Our merchandising team helps retailers maintain availability, showcase products effectively and keep this important category looking its best throughout the year.”

Find out more

Retailers interested in finding out more about Mims' nationwide merchandising service, or exploring how the team can help create more inspiring, commercially successful pottery displays, are encouraged to speak to the Mims team. Combining dedicated merchandising support with flexible ordering, extensive product ranges and expert retail knowledge, Mims helps customers maximise the impact - and profitability - of their pottery offering.

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

Scotland’s Trade Fair Spring will return with a spectacular Show at the SEC, Glasgow from 24-26 January 2027, bringing together an outstanding showcase of Scotland’s finest gifts, homeware, textiles, crafts, jewellery and speciality food and drink.

Renowned as Scotland's leading showcase for the retail sector, the Spring Show attracts an extensive range of independent retailers and trade buyers looking to source new products from makers and designers across Scotland and beyond.

Exhibitor bookings are already strong, with exciting new suppliers joining many established favourites to create an inspiring and diverse buying experience for retailers of every size, location and sector.

Scotland’s Trade Fair Spring incorporates Scotland’s Speciality Food & Drink Show, which offers a unique opportunity for Scottish artisan producers to pitch to farm shops, delis, fine food outlets and the food service industry.

Show Director Mark Saunders said: “Our Spring Show has always punched well above its weight, attracting innovative, high quality producers. This year we will not be running our Autumn Show and will consolidate it into our Spring 2027 Show to create an even stronger event with greater choice and variety for visitors and more opportunities for exhibitors.

“We’re also investing in a refreshed marketing campaign to ensure the Show reaches an even wider targeted audience. If you are considering exhibiting, now is the time to secure best stand locations and take and maximise our marketing deals.”

The PLANTARIUM|GROEN-Direkt Autumn Fair will take place in Hazerswoude-Dorp/Boskoop (The Netherlands) on 26-27 August.

The leading trade fair for buyers, retailers, wholesalers, and growers promises to go down in history as the edition with an unprecedented launch of new products in the market. With a completely redesigned entrance hall, a focus on the range of the future, and a renewed presentation of the Green Retail Awards, the fair is the essential kickoff to the autumn season.

Spectacular entrance and hundreds of new products

Visitors will be surprised as soon as they arrive at this edition. The completely redesigned entrance hall is entirely dedicated to dozens of new plants, brands, and other products. This constitutes an unprecedentedly large introduction of current trade fair news. On the exhibition floor itself, the proven success formula remains: on one side of the central aisle are hundreds of exhibitors, and on the other side are thousands of directly orderable plants via sample batches. Within this trusted layout, dozens of new exhibitors and suppliers can be found this year, presenting hundreds of new products together. The floor plan is now available online.

The 2030 product range at the Green Future Hub

What does the future hold for the green supply? At the Plantarium Green Future Hub, trade magazine Vakblad voor de Boomkwekerij pays extensive attention to the '2030 product range'. The session dives deeper into the impact of climate change, changing requirements for crop protection, and shifts in the market and consumer preferences. Which plants are at risk of disappearing, and which new ones are coming into consideration?

Masterclass and 'culinary' highlights with Michael Perry

Plant expert and influencer Michael Perry will also be fully present at this edition. Visitors can take part in an exclusive, free social media masterclass hosted by Perry (note: limited places available). In addition, he will present his personal highlights and finds from the fair in his own unique, 'culinary' way during several sessions. He will also guide visitors on inspiring tours across the trade fair floor.

New timing for Green Retail Awards and joint networking drinks

A striking change in the program is the presentation of the prestigious Green Retail Awards. At the start of the fair, the nominees for Best Novelty and Best Market Innovation will be revealed, but for the first time, the actual winners will only be announced at the end of the first day of the fair. Immediately following this exciting award ceremony, there will be a networking reception, which this year is open not only to exhibitors but also to trade visitors.

Program and registration

The extensive trade fair program will continue to be updated right up until the event. The current schedule can be found at plantariumgroendirekt.nl/bezoekers/?lang=en, where visitors can also register directly for participation in the various sessions and the masterclass.

Practical information

Dates: Wednesday 26 August (07:00 – 17:00) and Thursday 27 August (07:00 – 17:00)

Location: Noorwegenlaan 37, Hazerswoude-Dorp/Boskoop, The Netherlands

Admission: Free for trade visitors via pre-registration at plantariumgroendirekt.nl

Facilities: Free parking, extensive (largely free) catering, and an informal atmosphere with plenty of networking opportunities

More information and trade visitor registration via: plantariumgroendirekt.nl

Canopia by Palram has joined BHETA, strengthening the association’s growing representation of DIY and gardening brands.  Canopia by Palram is a specialist in outdoor living solutions, designing and manufacturing a wide range of products including greenhouses, garden sheds, patio covers, pergolas and other structures that help consumers create and enhance usable outdoor spaces.

The company operates as part of a long-established global manufacturing group with decades of expertise in working with advanced polymer materials and engineered outdoor structures. The brand focuses on combining durability, modern design and ease of assembly to deliver practical yet stylish solutions for home gardens and outdoor environments. Its product range is widely used by homeowners seeking to extend living spaces into the garden, with an emphasis on quality, innovation and long-term performance.

Steve Edwards, BHETA’s Sector Manager for DIY & Gardening, commented: “We’re really pleased to welcome Canopia by Palram into BHETA. The company is a great fit for our DIY and gardening community, and we’re looking forward to working with them as they continue to grow in the UK home improvement market.  As a BHETA member, Canopia by Palram will benefit from the association’s extensive range of services designed to support business growth, including access to sector-specific market intelligence, retail introductions, networking opportunities, export support and representation on key industry issues. Membership also enables companies to connect with a broad network of home enhancement suppliers and retailers, helping to drive collaboration and commercial development across the sector.”

BHETA has also welcomed Trimetals as a new member, adding further depth to its representation of the DIY and gardening sector. Trimetals is a UK manufacturer of premium metal storage products, best known for its secure, weather-resistant solutions including garden sheds, bicycle stores and multi-purpose outdoor storage units designed for both domestic and commercial environments.

Founded and manufacturing in the UK from its Dorset base, Trimetals has developed a strong position in the market through its focus on engineered, corrosion-resistant aluminium and steel designs. Its products are built with durability and security in mind, offering low-maintenance solutions that perform reliably in all weather conditions and provide long-term value for homeowners and businesses alike.

Steve Edwards, BHETA’s Sector Manager for DIY & Gardening, said: “It’s great to have Trimetals on board. They bring real strength in the outdoor storage space, and we’re looking forward to supporting them as they build on their success and connect with even more opportunities across the sector.  Membership will give Trimetals access to a wide range of business support services, including retail networking opportunities, category insights, export guidance and industry advocacy. It will also provide a platform to engage with key retailers and suppliers across the home improvement and garden sectors, helping to support continued growth and market development.

For more information about BHETA and the retailer networking, market data, lobbying and business support opportunities it offers, contact Steve Edwards on 07967 814192 or view the website at www.bheta.co.uk

With GREEN×EXPO 2027 Yokohama next on the International Horticultural Expo calendar, the Conference will show how AIPH-approved Expos help cities raise their international profile, create a green legacy and deliver lasting horticultural impact.

Organised by the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) in partnership with ANVE (Associazione Nazionale Vivaisti Esportatori), the AIPH International Horticultural Expo Conference will take place during the 78th AIPH Annual Congress in Bari, Italy, on Monday, 14 September.

The Conference will bring together Expo organisers, international stakeholders and horticultural leaders to share progress, insight and ambition for AIPH-approved International Horticultural Expos. It will provide a focused opportunity to explore upcoming Expos, understand their direction, and strengthen collaboration between host cities, organisers, industry partners and international decision-makers.

Framed around connecting global leaders shaping the future of AIPH-approved Horticultural Expos, the programme will show how Expos are being used by cities and countries to demonstrate the power of plants through public engagement, urban greening, cultural exchange, innovation and long-term legacy.

The programme will bring together the full breadth of AIPH-approved Expos, from A1 International Horticultural Expos, which are major national projects with international reach, to International Green Expos, where cities and regions use plants, gardens and landscapes to support green transformation and tell their own story of place. It will also include International Horticultural Shows, which run for a shorter period and offer a focused way to bring horticultural excellence, culture and visitors together around a clear theme.

Seen together, these events show that there is no single route to hosting an AIPH-approved Expo. From green infrastructure and tourism to public engagement, investment and horticultural sector development, AIPH-approved Expos offer host cities a way to connect local ambition with international visibility, while creating momentum for greener places and stronger horticultural connections.

AIPH Secretary General, Tim Briercliffe, said: “AIPH-approved Horticultural Expos are among the most powerful ways to demonstrate the value of plants to cities, countries and communities. They bring horticulture, landscape, culture, and innovation together in ways people can experience firsthand, while creating opportunities for a long-term green legacy and international collaboration.

“With GREEN×EXPO 2027 Yokohama now approaching as the next A1 International Horticultural Expo, this is an important moment for the global Expo community to come together. The AIPH International Horticultural Expo Conference will allow organisers, partners and potential host cities to share progress, build confidence and explore how Expos can continue to inspire public engagement with the power of plants.”

Programme highlights

Delegates will hear from GREEN×EXPO 2027 Yokohama, as Japan prepares to welcome the world to the next A1 International Horticultural Expo. The programme will also feature future A1 Expos, with updates from Expo 2029 Korat, Thailand, and Expo 2031 Minnesota, USA.

International Green Expos will add another dimension to the discussion, with presentations from Expo 2026 Udon Thani, Thailand; 2028 Ulsan International Garden Expo, Republic of Korea; and Expo 2029 Garden Baghdad, Iraq.

The Conference will also include International Horticultural Shows, with the 2026 Taean International Horticultural Healing Expo and International Horticulture Goyang Korea 2026 in the Republic of Korea sharing lessons from their events, alongside Expo İzmir 2027 in Türkiye, which is preparing to welcome visitors.

Through these presentations, delegates will gain insight into the progress and long-term ambitions of each event, while building connections across the international Expo community.

Registration is open now via this link.

Merriments Gardens is alive with butterflies this summer, with gardeners and volunteers reporting a surge in the number of butterfly species spotted across the four-acre East Sussex garden just as Butterfly Conservation’s 17th annual Big Butterfly Count gets underway.

The national count, the UK’s biggest survey of butterflies, encourages people to spend 15 minutes recording the butterflies they see, helping build a picture of how these important insects are faring and what their numbers reveal about the health of the environment.  The annual Big Butterfly count continues until Sunday 9 August 2026.

Merriments is inviting visitors to take part while enjoying the gardens at one of the best times of year for butterfly spotting, with nectar-rich planting, lavender, meadow areas and colourful borders drawing in a wide range of species.

Butterflies identified around Merriments Gardens this week include:

• Gatekeeper
• Meadow brown
• Cabbage whites
• Red admiral
• Peacock
• Small tortoiseshell
• Comma
• Common blue
• Brown argus
• Brimstone

Head Gardener Dan Warne said: “Butterflies are one of the great joys of summer. Their colour and movement bring a garden to life, but they also remind us how important it is to create spaces where insects can thrive.

“At Merriments we garden organically, avoid pesticides and plant with pollinators in mind. Across the gardens visitors can see nectar-rich flowers supporting butterflies, bees and other insects, and we hope they leave with ideas for plants they can use at home to help wildlife too. We have also been expanding the number of bee hives in the meadow gardens, with the aim of harvesting around 100lbs of honey next year for sale or use in the Merriments Conservatory Café.”

Butterflies are not only a beautiful sign of summer. They are vital pollinators, a food source for birds and bats, and important indicators of environmental health. Butterfly Conservation has warned that four butterfly species have disappeared from Britain in the past 150 years and three-quarters of British butterfly species are now in decline.

The strong sightings at Merriments highlight the value of wildlife-friendly gardening and come during an exciting new chapter for the site, now owned by Caravan Tech, the well-established family-run business that relocated from Hurst Green to the idyllic countryside setting.

Since the acquisition, Merriments has benefited from extensive renovation and improvement, including restored water features, vibrant new flower beds and the opening of the Merriments Conservatory Café, where visitors can enjoy food and drink indoors or outside after exploring the gardens.

Summer is an ideal time to visit, with lavender, roses, meadow planting and colourful borders creating a relaxed day out for garden lovers, families and visitors looking for an accessible countryside destination just off the A21 near Hurst Green.

Merriments Gardens is open daily throughout the year. Opening hours are Monday to Saturday,8.30am to 4.30pm, and Sunday, 9.30am to 4.30pm. Admission is £8 for adults, children under 15 gofree, and RHS members receive free admission.

Garden tickets and season tickets are available from the Conservatory Café, with season tickets priced at £35 for a single ticket and £55 for a joint ticket, offering free entry to the gardens throughout the year.

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

BHETA has promoted Natalia Ciecierska to Senior Marketing Executive, recognising her growing contribution to the association and the Exclusively Show.

Natalia joined BHETA as Marketing Executive in October 2024 and has since played a central role in developing the organisation’s marketing and communications activity across its membership services and flagship industry event.

One of her major achievements has been her involvement in the development and launch of BHETA’s new website and member login system. Natalia helped shape the website structure, member journeys, content, imagery and overall user experience, supporting BHETA’s aim of making its services and resources more accessible to members.

She also led the development of the new Exclusively website for the 2026 show, with a particular focus on visitor journeys, usability and the quality and presentation of content.

Alongside these projects, Natalia has delivered campaigns across email marketing, social media and digital communications for both BHETA and 

Exclusively. During 2026, she has also taken on responsibility for the organisations’ public relations activity, further expanding her role within the team.

In her new position, Natalia will lead marketing campaigns across BHETA and Exclusively, working with colleagues to support membership growth, increase member engagement and continue developing the organisations’ marketing and communications activity.

Steve Richardson, General Manager of BHETA, said: “Natalia has made an excellent contribution to BHETA and Exclusively since joining us. She combines creativity and professionalism with a real attention to detail and a genuine commitment to delivering the best possible experience for our members, visitors, exhibitors and other stakeholders.

“Her work on both of our new websites has been particularly important, but she has also made a significant impact across our wider campaigns, digital communications and PR activity. Natalia is always positive, diligent and willing to embrace new challenges, and this promotion is extremely well deserved.

“I am delighted that she will be taking on this expanded role and playing an important part in the continued development of BHETA and Exclusively.”

Natalia Ciecierska added: “I am delighted to be taking on the role of Senior Marketing Executive. The past 18 months have given me the opportunity to work on some exciting and important projects across both BHETA and Exclusively, and I am proud of what we have achieved as a team.

“I am looking forward to continuing to develop our marketing campaigns, supporting our members and helping BHETA and Exclusively build on their success.”

The British Home Enhancement Trade Association represents 300 member businesses with £11 billion in collective annual sales across DIY, Garden, Housewares, and Small Electrical Accessories sectors. BHETA provides members with market intelligence, legislative guidance, networking opportunities, and educational events to support business growth and industry development.

For more information about BHETA services and events, visit www.bheta.co.uk. 

The Garden Industry Manufacturers Association (GIMA) joins the wider horticultural community in mourning the loss of Andy Bunker, remembering a trusted colleague, generous mentor and friend whose influence and kindness left a lasting mark on the industry he worked in for nearly 50 years.

GIMA council members were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Andy Bunker, who died on 13^th July 2026 at the age of 63, following a short battle with pancreatic cancer. A widely respected and much‑loved figure across UK garden retail, Andy’s loss will be felt throughout the industry.

For nearly five decades, Andy was synonymous with Alton Garden Centre, having joined his father Derek in the business at just 15 years old. In his role as plant manager, Andy shaped the centre’s horticultural identity and built a reputation for deep expertise, clear judgement and unwavering commitment to quality.

His knowledge extended far beyond Alton, serving as a buyer for the Tillington Group and, more recently, joining the British Garden Centres plant buying team following the group’s acquisition of Alton in March this year.

Andy’s contribution to the wider industry was equally significant. Over many years he became a familiar and valued presence across the horticultural sector; lending his expertise to RHS Plant Trials, offering thoughtful and fair judgement as part of the GIMA Awards and Glee judging panels, supporting the Greenfingers Charity, speaking at industry events, contributing regularly to garden trade media, and competing enthusiastically in the golf days that brought so many colleagues together.

Warm reflections from the GIMA Council

GIMA Council members shared the following tributes to Andy Bunker:

Mark Butler of Vitax said: “I have known Andy for many years; he was one of the nicest people you could meet – a Greenfingers Charity ambassador and a big supporter of the GIMA golf day. I have many fond memories of visiting him at the garden centre throughout my career but the fondest would be the numerous golf days he organised on behalf of Alton Garden Centre and the fun we had in the evenings as a group of golfers.”

GIMA Vice-President, Nigel Thompson of Sipcam commented: “My main recent dealings with Andy were as a new products judge at Glee. He was a great judge and quite daunting to face, if I’m honest! I remember catching his face once after I answered a question and it was great – a bit of a ‘Mona Lisa’ moment in that I couldn’t work out if he was agreeing or disagreeing with my response. He will be missed by our trade and I’m sure his legacy will live on. Thinking of his family and close friends at this time.”

GIMA Director Martin Ward concluded: “Andy embodied everything that is good about our industry – generosity, expertise, humour and a genuine love of plants and people. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and everyone who had the pleasure of working alongside him.”

The Bunker family have announced details for Andy Bunker’s funeral.  It will be held on 12^th August at Pitsea Crematorium, Church Road, Bowers Gifford, Essex. SS13 2HG.

Andy will arrive at Alton Garden Centre at approximately 3pm then proceeding to the service at Bowers Gifford Crematorium (Garden view chapel) at 4:30pm.

We will then head back to Alton Garden Centre for a celebration of Andy's life from 5:45pm.    Alton Garden Centre, Arterial Road, Wickford, Essex SS12 9JG

The family have requested no flowers instead a gesture to Farleigh Hospice would be greatly received as they cared for Andy so kindly.

https://andybunker.muchloved.com/

Everyone at Greenfingers Charity is deeply saddened by the passing of Andy Bunker, a very dear friend of the charity and someone who has been a much-loved part of the Greenfingers family for many years.

Andy was one of those rare people who left a lasting impression on everyone he met. His kindness, generosity and love for those around him were at the heart of who he was.

Boyd Douglas-Davies, Chairman of the Greenfingers Charity, said: “Andy was a great personal friend for many years, and someone who meant a great deal to all of us at Greenfingers. He was kind, generous and always willing to support us in whatever way he could.

“Andy had a wonderful ability to connect people and make them feel part of something special. Through Garden Re-Leaf Day, the 24 hour plant-athon, his support of our events and the many introductions he made on our behalf, Andy helped strengthen the community around Greenfingers in a way that will have a lasting impact.

“He understood that our gardens are about so much more than plants and design. They provide moments of comfort and connection for children and families when they need them most. Andy believed wholeheartedly in helping us create those moments, we will always be grateful for the memories and the legacy he leaves behind.

“Our thoughts are very much with Andy’s family, friends and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.”

Many Garden Centres still rely on a mix of software applications, spreadsheets, paper records and manual processes to manage their workforce. While these systems may have evolved over time, they often create inefficiencies, duplicate data entry and a lack of visibility across the business.

The result? Managers spend valuable time chasing information instead of making informed decisions.

By centralising workforce management into a single system, Garden Centres can establish one reliable source of truth across every stage of the employee lifecycle. From recruitment and onboarding through to rota planning, clock-ins, attendance monitoring, Health & Safety compliance, asset management and task execution, everything is managed in one place.

WorkForce Manager has been designed specifically for the horticulture industry, bringing together the tools Garden Centres and Nurseries need to operate more efficiently. Its flexible, modular approach allows businesses to implement the functionality they need today, while retaining the flexibility to expand as requirements evolve.

With all workforce-related data connected, managers gain greater visibility and control. Recruitment progress links seamlessly into onboarding. Employee training and compliance records remain readily accessible. Attendance, lateness, overtime, holidays and rotas are managed from a single platform. Operational assets such as trolleys and baskets can be monitored alongside recurring tasks and maintenance activities.

Now powered by an integrated AI Assistant, WorkForce Managertakes efficiency a step further. AI helps identify trends, highlight potential issues, recommend actions and support faster, more informed decision-making. The result is better resource utilisation, reduced administration, improved compliance and lower operating costs.

In an increasingly competitive market, centralising workforce control is no longer just an IT decision—it’s a business strategy for improving productivity, consistency, and profitability.

Bring your workforce processes together in one powerful, horticulture-focused platform.

Book a demo today and discover how WorkForce Manager can help your Garden Centre operate smarter.

Corby+Fellas are excited to announce that Trowbridge Garden Centre is the latest garden centre to choose their WinRetail solution. "A very warm welcome to the team - we're looking forward to working together and supporting your continued success."

Established in 1980, Trowbridge Garden Centre has been a much-loved destination for gardeners and families for over four decades. Founded by Bill Mannings, Alan Clarkson, Fred Daws and Terry Knowles, the business has remained proudly family-owned throughout its history and continues to serve the local community with a fantastic range of plants, gardening products and seasonal inspiration.

Located on Frome Road in Trowbridge, the centre is renowned for creating a welcoming in-store experience, complete with a vibrant café and ever-changing seasonal displays that give customers a reason to return time and time again. Under the leadership of Chris Wilde (pictured with C+F’s Jamie Cann and Jacob Parker), only the third manager in the garden centre's history, the team continues to build on the values and vision established over 40 years ago.

"We're delighted to be partnering with another independent garden centre that shares our passion for exceptional customer service and retail excellence.

"Thank you to everyone at Trowbridge Garden Centre for placing your trust in Corby + Fellas. We can't wait to support you on the next stage of your journey.

"Welcome aboard! "

#CorbyAndFellas #WinRetail #GardenCentre #GardenRetail #EPOS #RetailTechnology #IndependentGardenCentre #CustomerSuccess #Partnership #Welcome

The first RHS Sandringham Flower Show opened last week with two awards chosen and presented by Their Majesties The King and Queen celebrating biodiversity.

The King’s Biodiversity Award celebrates outstanding horticulture and the importance of biodiverse spaces and was awarded to Mindful Chef’s Gathering by His Majesty King Charles III shortly after the show opened to the public. The garden is designed by Sophie Godber and is inspired by a traditional orchard. Its naturalistic and edible planting showcases the importance of creating habitats that support pollinators, birds and insects. The garden’s details echo the ethos that food growing, biodiversity and community go hand in hand. The designer hopes to showcase how neighbours can work together to create connected habitats by looking beyond the garden fence.

The Pollinator Patch by Whissonsett and District Horticultural Society and Gardening Club received The Queen’s Choice of Upcycled Containers. Designed for bees, the Upcycled Container features bee-friendly plants in an old beehive composter. The Queen Bee by Ingoldisthorpe Church of England Primary School also received a special award from The Queen for its planter which celebrates the majestic queen bee.

Designed as a nod to an old library and in celebration of the 90th anniversary of RNIB talking books, RNIB Talking Books Garden by Paul Hervey-Brookes has been presented with Best Show Garden, Best Construction for a Show Garden, and a Gold Medal. Jo Thompson, Chair of the Judging Panel described the garden as: “A highly accomplished garden that clearly conveys the history of RNIB talking books. Visitors will enjoy walking through this atmospheric space with its naturalistic planting and its nods to library spaces.”

In the Grow Forward Gardens, a category that looks to the future by showcasing gardens that improve landscapes and help mitigate climate change, The Rhythm of Rainwater by Anthony Purdy also took home the hattrick of Best Grow Forward Garden, Best Construction, and a Gold Medal.

The Rhythm of Rainwater by Anthony Purdy explores how rainwater can be used to mitigate water shortages. Commenting on the design, Jo Thompson said: “An exquisite jewel of a garden that clearly conveys the story through many clever and charming details. It shows visitors what can be achieved in a small space and demonstrates innovative ideas for water capture.” 

Best Long Border was awarded to Tough as Old Boots Garden by James Horne and Zac Willitts, and Roualeyn Fuchsias took home Best Exhibit in the Floral Marquee.

See GTN Xtra's photos from RHS Sandringham Flower Show below featuring a great display of Mint plants that could inspire more sales at retail, a childrens gardening book called Gardenland The Peas and Carrot Party Shake-Up and a producer of plantable greetings cards; Hannah Marchant.