Politicians and personalities from the garden industry came together at a Parliamentary Reception to debate the important role that horticulture plays in the modern-day world.

The reception at the House of Lords was organised by the All-Party Parliamentary Gardening & Horticulture Group and sponsored by Westland Horticulture, the HTA, the RHS and the British Association of Landscaper Industries.

One of the main themes of the event was the need to encourage closer collaboration between industry and government to unlock horticulture’s full potential.

In his address to the reception, Boyd Douglas-Davis said: “Environmental horticulture is a subject that transcends party lines, and I am grateful for the opportunity to speak to such a distinguished and diverse audience.

Whilst gardens have existed since the start of time, the world of Environmental Horticulture is a much newer phenomenon. Ninety‑eight years ago, the very first National Garden Scheme garden opened its gates and welcomed the public in, beginning a tradition of community engagement. Seventy years ago, the first garden centre — Stewarts Garden Centre — opened its doors, changing how the public accessed plants and gardening knowledge. And I am delighted to offer congratulations to Martin Stewart, who is here with his daughter Amy, as part of that proud legacy.

“Most recently, just five years ago, the nation discovered an all‑time high interest in Environmental Horticulture and all that it entails. These milestones remind us that our sector is rooted in history, yet constantly evolving to meet the needs of the present and future. The Environmental Horticulture Group was created to raise awareness of the vital role our sector plays in the health of our environment, our communities, and our economy. Our purpose is to encourage closer collaboration between industry and government, so that together we can unlock horticulture’s full potential.”

Boyd added that the Environmental Horticulture Group launched its Mission Green Growth report with three clear recommendations: 

• Recognition of horticulture as green infrastructure – essential to climate resilience and public health.
• Investment in skills and training – to equip the next generation with expertise in science, technology, and horticultural excellence.

• Support for innovation and collaboration — ensuring industry and government work hand‑in‑hand to deliver sustainable growth.

He said: “Your engagement and support will be crucial in helping us deliver the benefits that horticulture can bring to the nation. Together, we can ensure that future generations inherit not only a greener country, but a stronger and more resilient one.”

Life peer Baroness Fookes (pictured right) told the reception: “Health and wellbeing aspects of horticulture are well established. Need to be better seen as careers for young people. Challenging for small enterprises in the industry to get government help and interest, but that is changing as they have come together in recent years.”

Emma Hardy MP commented: “Gardening and horticulture is key to helping government achieve net zero ambitions. Gardens are playing an important role. Pressure on water system is skyrocketing. Water security is a key concern, and is part of the governments Environmental Improvement Plan reducing water demand to make better use of this valuable resource. Promote water recycling and reuse through grey-water.

“Undertaken a review of building regulations and committed to increasing sustainable drainage systems to make communities more resilient to climate change.

“Urgent repair of leaks in the existing supply system and deliver new supply infrastructure.  We have invested £104 billion in nine new reservoir projects to more successfully manage dry weather. We have founded an Independent Water Commission with one water regulator.”

TV gardener Adam Frost shared his experience in gardening, working in parks, then going to train with Geoff Hamilton, who he credited as ‘setting his moral compass’, who embraced peat-free and measures to prevent despoliation of the environment long before any others. 

Adam urged decision makers to sit in a garden designed for wellbeing, and experience the power of horticulture and how it can help power the planet. Horticulture nails every part of that, and should be taken more seriously, he said.

Garden centre customers across the UK are voting in their thousands for their Greatest Garden Centre at Christmas.  They are voting on-line, in-store and by post, all exuding high praise on the teams they believe are The Greatest at spreading joy this Christmas.

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

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

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

When it comes to the customer voting the current Top 40 centres are:

1. Albrighton BGC
2. Birkacre
3. Fakenham Garden Centre
4. Old Railway Line
5. Monkton Elm
6. Blofield Garden Centre at Norwich Camping & Leisure
7. Perrywood Tiptree
8. Longacres Bagshot
9. Summerhill Garden Centre
10. Newquay Garden  Centre
11. Bents
12. Munros
13. Wolseley Bridge BGC
14. Owl Lane Farm Nurseries
15. Glendoick Garden Centre
16. Haddenham Garden Centre
17. Henry Street Garden Centre
18. Trioscape Garden Centre
19. Gloucester BGC
20. Perrywood Sudbury
21. Newton Regis BGC
22. Harrogate BGC
23. Bow Garden and Aquatic Centre
24. Keydell Nurseries
25. Wolvercroft Garden Centre
26. Conkers Garden Centre
27. Langlands BGC
28. Bridgnorth BGC
29. Meadow Croft
30. Charlecote BGC
31. Chilton BGC
32. Dobbies Ashford
33. Rugby BGC
34. Burford House BGC
35. Hatton BGC
36. Hayes BGC
37. Parker’s Garden Centre
38. Brockworth BGC
39. Hillmount Bangor
40. Thatcham BGC

As of Sunday evening, the total number of garden centres taking part in The Greatest Christmas Awards 2025 is 174.  With 4 weeks still to go for customers to vote there is plenty of opportunity for more centres to join in and feel the warmth of their customers votes, and their comments as to why they are The Greatest at Christmas.

The full list of centres that are being voted for currently is:

Albrighton BGC, Alton, Arcadia, Aylsham Garden Centre , Bents, Berkely Park Klondyke, Bicester Blue Diamond, Birkacre Garden Centre, Blackdown Blue Diamond, Blofield Garden Centre at Norwich Camping & Leisure, Bold Heath BGC, Bow Garden and Aquatic Centre , Braintree BGC, Bridgnorth BGC, Brockworth BGC, Bromsgrove BGC, Burford House BGC, Cambridge Home & Garden, Cardiff Blue Diamond, Chacewater Garden Centre, Charlecote BGC, Chessington Garden Centre, Chilton BGC, Chipperfield BGC, Conkers Garden Centre, Daleside Klondyke, Dobbies Ashford, East Durham BGC, Elm Farm Florist and Nursery Billericay, Fakenham Garden Centre, Fron Goch, Gardenwise Klondyke, Garsons Titchfield, Glendoick Garden Centre, Gloucester BGC, Haddenham Garden Centre, Harrogate BGC, Hatton BGC, Havant BGC, Hayes BGC, Hemel BGC, Henry Street Garden Centre, Hillmount Bangor, Hillmount Belfast , Hillmount Carrickfergus, Hillmount Newtownards, Hockley Market Garden Centre, Keydell Nurseries, Langlands BGC, Leyland BGC, Longacres Bagshot, Louth BGC, Mayfield Klondyke, Meadow Croft, Monkton Elm, Moulton Nurseries Garden Centre & Coffee Shop, Munros Nurseries, Newquay Garden Centre, Newton Regis BGC, Northampton BGC, Notcutts Rivendell, Old Railway Line, Old Well Garden Centre, Oswaldtwistle Mills, Owl Lane Farm Nurseries, Parker’s Garden Centre, Pennells Lincoln, Perrywood Buckhatch, Perrywood Sudbury, Perrywood Tiptree, Plant Perfections Garden centre, Plants Galore Garden centre, Poplar Nurseries, Ransoms Jersey, Rowena Leicester, Rugby BGC, Sapcote Garden Centre, Snowdonia Nurseries, Southwood Garden Centre, Squires Twickenham, Stringers Doncaster Klondyke, Summerhill Garden Centre, Thatcham BGC, Toad Hall Garden Centre, Trevena Cross Nurseries, Trioscape Garden Centre, Upcountry Stone Cross Garden Centre , Wolseley Bridge BGC, Wolvercroft Garden Centre, Woodthorpe BGC.

Albrighton BGC are the first garden centre Christmas team to send in a bulk batch of GTN's Greatest Christmas Awards votes that they have been collecting in-store.

Thousands of customers have already posted their votes on-line and in-store to say who are The Greatest Garden Centre Christmas teams in 2025, some have even even posted their votes directly to us!  Voting is live on-line and in store from now until 22^nd December.

With 4 weeks left until voting closes theres plenty of time for your team to join in the competition.  To ask your customers to vote for you and your team, all you need to do is print off the posters, there are four different designs to choose from, that can be accessed via this link: GTN Greatest Christmas Awards Voting Materials, display them in store, add a link to your social media pages or website where you can put the voting link or the QR code as below and let the voting begin.

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

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

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

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

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

Here is a link to the Voting QR code:

GTN Greatest Christmas Awards Voting QR code

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

Save the date for Christmas Greatness:  GTN's Greatest Christmas Awards for 2025 will be announced and presented during Glee at Spring Fair on Monday 2nd February 2026.

Now that Glee has returned to Spring Fair for February 2026, the area will provide the ideal place for garden centre folk to gather at lunchtime on Monday 2nd February 2026 to hear the announcements of this years winners in the judged and voted for categories.

Save the date now, register to visit Spring Fair and we look forward to seeing you all at lunchtime in Glee at Spring Fair on Monday 2nd February 2026.

As we go to press there are now only a couple of Christmas awards sponsorship packages available.  they are a great way to build awareness, get centres to try you product and spread you message along with all the great feelings The Greatest Christmas Awards bring.  For details please contact Alan Burdon: alan@pottingshedpress.co.uk

Glee is set to return to Spring Fair in February 2026 for the first time in six years, taking advantage of Spring Fair’s unparalleled scale, cross-category audience and influential position in the early retail calendar. 

Hosted within the UK’s most comprehensive sourcing event, the Glee at Spring Fair concession show will strengthen Spring Fair’s garden and outdoor offering bringing the very best in garden, outdoor living, decorative accessories and leisure to the NEC Birmingham - this time with a refreshed and carefully curated format designed to meet the evolving needs of the garden retail sector.

The decision to bring Glee back to Spring Fair follows a period of exceptional growth for both events. Spring Fair continues to stand as the UK’s most comprehensive retail marketplace, drawing thousands of buyers across Home, Gift, Fashion, Greetings, Beauty, and Lifestyle. Its unmatched scale and cross-category reach make it the ideal platform to elevate the garden and outdoor sector, offering suppliers access to new audiences and buyers the convenience of sourcing complementary ranges under one roof.

With Glee’s September edition achieving record success in 2025, its return to Spring Fair strategically extends the show’s influence into the early buying season. It also responds directly to retailer and supplier demand for a complementary spring touchpoint. Spring Fair is the natural home for this edition, offering the scale, reach and cross-category audience needed to maximise the opportunity for the entire garden retail sector. Together, the two events create a strengthened annual sourcing cycle, September for forward planning and February for in-season agility, supporting retailers throughout the year.

Supporting the garden & outdoor living retail buying cycle

Glee at Spring Fair 2026 will serve as a vital early-season touchpoint within the UK’s most established retail event. Retailers and buyers will benefit from the opportunity to finalise pre-season orders, plug last-minute gaps, and respond to early trading patterns, all while exploring Spring Fair’s 16 curated destinations and over 1 million products.

The timing allows buyers to:

• Complete spring and summer ranges
• Top up core and seasonal stock ahead of peak footfall
• Explore cross-category opportunities across décor, gift, lifestyle, and fashion
• Connect with both established garden suppliers and emerging design-led brands showcased throughout Spring Fair
• By hosting Glee within Spring Fair’s expansive footprint, the concession becomes part of a seamless, discovery-driven visitor journey, one that reflects the evolving ways retailers buy across multiple categories.

Benefits for exhibitors

For garden and outdoor living exhibitors, Glee at Spring Fair offers exposure far beyond the traditional garden-centre channel. Spring Fair’s broad and diverse audience, from department stores and independents to lifestyle retailers, gift shops, online platforms, and fashion buyers, creates fresh commercial opportunities and new routes to market.

Suppliers will benefit from:

• A centralised, high-traffic garden and outdoor hub within the wider show
• Access to thousands of buyers seeking newness across home, décor, lifestyle, and gifting
• Visibility alongside complementary categories that drive cross-purchase behaviour
• Spring Fair’s elevated visitor experience, curated design, and new feature zones introduced for 2026
• This integration positions garden retail firmly within the wider retail ecosystem, reflecting the sector’s growing presence in lifestyle and home merchandising.

Jackson Szabo, Portfolio Director at Spring & Autumn Fair, said: “Welcoming Glee back to Spring Fair strengthens what we offer our visitors and exhibitors at precisely the moment they need it most. Spring Fair’s scale, its cross-category audience and its reputation as the UK’s definitive buying event create the perfect platform for Glee’s early-season edition. This move gives garden and outdoor brands unrivalled visibility, while offering retailers a richer, more connected sourcing experience across more product categories than ever before. It’s an exciting development for 2026 and one that reflects the momentum driving both shows forward.”

Matthew Mein, Event Director of Glee, said: “Bringing Glee back to Spring Fair is an exciting step forward for both events and for the garden retail community. It strengthens Glee’s position at the heart of the industry and offers a dynamic new platform for growth at a key moment in the buying year. The combination of Glee’s specialist focus and Spring Fair’s extensive reach creates a powerful opportunity for exhibitors and buyers alike and we can’t wait to see the results in 2026.”

Trade associations confirm support

Supporting Glee at Spring Fair will be the Garden Industry Manufacturers’ Association (GIMA), with whom Glee enjoys a long-standing partnership. GIMA’s popular Business Village, which achieved record-breaking success in 2025 with more exhibitors and Meet the Buyer meetings than ever before, will once again feature at Glee at Spring Fair, providing a dynamic platform for networking, relationship-building, and new business development.

Vicky Nuttall, GIMA Director, commented: “GIMA is pleased to support the return of Glee at Spring Fair. The return of an early-season edition reflects the growing importance of garden retail within the wider marketplace and provides our members with a valuable opportunity to engage buyers at a key point in the season. Following the success of GIMA’s Business Village at Glee 2025, we’re looking forward to continuing that momentum in February, helping suppliers and retailers strengthen relationships, explore new partnerships, and drive commercial growth.”

The Garden Centre Association (GCA) have also confirmed their support of the move. Peter Burks, GCA Chief Executive, said: “It’s great to hear that Glee will have a presence at the Spring Fair next year. It’s an ideal time to ensure spring orders are in place and aligned with the upcoming season and weather forecasts, while also planning ahead for the rest of the year. It will be a great opportunity for us to catch up with both members and prospective members before the season gets fully underway.”

Find out more

Glee at Spring Fair 2026 will be held from 1st – 4th February at the NEC Birmingham, as part of the UK’s leading home, gift and lifestyle event.

For more information or to register your interest in exhibiting, visit www.gleebirmingham.com or call +44 (0)203 3545 9752.

Garden centres are being asked to submit their marketing campaigns for the Garden Centre Association’s annual Worrall Cup competition.

The member garden centre judged as having the best marketing initiative will be presented with the cup during the industry body’s 60th anniversary year Annual Conference in January 2026.

Peter Burks, GCA Chief Executive, says: “Our member garden centres showcase fantastic marketing creativity all year round and the annual Worrall Cup celebrates the very best of that flair.

“This award is a chance for our members to gain recognition for both originality and commercial success. If you believe you’ve got what it takes to claim the cup this year, make sure to submit your entry to us by Friday, January 9, 2026.

“All submissions will be reviewed by an independent panel of marketing experts. As the award is judged separately from the annual inspection, every entry has an equal opportunity to shine. The panel will meet in January to evaluate each submission and select the winner.”

Members are asked to submit an entry by completing a short form. Please email laura@gca.org.uk to receive full details.  

The submission of supporting material, such as photographs, print examples and web links, is encouraged. An additional sheet of written details is acceptable along with the entry form, if required. Entries can be sent electronically via laura@gca.org.uk or by post.

Peter continues: “Our Annual Conference takes place at Carden Park Chester from January 25 until 28, 2026 and the winner will be announced during our Annual Dinner and Awards Ceremony on the Tuesday evening, January 27.”

There is a dedicated email for any queries members, and those wishing to book for the event, may have: conference@gca.org.uk.

Peter adds: “To find out more and to book tickets for our GCA Annual Conference 2026, please visit our conference pages in the members’ section of our website or go directly to https://gca.digitickets.co.uk/. If non-members are interested in joining us to attend the event, please email info@gca.org.uk.”

The RHS and The King’s Foundation are creating a garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show (19-23 May 2026) to encourage the nation to discover the joy of getting curious about gardening and the vital contribution plants make to the health of people, places and planet.

The RHS and The King’s Foundation Curious Garden will be designed by horticulturist, author and TV presenter Frances Tophill, her first garden at the world’s most famous flower show. 

Joining Frances on her journey to create the garden will be The King’s Foundation Ambassador, Sir David Beckham, and RHS and The King’s Foundation Ambassador, Alan Titchmarsh CBE. The King’s Foundation, founded by King Charles III in 1990, works to build sustainable communities and transform lives through practical education programmes and projects. A huge part of the charity’s work is to encourage the next generation to learn in and from nature, with gardening courses offered at The King’s Foundation HQ, Dumfries House in Scotland.

Sir David, who regularly shares his joy of gardening via his social media channels, will help encourage millions of other new gardeners to be curious in their own gardening endeavours.

Talking about his involvement with the feature garden at RHS Chelsea, Sir David said: "My love for the countryside started when I was a child visiting my grandparents. I’ve experienced how rewarding gardening can be and that’s why I’m looking forward to working with The RHS and The King’s Foundation on their Curious Garden at the 2026 RHS Chelsea Flower Show. I hope we inspire people to get outside into nature and to try something new.”

The RHS and The King’s Foundation Curious Garden will be brimming with take home ideas for people to grow more plants and create beautiful pockets of nature, be it on a windowsill, in a container garden or in a private garden space.

The Garden Designer, Frances Tophill, said: “I’m thrilled to be working with everyone involved to bring my first Chelsea garden to life and really explore my own curiosity about plants and their vital role in bringing health to people and to planet.”

Garden apprentices and trainees from both The King’s Foundation’s gardens and the RHS will be invited to be involved with the Chelsea Garden. The garden will also celebrate the specialist traditional skills of The King’s Foundation students and graduates around woodwork and other craftmanship will be celebrated. 

As one of the nation’s best known and best loved gardeners, Alan Titchmarsh, CBE, will also champion curiosity in the garden to encourage people to grow more varieties of plants, propagate new plants and be curious to find out why, and how, gardening can positively impact on our health, happiness and do good for the planet.  

Alan said: “Aside from celebrating the real joy that gardening brings to our lives, we will be highlighting how simply growing more plants helps mitigate both the biodiversity and climate crises and, therefore, why gardeners, from enthusiastic new gardeners to incredible skilled horticulturists, are more important today than ever.”

The final destination for the Garden, after RHS Chelsea Flower Show, will be aimed at young adults and designed to bring nature to an urban setting and will be announced in 2026.  The RHS and King’s Foundation Curious Garden design for RHS Chelsea will be unveiled early next year.

An international speaker on workforce burnout, anxiety and stress is taking to the stage on the Tuesday of the Garden Centre Association’s (GCA) 2026 Conference at Carden Park Chester (January 27, 2026).

Kat Thorne, who is a teacher and consultant, is presenting to delegates at the GCA’s 60th anniversary year event on ‘one small habit change’ that can boost resilience and wellbeing.

Ben Harrison, GCA Chairman Elect and Operations Director of Haskins Garden Centres, says: “Presenter of Positive Habits Podcast and Founder of The Morning Game Changer, Kat will be talking about the greatest global pandemic of all time – burnout, anxiety and stress.

“These are at an all-time high worldwide but are particularly prevalent in the UK. In The Mental State of the World 2023 Report, the UK scored second worst out of 71 countries. As people-focused businesses, our teams are our most important asset. The better able individuals are to look after themselves, the better they perform in all areas of life. 

“Kat is a positive habits expert and her life story of workaholism, breakdown and burnout inspire global audiences to change. After losing everything in 2016, she had no choice but to start again – with one small habit change. She is going to share with all those that attend our 2026 Annual Conference her experiences and tips, so we can all benefit.”

A former Global Commercial Director & CEO, Kat now works with organisations, leaders and individuals around the world to create one small positive habit change that results in increased wellbeing and resilience.

GCA CEO, Peter Burks concludes: “I’m sure our delegates will really appreciate hearing about Kat’s one small positive habit change and that her presentation will inspire them. Increased wellbeing and resilience allow us all to have healthier, happier work and home lives. They also help boost performance in the workplace too. For every £1 invested in wellbeing, there is a £5 return, according to Deloitte in 2022.

“To find out more and to book tickets, please visit the conference pages in the members’ section of our website or go directly to https://gca.digitickets.co.uk/. For any further queries, please contact the dedicated conference email: conference@gca.org.uk. If non-members are interested in joining us to attend the event, please email info@gca.org.uk.”

The Horticultural Trades Association brought plants and a powerful message to Westminster this week, calling on the Government to stop the squeeze and start the growth by backing Britain’s original green industry ahead of next week’s Autumn budget.

The latest "Plants in Parliament" drop-in event on Wednesday, 19 November and sponsored by Ben Goldsborough MP, saw more than 100 MPs, Peers and their teams from across the political spectrum come together to hear how the environmental horticulture sector can drive green growth, green infrastructure, support jobs, and help deliver a healthier and vibrant UK.

As a seasonal twist, over 250 indoor plants, including poinsettias and cyclamen supplied by HTA members Aylett Nurseries from St Albans, were given away as part of each conversation, and six Christmas wreaths were presented to politicians across the different political parties. Other member representation included Melanie Asker from Greenwood Plants, who is also a member of the HTA’s Ornamental Management Committee.

Fran Barnes, Chief Executive of the HTA, said: "Today’s event was a chance to celebrate the incredible value of environmental horticulture while sending a clear message to the Government ahead of the Autumn Budget. Our sector delivers economic growth, supports skilled jobs, and helps create the green spaces and infrastructure that make our communities thrive.

“But to fulfil that potential, businesses need the right policy environment. Rising costs, new regulatory burdens and uncertainty around Business and Agricultural Property Relief are threatening to hold the sector back. We’re calling on the Chancellor to flip the switch on green growth and back the businesses that make Britain bloom.”

The HTA has been engaging closely with Treasury ministers in recent months to highlight the impact of rising costs, labour shortages and policy uncertainty on horticultural businesses. The association has urged the Government to pause proposed changes to Business and Agricultural Property Relief, allowing for full consultation and impact assessment – a call echoed by many MPs, peers, and the EFRA Select Committee.

Event sponsor Ben Goldsborough MP said: “It was a real pleasure once again to support the HTA’s ‘Plants in Parliament’ event and to see colleagues from all parties come together to celebrate Britain’s original green industry. At this time of year, especially, it’s wonderful to be reminded of the colour, creativity and community spirit that horticulture brings to our lives.

“But this is also serious business, environmental horticulture has huge potential to drive green growth, create skilled jobs and support a healthier environment and events such as this help to showcase the potential of this important sector, and we must help it continue to thrive.”

The HTA also showcased the sector’s potential to grow by 45% to £51.2 billion by 2030 with the right government support, reinforcing the environmental horticultural industry’s role as a key driver of productivity, sustainability and wellbeing.

Fran Barnes added: “Environmental horticulture isn’t just about gardens and green spaces – it’s about jobs, skills and solutions. If the Government truly wants to deliver green growth, this is the moment to prove it.”

The Bransford Webbs Plant Company has announced that three new apprentices have recently started their placements with the nursery, on a two-year scheme in conjunction with Pershore College, leading to a Level 3 Crop Technician Qualification.  

Over the next two years Lola Dolphin, Danny Holloway and Esme Goldenberg will work in all departments on the nursery and also spend five weeks each year at Pershore College studying a wide range of horticultural modules. Our apprenticeship scheme attracts a wide range of applicants; with Lola and Danny having completed their GCSEs and A-levels respectively earlier this year, whilst Esme is embarking on a career change.  

“It’s great to have these three excellent apprentices join the team”, commented Karl O’Neill, Technical Production Director. “We see apprentices as the life blood of the business and are excited for what the future holds for them”.  

The Bransford Webbs Plant Company has a proud history of apprenticeships dating back to the 1980s with several of the current management and supervisory roles on the nursery held by former apprentices.

Most recently, our two apprentices Sam Oleksy and Emmeline Yourston completed their Level 3 Crop Technician Qualification, both passing with Distinction. Sam is currently one of our glasshouse growers and Emmeline over sees an area of the young plant unit.  

The Naturosa series, developed by rose breeder Martin Vissers of Viva International, received five awards at international rose competitions in 2025.

For Vissers, these recognitions crown more than 20 years of careful selection and refinement of the Naturosa roses. The Belgian grower Meer Plant is bringing the plants to market.

The natural appearance, high ornamental value and inherent resilience -hallmarks of the Naturosa series- also formed the basis for the awards received in 2025:

• Green Summer (VISallcover) – 1er Prix Couvre Sol – SNHF Grand Prix de la Rose (17^th Edition)
• Sirona (VISboprim) – Honourable Mention – Hradec Králové (Czech Republic)
• Abellio (VISpaniuc) – 2ème Prix Concours de Roses de Paysage – Paris Bagatelle (France)
• Palsy Walsy® (VISmired) – Gold Certificate Miniature – The Hague (Netherlands)
• Diamantino (VISraroda) – Silver Certificate Shrub Roses – The Hague (Netherlands) – pictured above.

The success of the Naturosa series comes at a time when more and more garden enthusiasts and green professionals are choosing sustainable, low-maintenance plants. Naturosa roses can be cultivated and maintained without chemicals at the nursery, in private gardens or in public green spaces.

The new generation of roses
Breeder Martin Vissers refers to them as “The New Generation of Roses.” These are not the traditional hybrid tea varieties that require specific care. They are strong, naturally growing roses, on their own roots. They form dense, bushy plants with an abundance of small flowers throughout the season. They are robust, require little to no maintenance and withstand weather conditions ranging from Warsaw’s winters to Madrid’s summers.

Their strong disease resistance enables chemical-free, biological cultivation. The series meets the growing demand for easy, sustainable and reliable garden plants.

Availability via Meer Plant
Naturosa varieties are available through Meer Plant for garden centres, wholesalers and green professionals across Europe. This makes the award-winning roses accessible for gardens and public green spaces through retailers, landscapers, municipalities and green service providers.

For more information about the Naturosa series and sales via Meer Plant, visit the official website: www.naturosa.be.

Following the announcement of the Greenfingers Charity’s upcoming Kilimanjaro Challenge 2026, the charity is now calling for sponsors to help kit out its brave team of climbers as they prepare to take on Africa’s tallest peak in aid of the children’s hospice garden charity.

Generous support has already been secured from Harvey Spack Field, who are sponsoring the team’s neon pink t-shirts – which you may have spotted at the GIMA Awards and the recent Acorn’s Hospice garden opening – and from The Boyd Partnership, who will be keeping the climbers warm with sponsored beanie hats.

In a further boost to the challenge, Mountain Warehouse – the leading British outdoor retailer with over 270 stores in the UK alone – has agreed to support the team by providing their expedition coats and offering a significant discount on the remainder of the kit required for the climb. This generous backing will help ensure every member of the group is properly equipped for the demanding conditions on the mountain.

Greenfingers is now inviting additional partners to come on board and help equip the 20-strong team – which now includes Johan Huibers, Richard Quarmby and Thomas Forsyth – for their adventure of a lifetime.

Sponsorship opportunities – starting from just £500 - are available for jackets, fleeces, t-shirts as well as the essential waterproof ruck sack covers each of the team will need. Full details can be found on the Greenfingers website.

Each sponsored item will feature the partner’s logo, delivering strong visibility as the team trains, travels and ultimately tackles the ‘Roof of Africa’. Sponsors will benefit from high-profile exposure throughout the entire Kilimanjaro Challenge journey, with their support highlighted across key kit and widely shared content. It’s also a meaningful way to align your brand with children’s wellbeing, outdoor therapy and sustainability, while contributing to a story that inspires communities and helps create more magical hospice gardens for life-limited children and their families.

Linda Petrons, Director of Fundraising & Communications at Greenfingers Charity, said: “We’ve already been so touched by the support from Harvey Spack Field and The Boyd Partnership. Sponsoring a piece of the team’s kit is a brilliant way for businesses to show their backing for Greenfingers, while gaining great exposure and being part of a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that will help create even more magical hospice gardens for life-limited children and their families.”

The 20-strong team of climbers, featuring well-known faces from across the garden retail and horticultural industries, will embark on their Mount Kilimanjaro ascent from 10th–21st June 2026.

To discuss sponsorship opportunities, please contact linda@greenfingerscharity.org.uk.

The Horticultural Trades Association and GIMA are excited to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Garden Press Event in 2026, with visitor bookings opening today for this milestone exhibition.

The one-day event, at the Business Design Centre in Islington on 17 February 2026, is a must-attend diary date for press and media professionals. It attracts hundreds of members of the garden press and media each year and has been a springboard for numerous successful companies and products.

Exhibitors showcase a wide variety of gardening products, while established businesses and brands from across the sector are on hand to meet the media and plan content for the year ahead. There are also awards for ‘Best New Product’, which are decided by votes from attending press members and throughout the day, there will be regular sessions with key industry spokespeople (more details coming soon!).

Fran Barnes, Chief Executive of the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA), said: “The HTA is a proud partner of the Garden Press Event, and we are delighted to have been involved in its growth over the last two decades.

“It is an essential date in the horticultural calendar each year, kicking off the start of a new gardening season, and it is an event that offers an exceptional platform for industry professionals and media to connect, exchange ideas and spark creativity.

“As a hub for inspiration and innovation, we’re looking forward to welcoming journalists and influencers to discover the very best advancements and industry stories for the upcoming year. The 2026 event looks set to be an extra special one in this important milestone year.”

Vicky Nuttall, Director of GIMA, added: “GIMA has been involved with the Garden Press Event from the very beginning, and we are incredibly proud to serve as its custodians as we celebrate its 20th anniversary. I’ve personally attended since the beginning, so it’s a pleasure to be able to mark such a significant milestone.

“This event continues to provide an invaluable platform for brands to present their latest innovations directly to the media, showcasing the creativity and expertise that drive our sector forward. My sincere thanks go to Guy Burtenshaw and Richard Jackson, whose vision and foresight established this event all those years ago and set it on the path to the success we’re celebrating today.”

The Garden Press Event is exclusively for verified journalists, influencers, bloggers, vloggers, and members of the media. Entry is free, but registration is required.

Book your place now: gardenpressevent.co.uk/visitor-registration

For more details about the event and entry requirements, visit: gardenpressevent.co.uk.

Sustainable plant pot and garden accessory innovator elho has added another major accolade to its 2025 achievements, securing Best Impact Report at the ESG Sustainability & Purpose Awards. The win follows the company’s three successes at the GIMA Awards earlier this month, further cementing elho’s position as a market leader in sustainable practice.

Celebrating excellence in environmental and social governance, the ESG Sustainability & Purpose Awards recognise organisations demonstrating meaningful, measurable impact. The Best Impact Report category rewards clarity, structure and accuracy in ESG reporting, including year-on-year KPI comparability, transparent objectives, and clear identification of the report’s stakeholders.

elho’s annual Impact Report impressed judges with its data-led approach and commitment to transparency, both hallmarks of the brand’s long-standing sustainability strategy and its B Corp status.

Highlights from elho’s latest Impact Report include:

• CO2 footprint 2.5 times lower than non-sustainable plastic pots and 6× lower than ceramic pots
• Since 2024, 100% of elho products are made from recycled plastic
• 100% renewable energy usage, powered by elho’s own wind turbine and solar panels
• Local production in the Netherlands supported by a strong commitment to emission-free transport
• 13 million kg of plastic waste transformed into high-quality, circular design products in 2024

David Nicholson, UK, NEU & ROW Sales Manager at elho, said: “We’re still celebrating our triple GIMA success, so to be recognised again so soon is an incredible achievement. Being awarded the Best Impact Report accolade reaffirms our ongoing commitment to sustainability. Our annual report helps consumers and retail partners understand the steps we’re taking to reduce our footprint, support biodiversity and continually innovate. It’s a tool for accountability and a clear statement of our purpose.”

The ESG award follows elho’s standout performance at the 2025 GIMA Awards, where the green basics composter won both the Sustainability Award and the Growing, Planting, Equipment & Sundries Sustainability category. The smart pebble was also named winner of the Best Multi-Media Marketing Campaign, while the green basics composter promo kit was a finalist in two additional categories.

David added: “This award reflects the passion and values that drive elho. Our mission is to inspire people to bring more greenery into their lives while ensuring our products actively contribute to a healthier planet. From recycled materials to circular design principles, our Impact Report demonstrates how we put these values into action as a B Corp.”

Retailers interested in stocking elho’s award-winning, circular-design product ranges can contact David Nicholson at David.nicolson@elho.nl. For more information on elho’s innovative collections, visit www.elho.com/en.

A keen gardener from Cumnor has been recognised by Crane Garden Buildings for her much-loved shed, which has become the pride of her garden and a highlight for visitors to her open days.

Dr Dianne Gull, 77, was “astonished” to hear she had been chosen as the winner of Shed of the Season – a nationwide competition celebrating the most inspiring and well-loved garden buildings created by and for Crane customers across the UK.

Her winning shed stands proudly at the bottom of Dianne’s immaculate garden in the heart of Cumnor, where she and her husband, Professor Keith Gull, have lived for many years. The couple replaced their old, windowless shed during the first lockdown, after discovering it had become home to rats. They chose a Crane design for its craftsmanship and sympathetic styling, and have never looked back.

Dianne said: “I was worried about men working in the garden ruining my borders, but I needn’t have been. The whole Crane experience was wonderful, they gently guided me through what I needed with no hard sell at all.”

Painted to perfectly match the colour of the couple’s house windows, the new shed is a working space for Dianne’s seedlings and tools. In summer, it takes on another role: the ‘G&T shed’, where the pair, along with their friends, sit with an aperitif. They enjoy watching the sunshine reflecting off the walls of the shed and gazing out across the open views of the neighbour’s fields beyond… and pretending they belong to them!  

Dianne said: “The shed has made such a difference. It’s practical, looks beautiful, and it completes the garden. What’s not to like!”

A keen gardener who spends “every available minute” tending her plants, Dianne opens her garden twice a year as part of the National Garden Scheme – for snowdrops in winter, and for a vibrant early-summer display that attracts more than 100 visitors. This year, she was presented with an engraved trowel by the NGS in recognition of ten years of fundraising.

She plans to display her bespoke Shed of the Season plaque, handmade from hardwood in Crane’s Norfolk workshop, on a stand next to the shed rather than attaching it to the timber.

Emily Holmes, Head of Marketing at Crane Garden Buildings, said: “Dianne’s shed stood out for its warmth and personality. It fits seamlessly into her garden and reflects the joy our customers find in creating something truly their own. Her story really captures what Shed of the Season is all about – craftsmanship, care and creativity.”

The Shed of the Season initiative celebrates how customers use and enjoy their buildings throughout the year. The winner highlights the many ways a well-designed garden building can evolve with the weather and the garden around it, from spring planting and summer entertaining to autumn reflection and winter retreat.

Founded in 1974 and based in Narford, Norfolk, Crane Garden Buildings designs and manufactures a wide range of premium timber garden buildings including summerhouses, garden offices, studios and sheds. Each structure is hand-crafted in Norfolk and sold through show centres nationwide.

The company, which celebrated its 50th anniversary last year, has also been named a finalist in the EDP Business Awards for Customer Excellence, recognising its commitment to quality and service.

For more information, visit cranegardenbuildings.co.uk

The Swiss maker of world-renowned pruning tools is launching Felco KIDS, an innovative collection designed to introduce children aged 4 to 12 to gardening through a com­bination of storytelling and hands-on experience.

At its heart, the initiative brings together a charming, illustrated book and a specially crafted range of ergonomic gardening tools and accessories made just for kids. Both are inspired by FELCO’s founder, Félix Flisch, reflecting the company’s long-standing dedication to craftsmanship, education, and a close relationship with nature.

Bringing the story to life are Rose and Felix, two illustrated characters inspired by the iconic FELCO Rose and the brand’s founder Félix Flisch. Through their playful adventures, they invite young gardeners to explore nature, discover the joy of growing, and learn the values of care, patience, and respect for the environment. Rose and Felix will continue to accompany the FELCO KIDS collection in the years ahead, leading children on new gardening journeys as the range expands.

FELCO KIDS aims to bridge generations by encouraging families to spend quality time outdoors, rediscovering the joys of gardening and the rhythms of the natural world. In a digital age, the project champions tangible experiences and shared moments, helping to build a lasting connection between children and the environment.

The collection includes Little Green Fingers, an educational book divided into twelve monthly chapters featuring practical and creative gardening activities,such as making seed bombs, building insect hotels, and cultivating seasonal plants. Designed in collaboration with gardening and education professionals, it combines learning and fun while reflecting FELCO’s commitment to knowledge-sharing and craftsmanship.

Complementing the book is a collection of child-sized, high-qua­lity tools, including gloves, an apron, a small pruning shear and gardening tools, designed for comfort, safety, and durability. These aren’t mere miniatures but real, functional tools that give young gardeners a genuine sense of independence and pride.

The new Felco KIDS collection will be available from 17th of November on our e-shops and selected retailers.

“Felco KIDS is more than just a new product collection, it’s a celebration of heritage, learning, and connection” says FELCO CEO Nabil Francis. “We wanted to create something that not only introduces children to gardening but also strengthens the bonds between generations and encourages a lifelong respect for nature.”

A new study co-authored by the Royal Horticultural Society and University of Reading has shown that gardeners are more likely to choose plants with environmental benefits if they understand how those plants can help combat the effects of climate change.

RHS research over the last two decades has found that plants with high transpiration rates can help reduce flood risk and provide urban cooling and hairy-leaved plants capture particulate pollution, making them an important first defence as the climate crisis results in less frequent but heavier rainfall and flash flooding in our urban areas, increased average temperatures and high levels of pollution.  

In a study published in Landscape and Urban Planning, more than 400 participants were divided into two groups – one was given basic facts about environmental issues such as climate change and urban flooding while the other group was also given information about how to potentially manage those problems by growing plants with desirable traits, such as hairy leaves and high transpiration rates.

‘Action-related’ knowledge - whereby participants were offered solutions - significantly increased the likelihood of people changing their planting preferences in favour of varieties that could mitigate flooding and reduce air pollution. In addition, participants that were concerned about, or had experienced, the impacts of climate change were significantly more willing to select taxa (or species) that provided environmental benefits.

As a result of the research the RHS wants to work with growers and retailers to explore how labelling can inform planting choices, having last year launched its RHS Plants for Purpose project to organise the UK’s 400,000 cultivated plants according to benefit, such as flooding mitigation, air pollution capture, cooling, and support for wildlife. RHS scientists are developing the lists with the assistance of AI, starting with the traits identified as desirable in tackling a problem.

RHS Plants for Pollinators relaunched in July and is available here: www.rhs.org.uk/science/research/plants-for-pollinators

Fran Barnes, Chief Executive of the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA), commented:

“Whilst we fully back and commend the UK Government's ambition for an 'SPS' trade agreement including plant health, this response shows why it cannot come soon enough and why we need action on today's border operations.

“The government response arrives at a time when delays, damage, and costs are piling up for the plant sector at UK borders, including at Sevington Border Control Point (BCP). We're disappointed by the rejection of our constructive proposal to utilise the ‘POD’ system for at-destination checks as a pragmatic and cost-effective solution.

“We've called for an urgent summit to focus on how we can ensure our members - businesses delivering good green jobs across the UK – can see quick action on the border and can stop being hit with unnecessary pain, costs, and administrative burdens. We urgently need certainty, confidence, and constructive engagement.”

The Scottish Parliament’s Gardening and Horticulture Cross-Party Group, which brings together industry professionals and Members of the Scottish Parliament, hosted Rural Affairs Minister Jim Fairlie MSP on Tuesday afternoon for an engaging discussion on the sector's opportunities and challenges.  

Also attending the group meeting, of which the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) is the Secretariat, were representatives from businesses and charities across the sector, as well as Rachael Hamilton MSP, the Deputy Leader of the Opposition and Convenor of the Gardening and Horticulture CPG.

During the session, the group had the opportunity to discuss the newly launched HTA Scottish Environmental Horticulture Manifesto, which outlines the potential for a £5.1 billion boost to Scotland’s economy by 2030 through horticulture. It aims to promote greener jobs, create healthier and more resilient communities, and support stronger local businesses.

The environmental horticulture sector in Scotland, which includes retailers, growers, manufacturers, wholesalers, landscapers and garden designers, already supports nearly 60,000 jobs and contributes £2.6 billion to Scotland’s GDP. The HTA’s new document emphasises that this economic contribution could almost double by 2030, helping to deliver Scotland’s ambitions for economic growth, wellbeing and net-zero ambitions. 

Rachael Hamilton MSP, Convenor of the Gardening and Horticulture CPG, said: “It was a privilege to convene the Gardening and Horticulture Cross Party Group in the Scottish Parliament to discuss the HTA’s 2026 manifesto and hear the latest industry updates.  

“Their manifesto sets out a clear vision for how horticulture can play a vital role in Scotland’s future, supporting mental and physical wellbeing, boosting economic growth, and creating further opportunities for education and skills development.

“With the sector already contributing £2.6 billion to Scotland’s economy and supporting nearly 60,000 jobs, it’s important we support the horticulture industry so it can continue to deliver benefits for communities and the environment. I look forward to continuing to work with the industry to ensure there is greater recognition of the benefits the sector can provide.”

Stan Green, Managing Director of Growforth and Chair of the HTA Scottish Policy Group, added: "The Cross-Party Group brings together organisations, politicians and policymakers who share a common goal: to promote the growth of Scottish horticulture. Horticulture plays a vital role in connecting the economy, the environment, and our daily lives.

"With Scotland looking at land-use, mitigating the impact of climate change, and growing healthier communities, it’s an appropriate time to discuss and explore the possibilities within our sector. By working together, collaborating and innovating, we can ensure Scotland leads the way in demonstrating how cultivating plants cultivates prosperity, strengthens communities, and protects our natural world." 

You can read the whole manifesto, ‘The Scottish Environmental Horticulture Manifesto: Priorities for a future Scottish Government from the HTA’ on the HTA website: https://hta.org.uk/scotland

Lava-Lite is redefining the garden and pet care market with a range of innovative, sustainable products that deliver real results. Backed by bold design, proven performance, and growing national retailer support, we’re now expanding our UK sales network.

We’re seeking experienced, motivated sales agents to represent Lava-Lite across:

• London
• Home Counties & Midlands
• North Wales
• Scotland

If you’re entrepreneurial, relationship-driven, and commercially focused, this is your opportunity to join a brand with genuine momentum.

What we offer:

• Competitive commission structure
• Expanding portfolio across garden, home & pet sectors
• Full marketing and POS support
• Established success with national retailers
• Strong pipeline of new product development
• Partnership with a dynamic, fast-growing brand

This is more than a sales opportunity — it’s your chance to grow with a brand transforming the future of garden and pet care.

Contact Dominic or Kieron: enquiries@lava-lite.co.uk

Woodmansterne, a leading publisher and supplier of greeting cards to the very best retailers across the UK, has a vacancy for a Retail Development Manager for the South East, covering Surrey, Kent, East/West Sussex and South London.

As a third-generation family business started in 1953, we continue to have a reputation for quality, design, innovation and service. From our site in Croxley near Watford, our award-winning studio designs all our products. At our state-of-the-art, environmentally-progressive facility in Milton Keynes we house our brand-new production house and run our award-winning category management services into retail. As Woodmansterne grows, we continue to build on our heritage and reputation, and invest in our bright people and exciting future.

The company has a vacancy for a Retail Development Manager.

We believe that great relationships build great business. We take pride not only in the beautiful products we create, but in the strong, lasting partnerships that make it all possible.

We’re looking for a passionate, people focused professional to join our team. Someone who thrives on collaboration, communication, and connection. Whether you’re developing relationships with our trusted retail partners, or your colleagues across departments, you’ll play a vital role in ensuring Woodmansterne continues to inspire and delight through creativity and care.

The role requires an enthusiasm for building and nurturing relationships; excellent communication and interpersonal skills; a proactive, solutions-focused attitude; a focus on growing business with a team spirit that values integrity and shared success.

We offer:

• An attractive salary, with sales and target-based commissions and bonus, along with pension contributions and healthcare benefits
• A supportive, collaborative working environment where your ideas matter
• The chance to work with one of the UK’s most respected creative brands
• Opportunities for professional growth and meaningful contribution
• The satisfaction of knowing your work helps spread thoughtfulness and connection every day

If you’re someone who believes that relationships are the heart of success, and you’d like to be part of a company that shares that belief, we’d love to hear from you.

For full job description or to apply, please email marktimlett@woodmansterne.co.uk.

The application deadline is Wednesday 19th November 2025.

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As part of its ongoing investment plan, leading substrate producer Bulrush Horticulture has strengthened its sales team with the appointment of Darren Selvey as Sales Manager for the Midlands.

Darren brings extensive industry experience to the role, with a career spanning 37 years. He began as a grower at RA Meredith Nurseries before moving into sales 25 years ago. Most recently, he spent three-and-a-half years at Newey Ltd – one of Bulrush’s largest customers – working within its wholesale team and driving growth among shrub liner and perennial plug customers.

Darren joins Bulrush on 17^th November and will report to Sales Director Alex Julien. He will work closely with the wider sales team, including Michel Clarricoats and Rob Aveyard.

This latest appointment forms part of a broader programme of developments at Bulrush and aligns with the company’s long-term growth strategy, which has seen significant behind-the-scenes investment over the past two years.

With demand for peat-free products continuing to rise, Bulrush has focused on increasing capacity and securing a reliable supply of high-quality materials. Alongside this, the company has invested in expanding its workforce – underlining its commitment to growers by providing next-level service, exceptional products and the flexibility to help customers find the best solutions for their business. 

Commenting on the appointment, Alex Julien said: “We’re delighted to welcome Darren to the team. He brings a wealth of experience that will further strengthen our already fantastic sales function and enable us to serve existing customers even better, while extending our reach to more growers across the Midlands.

“As the shift towards peat-free substrates remains a constant, and growing conditions become more challenging, we see a clear need to increase our focus on Bulrush sales and the UK market. Ensuring that we have the right people in place is essential. While we operate at scale and have ambitious plans for growth, we pride ourselves on maintaining a personal touch and working closely with the growers and nurseries we support. We have exciting developments ahead and look forward to bringing our customers with us on that journey.”

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

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

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

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

John Dunning, founder and director of Red Barn Wild Bird products, sadly passed away at the age of 80 following a battle with prostate cancer.

John established and ran the very successful Farmer John's Pet and Garden Centres through the 1970s and 1980s with two sites located in Didsbury and Cheadle in south Manchester.

Having developed the main site in Cheadle in the early 1990s his main focus became supplying wild bird foods to garden centres and other quality retailers.

In 1996 the bird food business would become branded as Red Barn with the business going from strength to strength focusing on supplying quality independent centres, with own branding a key part of the business.

John continued to work closely with his sons Alex and Tom in the business over the years right up until his health issues caught up with him this summer. He would have loved to have had the opportunity to thank the many people in the industry with whom he worked over the years for their support and friendship.

The International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) strengthened its global leadership in urban greening recently, as Dr Audrey Timm represented the organisation at high-level international events in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – the C40 World Mayors Summit and COP30 Local Leaders Forum, and the World Bank’s Global Platform for Sustainable Cities (GPSC) Mayors Round Table and Urban Nature Forum.

Across both events, AIPH introduced the AIPH Green City Standard — a major new global initiative currently in its consultation phase, designed to help cities redefine how they plan, measure, and invest in urban greening. 

The events brought together mayors, ministers, financial institutions, urban planners, architects, climate leaders and city networks from around the world to advance a shared vision for nature-positive, resilient cities ahead of COP30 in Belém, Brazil. 

Speaking on behalf of AIPH at the World Bank Urban Nature Forum, Dr Timm introduced the AIPH Green City Standard as a governance-based, plant-centric global benchmark designed to help cities connect ambition with measurable progress.

“We join this Forum with a shared, essential vision: to make nature the core, working infrastructure of every city. We see amazing projects, but they are still too often stuck in isolated silos, disconnected from the financial systems that are required to amplify impact. The AIPH Green City Standard is our key contribution to this agenda —it is the common language and tool that is required to turn good intentions into bankable, measurable impact," said Dr Audrey Timm, Technical Initiatives Manager, AIPH

AIPH joined networks and organisations from across the global urban nature community, building on its established collaborations with networks such as IFLA, ICLEI, ISOCARP, CNLA and partners within the World Bank and UNEP’s Urban Nature Network. Several of the cities represented in Rio have already engaged with AIPH through the AIPH World Green City Awards, reflecting shared commitments to advancing greener, healthier urban environments.

AIPH’s contribution in Rio follows participation at a series of international engagements this year, including the IUCN World Conservation Congress, IFLA World Congress, and multiple global policy dialogues focused on the integration of plants into urban governance. 

The AIPH Green City Standard is the world’s first plant-centric global benchmark for urban greening — developed to help cities plan, measure, improve, and communicate their urban greening actions across all aspects of city form and function.

Ahead of its full public launch in the first half of 2026, the AIPH Standard has been shaped through collaboration with pilot cities and global expert to provide:

• A structured framework for self-assessment and continuous improvement
• Evidence-based indicators demonstrating how plants and urban greening deliver climate resilience, biodiversity, health, and social outcomes
• A peer-learning platform for cities to exchange data, examples, and insights
• An independent accreditation pathway that signals visibility and investment readiness

The AIPH Standard is designed to support cities as well as assess compliance — helping cities understand what they are already doing well and where targeted improvements can have the greatest impact. The future certification process will ensure the Standard works for diverse international contexts without imposing inappropriate or prescriptive compliance benchmarks. A public consultation is already underway, and AIPH welcomes further contributions from cities, partners and industry stakeholders to ensure the final framework reflects diverse realities from around the world. 

IPH’s participation in global city and climate events is not symbolic — it is directly connected to the organisation’s mission to champion the power of plants and create opportunities for the horticultural industry.

As cities scale up green infrastructure — from tree planting and urban forests to nature-based cooling, parks and public landscapes — the demand for high-quality plants, horticultural expertise and reliable production capacity continues to grow.

“Partnerships with global city networks ensure that AIPH can demonstrate how horticulture underpins climate-resilient cities. For growers, these initiatives open markets, expand demand for quality plant material, and strengthen recognition that horticulture is essential green infrastructure. This is why AIPH leads globally on urban greening — to create long-term value for our members," saidf Tim Briercliffe, AIPH Secretary General.

The AIPH Green City Standard — together with the AIPH World Green City Awards and AIPH-approved International Horticultural Expos — forms a unified programme that raises global ambition for urban greening, increases recognition for horticulture, and creates new pathways for growers to be part of city-scale climate solutions.

Cities, partners, and industry stakeholders can learn more about the Standard and join the public consultation via the AIPH Green City Standard webpage.

Or stay informed on global green city initiatives via AIPH’s monthly Global Green City Update.

New Leaf Plants, the UK’s largest climber grower, has announced a successful financial restructuring supported by investment from the Stubbs Family.This strategic move reinforces the company’s long-term vision, protects jobs, and lays the foundation for sustainable growth.

This partnership ensures “business as usual” with continuity for customers, employees, and suppliers, unlocking new opportunities for innovation and operational excellence, whilst continuing to be run by the highly experienced Higginson Family. 

“This marks an exciting new chapter for New Leaf Plants,” said David Higginson, Managing Director. “We’re committed to preserving the core values that define our business - range, quality, and service - while embracing fresh energy, stability, and investment to fuel future success. We are excited to continue to work with our fantastic customers and suppliers. ”

The investment reflects a deep-rooted relationship between the two businesses and a shared commitment to the future of British horticulture.

“I’ve always believed in the importance of supporting passionate, specialist growers who bring something unique to our industry,” said Charles Stubbs. “We’ve worked with New Leaf Plants for many years and have huge respect for their expertise and dedication. This investment is about backing a family business we believe in - one that shares our values and plays a vital role in the UK plant supply chain.”

With renewed financial backing and a clear strategic focus, New Leaf Plants is preparing targeted investments in technology, infrastructure, product development, and plant range expansion. 

“Our priority is to build on our existing reputation for excellence and ensure the business is future-ready,” added David. “This new structure empowers us to grow, collaborate, and deliver even greater value to our customers.”

New Leaf Plants remains an independent, family-run business led by experienced horticultural professionals. With the support of the Stubbs family, the company is well-positioned to thrive in a dynamic market and continue its legacy of quality, service, and sustainable innovation.

Thetford Garden Centre has joined the Future Marketing Group of independent garden centres.  With 15 member companies representing 24 garden centres across the UK, this strategic partnership signals an exciting new chapter for the Future Marketing Group and Thetford Garden Centre.

Thetford Garden Centre is renowned for its commitment to quality, sustainability, and great customer service. With deep roots in the local community and a long-standing reputation as a family-run business since 1982, Thetford has consistently championed local products, environmentally responsible practices, and innovative retail experiences.

Thetford Garden Centre’s expertise and progressive ethos will be a valuable addition to Future Marketing Group. Their leadership in sustainability, local engagement, and customer experience enhances the groups shared goal to bring quality and innovation to garden retail.

Operation Director Julian Chittock said "Thetford Garden Centre are very pleased to be welcomed into the Future Marketing Group. As an independent, family-run business that has traded for over forty years, we feel the time is right to take this step, share knowledge and learn from each other as we continue with our plans to develop and grow the business. We look forward to collaborating with Future for the benefit of our customers and suppliers."

Stax Trade Centres is embarking on an exciting new era with the announcement of a management buyout, a move that seamlessly continues its 44-year legacy of stability and success.

The deal sees Purchasing Director Simon Wright and Operations Director Nigel Wright step into the roles of Joint Managing Directors, confidently steering the company into its next chapter.

This evolution marks the well-earned retirement of founding partner David Hibbert and a new, part-time consultancy role for fellow co-founder Eddie Brady, who established Stax in 1981. Together, their commitment and immense contribution has built up the foundations upon which the company’s future will be built.

As part of this natural progression, Sean Lawrence has been appointed Chief Financial Officer, having already been integral to the finance team since 2022. Finalised on Thursday, 13th November 2025, this transition has its roots in a story three decades in the making.

It was 30 years ago that Eddie and David acquired W.E. Merris, the family business of brothers Simon and Nigel Wright. That decision planted the seed for today’s succession, with both brothers playing pivotal roles in driving the company’s growth ever since.

Reflecting on the moment, Simon Wright commented: “We are incredibly proud and excited to take up the reins of this business we’ve been part of for so long. Stax isn’t just a company; it’s a community partner that has been serving independent retailers for over 40 years. While our delivery model evolves, our heart remains the same: competitive pricing, the largest ranges, and that personal touch of great service our members rely on.”

Nigel Wright added: “Even now we’re bucking the trend by focusing on the strengths we already have; a fantastic, dedicated team and a robust structure. So it’s very much business as usual, just with a fresh perspective. We’re committed to building on the legacy we’ve been entrusted with.”

The announcement comes as the company prepares for a busy garden category pre-season, alongside a significant investment in its kitchen showrooms. Over the coming months, all five Stax branches will undergo complete kitchen showroom refurbishments, reflecting the company’s ongoing commitment to growth, innovation, and delivering exceptional value and experience for its trade customers.

Specialist business property adviser Christie & Co has announced the sale of Preston Garden Centre near Canterbury in Kent.

The two-acre former garden centre and café, which closed in 2024, has been purchased by Whitstable-based care provider Superior Healthcare, who plan to transform the site into specialist healthcare complex with purpose-built residential accommodation and a community hub.

Founded in 2006, Superior Healthcare specialises in supporting children and adults with complex needs, including people recovering from brain and spinal injuries or living with lifelong disabilities.

Tom Glanvill, Director – Head of Garden Centres at Christie & Co, acted for the former owners and said, “We are delighted to have assisted in the sale of this property and are hugely encouraged by the plans and aspirations of the new owners, so that the site can live on as a valuable asset to the local community and become wonderful care facility.”

Having enjoyed a record year in 2025, RocketGro further expands its capacity to make deliveries to garden centres using their own vehicles, by adding further lorries to their fleet!

With a growing wish to be able to take direct control of more and more of the deliveries they make through the season, RocketGro have made another significant investment in their business. The company believes that taking more deliveries in house will mitigate risk, and further ensure that deliveries are made on time and customer service levels remain high.

RocketGro Managing Director Toby Thomas commented: “Another big moment in the ongoing growth story of our business has arrived. With more of our own branded lorries we are increasing our marketing activities on the road in front of the buying public, and making sure we have more power to move at speed and get our product to garden centres when we want to, not when hauliers tell us they can.

"Relying solely on local haulage is not 100% and we are aiming to have a decent spread of deliveries across different networks and our own fleet, with further branded lorries already delivered to us and more on order. Exciting times!”

Find out more

If you want to learn more about RocketGro or are keen to discuss adding its product portfolio into your 2025 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

Altico Garden Products is proud to announce its outstanding success at the prestigious GIMA Awards held at Celtic Manor, where the company was recognised for innovation in two product categories. This included being honoured with the top prize in the Garden Lighting, Water Features & Ornamentation category for its Whirlpool Water Feature.

The Whirlpool Water Feature captivated judges with its bold design and technical ingenuity. This innovative centrepiece showcases a mesmerizing vortex whirlpool effect, enhanced by integrated LED lighting that creates a dynamic and immersive visual experience. Unlike traditional water features, the Whirlpool delivers a sense of movement and energy, making it a standout addition to any garden space.

Crafted with elegance and attention to detail, the feature is embossed with tropical leaf patterns in calming grey-green tones. The result is a refined, contemporary aesthetic that blends natural inspiration with modern design perfect for elevating outdoor living environments. Impressed by this unique water feature, the GIMA judges praised Whirlpool for delivering a striking visual impact.

The evening was a celebration of innovation, creativity, and excellence in the gardening industry, and Altico were delighted to be commended for their innovative products - also receiving finalist awards for three additional products:

• The Courtyard Water Feature, recognized in the same category for its timeless classic architectural lines and a calming water flow, evoking the charm of traditional courtyard fountains while offering a contemporary finish.
• The British Nature Stepping Stones and British Wildlife Stepping Stones, which both earned a finalist place in the Garden Landscaping category, celebrating their authentic textures and homage to native British landscapes and wildlife.

Andrew Mallory, Marketing Manager at Altico said “We loved celebrating the incredible innovation happening across the gardening sector at the GIMA Awards. Altico’s achievements at the awards are a testament to the expertise, hard work and creativity of our team, and we’re excited to keep pushing boundaries in the garden landscaping category in 2026.”

Want to learn more about the Altico award-winning range? Speak to the Altico team today (salesoffice@altico.co.uk) to explore how their standout landscaping products can elevate the landscaping category and grow your sales.

View video of the  Whirlpool Water Feature below...

Blue Diamond Blackdown - GTN's Greatest Christmas Awards 2025 judges visit, 22nd October 2025

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Ransoms Jersey - GTN's Greatest Christmas Awards 2025 judges visit, 20th October 2025.

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Summerhill Garden Centre- GTN's Greatest Christmas Awards 2025 judges visit, 22nd October 2025.

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