British Garden Centres, the UK’s largest family-owned garden centre group, is delighted to announce the acquisition of Hayes Garden World, one of the most respected garden centres in the UK. 

This acquisition further strengthens British Garden Centres’ position as the UK’s leading garden centre operator. With Hayes Garden World joining its portfolio, British Garden Centres now operates 73 centres nationwide, continuing its rapid growth with eight stores joining the business since the beginning of 2025.

Hayes Garden World has been a well-known Garden Centre, of the Lake District since the early 19th century. The business has evolved from a small nursery into one of northern England's premier garden centres.  Hayes Garden World, will take the name of Hayes Garden Centre, honouring the reputation of the family-owned business.  The site will remain open while undergoing a brief transition period for rebranding and restocking. The existing team will be retained.

Martin Capell, Owner of Hayes Garden World said“We are delighted to be handing the reigns of Hayes over from one family to another. We would like to thank our wonderful customers for their business over the decades and our loyal team, both past and present, for all their hard work, leadership, commitment, and friendship. This is an exciting time for the business and we wish everybody involved the very best.”

Charles Stubbs, Founder and Director of British Garden Centres, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Hayes Garden World to the British Garden Centres family.  Hayes Garden World’s reputation and commitment to quality align perfectly with our values as a family-run business. We look forward to building on its strong foundations. We are grateful to all our suppliers, customers and other stakeholders for supporting us in our continued growth.”

For more information about Hayes Garden Centre, please check out the Hayes Garden Centre Facebook or Instagram page or visit https://www.britishgardencentres.com/centres/hayes-garden-centre/.

Blue Diamond MD, Alan Roper, along with the Easter Bunny welcomed hundreds of queuing customers at the opening of Huntingdon Garden & Home last week.  The store, previously part of the Garden & Leisure group and then Wyevale, had been closed by Dobbies at the end of 2024 as part of their restructuring plan. Alan Roper told GTN Xtra: "Huntingdon (ex VAT) took £206k in 4 days, Thursday to Sunday."

The Huntingdon opening follows the opening of Harlestone Heath last month which took £250k in its first week and £204k last week.

A notable welcome return for customers at Huntingdon was the Walter Smith butchers counter, reported by Alan Roper as taking £1m per year when the centre itself was taking less than £3m per year. Alongside that is now a vibrant fruit and veg offering supplied by "Tommy" who also provides fruit and veg to Great Amwell, Frosts and Beckworth Blue Diamond centres

Customers will have to wait until Phase two of the re-opening in Autumn 2025 for the fashion department and some new in-store concessions.

Blue Diamond’s re-fit team is now focused on World’s End with a first phase re-opening planned for early May.

See our phopto tour of the centre below:

Northampton Garden Centre reopened over the weekend after being acquired by British Garden Centres only 6 weeks ago. TV and radio presenter Nicki Chapman performed the ribbon-cutting ceremony as hundreds of visitors waited to see the new store in Newport Pagnell Rd, Wootton.

Amy Stubbs told GTN Xtra: “We are super pleased with the results from Northampton. The numbers came in a lot better than we were expecting with a very high basket spend!”

The newly revamped store offers a range of plants, gardening supplies, garden accessories, homewares, gifts, and an exclusive collection of outdoor furniture from Fern Living, perfect for enjoying the summer outdoors. Staff numbers have more than doubled across the garden centre and The Gardener’s Retreat Restaurant which has undergone an expansion, now featuring a new carvery along with an updated menu of freshly prepared meals, light bites, and desserts.

Opening week offers and Best Buy deals included 3 for £10 Erin Compost, discounts on bulbs, bedding plants, plant food, bird care items, and aggregates.

Northampton Garden Centre also has concessions including Teddy’s, Klass, Maidenhead Aquatics, Weird Fish, Pets Corner, Mountain Warehouse, Voyage Luggage and Pavers.

Next door to the garden centre is a Waitrose store, with the car park shared between the garden centre and the supermarket.

The opening weekend also saw hundreds of gardening enthusiasts sign up for the Family Card, which sees benefits including exclusive offers and invites to events throughout the year.

The centre is fully accessible to wheelchair users, has plenty of free parking, and even offers a home delivery service for larger items. Northampton Garden Centre is also dog-friendly, with many customers bringing their four-legged friends along, too.

Amy Stubbs added: “We are delighted to become part of the Northampton community and were overwhelmed by the incredible turnout at the reopening of the centre. Our vision is to reignite this much-loved site, and we hope you'll all love the new look and feel of our store.”

British Garden Centres (BGC) is the UK’s largest family-owned garden centre group with 72 centres around the country. The group is owned and led by The Stubbs family, who also own and operate Woodthorpe Leisure Park in Lincolnshire.

BGC was launched in 1987 with the opening of Woodthorpe Garden Centre by brothers Charles and Robert Stubbs. Since 2018 it has expanded rapidly with the acquisition of 50 garden centres allowing it to grow from its heartland to the business it is now with 72 garden centres spread from Carmarthen to Ramsgate, Wimborne to East Durham.

The group has a team of 3000 colleagues working across the garden centres, restaurants, growing nurseries, distribution centres, Woodthorpe Leisure Park, and Woody’s Restaurant & Bar.

Social Media

Facebook: British Garden Centres

Twitter: @BGCentres

Instagram: @BritishGardenCentres

Website: www.britishgardencentres.com

Spring is in full swing and many vibrant migrant birds from Africa are arriving in UK gardens for the breeding season. Honeyfield’s resident wild bird expert Simon Smethurst, who is head of sales at Honeyfield’s, is sharing tips on how your customers can make their garden a 5-star nesting environment for many of these stunning transient species.

“Redstarts, Pied and Spotted Flycatchers, Blackcaps, and Willow Warblers are just some of the migratory visitors we can expect to see in our gardens each year,” said Simon. “All of them are primarily insectivorous, making traditional seed feeders less appealing. However, with the right feeding strategies, your customers can create a welcoming haven for these visitors.”

Simon advises your customers to:

• Choose the right feeders: Hopper feeders, ground feeding stations, or bird tables are ideal for these species, as they mimic their natural foraging habits.
• Offer suet-based feeds: High-quality suet pellets or blocks enriched with dried insects or mealworms, provide the perfect combination of protein and fat to sustain their energy levels during migration and breeding preparation.
• Replicate a natural feeding experience: Scatter some mealworms or small suet pieces directly onto ground stations or tables.
• Create an insect-friendly environment: Planting native shrubs and wildflowers can attract a variety of insects, offering a natural food source for these birds.
• Provide water sources: Setting up small water features for drinking and bathing can make your garden even more appealing.
• Encourage shy and selective feeders: Place feeding stations in quieter, sheltered areas, surrounded by foliage for safety and cover. 
• Provide a tranquil environment: Avoid abrupt movements or loud noises that could deter incoming birds.
• Keep food fresh: Supplementary food should always be fresh and in appropriate quantities to prevent waste and attract the birds you wish to see.

“With a little preparation and the right food offerings, your garden can become a vibrant haven for these remarkable spring migrants, allowing you to enjoy their striking plumage and melodious songs while playing a vital role in supporting their journey to breeding success,” said Simon.

Honeyfield’s offers an exceptional range of wild bird feeds designed to support wildlife throughout the changing seasons. Honeyfield’s suet blocks and suet pellets are premium, energy-rich feeds designed to support wild birds, especially during demanding periods like nesting and fledging. Packed with essential nutrients, they provide long-lasting energy, helping birds thrive. Easy to use and highly palatable, they will attract a variety of species to your garden.

By choosing Honeyfield’s, you actively contribute to the health and vitality of local bird populations, fostering a vibrant natural environment all year round.

The range is competitively priced and available from your local stockist.

To find out more about the Honeyfield’s range visit: https://www.honeyfieldswildbird.co.uk/

Doosan G205C - S Forklift For Sale

Type : Counterbalance

Power: Gas

Lift Height: 4750mm

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Manufacturer: Doosan

Price: £8000 O.N.O.

For More Details Telephone: 07530 649500

The Old Railway Line Garden Centre, located in Three Cocks between Brecon and Hay-on-Wye, proudly welcomed hundreds of visitors through the doors on Saturday 12th April for the grand opening of its brand-new Entrance Building and Covered Plant Area. The event also marked a significant milestone – the Garden Centre’s 35th anniversary.

Guests enjoyed a full day of celebration, beginning with an official ribbon cutting by renowned TV gardener David Domoney. Shortly after, David gave an inspiring talk to visitors, sharing expert tips and insights into his new book, followed by a book signing session where guests had the opportunity to meet him personally.

Adding to the celebratory atmosphere, live music from young local musician Elis Jones filled the garden centre throughout the afternoon, entertaining guests as they explored the brand-new facilities and vibrant plant displays. A ceremonial cake cutting and bubbles later in the day provided a fitting end to a joyful event.

The first 100 customers through the door received a complimentary goodie bag, and younger visitors were treated to a free plant through the Little Oaks Children’s Club.

Huw Lewis, Finance Director of The Old Railway Line Garden Centre, said: “It was such a special day for us, made even more memorable by the support and excitement from our customers. After months of hard work, seeing so many smiling faces enjoying the new space was a truly proud moment.”

Shaunagh Cleary, Catering Director, added: “We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who came along to celebrate with us. The response has been amazing, and we’re thrilled to be entering this next chapter of the garden centre’s journey with the support of our fantastic community.”

The Old Railway Line Garden Centre will be running exclusive Grand Opening offers throughout this week to continue the celebrations.

For more information about the garden centre and upcoming events, visit www.oldrailwaylinegc.co.uk or call 01497 847055.

Haskins Garden Centres has announced a first-of-its-kind partnership with US-based shrub brand First Editions. The partnership sees the launch of a brand-new range of unique shrubs into Haskins’ five garden centres across the south.

Haskins is the first garden centre in the UK to stock a complete First Editions collection, which includes 25 varieties specifically designed for the British climate.

Richard Lockwood, Plant Buyer at Haskins, said: “The values of First Editions fit perfectly with our ethos of offering our customers outstanding quality, choice, garden performance and the confidence that our plants will meet, if not exceed their expectations. 

“With the support of First Editions marketing and point of sale we have already seen some very positive sales of the early spring lines. A reserve schedule with our grower will ensure we have stock for each month, delivered in peak condition that will help customers in deciding what shrubs to buy.” 

Haskins will regularly update the range with varieties that reflect gardening trends and aren’t widely available from other garden centres. The initial selection includes Hydrangea ‘Eclipse’, Physocarpus ‘Zlenora’, Leucothoe ‘Bailcothoe’, and Vitex ‘Bailtexthree’.

The First Editions ranges are available at all Haskins Garden Centres now. For more information please visit https://www.haskins.co.uk/.

Westland Horticulture has announced the acquisition of Bulldog Products, a leading manufacturer in the wild bird food sector. Bulldog has a strong history and position in wild bird food manufacturing, and this recent acquisition reflects Westland’s commitment to investing in the thriving £400 million wild bird food category.

The addition of Bulldog will enhance the focus on product innovation, brand investment, supply chain and category development to ensure Westland is well-positioned to meet the evolving needs of customers.

This milestone demonstrates Westland’s dedication to create a better environment for every gardener, every garden and for wildlife to thrive today and tomorrow. 

Family owned and run business, Bents Garden & Home in Warrington,has won the Feefo Gold Trusted Service Award, an independent seal of excellence, which recognises businesses that consistently deliver a world-class customer experience.

Feefo established the Trusted Service Awards in 2014 to recognise brands that use the platform to collect verified reviews and receive exceptional feedback from their customers. The awards are unique because they truly reflect a business's dedication to providing outstanding customer service by analysing feedback from real customers.

Working with over 6,500 brands, Feefo is the world's largest provider of verified reviews, helping brands understand customers by analysing verified reviews and providing insight into trends, needs and habits.

Consumer confidence is now at its highest level since 2021 as living standard show signs of improvement, but consumers remain cautious with their spending. The businesses that stand out will be those who put excellence in their service and weave in a customer advocacy strategy. This award celebrates brands that are delivering standards that go above and beyond.  

Feefo has presented Gold Trusted Service Awards to businesses that have collected at least 50 reviews between January 1^st 2024 and December 31^st 2024, with a Feefo service rating of between 4.5 and 5.

Matthew Bent, Managing Director at Bents Garden & Home commented: “We’re so excited to receive a Trusted Service Award from Feefo. Keeping our customers happy is our top priority so the fact that this award is based on feedback from real customers gives us confidence we are providing an exceptional level of service. The award reflects how hard our colleagues work to listen to our customers and keep them happy. As move through 2025, we’ll continue to listen to our customers and deliver what they want.”

Tony Wheble, CEO at Feefo, congratulated the winners: “During these economically challenging times, it's inspiring to see companies like Bents Garden & Home consistently going above and beyond for their customers. The Trusted Service Awards recognise businesses that don't just meet expectations – they exceed them. These awards celebrate companies that gather genuine feedback and use it to deliver exceptional customer experiences. The dedication shown by this year's winners sets a benchmark for customer service excellence.”

The team at a Bradford-headquartered garden centre group is celebrating after receiving a Highly Commended award in a prestigious national HR competition.

Yorkshire Garden Centres Group received the accolade in the People Team of the Year category of the British HR Awards which celebrate organisations and individuals that are driven by delivering a world-class people experience.

"We are beyond thrilled to receive this recognition. This award is a testament to the dedication and passion our team puts into creating a great experience for all of our colleagues. From creating a culture of support, engagement, and development to driving impactful sustainability and charity initiatives, the People and Culture team has truly been the backbone of our growth and success," said Yorkshire Garden Centre's Director of People and Culture, Neil Barwise-Carr.

"A huge thank you to our incredible team, whose hard work and commitment make YGC such a special place to work."

The British HR Awards is powered by New Possible, a next-generation employee insight platform. New Possible helps leaders build healthier organisations by providing meaningful insight that can drive real change. This year, over 350 entries were received from organisations across the UK, and so competition to be recognised proved to be fierce. Firms taking part ranged from start-up innovators to public sector heroes, tech superstars, global titans and everything in between.

Following significant engagement by the Horticultural Trades Association, Defra has confirmed an extension to the current plant passport easement, allowing EU suppliers to continue attaching UK Plant Passports to retail-ready plants before shipping. This extension for 19 months beyond the original 30 June 2025 deadline, to 31 January 2027, provides much-needed certainty for the horticultural industry.

This extension is crucial for retailers and wholesalers in environmental horticulture, easing trade and reducing potential costs. It means they will not need to label products arriving from the EU until after the new deadline, streamlining processes. More broadly, it provides stability for the garden industry as a whole, which is already facing mounting cost pressures, not least from the Autumn budget and administrative burdens with EU imports.

The HTA has been a vocal advocate for maintaining the existing system while developing a modern electronic plant passporting solution. This extension provides valuable time for the HTA, HTA members, and Defra to work together on the planned pilot program, which is due to be delivered next year, and to allow for a thorough evaluation and assessment of its findings. It also gives time for more certainty around an SPS (Plant Health) agreement with the EU. The focus is on ensuring a smooth transition to a more efficient system that works for everyone.

While the extension to the easement allows for labels with UK Plant Passport information to be attached in EU Member States, the UK Plant Passport will not be valid until a visual check has been made and recorded by the UK Professional Operator. It will be necessary for the Professional Operator to record that visual checks have been conducted and that the requirements of the UK Plant Passport scheme have been met.

Sally Cullimore, HTA Technical Policy Manager, said: "We are relieved by this extension, which acknowledges the practical realities faced by our members. Extending the easement gives us the necessary breathing space to collaboratively develop and pilot an effective electronic plant passporting system that will benefit the entire horticultural industry. This is a good example of us working together and the importance of listening to industry concerns."

The ‘Electronic Plant Passporting Task and Finish Group,’ co-chaired by the HTA and Defra, is leading the development and delivery of the pilot program. The group includes representatives from HTA member businesses, devolved governments, APHA, and the Forestry Commission. This collaborative approach is essential to creating a system that is both effective and practical.

Durstons is more than just a supplier of growing media – we are a trusted family-run business with a proud heritage, committed to supporting retailers with high-quality, performance-driven products.

The company's deep understanding of the industry, combined with a passion for excellence, enables it to deliver reliable stock levels and fast response times, ensuring you always have the products your customers need when they need them. If you haven’t yet placed your compost order or are looking for a supplier that can deliver much-needed stock in just five days, now is the perfect time to talk to Durstons and see how we can support your business.

Peat-free, done right

The shift to peat-free compost has been one of the biggest challenges in recent years, and at Durstons, we took our time to get it right. We didn’t rush a product to market just to tick a box - instead, we made a significant investment in research and development to create a peat-free blend that genuinely performs. Independent trials have proven its effectiveness, showing that Durstons’ new peat-free compost provides up to 70% more plant growth compared to professional peat mixes and other products on the market.

Unlike many “me-too” alternatives that have left gardeners frustrated, Durstons peat-free compost delivers real growing success. Even when in the hands of inexperienced peat-free gardeners, it provides consistent results, giving consumers the confidence to continue their gardening journey.

Retailers can trust that by offering Durstons, they are providing a product that will build trust in peat-free growing, rather than erode it. We are also committed to supporting the wider industry through educational initiatives and the peat-free communication programme, helping to inform and inspire consumers to make sustainable choices with confidence.

More than just compost

Beyond our industry-leading peat-free range, our dedication to exceptional customer service means we work closely with our retail partners, providing the support, reliability, and expertise they need to succeed.

At Durstons, partnerships matter, quality matters, and heritage matters. Let’s grow together. Get in touch today and discover how Durstons can help your business thrive.

Find out more

Durstons have been established for over 150 years. Find out more at www.durstongardenproducts.co.uk or call 01458 442688.

Hillier Nurseries is set to introduce three stunning new plant varieties this spring, each carefully selected for their unique beauty, fragrance, and climate resilience. From a groundbreaking, pink-flowered Philadelphus to a striking golden-leaved Geranium and the first-ever white-flowered Rhaphiolepis, these introductions offer something fresh and inspiring for UK gardeners.  

Available at Hillier Garden Centres and selected nurseries from spring 2025, these new plants are set to make a lasting impression. 

Philadelphus x ‘Petite Perfume Pink’ (P1) 

'Petite Perfume Pink’ is a remarkable new addition to the Philadelphus family, bred by one of the UK’s greatest plant breeders, Alan Postill. It stands out for its unique pink flowers, an unprecedented colour for the genus, combined with a strong, sweet fragrance that fills the garden in early summer. The compact, mound-forming shrub features arching stems adorned with deep green foliage, while its starry flowers emerge from pink buds, fading delicately to white at the edges as they mature. Ideal for mid-border planting, as a standalone specimen or in a large patio container, this low-maintenance variety thrives in full sun to light shade and well-drained soil. Hardy throughout the UK, it requires little care beyond light trimming after flowering. Available exclusively at Hillier Garden Centres from late May in 3 and 7.5 litre pots. 

Geranium x Gold Nugget ™ (Hillger)  

‘Gold Nugget’ is a standout addition to Hillier’s Geranium range, boasting vibrant golden yellow foliage with splashes of red and a profusion of pale pink flowers in early summer. This clump-forming hardy perennial grows into a neat, rounded mound with deeply cut leaves, offering a striking contrast to the delicate blooms. Perfect for the front of borders, patio pots or mixed planters alongside grasses and other perennials, it thrives in full sun to partial shade, with its golden tones intensifying in brighter light. Exceptionally hardy and easy to maintain, it prefers moist, free-draining soil and benefits from the removal of spent flowers and old foliage in winter. Exclusive to Hillier Garden Centres, it will be available from mid to late April and offered in 2 litre pots. 

Rhapiolepsis indica ‘White Cloud’ - Limited Edition 

Bred in the Netherlands by Wout van den Dool Botanics, ‘White Cloud’ is a significant introduction to the Rhaphiolepis genus as the first-ever variety with pure white flowers. This compact, evergreen shrub is covered in large, fragrant blooms that contrast beautifully against its glossy deep green foliage. Flowering in early summer, the upright panicles of white flowers create a stunning display, adding elegance to any garden. Trouble-free and easy to grow, ‘White Cloud’ is ideal for low borders or patio containers. Hardy to -7°C, it flourishes in full sun and moist but well-drained soil, though it may need protection in colder areas. The variety will be available in limited quantities of just 1,000 3 litre pots at Hillier Garden Centres and selected nurseries from mid-April. 

Charles Carr, Head of Wholesale Nurseries at Hillier, commented: “We take great pride in bringing innovative and high-quality plants to market, and this year’s introductions are no exception. Each of these varieties offers something unique, whether it’s the rich fragrance and rare colouring of ‘Petite Perfume Pink’, the vibrant golden foliage of ‘Gold Nugget’, or the elegant, pristine flowers of ‘White Cloud’. We’re excited to see them brighten up gardens across the country.” 

All new Hillier plants will be available at all 22 Hillier Garden Centres and online from spring 2025.  

To be the first to hear about new plants, plus exclusive offers and expert insight, sign up to the Hillier Gardening Club today, www.hillier.co.uk/gardening-club. 

Calor has teamed up with renowned gardener Adam Frost, to provide practical tips and tricks for the British public to make the most of their outdoor spaces year-round. Together, they have developed a free guide packed with expert advice on creating inviting and functional outdoor spaces year-round – including five essential top tips:

Harness the power of the sun

Track sunlight across your garden to guide where you plant, relax, and entertain - maximising both growth and enjoyment.

Create a cosy sanctuary

Design inviting corners by wrapping your seating areas with greenery - low hedges, flowering shrubs, and ornamental grasses can create a sense of intimacy. Consider sunken seating areas to carve out sheltered spots for relaxing or dining with loved ones.

Make smart use of your space

Make the most of your garden’s boundaries by planting trained fruit along walls and fencing. This technique is perfect for smaller gardens, allowing you to grow homegrown produce without sacrificing space.

Personalise your garden

Make your garden a true reflection of you. Add meaningful touches like scents, textures, and features that spark memories - and create space for making new ones too.

Social cooking spaces

Food is a great way to bring people together, so why not make your cooking space the centre of the party? Set up a social cooking area where everyone can gather, cook, and connect. Add a covered BBQ station or outdoor kitchen to keep the fun going even when the weather turns. Outdoor rugs, blankets, and cushions add comfort and warmth year-round, while string lights or lanterns can set the mood after dark.

The tips are inspired by new research from Calor which reveals that a staggering 83% of Brits say it’s important to have access to a garden, patio, balcony, or roof terrace all year round, nearly two-thirds (63%) don’t know how to use it beyond summer. Shockingly, 1 in 5 (21%) rarely step into their gardens during spring – doing so less than once a week.

The benefits of outdoor living extend beyond just fresh air. Over 72% of respondents say that sharing meals outside with friends and family improves mental wellbeing, while 67% feel the same about cooking outdoors. But without the right setup, many are missing out on these benefits.

Adam Frost, TV gardener and award-winning garden designer, commented, "I'm happy to be working with Calor on this campaign, making garden usage more accessible all year round and giving away a fantastic prize that makes this possible. Spending time outside has undeniable mental and physical benefits. Whether it's simply relaxing in the fresh air (42%), firing up the BBQ (21%), or gardening (21%), we all have things we love most about our outdoor spaces. Making the most of these areas year-round can significantly enhance quality of life. No matter the size of your garden or the weather conditions, there are creative ways to make it a welcoming retreat for every season."

With research also revealing that a well-maintained garden would encourage nearly 3 in 5 (57%) people to spend more time outside, Calor is also launching a nationwide search for a deserving Brit to receive a garden makeover worth £10,000.

The competition invites the public to nominate someone who deserves help transforming their outdoor space. The winner will receive a personal online garden design masterclass with Adam Frost, plus gas-fuelled outdoor appliances and vouchers to complete the makeover.

Mark Cleaver, Commercial Director at Calor, added: “With 7 in 10 people agreeing we don’t spend enough time outdoors, it’s clear many people just don’t know where to start. Whether it’s alfresco dining in summer or keeping cosy in winter, we want to inspire Brits to embrace their gardens year-round.

“With expert guidance and a life-enhancing garden makeover up for grabs, we’re excited to help more people make the most of their outdoor spaces – whatever the weather.”

For tips on transforming your outdoor space, or to learn more about the garden makeover competition, visit:https://www.calor.co.uk/adamfrost

Dobbies Garden Centres’ Senior Houseplant Buyer, Claire Bishop, is returning to the prestigious position as Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Chair of Assessors for the third time at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

Claire will return to the lead role at RHS Chelsea Flower Show from Sunday 18 May and will then be responsible for supervising the moderation and assessors at RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival (1-6 July). This includes evaluating, grading and guiding the judges, as well as ensuring consistency and fairness.

Claire's continued recognition by the RHS highlights the deep expertise within Dobbies' horticulture team and their commitment to use this expertise to inspire gardeners across the UK.

Commenting on her return as Chair of Assessors, Claire said: “It’s always an honour being recognised by the Royal Horticultural Society, and I’m excited to be part of this year’s show season once again. As Dobbies celebrates 160 years, it feels especially meaningful to represent a business with such a strong heritage at one of the industry’s most celebrated events.”

Andy Hannan, Commercial Director at Dobbies, added: “Claire’s re-appointment as RHS Chair of Assessors is a brilliant achievement and it really reflects her expertise and influence within the industry. Her passion for plants comes through in everything that she does, which is inspiring for everyone across the team. Fantastic job Claire!”

Watering and hand tools brand, GARDENA, has launched the Dual Hose Box - which can be removed from the wall with just one hand.

The game-changing design makes it even simpler to water your garden and includes a 1.5 meter connection hose and integrated hose guide, for kink-free retraction, which allows users to enjoy the full 25-metre hose.

As every experienced gardener knows, winding your hose without knotting or kinking can be tricky. That’s why GARDENA’s Dual Hose Box features a comfortable and foldable crank handle and integrated, automatic hose guide, for effortless, kink-free retraction.

The hose box contains the 25 metre roll-up hose, connecting hose, wall brackets including screws, a tap connector, hose connectors, water stop and spray nozzle. 

It is UV-proven, meaning the hose can be left outside all summer long without the chance of damage. 

Howard Scott, Country Manager for GARDENA, said: “This game-changing design is a big expansion for 2025, and will make watering more efficient for gardeners up and down the country.

“The integrated hose guide with automatic roll control technology allows effortless, kink free hose retraction, and gives gardeners back some time to plant, sow and prune.”

The Dual Hosebox retails at £79.99 and stockists include The Range, B&Q, Argos, Very, and Amazon.

The Nemasys production facility in Littlehampton, renowned for its state-of-the-art operations, has again demonstrated its ability to respond dynamically to surges in demand for its pest control products.

This year, the facility experienced an unprecedented 366% increase in orders of its leatherjacket protection product, driven not only by wetter-than-average spring weather and milder autumn temperatures—ideal conditions for leatherjacket populations to thrive—but also by the rising preference for eco-friendly pest control solutions like nematodes. Agricultural, horticultural and domestic sectors are all increasingly recognising nematodes as a sustainable and effective choice for managing infestations.

Thanks to its advanced infrastructure, agile processes, and dedicated workforce, the Littlehampton facility maintained its commitment to timely delivery and exceptional product quality during this surge in demand.

Doug Sheewll, Operations Director at the Littlehampton facility, commented: "The Nemasys team prides itself on being prepared for all eventualities. This year’s 366% surge in demand showcased how our scalable production systems and responsive supply chain allow us to adapt quickly, ensuring we meet demand spikes while maintaining the high standards our customers expect."

Littlehampton’s success in managing increased demand is underpinned by several key factors:

• Advanced Production Systems: Automation and precision technology enable the facility to scale output efficiently without compromising quality.
• Agile Workforce: A highly skilled and adaptable team ensures a seamless transition during peak production periods.
• Robust Supply Chain Partnerships: Strong collaborations with suppliers mean essential components and raw materials are available when needed.

By continuing to invest in innovation and operational excellence, the Littlehampton facility is well-positioned to support future demand while reaffirming its commitment to sustainable practices and customer satisfaction.

On Thursday 24 April, a public discussion forum will be held at Castle Gardens, which is part of The Gardens Group, to outline plans to introduce a Men’s Shed in Sherborne.

With aspirations to utilise the space that The Green Shed once occupied, where it provided a workshop for adults with dementia and learning difficulties, Men’s Shed UK is inviting people to come along and learn more about the project.  

The Mayor of Sherborne, Councillor Robin Legg, will open the forum, followed by an introduction to Men’s Shed UK by ambassador, Patrick Abrahams, who set up Frome Shed. Demonstrating the positive impact that Men’s Sheds have in local communities, by creating a welcoming environment for adults to come together, to make, repair and repurpose, Patrick will outline opportunities to get behind this project. There will then be a chance for attendees to share their thoughts and ideas for the Sherborne Green Shed.

Guy Patterson, Councillor from Sherborne Town Council, explains: “The Green Shed at Castle Gardens is a great space to bring the Men’s Shed model to Sherborne, as was evident from the successful running of The Green Shed for many years. We are hopeful that this forum will spark lots of interest in the initiative with the hope to build a committed team to get it off the ground and run it.”

Mike Burks, managing director of The Gardens Group, says: “It would be such a valuable resource to see the Sherborne Green Shed come to fruition. For nearly 10 years, The Green Shed was a hive of activity for vulnerable adults, so we would be delighted to see the space used again to help improve physical and mental wellbeing and combat loneliness.”

The public discussion forum will take place in The Butterfly House at Castle Gardens in Sherborne from 11am – 12:30pm. It is open to the public, and those who wish to attend can register by emailing amy@freshlygroundpr.co.uk.

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This May half-term, the RHS is letting the good times grow with The Great Garden Game-a-thon across all five sites, kindly supported by the Porter & Woodman Group. With plenty of exhilarating games, beautiful surroundings and family-friendly activities in the great outdoors, the gardens are the ideal spot for a quintessential day out. 

Visitors of all ages can participate in a host of activities across RHS Garden Bridgewater, RHS Garden Harlow Carr, RHS Garden Hyde Hall, RHS Garden Rosemoor and RHS Garden Wisley, with a host of giant interactive games, sports day classics, mazes, and fun garden trails to explore.

Dates, times, and activities vary per garden; please see below and check the website for details: May half term 2025 at RHS Gardens / RHS

RHS Garden Bridgwater, Greater Manchester: 24 – 1 June 

Visitors can join RHS Garden Bridgewater for half-term fun with classic games, hands-on planting and circus workshops across 150 acres of beautiful landscape. Families can participate in giant lawn games, navigate the winding Lawn Maze, and get stuck into sports day classics like the potato and spoon race and carrot relay. Growing gardeners can also get hands-on with planting workshops with the Chrysanthemum Society and take home their very own plant to watch grow. For more holiday fun, families can clown around with workshops from Circus House and join a card game expert to learn classic family board games.

Children's tickets cost £5.00 and adult entry starts from £14.50. Members and under-fives go free.

RHS Garden Wisley, Surrey: 24 – 31 May

Half-term at RHS Garden Wisley is packed with exciting hands-on activities, with 240 beautiful acres of gardens to discover and plenty of activities to keep little ones busy. Families looking to embrace giant fun can enjoy larger-than-life lawn games, navigate the Lawn Maze and embrace classic activities like hopscotch in the iconic garden. Budding horticulturists can also discover the site with a Garden Bingo Walk with an RHS expert and create their own game of Tic Tac Toe in a special session of Muddy Hands, Green fingers. Plenty more fun awaits with live story times and a racetrack. 

Children's tickets cost £5.00 and adult entry starts from £14.50. Members and under-fives go free

RHS Garden Harlow Carr, North Yorkshire: 24 May – 1 June 

This May half-term, families can enjoy interactive activities, games, and green-fingered fun at RHS Garden Harlow Carr.  For the ultimate day out, the young and young at heart can enjoy Harlow Carr’s Sports Days, where the Garden Detectives will challenge visitors to get competitive and take part in a host of traditional games with a special twist. Those looking for more family fun can also get competitive with a host of giant lawn games, including Jenga, dominoes and Connect 4, before heading to one of the garden's fantastic play areas for more outdoor fun.   

Children's tickets cost £5.00 and adult entry starts from £15.85. Members and under-fives go free

RHS Garden Rosemoor North Devon: 24 May – 1 June 

For plenty of half-term fun, families can enjoy the 65 acres of beautiful RHS Garden Rosemoor with a host of brilliant activities, guided walks and classic garden games. As well as fantastic giant garden and sports day games for families to get competitive, visitors, big and small, can navigate the lawn maze and limbo, hoopla and hopscotch their way around the garden.  Visitors can also spot chalk path games, sit down to a huge section of board games in the indoor hub and join a Guess How Much I love You summer Welly Walk to discover the stunning garden. 

Children's tickets cost £5.00 and adult entry starts from £15.85. Members and under-fives go free

RHS Garden Hyde Hall, Essex: 24 May – 1 June

From garden games to interactive story times, RHS Garden Hyde Hall has plenty for the whole family this half-term with a packed schedule of activities for all ages. As well as giant garden games for kids and big kids alike, the Veg Olympics and classic lawn games provide plenty of summer fun.  Children can also join interactive storytelling sessions with captivating storyteller Mike Dodsworth and play hide-and-seek in the grass maze and gardens.

Children's tickets cost £5.00 and adult entry starts from £15.85. Members and under-fives go free

A leading UK supplier of young plants is now contributing plant data for the popular global brand of ‘Proven Winners’ plants into Berkshire-based Joy of Plants’ plant library and retail tools.

Kernock Park Plants, based in Cornwall, provide high quality young plants wholesale to UK growers. Whether the growers sell the plants themselves, or via Garden Centres, Joy of Plants’ retail tools such as Plant Finders and Bed Cards put the all-important plant information in front of customers, to finally make the sale.

Adam Piper, Marketing Supervisor at Kernock Park Plants, said: “We are very pleased to have added Proven Winner plants to the Joy of Plants System. Their sales tools are in use at Garden Centres and Nurseries nationwide and will undoubtedly help consumers to quickly identify the Proven Winner plants that they are searching for, and see all the qualities they offer.

It's great to team up with Joy of Plants and have plants we grow available on their platform. Their sales tools are easy for retail staff to use, and the plants are instantly available to select.

“Proven Winners® varieties are trialled and tested for years all over the world to make sure they represent the very best of each genus, for both grower and gardener, and we look forward to promoting this further with the benefits of the Joy of Plants retail tools.”

Adam’s favourite range from plants added to Joy of Plants’ library: “Salvia 'Rockin'® - A brilliant new series from Proven Winners®! Bred in America, a cross between guaranitica, splendens and “some other magic stuff”, this series have various sumptuous flower colours. Far more pot and container friendly that previous forms of this Salvia. A perfect ‘Premium Annual’!”

“The Proven Winners’® ethos is not just to provide the highest quality, most reliable plants possible, but also to provide customers with the information they need to succeed,” said Terri Jones, MD of Joy of Plants. “This ties in perfectly with Joy of Plants’ Mission.

“There is so much innovation involved that Proven Winners® have registered the intellectual property, known as Plant Variety Rights (PVR), for many of their plants. Joy of Plants have added the PVR codes (or denominations) to plant names and new text to Bed Cards to re-state these variety rights, something that is becoming increasingly important in the industry.”

Terri’s choice from plants added: “Buddleja 'Buzz® Trio Mio The Bee's Knees' - With pink, purple and white blooms on the same plant, this adds lots of colour and will keep the bees and butterflies happy all summer and autumn. At just 60cm tall, suitable for pots and flower borders, it's a great choice for small gardens.”

Amanda Barber, Library Manager at Joy of Plants, said: “The tools we’ve built around our library provide an easy way for retailers to give customers and staff the information they need about the plants they sell, and the Care Products to use to help them thrive.

“We have a wide range of plant breeders and growers providing new plant info every year, and it’s great to welcome Kernock Park Plants and Proven Winners® into the project.

“Our Plant Finder Touchscreen kiosks bring this information into stores, so that staff can help consumers choose exactly the right plants for them, and our Bed Cards inform browsing shoppers. Our Image and Text Library makes it quick and easy to add high quality images and text to webshops. And we now provide our plant & care info, including Care Product recommendations for each plant, inside Loyalty Apps.”

Amanda’s selection: “The Nemesia Sunsatia Plus® range. Ticks all the boxes for me - lots to choose from, long flowering, versatile summer colour, weather resistant and more.”

Joy of Plants’ mission is to help the industry sell more plants. It has created a library of more than 17,000 UK garden plants and trees, updated each year by breeders, agents and growers around the Industry, and offers a selection of tools around this library to help garden centres, retailers and growers maximise their plant sales, including a Plant Finder for websites and Touchscreen Kiosks, an Image and Text Library for ecommerce sites, “print on demand” Bed Cards, “Inspirations” plant marketing for café screens, and plant/care info inside Loyalty Apps.

Kernock Park Plants serve over 1300 customers with a wide variety of ornamental plants, from 100-unit plug trays to 18-unit (9cm) liners, delivered by CC Trolley, Box on Pallet, or a unique and environmentally friendly Box Courier service.

Kernock are renowned as innovators, such as with the multiple award-winning InstaPlant® product for carpet bedding displays, the successful conservation and introduction of the Wollemi Pine® in the UK, the early adoption of LED lighting technology in growing, and biomass heating. The company has a long-established Quality Management System providing continuous improvement in every area of the business.

For further information about Kernock Park Plants visit www.kernock.co.uk or call 01579 350561, and for Joy of Plants please visit www.joyofplants.com or call 07717 532323.

Rowena Garden Centre, near Leicester, re-opened yesterday, back in the hands of the family who started the Rowena business over 30 years ago.

Led by Roger Mackay, three generations of the family were on hand to welcome customers back to the site after a six-week re-generation following the closure by Dobbies.

The re-opening marks the start of a new chapter for Rowena after having to move locations due to the dualling of the A6 and changes in ownership through Gardenstore (Malcolm Parkinson), the family again, Wyevale and latterly Dobbies.

Once again suppliers have pulled out all the stops to help get the centre set up for spring trading, in Rowena’s case with the added dimension of products and ranges making the most of their APAC heritage.

At the opening yesterday the team from Corby + Fellas were on hand to ensure smooth sign ups of the Rowena loyalty app, with plenty of happy customers taking trollies full of plants and products through the tills.

See GTN Xtra’s photo’s of the re-opened centre below

Caulders Garden Centres has reached a significant milestone with the opening of its tenth site, Caulders Linlithgow. This latest addition highlights the company’s continued growth and commitment to expanding its presence in Scotland while maintaining the high standards of horticultural excellence and customer experience for which it is known.

Colin and Mandy Barrie, owners of Caulders, have expressed their pride in this achievement. Colin Barrie commented, “When Caulders was founded, reaching double figures in the number of garden centres was never something we imagined. This milestone is a testament to the dedication of our fantastic team and the ongoing support of our loyal customers. We are also immensely grateful to Virgin Money, whose backing has enabled us to invest over £1 million into refurbishing Caulders Linlithgow, ensuring it meets the high expectations of today’s garden retail market.”

Located in Linlithgow, the site has undergone a substantial transformation, offering a comprehensive garden centre experience that includes a diverse range of plants, garden essentials, homeware, and gifts. As with all Caulders locations, a strong emphasis has been placed on creating a welcoming atmosphere that encourages customers to enjoy both retail and hospitality in equal measure.

Mandy Barrie added, “Caulders has always been about more than just selling plants—it is about creating an experience that blends gardening inspiration with a strong sense of community. Linlithgow is a fantastic location, and we are excited to bring the Caulders ethos to this new site.”

Caulders continues to strengthen its reputation as a leading independent garden centre group in Scotland, focusing on steady and sustainable growth while upholding the values that have driven its success for over two decades. The opening of the tenth centre marks a significant step forward, with further opportunities for expansion and innovation anticipated in the future.

Specialist business property adviser Christie & Co has announced the sale of Hare Hatch Sheeplands, a popular garden centre located between Reading, Maidenhead and Henley-on-Thames.

At 8.88 acres, Hare Hatch Sheeplands is one of the largest freehold garden centres to have come to the market in recent years. Aside from plant sales the site is also home to a farm shop and café, and the centre is much loved by the local community, acting as a meeting point for residents of nearby Wargrave and Twyford.

Hare Hatch Sheeplands has been owned and operated by Rob Scott for many years. The centre has been sold to Colin Roberts to remain as a garden centre and become part of The Gardening Club, who also operate out of Crews Hill in Enfield. Hare Hatch will be rebranded The Gardening Club at Hare Hatch.

Tom Cook, Managing Director of The Gardening Club, comments: "With new stock arriving and exciting changes on the horizon, I am confident that we will create a vibrant and thriving environment that both our team and customers will love.  We are concentrating on getting the plant area and garden shop ready for Spring followed by a revamp of the farm shop.  In turn each part of the site will be enhanced and improved to make it fit for the next 30 years."

Tom Glanvill, Director at Christie & Co, said: “I am delighted to have completed the sale of this business and am very confident that The Gardening Club team will drive it forward and fill it with top quality stock. Garden centres have benefitted from an excellent start to spring, and Christie & Co as the leading business transfer agents in the garden centre market have also had an exceptional start to the year with many more sales in the pipeline.”

Specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co, has been instructed to market Giants Seat Garden Centre, located next to the River Irwell to the north west of Manchester.

Established in 1964, the centre has been successfully run by the Kidd family for over 60 years, and is well-known for offering a wide range of seasonal and perennial outdoor plants, garden tools, equipment, fertilisers, compost and other gardening essentials, as well as expert advice and personalised support. The centre has an established reputation and loyal customer base.

The site boasts a prime location overlooking the river and spans just over 2 acres, including a three-bedroom detached house which has historically been used as owners’ accommodation. The property offers potential for further development and expansion to grow trade further.

After decades of stewardship, the Kidd family plan to retire and are seeking a new owner to take the reins.

“After 60 years serving the gardening community around Giants Seat Garden Centre, retirement plans for our family-run business now loom large,” said Alan Kidd. “Our family have run the successful nursery/garden centre surrounded by wildlife along the bank of the River Irwell for six decades, developing a strong reputation with our customers for quality and service along with our homegrown plants. We have always strived to offer the highest quality and the best value for money, and now it is time to attend to our own gardens.”

Andrew Birnie, Director – Retail at Christie & Co who is managing the sale, commented: “Hot on the heels of completing the sale of Daisy Nook Garden Centre in Manchester last month, we are pleased to bring to the market Giants Seat Garden Centre & Nursery.  Focussing primarily on growing high-quality horticulture rather than garden centre retail sales, and including a three-bedroom house on site, this opportunity should appeal to owner-operator buyers with an interest in horticulture. The profitable centre sits alongside the River Irwell and therefore enjoys lovely views. We welcome enquiries from interested parties."

The centre is on the market with a guide price of £845,000 freehold plus stock.

For more information, visit the property page here: https://www.christie.com/6411138/

Squire’s Garden Centres has recently filed its accounts for financial year ending 31 July 2024. As anticipated, core garden centre performance was impacted by the poor weather during the crucial spring season.

Chairman Sarah Squire, commented: “While our results for 2024 were somewhat lacklustre due to the weather, the company retains confidence in the long-term future of our industry. Confidence that is borne out by the excellent spring trading experienced so far this year. The British public remain enthused about plants and gardening. Over the long term, our industry has the potential to bring huge health and wellbeing benefits to the UK population and assist the country in promoting nature and biodiversity, as well as contributing to the UK economy.  Although the October budget was not one to encourage growth, as a company, we continue to plan for the long term.” 

For financial year ending 31 July 2024, total sales dropped 2% overall to £64.9m (2023: £66.3m).  Within that total, Garden Centre sales dropped by 4% to £54.7m (2023: £56.9m), while Restaurant sales rose by 9% to £10.2m (2023: £9.4m). The Barnsfold Nurseries business contributed £1.9m of sales in its first full year, taking total Group sales to £66.8m (2023: £67.9m). Profit before tax dropped to £2.2m (2023: £2.4m). The company’s nursery business Barnsfold also had a challenging year due to the unusually cool and wet spring season.

The company continues to have faith in the strength of the sector and sees many opportunities for growth in the longer term. With that in mind, since the end of the 2024 financial year Squire’s has finished the re-roofing of its flagship Twickenham centre, complete with solar panels, and introduced a stylish new shop fit. At Milford, the old garden furniture building has been replaced with an extension that reflects the character of the area and also contributes to Squire’s sustainability goals through solar panels and much more efficient heating and lighting control. The site no longer uses any gas. 

At the very end of 2024, Squire’s completed the purchase of the renowned Liss Forest Nursery business to create Barnsfold Liss. This acquisition had the aim of protecting the supply of hardy plants and increasing the amount and variety of home-grown, locally-sourced plants for Squire’s customers. Barnsfold Liss continues to supply many other garden centres too with a wide range of quality bedding and hardy plants. 

In February, Squire’s purchased the long-established Hare Hatch garden centre near Twyford, safeguarding the employment of the team there. At the same time the company launched its ‘Friends of Squire’s’ customer loyalty programme. The company continues to build up its sustainability programme and remains committed to its charitable and community involvement.

Above: Three generations of the Squire family launching the ‘Friends of Squire’s’ reward app in February 2025 - Colin Squire, Chairman Emeritus (centre), daughter, Sarah Squire, Chairman (left) and granddaughter, Felicia Baily, Squire’s Sustainability Lead (right).

Sarah Squire addeds: “The period since our year end has been extremely busy and I would like to pay particular tribute to my talented colleagues throughout the company who have shown such commitment and worked so tirelessly. The external geopolitical environment remains sadly riven by conflict in many theatres and consumer confidence is still somewhat fragile. However, we have total confidence in our teams and the recent spell of sunny weather has shown that the public retain a huge appetite for plants and gardening. Let’s hope that Spring 2025 is really one to write home about.”