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Sinclair invites growers to join peat free trials William Sinclair is inviting professional growers to join trials of its alternative to peat, made from garden waste, and compare results with their usual growing media. See more…
Byline: George Bullivant 31 Aug 10

Should we feed birds? More than half of people with gardens feed birds, says Which? Gardening. But are we hindering or helping our feathered friends, it asks. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 27 Aug 10

RWAF targets retailers selling ‘cruel’ rabbit hutches The Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWAF) is running a campaign against retailers who stock rabbit hutches that are smaller than the minimum standard. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 12 Aug 10

GIMA Sword of Excellence for Patch Magic Scotts Miracle-Gro and industry newcomer Hug Rug, a barrier mat made from recycled materials shared the limelight at last night’s GIMA Awards. See more…
Byline: George Bullivant 02 Jul 10

Vital Earth to distribute Bord Na Mona compost Vital Earth and Bord Na Mona have agreed terms that give the UK manufacturer of compost derived from green waste, exclusive rights to distribute GroWise to UK independent garden centres. See more…
Byline: George Bullivant 01 Jul 10

Sinclair offers peat substitute to rivals Freeland has finally perfected the process of creating a peat substitute from garden waste that cannot be composted. Sinclair, its parent company, says this could provide the key to meeting the Government’s 2020 peat reduction targets. It will be made available to competing compost suppliers. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 24 Jun 10

Disappointing May sales fail to recoup spring deficit According to the GCA, garden centre sales at the end of May remain 2% behind the first five months of 2009. Last month failed to regain sales lost to the cold spring earlier in the year. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 21 Jun 10

Landgard - a catalyst for change in UK plant sales? There is a growing force in the selling and distribution of plants. Landgard started in the UK three years ago and has already achieved turnover of £23 million. It is aiming to double this in the next three years. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 14 May 10

Solar energy company opens second garden centre franchise The Big Green Company has opened a solar energy centre on Wilmslow Garden Centre. This is the second garden centre franchise and it hopes for several more across the UK. See more…
Byline: George Bullivant 26 Apr 10

Garden Centres are now VERY busy According to the GCA, sales at independent garden centres for the first three months of this year were 9% lower than the same period in 2009. But with the good weather garden centres are now "VERY busy". See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 19 Apr 10

Aylett achieves GMI peat free recognition - UPDATED Aylett Nurseries is the first independent garden centre to become a full member of the Growing Media Initiative (GMI). This means that 55% of its bagged growing media is not peat. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 15 Apr 10

Hozelock to advertise on TV Hozelock has announced a TV advertising campaign featuring products to save time, effort and water. It starts on 26th of March. See more…
Byline: George Bullivant 24 Mar 10

Weak pound hits Italian growers Leading continental plant importers Europlants and Classiflora held very successful open days recently against a background of falling imports. And Plant Fairs go from strength to strength. See more...
Byline: Peter Dawson 12 Mar 10

Government launches peat awareness campaign Having failed to hit the unrealistic target of reducing peat consumption in 2010 by 90%, the government has announced a new target that all compost for the amateur gardener should be entirely peat free by 2020. There is also to be a consumer awareness campaign. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 09 Mar 10

Bagged compost linked with cases of Legionnaire's disease Health experts have called for better warning labels on potting compost after three cases of legionnaire's disease in Scotland were said to have been linked with the use of bagged compost. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 04 Mar 10

Which? Gardening exposes plug plant ‘rip-off’ Gardening Direct is withdrawing its carrot and beetroot plug plants after accusations by Which? Gardening that novice gardeners were being mislead, paying £1.09 per carrot. Other companies were also accused of offering poor value. See more…
Byline: George Bullivant 01 Mar 10

Peat free compost is best for containers Peat free compost outperforms peat based ones when it comes to growing in containers. In the March edition of Which? Gardening, all three composts labelled "Best Buy", were 100% peat free. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 24 Feb 10

Defra calls on gardeners to help stop the spread of invasive plants Defra and the Scottish Government today called on Britain’s gardeners to help stop the spread of invasive aquatic plants that damage the natural environment and cost the economy millions with a new campaign to highlight the plight of Britain’s waterways. See more...
Byline: DEFRA 24 Feb 10

Scotts and Westland unveil rival TV campaigns Scotts and Westland will again be carrying the gardening message to millions of homes this spring with TV and marketing campaigns that have a combined value of over £8 million. See more…
Byline: George Bullivant 19 Feb 10

January sales hold up despite the snow More than a quarter of garden centres reporting in the GCA Barometer of Trade increased sales during January, pulled along by strong gains in the sales of pet and aquatics. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 17 Feb 10

Fera to inspect GCs for citrus longhorn beetle As part of the ongoing fight to limit the damage caused by possible outbreaks of citrus longhorn beetle, the Food and Environment Research Agency (Fera) has issued guidance on steps being taken in the UK to reduce the risk of it becoming established here. See more…
Byline: Peter Dawson 15 Feb 10

Beetle mania hits Boskoop Evidence of citrus longhorn beetle damage has had a devastating effect on the growers in Boskoop, Holland. See more…
Byline: Peter Dawson 08 Feb 10

E P Barrus unites Wolf-Garden and Wilkinson Sword E P Barrus, which last year took control of the UK distribution of Wolf-Garden, has won the right to distribute the Wilkinson Sword range of garden tools. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 04 Feb 10

Dobbies exploits links with Tesco Dobbies moves to exploit its link with its parent, Tesco. Dobbies branded products are to appear in the supermarket’s stores in northern England and Scotland. It is also exploring the possibility of adding a garden centre alongside a new development by Tesco. See more…
Byline: George Bullivant 01 Feb 10

John Innes Manufacturers Association moves under HTA umbrella The management and administration of the John Innes Manufacturers Association (JIMA) has moved to the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA). See more...
Byline: The HTA 26 Jan 10

Garden centres adapt to the snow and cold January sales appear to be better than expected with such bad weather. Garden centres have adapted to conditions by selling plastic trays when they had run out of toboggans, grit when they had run out of salt and... See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 19 Jan 10

December puts the seal on a good year for garden centres GCA results for 2009 show that the smaller garden centre did best and that those in the Midlands and Northwest performed better than the South. Overall, sales were around 11% ahead of 2008, with the biggest increases coming from the farm shop. See more…
Byline: George Bullivant 13 Jan 10

Garden centres fared well at Christmas With snow and ice gripping most of the country, garden centres are having a quiet time and taking stock as customers stay away after what turned out to be a sparkling Christmas for many retailers. See more…
Byline: Peter Dawson 08 Jan 10

The top composts germinate 42% more seeds Each year Which? Gardening tests the performance of major brands of compost for germinating seeds and for growing-on young plants. And each year, they find a big difference between the best and worst performers. For the 'Best Buys' and 'Don't Buys', see more...
Byline: George Bullivant 08 Jan 10

November, another good month for garden centres November was another good month for garden centres according to the Garden Centre Association. Sales were 8% higher than a year ago in November and for the last 12 months are 10% higher. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 15 Dec 09

B&Q offer free Christmas trees This week, B&Q are offering free 4-5ft. Christmas trees to customers who spend over £30. Click on website to see the offer...
Byline: George Bullivant 02 Dec 09

Which? Gardening warns readers against buying potted Christmas trees Which? Gardening has warned its readers against buying potted Christmas trees and advises buying a cut tree. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 02 Dec 09

14% growth in garden centre sales during October GCA figures confirm that October was a good month for garden centres. Outdoor plants have continued to sell well and there has been a strong start for Christmas lines. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 17 Nov 09

Industry promises to label bags with peat content Defra will be actively promoting peat reduction in 2010 and welcomes industry’s undertaking to begin labelling bags with peat content. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 10 Nov 09

Stewarts nominated twice for Plant Area of the Year The national judging of plant areas at GCA garden centres has been completed and the regional winners announced. The national winners will be announced at the Garden Centre Association conference at the end of January. See more...
Byline: The Garden Centre Association 27 Oct 09

Retailers blamed for level of rose sales Garden retailers are to blame for the fact that rose sales are not increasing as much as they should be. If retailers put the effort in and maintain their roses in peak condition it could transform the market. See more...
Byline: HTA’s British Rose Group 19 Oct 09

Avoncrop in administration - stock to be sold at discounted prices Avoncrop in administration is to continue to sell stock items at discounts of 40% w/c 19th October, rising to 60% w/c 26th October. Growers are encouraged to take advantage by calling 01934 820 363 or e mailing sales@avoncrop.co.uk
Byline: Avoncrop in administration 15 Oct 09

Restaurants now biggest earner for garden centres According to the GCA, this is the second consecutive month that restaurant/café sales, with revenue up 14%, have outsold in value all other categories including outdoor plants at the UK’s leading garden centres. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 14 Oct 09

Webbs opens two Christmas shops For the second year, Webbs will open two Christmas shops in Midlands shopping centres. One will be at the Pavilions Shopping Centre, in the heart of Birmingham. See more...
Byline: Webbs Garden Centres 08 Oct 09

Gardening Which? awards ‘Best buy’ to Suttons and Dobies Gardening Which? completed a survey of leading seed suppliers, scoring each company on how well their seed germinated and on the quality of instructions on the packet. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 02 Oct 09

Glee 2009 New Product Awards There were over 250 products and plants competing for the New Product awards at Glee 2009. Top product is a Grow Tent from Grow Camp of Denmark that will encourage grow-your-own enthusiasts next year. For all the winners see more...
Byline: Glee 20 Sep 09

E.P.Barrus becomes sole distributor for Wolf Garden E.P.Barrus Ltd the importer of domestic and professional garden machinery, has been appointed the exclusive distributor of Wolf Garden products in the UK and Republic of Ireland, replacing Solus. See more...
Byline: Wolf Garden Ltd 16 Sep 09

M&M Timber to distribute Hillhout in the UK M&M Timber Limited has assumed the UK distribution for the Dutch-owned Outdoor Life Group. It will now offer the garden and leisure industry a complete one-stop shop for all their timber, garden and leisure requirements. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 16 Sep 09

£500,000 no problem for Middle Eastern brides wanting perfect wedding flowers The Flowers & Plants Association recently took an enquiry from the media that amazed them somewhat. Staff are used to handling unusual calls from journalists and editors, but this one was rather surprising. See more...
Byline: Flowers & Plants Association 03 Sep 09

We are riding the crest of a wave, say Fothergill’s Mr Fothergill's say they are riding the crest of a wave. At a press day on the nursery grounds last week, they revealed how they will continue to engage gardeners in 2010. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 17 Aug 09

Hozelock forms network of excellence Hozelock Cyprio are to invite the UK’s top aquatics retailers to form a nationwide network of Centres of Excellence. See more...
Byline: Gardenforum 14 Aug 09

Ex-garden centre owner becomes a supplier Former GCA chairman Steve Myatt, who sold his garden centre in April, has started a new business as an importer of barbecues. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 10 Aug 09

Weekend news round-up Read what was said last weekend in the Press. Heinz targets garden centres with BBQ sauces, Dobbies to offer allotments and shoppers flinch at Smith & Hawken closing down sale. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 27 Jul 09

Citrox is not to be confused with Citroxx MD of Agralan Alan Frost, has issued a statement to avoid confusion between his product, Citrox, and the product called Citroxx, named in a recent BBC exposé, 'What's really in our food'. See more...
Byline: Agralan 21 Jul 09

Smaller garden centres have performed best this year A good gardening autumn and an expected increase in the price of Christmas trees should give garden centres a good start to the new gardening year. Sales since last July have increased by over 5% according to the GCA, with smaller garden centres improving the most. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 20 Jul 09

They are friendly and dynamic at Howard Nurseries Double success for Howard Nurseries and GPS-controlled planting in Holland are covered in this month's nursery column. See more...
Byline: Peter Dawson 17 Jul 09

Research shows how to boost sales of garden furniture 30% have bought garden furniture in the last two years, but only 8% in the last year. With ageing furniture in gardens and the willingness of the marginal gardener to respond to promotions, HTA research highlights the opportunities this summer. See more...


Monthly Nursery Round-up Among the topics covered by Peter Dawson in his monthly nursery column are the HTA's opposition to the new AWB settlement for England and Wales. See more....
Byline: Peter Dawson 23 Jun 09

New ideas to extend the GYO boom From being a one-year wonder, GYO is set to expand according to speakers at last weeks GIMA business meeting who presented thought-provoking ideas to develop the concept. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 19 Jun 09

GIMA Sword of Excellence for AEL’s Glatz parasol Judges said that the Glatz Alu Twist Parasol beat a very strong field to win the coveted GIMA Sword of Excellence at last night’s Industry award. By one point, Gardman retained the Supplier of the Year Award for an astonishing 8th successive year. For all the winners, see more...
Byline: George Bullivant 17 Jun 09

Resilient May confirms good year for garden centres A strong end to May means garden centres have held on to most of the gains they made in the first 4 months of the year. Smaller centres actually increased sales in the month. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 16 Jun 09

Garden centres compliment suppliers after an exciting spring Garden centres have complimented suppliers on how well they managed an exciting and frustrating spring. Garden centres report that 2009 sales are 6% – 17% ahead of last year but are cautious about Christmas. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 09 Jun 09

May ends on a high Sales in the final week of May, which were 20% up on the previous week, meant that the month's volumes ended 8.5% down on 2009, but still well up for the year. See more...
Byline: Trevor Pfeiffer - The Garden Communication & Media Company 05 Jun 09

Labrador dies after eating slug pellets in the garden Details have emerged in Bradford of the labrador dog that died having eaten Homebase own brand slug pellets, despite them containing animal repellent. See more…
Byline: George Bullivant 04 Jun 09

Gardening Which? reviews new products The June issue of Gardening Which? Magazine starts a regular feature that will review new gardening products, providing an opportunity for garden suppliers. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 03 Jun 09

Solar electric display for garden centres Bents Garden Centre will be the first of up to 100 garden centres to sell Smart Solar’s panels that generate solar electricity, saving householders a possible 20% off electricity bills. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 01 Jun 09

First confirmation of April Sales increases Only hours after the month end, the GTN Weekly Newsletter reports that garden centre sales volumes were 31% up on 2008 for the 4 weeks ending on April 26. This beats the 23% increase enjoyed during March. See more...
Byline: GTN 01 May 09

Positive vine weevil treatment trials Initial nursery trials on the use of fungus Metarhizium anisopliae for vine weevil control in container grown hardy nursery stock have proved very successful, Bill Godfrey told a meeting of Woking growers last week.
Byline: Peter Dawson 29 Apr 09

Continental importers miss out on booming plant sales For UK growers, April plant sales are back to the heady days of 2007. But it has not been so buoyant for continental stock importers. See more...
Byline: Peter Dawson 28 Apr 09

Ram raiders hit Bracknell garden centre Ram raiders smashed into Moss End Garden Centre yesterday morning, making off with £4500 worth of garden machinery. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 23 Apr 09

March plant sales up 61% The GCA Barometer of Trade shows that March trading was even better than first thought for independent garden centres. Sales of outdoor plants, garden sundries and seeds and bulbs showed massive increases. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 21 Apr 09

Total Retail +1.2%, Garden Retail +7% BRC-KPMG figures for the first 3 months of 2009 show retail sales grew 1.2%. Provisional figures from the HTA show garden centre sales grew 7% over the same period. The difference is most dramatic in March. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 16 Apr 09

Easter boost for UK Garden Centres The mixed weather across the country this Easter weekend appears not to have deterred gardeners as many garden centres report strong trading – particularly with regard to grow your own, plants and core gardening products. See more - This story is open to all...
Byline: The Horticultural Trades Association 14 Apr 09

Shortages after record March sales The garden industry is buzzing, not just because March sales were 20% to 35% up on last year, but because of what customers have been buying. Already there are shortages. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 06 Apr 09

Ban on sale of mercury filled barometers EU legislation passed 18 months ago and adopted by the UK government means that it will be illegal to sell mercury filled thermometers after April 3rd 2009. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 27 Mar 09

Nurseries see first signs of re-ordering Cautious optimism about the state of the liner market; news that Wyevale plans plant production at 13 locations; results from the second British Plant Fair and an update from Hillier Nurseries all feature in the latest round-up of UK growers from Peter Dawson. See more...
Byline: Peter Dawson 27 Mar 09

February snow hit small garden centres Despite recession, snow and frozen ground, members of the Garden Centre Association will be pleased that sales were only 11% behind last year, which had been 21% up on 2007. Smaller centres were, however, more heavily affected. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 18 Mar 09

Arthur Bower and Westland growbags are exceptional value The March edition of Gardening Which? reviews slug and snail controls, tests growing bags and looks at seed mats and tapes. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 27 Feb 09

Restaurants provide 25% of garden centre income in January The GCA Barometer of Trade confirms that January was good for garden centres. Overall sales increased by 12.7%. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 23 Feb 09

New ‘Frog’ commercial for Evergreen Scotts Miracle-Gro is to spend £6.3 million on TV and press advertising, the same amount as last year. Among the new adverts, there will be a new ‘Frog’ commercial for Evergreen. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 16 Feb 09

Average GC shopping basket grows by £3.60 in 12 months One in four garden centres increased sales during December. For the year as a whole, sales fell 2%. The latest figures from the GCA Barometer of Trade also show that average customer spend in 2008 increased by £3.60. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 22 Jan 09

‘Home Grown’ logo for UK growers The Horticultural Development Company (HDC) has launched a ‘Home Grown’ logo for UK growers, with backing from the NFU. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 16 Jan 09

Growers to suffer as EU ignores HTA amendment The HTA has asked the UK government for clarification after the EU today passed new plant protection regulation without assessing the impact it will have. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 13 Jan 09

New Horizon Peat Free Growbag – GW? ‘Best-Buy’ for second year The latest Gardening Which? survey of peat free compost shows that, with the exception of Sinclair's New Horizon Organic and Peat Free Growbag, consistency in quality is still a problem. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 09 Jan 09

Christmas trade very much a 'curate's egg' With both Next and Debenhams reporting lower sales in the Christmas period, garden centres appear to have fared the festive season better than the high street retailers. See more...
Byline: Peter Dawson 06 Jan 09

2008 Review Gardenforum reported on 18 garden centres changing hands last year. There was also the demise of wholesaler Spread, and a difficult year for Sir Tom Hunter’s investments in Dobbies, Flying Brands and Wyevale. For a review of 2008 and what to watch in 2009, see 'more'... (This article open to non-subscribers to see what you missed!)
Byline: George Bullivant 05 Jan 09

What recession? Say NZ garden centres Proof that garden centres are recession resistant comes with news from New Zealand of record sales of plants and seedlings. The RHS is promoting Grow Your Own in 2009 as consumers look towards home for their leisure activities. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 18 Dec 08

Garden Centres are streets ahead for Christmas The winners of the 2008 GCA Christmas display competition are Barton Grange, Brock, in the category for larger centres and Castle Gardens at Sherborne in the class for garden centres with sales under £3m. The judge said she was absolutely blown away. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 16 Dec 08

Christmas tree rental service kicks off in Dorset Trees-for-rent: Forget where to buy your Christmas tree this year and start thinking about where to rent because the next big thing in the 'environmental' market place is Christmas tree rental.
Byline: Philip Voice - Landscape Juice 10 Dec 08

GCA names Garden centres with best Christmas displays The finalists have been announced in the competition to find the GCA Garden Centre with the best Christmas displays. See more...
Byline: Gardenforum 02 Dec 08

Gardening Which? warns against potted Christmas trees December's Gardening Which? warns against buying potted Christmas trees. It also carries a survey of mail-order plug plants suppliers. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 28 Nov 08

Sharp fall in October bulb sales Figures from the GCA show another fall in the sales of gardening products with plants and bulbs most affected. See more…
Byline: George Bullivant 24 Nov 08

GMI to co-ordinate move away from peat The government’s 2010 peat reduction target will be missed. Now lobby groups, the government and the industry are to work together, through the Garden Media Initiative to speed the move to peat substitutes. See more…
Byline: George Bullivant 17 Nov 08

Lifetime Achievement Award for Whitehall Centenarian Highlights of last night's Garden Retail Awards include 3 wins for the newly refurbished Sidmouth Garden Centre and a Lifetime Achievement Award for Whitehall Garden Centre's centenarian owner Phyllis Self. For all the winners, see more...
Byline: George Bullivant 13 Nov 08

Garden centres urged to lobby against pesticide ban The threat that horticulture will lose 80% of plant protection products increased last week when the European Parliament environmental committee voted to ban glyphosate and other herbicides, fungicides and insecticides. The final vote by the full EU parliament will be taken in December or January. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 10 Nov 08

Shoots Garden Centre boss slams Trading Standards According to the Harrow Times, the boss of Shoots Garden Centre, Stanmore, has accused Trading Standards of entrapment after it sent a child test purchaser into his shop for a pruning saw. See more...
Byline: Gardenforum 29 Oct 08

Amenity plant sales grow 19% The value of plants sold into the amenity market has increased by 19% in the last year according to the HTA, with larger plants prospering. But sales are predicted to fall in 2009. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 23 Oct 08

Garden centre sales fall in August and September Garden centre sales have lost some of the strong gains they made in Aug - Sept 2007 according to the most recent GCA Barometer of Trade. It also shows that over the last 12 months, sales of outdoor plants have fallen to less than 20% of garden centres’ turnover, while income from catering has increased to 15% and gifts continue to grow. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 20 Oct 08

Prices to rise by 10% or more next year Prices will rise 10% or more next year. Will volumes decrease by an equivalent amount? No, say exhibitors and retailers at Glee, the garden industry can expect some growth next year. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 06 Oct 08

HTA urges action to prevent loss of 85% of active chemical controls The HTA is urging members of the garden industry to write to their MEP demanding an impact assessment before the European government approves legislation that would leave no chemical control products for most pests and diseases and leave growers in an impossible position.
Byline: George Bullivant 02 Oct 08

Smit warns Garden Centres to be ready for food shortages Collecting the Roy Hay Memorial award at this evening's Glee Dinner, Tim Smit, co-founder of the Eden Project, warned that "our industry will be the most important in the UK in the next 10 years, as food security becomes the next big issue." For more details and the other winners, see more...
Byline: George Bullivant 23 Sep 08

Government changes law on paving front gardens From the first of October householders will be required to get planning permission if they want to lay or re-lay a drive or paving in their front garden, unless they use a permeable solution. This is to ensure that no water will run off into the roads after a heavy storm. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 15 Sep 08

Bureaucracy kills off Derris Dust From the 10th of the 10th it will no longer be legal for garden centres to sell Derris products. Consumers will have one year to use up what remains in the potting shed. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 11 Sep 08

Timetable for closure of Bolton Fell still unknown It will be several years before William Sinclair loses its supply of peat from Bolton Fell following confirmation by Natural England that DEFRA had submitted the site to the EU as a potential SAC. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 04 Sep 08

Garden Centre sales level with 2007 July figures from the GCA barometer of trade show that garden centres have clawed their way back to match last year's sales figures by encouraging their customers to spend more. But there has been a change in the sales mix. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 26 Aug 08

Sodium chlorate ban on the cards The EU is likely to ban the use of sodium chlorate as a weedkiller. The announcement is expected within six months. See more…
Byline: Peter Dawson 20 Aug 08

Fraudster cooks up a scam on Beefeater Barbecues Hampshire-based Beefeater Barbecues (Regent Garden Collection) has been hit by a very clever scam involving two telephone orders purporting to be from Bents Garden Centre in Cheshire. See more …
Byline: Peter Dawson 06 Aug 08

Compost prices will rise 30% warns Sinclair The weather and rising costs have forced a profit warning from William Sinclair Holdings, despite sales being stronger than last year. Chief executive, Bernard Burns, says the industry should accept that growing media prices will be 30% higher next year. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 28 Jul 08

Better June but 2008 still behind 2007 says GCA June was a recovery month for garden centres according to the latest sales figures from the GCA. Outdoor plants and garden sundries showed the best growth. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 21 Jul 08

Suntime introduces the Llewelyn-Bowen collection Laurence-Llewelyn Bowen, star of "Changing Rooms", has joined with the garden furniture team at Suntime to produce a celebrity designer collection for 2009. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 21 Jul 08

GIMA joy for Solus Solus won the GIMA Product of the Year at last night's Awards with a home composting product from Nortene. Gardman was voted the GCA's Favourite Supplier for the 7th successive year. See more..
Byline: George Bullivant 18 Jul 08

Consultation as Sudden Oak Death spreads Following news that the National Trust for Scotland is raising £50,000 to prevent Sudden Oak Death killing some of its most precious plants, comes a consultation exercise by the HTA and DEFRA to fight the disease. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 16 Jul 08

British companies at Spoga Gafa An exciting collection of ‘world tools’ comprising the best ideas from around the globe, including eco-friendly composters with a difference and hundreds of other product innovations are being shown by a group of 30 British companies exhibiting at Spoga Gafa this year. The products on show span almost all aspects of gardening for every season of the year. See more...
Byline: Gardenex 15 Jul 08

HTA challenges RHS report on imported plant disease The HTA has expressed considerable concern at a report from the RHS claiming that pests and diseases imported on exotic plants are threatening those in our gardens and across the countryside. See more…
Byline: George Bullivant 09 Jul 08

LOFAMARK announced at SOLEX LOFA, the association for importers and manufacturers of garden furniture, has asked Dr Alan Knight to help establish a LOFAMARK, an environmental and ethical guarantee for garden furniture and accessories. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 08 Jul 08

Global warming will change the vegetables we grow By 2080 UK temperatures will be more akin to those in the Mediterranean today. So says NS&I which is sponsoring the Growing Tastes Cookery Theatre at Hampton Court. This will change the vegetables we grow. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 03 Jul 08

GIMA reveals line-up for 2008 Awards David Domoney and Julie Peasgood return to host the 2008 GIMA awards, which include entries from companies who are participating for the first time. This year's entertainer is to be TV show host Roy Walker. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 30 Jun 08

Garden furniture sales up 36% in May After a dismal first four months of the year for garden retailers, was May good enough to catch up lost ground? Not according to the latest figures published this week by the Garden Centre Association. Garden furniture showed the biggest increase. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 23 Jun 08

RHS warns of Weedkiller Residue Damage Vegetable damage in British gardens and allotments appears to be more prevalent this year due to weed killer contamination of manure, following dressing with farmyard manure. See more...
Byline: The Royal Horticultural Society 16 Jun 08

Independent Garden centres still have the competitive edge This year’s prices survey by Gardenforum shows that Wyevale has become the most competitive of the specialist chains, but fails to match the best independent. Also many plants and garden products show significant price increases, but there are fallers as well. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 02 Jun 08

Hand Mowers - just what you need in the smaller garden May’s edition of Gardening Which? continues the lawns theme with a review of lawn treatments and a plug for greener hand cylinder mowers. See more....
Byline: George Bullivant 06 May 08

Quality Ornamental launches peat-free pack bedding Next week, Quality Ornamentals starts to deliver to independent garden centres what it believes to be the first 100% peat-free pack bedding pants. See More...
Byline: George Bullivant 29 Apr 08

Britain's Favourite Garden Vegetables 2008 GrowVeg.com – the garden planning website for growing your own fruit and vegetables – has announced the top vegetables being grown in gardens and allotments in the UK this year. Based on plans produced by over 1,600 UK gardeners some interesting trends have emerged. See more...
Byline: GrowVeg.com 25 Apr 08

Scotts Miracle-Gro announces product recall in US Scotts Miracle-Gro has today announced a recall of Miracle-Gro Shake 'n Feed with Weed Preventer All Purpose Plant Food in the United States of America. The recall does not affect the UK and Europe. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 24 Apr 08

Lawn Maintenance Companies get thumbs-up from GW? Professional lawn maintenance companies promise to keep your lawn looking good. But is it worth using one? Gardening Which? has put them to the test. Also on trial are lawn edging shears. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 08 Apr 08

Wyevale announces plastic plant pot recycling initiative Wyevale Garden Centres Ltd (“Wyevale”), the UK’s leading specialist garden centre retailer, has today announced “Plan Apple”, its action programme to address the key sustainable development challenges facing the gardening industry.
Byline: Wyevale 14 Mar 08

Industry praises Government restrictions on paving DEFRA has listened to the garden industry and has published measures that will prevent householders from laying non-porous paving in their front drives without planning permission. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 12 Feb 08

RHS Grow Your Own Veg – open weekend The RHS is opening up its four gardens to members of the public on Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th March to launch the 2008 Grow Your Own Veg campaign.
Byline: The RHS 24 Jan 08

Nationwide coverage for Vital Earth There is a new force emerging in the market for peat free and organic composts and fertilisers. Vital Earth opened an £8m development at Ashbourne, 18 months ago. Further investment this year will bring nationwide distribution. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 23 Jan 08

Garden Centres defy high street jitters with record Christmas sales Webbs of Wychbold has retained the title GCA Garden Centre of the Year for a second year. At the same time figures from the Association show garden centre sales increased 9% in December. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 22 Jan 08

“Compost producers need to up their game” GW? UPDATED “Compost producers need to up their game” says this month’s Gardening Which? .Tests show a large gulf between the performance of peat-free and peat-based composts for growing young plants from seed. UPDATED with rebuttal from the Growing Media Association. See more...
Byline: Gardening Which? 11 Jan 08

Christmas cracker as garden centres end 2007 on a high Early indications are that garden centres outperformed the high street in the key Christmas trading period. See more…
Byline: Peter Dawson 09 Jan 08

HTA Rose Group to hold Rose Promotion Day The HTA has arranged a Rose Promotion day where growers and retailers can work together to increase sales and extend the season of the nation’s favourite flower. See more...
Byline: The Horticultural Trades Association 08 Jan 08

Suppliers cautious about GRO 99 garden centres have already said that they will sign up for GRO, the new buying group being launched by the GCA in conjunction with AIS. Suppliers who attended yesterday’s introduction expressed concern and believe there are still questions to answer. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 14 Dec 07

GCA Christmas Competition Winners 2007 With last year’s winners making the finals once again, standards were very high. Other centres have been encouraged to raise the bar even higher this year and the end results were evident. See more...
Byline: John Connel – The Garden Works 07 Dec 07

Concern over Nordmann needle drop Garden centres and suppliers are experiencing problems with Nordmann Christmas trees that are dropping their needles. According to suppliers, the problem is containable but garden centres need to manage the situation and should not panic. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 05 Dec 07

Shortage of vegetable seeds next spring? Suttons has raised the possibility of a shortage of vegetable seeds for next spring although there’s no cause for concern at the moment. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 30 Nov 07

Eco pest control short changing green gardeners This month’s Gardening Which? suggests that green gardeners are getting short changed by suppliers of mail order biological pest controls. Agralan alone was praised for consistency. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 30 Nov 07

Golden Acres opens farm shop at Cadnam Golden Acres group has opened a farm shop at its New Forest garden centre. First year’s turnover is forecasted at £200,000. See more…
Byline: Peter Dawson 26 Nov 07

Scotts promise £6m on Advertising Scotts is to increase TV advertising by 40% next year. It is backing Weedol Max with £1.5m in an expected ‘War of Weeds’ with other new introductions. Evergreen lawn products will also reappear on screens next spring. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 22 Nov 07

Compost producers must register before deadline The Environment Agency and WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme) are today reminding compost producers in England and Wales to ensure that their business has been registered with The Composting Association (TCA) for PAS 100 and Quality Protocol certification by 15 November. See more...
Byline: Environment Agency 02 Nov 07

Danish Nordmanns in short supply An EU move, which has blocked the Danish government subsidising its Christmas tree growers, has led to a shortage of Nordmann Firs across Europe. See more…
Byline: Peter Dawson 25 Oct 07

Garden centres still well ahead of 2006 September results from the GCA Barometer of Trade show that its garden centre members are still showing good growth, especially the larger centres. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 23 Oct 07

Flowers & Plants Association sees all time increase in UK grown interest for September After reporting increasing interest in UK grown flowers and plants in 2007, the Flowers & Plants Association has received the largest amount of enquiries about UK grown products in September for the year so far. See more...
Byline: Flowers & Plants Association 05 Oct 07

Industry anger at Gardening Which? report on seed suppliers “Forget about green fingers, it’s poor quality seeds that are preventing gardens from growing.” So says Gardening Which? as it releases a test of 15 seed suppliers. The seed companies are angry at the research, whose validity they question. See more…
Byline: George Bullivant 28 Sep 07

Garden centre sales still 7% ahead of last year Garden centre sales bounced back in August, making up for a soggy July. So says the Garden Centre Association’s Barometer of Trade. Annual sales are also showing growth – 7% up on last year. See more…
Byline: George Bullivant 24 Sep 07

New fuchsia pest found in Britain The potentially devastating fuchsia gall mite (Aculops fuchsiae) has been found for the first time on mainland Britain in a fuchsia sample received by the RHS Members’ Advisory Service at RHS Garden Wisley. The pest has the potential to spread rapidly, affecting gardens and greenhouses throughout Britain.
Byline: The RHS 19 Sep 07

Glee New Products: winners announced Ten innovative new products demonstrating pioneering approaches to design, manufacture and marketing have been named as the winners of this year’s coveted Glee New Products awards.
Byline: Glee 17 Sep 07

HTA warns UK growers HTA director Tim Briercliffe, warns that UK horticulture is struggling to compete with imports and there will only be a future for companies that can innovate. See more…
Byline: George Bullivant 05 Sep 07

Flowerbuyer.com: flower auction via the Internet As from October 1st all English florists will be introduced to an exclusive initiative: buying cut flowers via a special Internet auction site. See more...
Byline: Flowerbuyer.com 03 Sep 07

Quality of grass seed varies widely - GW? Gardening Which? has trialled 20 grass seed mixes on the market. The products varied widely in quality with GW? claiming, “Several really aren’t worth buying.” Johnsons Easy Lawn was awarded best buy. See more…
Byline: George Bullivant 20 Aug 07

West Sussex growers open gates to the public More than 15 top growers within WSGA (West Sussex Growers’ Association) are throwing open their nursery gates for people to find out how the county’s finest plants and fresh produce are grown. See more…
Byline: West Sussex Growers’ Association 07 Aug 07

Report provides wake up call for UK growers A new report generated by the HTA urges growers to compete less with each other and work more closely together. According to Tim Briercliffe, "There is really no alternative to closer collaboration and the sooner the industry moves in this direction the better." See more…
Byline: George Bullivant 26 Jul 07

GIMA joy for Husqvarna Husqvarna took the GIMA Sword of Excellence for an innovative Flymo shredder, while Westland's Unwins division took the award for Marketing Excellence with their solution for selling seed potatoes. Sinclair and Gardman (for the 6th consecutive time) shared the prestigious Supplier of the Year award. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 21 Jul 07

Glee research casts doubt on need for Solex Glee has responded to the LOFA decision to launch a rival show for garden furniture in July 2008. Not only is Glee Outdoor Living unaffected by the threat of Solex, but research after Glee 2006 suggests that “LOFA may be doing a majority of their members, and buyers, a disservice” by holding the show in July. See more…
Byline: George Bullivant 06 Jul 07

LOFA is to break away from Glee One of Glee's founders, the association for garden furniture makers and importers, LOFA, is to set up a rival garden furniture show called Solex in 2008, breaking a long standing relationship. See more…
Byline: George Bullivant 03 Jul 07

Hillier Trees grace the new RHS Glasshouse at Wisley Hillier have donated thousands of pounds worth of specimen trees and shrubs to the Wisley Glasshouse project, in recognition of over 140 years of association with the Royal Horticultural Society. See more...
Byline: Hillier Nurseries 15 Jun 07

Thieves hit aquatics centres Fish thieves have raided a second aquatics centre in the Oxford area and escaped with thousands of pounds of tropical wildlife. See more…
Byline: George Bullivant 04 Jun 07

World’s largest bulb factory opens Dutch bulb producers De Ree Holland BV and K. van Bourgondien & Sons have opened the world’s largest bulb factory as they target the UK market. See more…
Byline: George Bullivant 04 Jun 07

Revealed: The Plants That Devalue Your Home... Having pampas grass, magnolias and ivy in your garden could knock thousands of pounds off the value of your house, according to a new study released today.
Byline: UKTV Gardens 22 May 07

Keep composting simple says Gardening Which? As composting week starts Gardening Which? releases research that shows that the simplest methods of composting provide the best results. See more...
Byline: Gardening Which? 08 May 07

£6 for a cup of coffee and a slice of cake The first price comparison survey for 2007 visited 16 garden retailers across the UK, comparing the prices and availability of 39 well known products. Anything from a bag of Growmore and a pair of suede gardening gloves to a 1L Foxglove or a cup of coffee in the restaurant were tested. The retailers included the resurgent Wyevale; Garden Centre of the year, Bents, and the DIY stores. But as in previous surveys, it was the independent that provided the most competitive offer. See more...(open to non-subscribers)
Byline: George Bullivant 09 Apr 07

Wyevale commits to Green agenda Wyevale says it is determined to lead the industry in setting a green agenda. Firm commitments announced today include a carbon footprint review of its entire product range. For example, Wyevale has already decided to phase out the sale of gas powered patio heaters. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 05 Apr 07

Sinclair spells out new environment policy Sinclair, maker of J Arthur Bowers and New Horizon composts, has given details of a wide and all embracing environmental policy, which will include a massive reduction in peat, carbon footprint data on bags, and a new Synchro Boost logo. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 18 Mar 07

Bayer to phase out battery sprayers Bayer Garden has agreed to phase out its innovative battery powered sprayers, following concerns raised by the Pesticides Safety Directorate. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 16 Mar 07

HRI to research cut flower production in UK EU and DEFRA are to fund research into cut flower production in the UK as confusion surrounds the environmental impact of importing cut flowers in the run-up to Mother's Day. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 13 Mar 07

World timber shortage & storms batter fencing market January's storms and world shortages for timber means that the shortage of fence panels is likely to persist until the summer. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 23 Feb 07

Signs of peat consensus? The HTA has engineered a significant break-through in the quest to meet the government's target for peat reduction. It has achieved an unlikely consensus between the pressure groups, the manufacturers and leading retailers of growing media. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 23 Feb 07

Which? names Best Buy composts for 2007 The Jan/Feb edition of Gardening Which? (GW?) has published last year's trial of 32 composts. Top of the heap come two from William Sinclair: New Horizon Multi-Purpose Peat Free and J Arthur Bowers Multi-Purpose. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 23 Jan 07

Garden Centres report flat Christmas sales Garden centres up and down the country have been reporting flat Christmas sales, while a lack of good-quality top-up live trees has led to very little wastage. See more...
Byline: Peter Dawson 04 Jan 07

2006 News Review 2006 was the year when the decline of old order in the garden industry became irreversible. Gardenforum reviews the stories from 2006 and looks forward to 2007. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 02 Jan 07

DIY & Gardening Declines for a Second Year Verdict Research shows that DIY & gardening is set for a second year of declining sales. It warns retailers to adapt to a changing consumer psyche if they are to prosper, as a re-run of the boom days is not going to happen. See more...
Byline: Verdict 12 Dec 06

Gardening Which? boosts the revival in allotment gardening This month Gardening Which? boosts the revival in allotment gardening. The three product tests focus on leaf clearing, greenhouses and sharpeners for garden tools. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 16 Oct 06

Laura Ashley goes into the garden Exclusive Outdoor Living is launching Laura Ashley Outdoor Living with its first ever range of exclusively designed garden furniture, matching cushions, parasols and accessories. See more…
Byline: Peter Dawson 27 Sep 06

Fine weather boosted July sales says HTA The HTA's analysis of consumer spending in July shows some recovery, but it's too late to prevent a dreadful year for suppliers of manufactured goods. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 21 Sep 06

Glee New Products - The award winners Products demonstrating pioneering approaches to design, manufacture and marketing have won the 14 Glee New Products Categories for 2006 including the new Green Award. For the winners and judges’ comments - see more…
Byline: Glee 17 Sep 06

Garden Entrepreneur enters the Dragon's Den Liverpool-based entrepreneur, Rachel Price, is set to appear in the next episode of BBC2's hit show, Dragon's Den, with her unique garden invention on Thursday 14th September. See more...
Byline: The Garden Gopher 11 Sep 06

Four Oaks Trade Show winners Although the consensus was that the first day of Four Oaks was quieter than last year, reflecting perhaps the year's trading, many stands reported an encouraging mood of determined optimism for the year ahead. For the award winners - see more...
Byline: George Bullivant 06 Sep 06

Over 600 garden centres sign up to National Conifer Week Over 600 garden centres have signed-up for the UK's second National Conifer Week, taking place from 1 to 8 October. See more...
Byline: The Horticultural Trades Association 16 Aug 06

Water butt stress as demand grows 300% It has been a difficult season for many manufacturers and importers of garden products but the one group you would think that should be rejoicing, are the water butt suppliers. But they too say that it has been a stressful time. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 02 Aug 06

Opportunities for British exporters There are opportunities for British exporters at the leading Spanish garden trade exhibition and still there's time to exhibit at the Japan Gardening Fair, helped by grants. See more...
Byline: Gardenex 31 Jul 06

GIMA Sword of Excellence for Westland's Aftercut Paul Daniels mesmerised an audience of over 400 at the GIMA awards, where Westland won the Sword of Excellence for best new product, with Aftercut. GCA members chose Gardman yet again as their Best Supplier. For the other winners, see more ...
Byline: George Bullivant 22 Jul 06

First signs of change in DIY store prices strategy Gardenforum's latest price comparisons finds the lowest prices in Scotland and shows the first signs of the DIY multiples (Homebase) moving away from a price-led offer. Will B&Q follow? See price comparisons on tradeforum for the 2006 results. For analysis - see more... (open to everyone)
Byline: George Bullivant 27 Jun 06

Gardening Which? tests fungicides and water butts Gardening Which? awarded 'Best Buy' to two Scotts products in its test on fungicides. Models by Harcostar and Sankey came top, depending on the situation, in the search for the most effective water butt. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 19 Jun 06

Callaghanstone acquires the Original Stonebears Callaghanstone has purchased the moulds and masters of the Original Stonebear Company. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 12 Jun 06

Gardening Which? names Best Buy feeds and compost Trials of containers and hanging baskets in May's Gardening Which? show the importance of feeding. Products from Scotts, Bayer, Westland, Chempak and Sinclair achieve Best-Buy status. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 11 May 06

Pet retail survey discovers services are the future The Pet Care Trust, the national charity promoting responsible pet ownership, has published a report on the current state of the pet retail sector following a survey last year. See more...
Byline: Pet Care Trust 05 May 06

Scotts acts to silence compost rumours Scotts Miracle-Gro Company, manufacturer of Levington, Murphy and Miracle-Gro composts, has tightened quality control of peat-free additives to its composts but denies that there has been a problem with quality. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 12 Apr 06

Triple Gold for Thompson & Morgan Thompson & Morgan won 3 of 9 gold medals awarded by Fleuroselect, the international association for the ornamental plants industry. See more...
Byline: Fleuroselect 23 Mar 06

Prices lower than 5 Years ago Gardenforum's researchers visited 17 garden retailers around the country, with a similar list of products and plants to our survey 2001. In many cases prices are lower than 5 years ago with independents garden centres being the most competitive. See price comparisons on tradeforum for the 2006 results. For comparisons with 2001 see more...
Byline: George Bullivant 17 Mar 06

GAN Trade Show winners The GAN Trade Show held near Bournemouth on the 8th February was the largest in the events 11 year history. The show attracted over 1500 visitors viewing 243 stands, beating the previous number of stands by 14. For the Winners, see more...
Byline: George Bullivant 10 Feb 06

J Arthur Bower's and New Horizon praised by Gardening Which? Gardeners must choose carefully when selecting a compost for their precious plants, says Gardening Which? The results of its latest trial confirm that there is still a huge gap between the best and the worst on offer. See more...
Byline: Gardening Which? 24 Jan 06

M&M Timber win part of million £ pipeline deal More investment and more jobs are in the pipeline for Midlands based M&M Timber Ltd, specialists in landscape and garden products, with news of a lucrative order to supply treated timber posts for an incredible 109 mile fencing contract.
Byline: M&M Timber 20 Dec 05

Gardena and S&J dominate Gardening Which? Best Buys Next month's Gardening Which? recommends planting Californian poppies now. It also reviews loppers and topiary shears. See more..
Byline: George Bullivant 15 Oct 05

The Glee Winners Are.... Over 300 products were entered in this year's Glee New Products. Of the thirteen awards, Gardman take three and Hozelock two. See more...
Byline: Sue Roberts 18 Sep 05

GIMA Sword of Excellence for Forest Garden Over 400 attended the GIMA Awards to see Forest Garden win the Sword of Excellence for best new product, with the revolutionary LifeSpace garden building. Retail members of the GCA selected last years winner, Gardman as their Best Supplier. For the other winners, see more ...
Byline: George Bullivant 13 Jul 05

Garden Furniture sales rose 15% in 2004 - or did they fall 17% ? As 2005 begins to look a challenging year for garden furniture sales, conflicting figures from the HTA and LOFA are published for 2004. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 15 Jun 05

See Latest Gardenforum Price Comparisons Gardenforum's latest Price Comparisons looked at the competition between Dobbies new centre at Atherstone and Wyevale's Woodlands garden centre. 34 products are included in the sample of 16 garden centres, as are plant guarantees and the price of a coffee and slice of cake in the restaurant. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 27 May 05

GIM identifies strong trend towards the instant garden The HTA's Garden Industry Monitor, started in 1999 is now able to identify medium term trends easily obscured by the annual variations in the weather. Comparisons between 2004 and 2001 show that spending grew 6% over 3 years with a strong trend towards the instant, no hassle garden. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 25 May 05

New Look for pbi as part of Bayer Garden *pbi* products are to assume the livery of their German parent, Bayer Garden. Over the next 12 months *pbi* products, except Baby Bio and Phostrogen, are to change their appearance and branding. See more…
Byline: George Bullivant 20 Apr 05

Retailers Suprised by Renardine Withdrawal The HTA is seeking to delay the withdrawal of Renardine 72-2i. The product was suspended on 24 March 2003 and the last date for sale was set at the 25 March 2005. However calls to the HTA show that several retailers have recently taken deliveries, unaware of the ban and now face expensive disposal charges. See more...
Byline: The HTA 18 Apr 05

HTA Welcomes Rate of Plant Import Charges The HTA has given a guarded welcome to imposition of inspection charges for plants imported from outside the EU. Consignments, whether they consist of cuttings, plants or bulbs, will attract a minimum charge of £13.24 from April 20th. See more...
Byline: The HTA 04 Apr 05

*Longacres wins latest Gardenforum* prices survey** Gardenforum researchers have looked at Cafés and plant guarantees in the latest survey of garden centres across England and Scotland. The survey of 36 plants and garden products shows a wide variety of prices and pack sizes, with competitive independents again giving better value than the DIY stores. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 30 Mar 05

Environmentalists force Wyevale to withdraw Garden Furniture Following accusations by Greenpeace that it is 'trashing endangered rainforests and helping to fund one of the most brutal military dictatorships in the world,' Wyevale has withdrawn one range of furniture and promises a review of all its existing timber sourcing policies and a further review of its supply chain. Leading garden furniture suppliers also face criticism from Greenpeace. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 24 Mar 05

Tests show Sparrows and Hedgehogs are Safe from Slug Pellets There has long been concern among a minority of gardeners that use of slug pellets may harm other, more desirable, wildlife. New research presented by Professor David Glen to pbi, manufacturer of Bio Slug Mini-Pellets, might ease their worries. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 11 Mar 05

First New products from Westland owned Unwins Unwins has revealed the first fruits of its takeover by Westland Horticulture last autumn. A new logo and the autumn bulb campaign were announced to stockists last week. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 23 Feb 05

J Arthur Bower's still rules peat-free says Gardening Which? Peat-free composts still lag behind peat-based rivals for raising seedlings but when it comes to growing-on young bedding plants, a couple of peat-free composts out-performed many peat-based versions. These are the latest findings of Gardening Which? See more...
Byline: Gardening Which? 11 Feb 05

Retailers are Potential Allies - Not Enemies says Butters MD At this weeks biennial CONTACT 05 nursery stock conference Graham Dunn, MD of the Butters Group, painted a challenging picture of the major factors affecting the UK horticulture industry in his presentation "Swimming with sharks and not losing your shirt". He offered the audience of growers his thoughts on how to survive. See more...
Byline: Andy Campbell 16 Jan 05

Finance Cornwall helps new Company plant Seeds of Success Garden retailers and nurseries can look forward to getting their hands on a revolutionary labour and time saving gadget now available in the UK, thanks to a newly started business supported by investment from Finance Cornwall. See more...
Byline: Derek Stride 07 Jan 05

GCA Announces Best Christmas displays Judging in the Garden Centre Association's annual Christmas display competition has reached the final stages with the announcement of the regional winners in the UK & Ireland. Two overall winners will be selected by judge, Andy Campbell. His decision will be announced at the GCA Winter Conference in Newcastle upon Tyne on Monday 24th January 2005. For the regional finalists, see more...
Byline: GCA 01 Dec 04

Flood of new plant introductions could slow to a trickle The thousands of plant introductions each year could "slow to a trickle" warned the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) and National Council for the Conservation of Plants and Gardens (NCCPG). British gardeners, they say, must be made aware of their stake in global diversity and their role as custodians of the gene pool that will improve future cultivated plants. See more...
Byline: The RHS 15 Nov 04

New regulations must safeguard plant quality – says HTA The HTA is lobbying DEFRA to ensure proposed new regulations on plant imports do not leave live plant material deteriorating on the dockside or at other points of entry. The new proposals for Plant Health Inspection of Third-Country Imports were due to come into force in January 2005 – but now could become law in April 2005.
Byline: The HTA 05 Nov 04

Double First for Garden Life in Glee New Product Awards. Fourteen winning products were selected from 250 items in the new-look Glee New Products Hall. Winners included The Malcolm Scott Partnership, Stikaframe, Westland and Garden Life who won two awards, Avant-Gardening and Best Newcomer. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 19 Sep 04

Susan Daniel Rose wins International Prize A rose dedicated to internationally acclaimed opera singer Susan Daniel has beaten competitors from all over the world to win the "Best Unnamed Rose" category at the City of the Hague International Rose Competition. Ten per cent of all sales of the rose are being donated to cancer information charity CancerBACUP. See more...
Byline: Jill Morrell 03 Aug 04

Ingredient Withdrawal Will Affect Two pbi Products The withdrawal of dichlorophen will affect two pbi products. Bio Kills Moss on Lawns and Baby Bio Roota. Bio Roota will be reformulated. See more
Byline: pbi 27 Jul 04

Prince Charles addresses GIMA Dinner The GIMA Awards dinner recognises excellence in the garden industry and is an important social for the industry. The 2004 dinner had the added bonus of a video appearance from HRH The Prince of Wales, praising the industry's work with the Greenfingers Appeal. For the winners - see more...
Byline: GIMA 20 Jul 04

Spring Sales Boost for Phostrogen Evidence of the power of in-store marketing comes from pbi's Phostrogen which claims 60% increase in consumer purchases this spring in a declining market. The power of innovation is also evident with the growth of Provado. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 22 Jun 04

B&Q Increase Domination of Outdoor Furniture Market The latest research from Britain's Leisure and Outdoor Furniture Association (LOFA) confirms the market for outdoor furniture last year grew 10% to reach a new record at £557 million. Garden Centres have slightly increased their share from 12% in 2001 to 13% in 2004. However B&Q increased its dominant share from 22% in 2001 to a 34% share in 2004, while other DIY multiples and Department Stores lost share in this expanding market. See more...
Byline: Richard Plowman - LOFA 15 Jun 04

Brand is not important to Buyers of Garden Care Products Despite a number of high profile advertising campaigns, 62% of garden owners can't name a garden care brand. Consumers decide which garden care products to buy in store and are influenced by which they think is effective and safe rather than brand. So says Guaber UK, following recent research. Their conclusion is that manufacturers would be better to focus on packaging and supporting retailers than wasting money on ineffective consumer advertising. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 21 May 04

New Link for Gardeners World Plants Nurseries and garden centres expecting a preview of the plants to appear on Gardeners World have a new link. Click on the website button below to see what's to be shown this week.
Byline: George Bullivant 23 Apr 04

Outdoor Furniture Sales Rocket says LOFA Furniture sales grew more than 10% last year according to the latest survey by LOFA. Garden centres failed to increase their 13% share as DIY dominate the market. The future is in better quality furniture as consumers upgrade. For details see more...
Byline: George Bullivant 19 Apr 04

Pathclear and Weedol Ingredients to be Withdrawn As part of the EU review of pesticides, rulings have been made that will see two weedkiller ingredients, simazine and paraquat, withdrawn from use in the UK home and garden market over the next few years. As a result Scotts have announced that existing formula Pathclear concentrate may not be sold after 10th September 2004, similarly Weedol may not be sold after April 2005 as currently formulated. See more...
Byline: John Clowes 05 Apr 04

GIMA Anger at Blue Pallet Charges Plan A number of garden centres are in for a nasty shock next week when they find £7.65 added to their invoices for every blue Chep pallet they receive from their suppliers. Chep (previously GKN) are introducing charges to penalise those who are identified as losing 'blue' pallets. Low volume users will also be penalised from July. GIMA members are angry that the charges are being introduced with little warning. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 25 Mar 04

Garden Centre Chains improve in Feb. Prices Survey For the second year running Longacres was the most competitive of the garden retailers surveyed in Gardenforum's early spring Price Comparisons. B&Q, the best placed DIY store was 3rd equal while Dobbies went one better than Wyevale who was in 8th place. Otter Nurseries claimed 2nd place in the survey across England and Scotland. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 24 Mar 04

Become an Effective Lobby or Face a Pesticide Tax - warns MP Leading suppliers of garden chemicals were warned by Brian Donohoe MP that the horticulture industry must do more to convince the government that they are taking effective steps to reduce the threat of pollution from garden chemicals. Failure could lead to a tax on pesticides. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 10 Mar 04

Gem, JAB and Westland win 'Best Buy' from Gardening Which? Gardening Which? has awarded 'Best Buy' to three peat-based multi-purpose composts. Those from Gem, J Arthur Bowers and Westland performed consistently well in every part of the trial. The magazine found more variable performance with peat-free composts but said, 'You can't do better than JAB's New Horizon Multi-Purpose compost.' See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 03 Feb 04

Demographic Time Bomb for DIY Sales says Mintel A packed audience at London's DIY and Garden Show heard contrasting predictions for DIY sales over the next 10 years. Mintel director Richard Perks was gloomy, while two of Europe's leading retailers, B&Q and OBI, saw great opportunity as the market moves away from DIY towards home improvement. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 20 Jan 04

ECO Turf wins Award from Composting Association A survey by Composting Association shows that the amount of material being composted has increased 100% in two years. A third goes back into horticulture and gardening as is shown by this year's winner of their marketing award - ECO Turf. See more for details...
Byline: George Bullivant 12 Dec 03

Marshalls Predicts Explosion in Garden Spending Expenditure on gardens is accelerating faster than on homes. People are expecting more from their gardens and to understand what they want Marshalls has researched how changing lifestyles will influence the use of gardens during the next decade. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 24 Nov 03

Future Marketing sells 12000 Sandford Planters The Future Marketing Group reports continued growth and success during their Autumn 2003 marketing campaign. Members have seen sales increases over last year of 21% in August when the marketing campaign broke running through to October sales being up 20%. See more...
Byline: Neil Gow 18 Nov 03

Growing Media Hits the Fan! In an open letter Scotts warns retailers there is a gaping void of unspent money between advertising claims of some manufacturers and actual money spent. Westland responds, "Retailers can be sure that we will do what we say we will do." While pbi Home and Garden replies, "Our strategy clearly focuses on integrated campaigns for our key brands, with above the line activity only part of the story." See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 24 Oct 03

Glee New Product Award Results The judging to decide the winners of this year's Glee New Product Awards was completed before the start of the show. So Sunday's visitors to the new product stands were able to see the thirteen products selected that are the winners of this year's awards. And the Winners are...See more...
Byline: Angie Noon, Glee 21 Sep 03

Scotts tells Garden Centres 'Wake-up' as DIY Gains Share John Ashley, Commercial Sales Director of Scotts UK, has accused garden centres of losing their focus and urges them to use pre-season terms to promote the core gardening business. "If garden centres put in the same effort, enthusiasm and flair into garden care as they do in Christmas they would have a fantastic business." See more...
Byline: John Ashley - Scotts (UK) 12 Sep 03

Another Good Season for Garden Centres Early figures from the Garden Centre Association and The Future Marketing Group appear to show that Garden Centres have had another good season with double figure growth for most garden centres in the first 6 months of 2003. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 19 Aug 03

Lettuces recommended for RHS award Twenty-nine varieties of lettuce have been recommended to receive the RHS Award of Garden Merit, showing that lettuces are becoming important for their ornamental qualities as well as culinary. See more...
Byline: RHS 12 Aug 03

Best Buy Patio Heaters from Sunnflair and Homebase In its August issue, Gardening Which? presents the results of its recent trial on patio heaters. In recent years, prices of patio heaters have tumbled and they now start from £100, making them an affordable option for many UK garden owners. See more...
Byline: Gardening Which? 01 Aug 03

Illegal Pesticides in the Tool Shed Most retailers will have cleared their shelves of the 81 chemicals whose sale is banned from today. However, how many gardeners know that their use is illegal from the end of the year and how will they dispose of them? Research by PAN UK shows many local authorities are ill equipped to deal with the disposals. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 25 Jul 03

May Price Comparisons finds £1 Terracotta Pot Gardenforum's latest price comparisons are published today. For the first time this month's survey includes the best multibuy deals on compost, patio heaters and solar lighting. Firsts include the £1 terracotta pot from B&Q and a pair of secateurs that is the same price wherever you look. Is it now better to buy compost from Crocus.co.uk? Visit Tradeforum to view the latest prices. For further comment click on 'more'...
Byline: George Bullivant 09 Jun 03

Garden Centre Chain Buys Gold Medal Conifer Garden Nicholas Marshall, MD of Country Homes and Gardens, was so impressed by the Chelsea display of conifers exhibited by Lincluden that he bought it. The gold medal garden was designed by John Tilbury, owner of Lincluden Nursery and will be rebuilt at CHG's Winnersh Garden Centre where his son, Colin Tilbury is the nursery manager.
Byline: George Bullivant 28 May 03

Imports Exceed UK Production of Ornamental plants - finds HTA Monitor The UK Garden Market grew 20% last year to reach £5bn. Sales of hardy nursery stock fell in proportion to manufactured goods; sales by DIY stores and mail order are eroding the garden centres' share; imports of ornamental plants now exceed UK production. These are a taste of results to be published in the next HTA Garden Industry Monitor. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 16 May 03

Duchy Originals Launches a Range of Garden Furniture Duchy Originals, the brand established by The Prince of Wales (and better known for its premium organic food products), is launching a new range of outdoor furniture under the name "Duchy Collection". Burberry in New Bond Street, London and 57th Street, New York are showcasing the range during April. With the price of a 2-seater bench set at £2250, these are collectors pieces. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 22 Apr 03

Industry unites to fight invasive non-native plants Non-native plants represent second most important threat to bio-diversity after habitat destruction. Leading horticultural organizations are supporting recommendations from DEFRA which include a change of legislation and the establishment of a lead body to fight the threat. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 31 Mar 03

Prices Fall in Gardenforum Survey For the first time in two and a half years, Gardenforum has recorded falling prices in our survey of 16 garden retailers across the country. Best value was found at the independents, occupying the top 3 places. To see this month's prices visit tradeforum/price comparisons. For details see more...
Byline: George Bullivant 18 Mar 03

Wyevale starts Discount Card for over 60's Wyevale Garden Centres is set to introduce a savings card for the over sixties, which can be used to get 10% off all products bought on a Tuesday. See more...
Byline: Ruth Parry 06 Mar 03

Gardening Which? reveals results of two-year herbaceous perennial trials A two year trial of crocosmias, heucheras and astrantias is featured in March issue of Gardening Which? The buying guide recommends the varieties it considers to be the best for UK gardens. See more...
Byline: Gardening Which? 27 Feb 03

Gardening Which? calls for tighter controls on composts J Arthur Bower's New Horizon Multi-Purpose compost is still Gardening Which?'s Best Buy for a totally peat-free compost. Westland and Homebase composts are also top performers. Some, however, fell drastically short of expectations prompting the Head of Gardening Which? to call for more controls. See 'More'...
Byline: Ian Brownhill 31 Jan 03

Christmas better for the larger Garden Centre Wyevale announced a 0.5% drop in like-for-like Christmas sales while Dobbies reported a 6.9% increase. So what was Christmas really like? Gardenforum has interviewed retailers and suppliers across the country. Click on 'More' to read their comments.
Byline: George Bullivant 15 Jan 03

Scotts Launch RoseClear 3 Scotts has announced the launch in March of RoseClear 3. It will replace RoseClear 2, a victim of the latest European review of pesticides, which will be illegal to sell after 25th July. The company claims that the new systemic fungicide in RoseClear 3, myclobutanil, offers excellent control of the diseases powdery mildew, rose blackspot and rust. See Tradeforum - Product News for details.
Byline: George Bullivant 06 Jan 03

First Wilkinsons, Now ASDA tells Garden Suppliers - INNOVATE ASDA Buyer Manager, Jason Shaw, gave a blunt message to a packed meeting of GIMA members, yesterday. UK suppliers must INNOVATE or they will not compete with cheaper imports. ASDA already buys 50% of products from overseas. He gave examples of how creativity could stop ASDA looking abroad for gardening product. See more ...
Byline: George Bullivant 04 Dec 02

Longacres - No 1 in latest price comparisons Independent Garden Centres have claimed the top 3 places in our September prices survey, while the best DIY multiple, Homebase, could only manage 10th out of 17 retailers visited. Plant prices appear to be on the increase with some 3litre shrubs now selling at over £10. For a full list of prices look in tradeforum, for additional analysis see 'more'...
Byline: George Bullivant 11 Oct 02

Export Successes for British Companies at GAFA/SPOGA Following its 30th venture to GAFA/SPOGA, Gardenex reports significant successes by its member companies. New agencies/distributors have been established in Belgium, Turkey, Finland, Greece and more. See 'more' for the story from individual exhibitors...
Byline: Peter Evers 23 Sep 02

Double First at GLEE for Stikaframe the Velcro Greenhouse Winners in this year's GLEE new product awards include a honeycomb underlay that keeps your gravel where you want it, hand crafted copper magic mushrooms, an independent lawn mower that returns to base when it's feeling low and a greenhouse with interchangeable Velcro panels that can become a playhouse. See more for all the winners and runners-up...
Byline: George Bullivant 17 Sep 02

'HIP' Promotion for Houseplants this autumn The Flower Council of Holland is to produce a 64 page booklet called HIP HOUSEPLANTS. Featuring over 30 different plants, all photographed in lifestyle contexts, the booklet will be bound in to every copy of the October edition of EVE magazine (on sale on September 7th). It will also be distributed through Garden Centres. See More...
Byline: Jonathon Read 25 Jul 02

Your Chance to meet a B&Q buyer for 30 minutes. The Chamber of Commerce East Lancashire is organising a meet the buyer event with B&Q on Sept 6th. If you would like this opportunity to get your toe into the door, click on More...
Byline: George Bullivant 19 Jul 02

HART to launch rival to HTA Gift Vouchers The September HART conference will see their launch of Gardeners Choice Gift Vouchers. The scheme is intended to compete with current gift vouchers by offering members greater margins and significant cashflow advantages. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 15 Jul 02

Aquatic Invaders still at large - Gardening Which? Gardening Which? finds aquatic invaders for sale in four out of five garden centres in west of England. Gardening Which?, published 21 June 2002, is continuing its campaign for a ban on invasive, non-native aquatic plants after finding Myriophyllum, known as parrot's feather, on sale in 81 per cent of garden centres inspected in the west of England. See more...
Byline: Gardening Which? 25 Jun 02

'Virtual Chelsea' - an opportunity for every garden centre - ACT NOW After 18 hours of TV coverage, many an occasional gardener will be inspired by Chelsea. But garden centres have traditionally been unable to respond. This year 'Virtual Chelsea' gives every planteria manager the opportunity to react with plant collections from the Chelsea show gardens, to capture the enthusiasm and perhaps extra sales in the coming weeks. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 25 May 02

'Simply the Best' is Official Rose of the Commonwealth Games Olympic Gold medallist, Linford Christie, has been chosen to unveil the Rose of the Year 2002 at Chelsea this year. 'Simply the Best' has been selected as the official rose of the Commonwealth Games to be staged in Manchester during the summer. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 16 May 02

Oak Disease Alert - Gov't bans import of rhodo's & viburnum from affected areas A ban on imports of plants from parts of the USA and added controls on wood will be imposed by the government to protect native trees and shrubs from a potential new disease. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 07 May 02

Proven Winners to get public debut at Chelsea Proven Winners, a range of 40 ornamental plant varieties, is to debut at Chelsea this year, hoping to build on its success in America. The aim is to establish a brand that the consumer can trust. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 01 Apr 02