Services news from Gardenforum Noticeboard. Gardenforum.co.uk

If you know of news that should be on Gardenforum, please let us know - Click here.

Gardenforum RSS - News

The Glee Garden Angels are revealed Glee Garden Angels, hosted by Gardenforum, is an exciting and different event at Glee this year. Based loosely on the BBC's Dragons Den, three Angels will offer advice and perhaps a little more, to companies bringing innovation to the garden sector. We can now reveal the identity of our Glee Garden Angels. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 02 Sep 10

More rain and a chance of ground frosts Wiseweather predicts more rain after a sunny start to September and a chance of ground frosts from the 2nd week onward.
Byline: Wiseweather 31 Aug 10

Dobbies team up with Hire Station Dobbies Internet operation Dobbies.com has teamed up with leading tool hire company Hire Station to offer over 2000 different tools. See more…
Byline: Peter Dawson 21 Aug 10

HTA predicts tough outlook as gardening sales fall Quoting from the Garden Industry Monitor Market Update, the HTA predicts tough trading conditions for UK business in the short to medium term. However, this may present opportunities for the garden sector. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 16 Aug 10

Amnesty on rogue Danish trolleys Container Centralen is tightening up on the use of rogue CC trolleys with the introduction of a new RFID label. Garden centres and nurseries are being offered an amnesty to bring unplated trolleys into the pool. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 04 Aug 10

Formula likely to remain the same for 2011 National Plant Show There have been strong early bookings for the 2011 National Plant Show, encouraged by a successful first show this year and early booking discounts. Next year it will be bigger. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 02 Aug 10

Mary Portas headlines the HTA's autumn conference Mary Queen of Shops is to visit several garden centres and deliver her views on the state of the sector at this autumn's HTA conference. The presentation will be followed by what is likely to be a lively debate. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 02 Aug 10

Stock up with Charcoal – it looks like a BBQ August Stock up with charcoal, Wiseweather says that August will be warmer drier and sunnier than average, particularly for the south. But the bank holiday looks less certain. See more...
Byline: Wiseweather 29 Jul 10

Perennial helps 937 people out of a crisis Perennial is the charity that helps people who have worked in horticulture, gardening and garden centres. Last year 937 people were helped to overcome personal crises. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 26 Jul 10

AWB to be abolished after 62 years The government has honoured the promise made in March by Lord Taylor of Holbeach. Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman has today announced that the Agricultural Wages Board (AWB) will be abolished. See more...
Byline: George Bulllivant 22 Jul 10

June sales make up for the late spring The GCA Barometer of Trade shows that garden centre sales increased by 8% in June. As a result, sales from January to June have caught up with those of 2009. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 21 Jul 10

New Landscape show for 2011 A new trade show has been launched for the landscape industry. Landscape is scheduled for the 13th and 14th April 2011 at Olympia. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 20 Jul 10

YouGov accuses specialist garden centres of underperforming A YouGov Sixth Sense report on DIY and garden centres says that major DIY stores are key players in garden retailing, but the specialist garden centres are underperforming. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 15 Jul 10

Calls for consultation as first hosepipe ban starts The industry has called for more consultation as the first hosepipe ban starts tomorrow, affecting 2.9m homes. Filling ponds is allowed but watering vegetables with a hose is not. See more…
Byline: George Bullivant 08 Jul 10

VirtualSOLEX goes live as LOFA grasps the environmental initiative LOFA has used a third successful Solex to introduce two initiatives. Made Aware leads members through a process to reduce the social and environmental impact of their products. VirtualSOLEX is a database of products from the show that can be referenced throughout the year. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 07 Jul 10

The Edible Garden Show is rescheduled for March 2011 The Edible Garden Show (TEGS), which was postponed for a year having failed to raise enough exhibitor interest in 2010, has been rescheduled for 18 to 20 Mar 2011. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 05 Jul 10

Thurlow moves on from Glee Dan Thurlow, Glee Show Director, is leaving the show and moving to another post within EMAP. He is to become Sponsorship Director for the events business. See more…
Byline: George Bullivant 01 Jul 10

July to bring more sunny weather for the south Wiseweather forecasts July to be warmer and sunnier than normal, with the south and west seeing the driest weather. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 30 Jun 10

First-day success for National Plant Show There was real enthusiasm from leading garden centres and from exhibitors on the first day of the first ever National Plant Show, which continues today. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 30 Jun 10

Marshalls introduce a garden design app for the iPad Marshalls, the landscape materials specialist, has introduced the Garden Moodboard app for Apple’s new iPad. It is designed to help people design their dream garden. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 21 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

HTA retailers to sell RHS membership A deal between the RHS and the HTA will lead to garden centres and nurseries selling RHS membership packs, making a healthy profit. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 18 Jun 10

HTA outrage at AWB settlement Outraged by the latest settlement figure imposed by the Agricultural Wages Board, David Gwyther says, "The AWB is demonstrating yet again that it is out of touch, out of date and, hopefully, out of time". See more...
Byline: The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) 17 Jun 10

Solex to go virtual LOFA has announced three initiatives to be unveiled at Solex in July. They are Virtual Solex, “Made Aware” and the inclusion of non-members in 2011. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 09 Jun 10

Post Office to underwrite florists Faced by falling postal revenues, the Post Office is diversifying. Its latest venture is to offer specialist insurance for florists. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 09 Jun 10

June – sunnier, drier but unsettled at times Wiseweather says June should be drier and warmer than average. But storms could affect rainfall totals, especially in the south. See more...
Byline: Wiseweather 01 Jun 10

GIMA awards head for sellout Manufacturers have only two weeks to submit their entries for the GIMAs. All entrants gain valuable exposure but the winners this year will gain added national coverage. Tickets for the presentation evening are already heading for a sell out. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 28 May 10

Spelman agrees to meet the HTA The new Secretary of State for DEFRA, Caroline Spelman, has agreed to meet the HTA. The coalition government has published plans that include measures to ban illegal timber, a national tree planting campaign and reform of the water industry. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 26 May 10

British garden products attract worldwide buyers at two US trade shows British products in both the garden and pet product sectors have proved to be a big attraction in the North American market according to The Federation of Garden and Leisure Manufacturers, which has organised two British exhibiting groups in Las Vegas and Orlando in recent months. See more...
Byline: Gardenex 23 May 10

Record April fails to make up lost ground Despite a challenging target provided by a record breaking April in 2009, garden centres reporting to the GCA Barometer of Trade increased sales by around 5% in April 2010. However, this was not enough to make up for sales lost in the extended winter earlier in the year. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 17 May 10

Two reports, two different views on 2009 Two reports into the UK garden market - one from the HTA, the other from Verdict - portray a very different picture of the garden market in 2009. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 10 May 10

Keep those trolleys moving! On behalf of nurseries, the HTA is asking garden centres to increase their stock of Danish trolleys. Shortages are causing delays in the supply chain and adding unnecessary costs. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 07 May 10

Visitor numbers grow at PATS PATS, the regional pet and aquatic trade shows, have announced dates for 2011 having increased visitor numbers by 23% this year. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 04 May 10

May: cooler, frostier, sunnier Wiseweather forecasts that cold nights and frosts could continue through the month as May is expected to remain cooler, drier and sunnier than average. See more...
Byline: Wiseweather 04 May 10

Confidence returns to the garden job market Confidence is returning to the job market according to Mike Fuller of Horticruitment. This has been their busiest year ever, especially on the retail side. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 30 Apr 10

Big brands return to Glee With 5 months to go, the space booked at Glee 2010 is already close to the size of last year’s show. In the core garden care section there are 49 new exhibitors plus 27 lapsed exhibitors that are returning. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 26 Apr 10

Government agrees to consult before future hosepipe bans Are we heading for a drought this year? If so, the industry should draw some comfort from assurances won from the Government by HTA lobbying before the Flood and Water Management Bill was passed. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 21 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

New format for GIMA Spring meeting There is a new format and new venue for the April business meeting of GIMA. For the first time it will be hosted by a garden centre. Speakers include an Oxford professor of economics, who will talk about the business outlook after the election. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 09 Apr 10

Clarion pulls the plug on Garden Expo 2010 Clarion Events announces today the cancellation of Garden Expo 2010. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 01 Apr 10

April - colder, wetter but sunnier than average Wiseweather predicts a traditional April with sunshine and showers in the South, but colder and wetter in the North. See more...
Byline: Wiseweather 01 Apr 10

TGCG lists stores to open on Easter Day The Garden Centre Group will open the doors of 74 garden centres to members of its Gardening Club on Easter Day. To see which centres will open, see more...
Byline: George Bullivant 31 Mar 10

The Garden Centre Group to open on Easter Day (Updated) The Garden Centre Group is opening many of its larger garden centres on Easter Day as a service to Gardening Club members. They will be able to take lunch in the restaurant and browse the shop and plant area. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 29 Mar 10

Mother’s day kick starts the season Early evidence from The GCA suggests that the season has finally started, boosted by a good Mother’s Day weekend for garden centres. Cold weather, however is still delaying plants purchases. See more…
Byline: George Bullivant 22 Mar 10

New Marketing Committee to drive pan-industry promotion A new HTA Marketing Committee, bringing together marketers from leading retailers, growers and garden goods suppliers will meet for the first time in April. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 15 Mar 10

PATS Northern Show Full Six weeks before its opening date of April 27th, the Northern PATS show is full. Taking place at Harrogate IEC, North Yorkshire, PATS Harrogate has more than 110 exhibitors
Byline: George Bullivant 15 Mar 10

National Plant Show website goes live The HTA National Plant Show’s new website - www.nationalplantshow.co.uk - is now live enabling visitors and exhibitors to keep up to date with all the latest news and information. See more...
Byline: The HTA 08 Mar 10

New directory of UK garden centres Garden centres are invited to check their entries on www.GardenCentreguide.co.uk a directory of UK garden centres to be launched at Easter. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 05 Mar 10

Southern Water accused of imposing a stealth tax on gardeners The HTA has objected to a scheme of seasonal tariffs announced by Southern Water that proposes to charge 6% more for water used in the summer months and 2% less for the rest of the year. See more…
Byline: George Bullivant 02 Mar 10

Tories promise to end the AWB Growers, waiting nervously as independent retailers delay deliveries of spring stock, were cheered by news that the Tories would abolish the AWB. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 02 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

It looks like a late spring More snow is expected as March continues colder, drier and sunnier than normal. See more...
Byline: Wiseweather 01 Mar 10

eFIG – new community website for interior landscapers There is a new community website for interior landscapers. eFIG Ltd, the European Federation of Interior Landscape Groups, has given its website a facelift to provide a forum for members to communicate with each other and clients. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 23 Feb 10

New HTA group for Bedding Plant Growers A new HTA specialist group has been set up to represent the interests of bedding plant growers. This is a new development that creates the opportunity to provide support for some of the most prominent bedding plant growers in the UK. See more...
Byline: The Horticultural Trades Association 22 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

Circulation tumbles for gardening titles Research by Landscapejuice.com shows how the circulation of consumer gardening magazines has tumbled over recent years. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 17 Feb 10

Garden centres continue to invest through the recession The recession has not dampened the enthusiasm of garden centres to expand. Last year Malcolm Scott Consultants won planning permission for over 470,000 ft.² of new covered sales area. This includes extensions to some of the country's biggest garden centres. See more…
Byline: George Bullivant 16 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

Visitor quality pleases exhibitors at Totally DIY It seems that the move from London to Hall 10 of the Spring Fair, has secured the future of the Totally shows. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 12 Feb 10

HDC levy proposals would catch smaller growers and garden centres The HTA is strongly resisting proposals that would force many garden centres and small growers to pay a levy to the HDC for the first time. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 10 Feb 10

Edible Garden Show postponed till 2011 Organisers gave the recession as the reason for postponing next month’s Edible Garden Show for a year. See more…
Byline: George Bullivant 04 Feb 10

February – unsettled in the west, drier in the east Wiseweather expects February to be colder than average, but slightly drier. The west will have unsettled periods while the east remains drier. See more...
Byline: Wiseweather 02 Feb 10

We cannot imagine the change and opportunities carbon reduction will bring At last week’s GCA Conference a succession of high-profile speakers showed how the environment, the economy and new technology might impact garden centres. For a summary of their collective wisdom, see more...
Byline: George Bullivant 02 Feb 10

GIMA backs the Edible Garden Show GIMA has negotiated a special package so that its members can exhibit at the Edible Garden Show and capitalise on the interest in Grow-your-own. The 3-day March show is backed by Mirror Group Newspapers, the W. I. and the Royal Agricultural Society amongst others. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 29 Jan 10

Bents are GCA Garden Centre of the Year – again It is a repeat of last year with Bents Garden Centre beating Webbs into second place by the narrowest of margins in the competition to be GCA Garden Centre of the Year. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 28 Jan 10

Slugs and Snails are No. 1 Pests in 2009 Slugs and snails were the number one problem on the 2009 Top 10 garden pests list, according to the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS).
Byline: RHS 27 Jan 10

Taylors Bulbs - Best Supplier for the 3rd year Awards announced yesterday on the first day of the GCA Conference honoured Stewarts Gardenlands, Sunshine Garden Centre and Taylors Bulbs. See more…
Byline: George Bullivant 26 Jan 10

Free internet access with The Garden Centre Group Visitors to six garden centres in The Garden Centre Group are now able to take their laptops with them and check their emails or surf the Internet while on-site. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 22 Jan 10

Restock online with Solus Connect After a short trial, Solus has launched Solus Connect, an online ordering system that makes restocking on Sunday night as easy as shopping on Tesco Online. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 20 Jan 10

Seeds of doubt planted about best time to grow your own Despite the rising popularity of the ‘grow-your-own’ movement, the majority of the population is in the dark about when to plant some of the most popular fruit and veg, according to research from Gardeners’ World magazine.
Byline: Gardeners’ World magazine 14 Jan 10

PATS Sandown is full PetQuip backs innovative logistics scheme that helps exhibitors attend both PATS shows and Interzoo. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 14 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

Gardenex reconsiders its position over Glee 2010 When Garden Expo was announced in June it was with the support of the HTA and Gardenex as founder organisations. The indications were that their backing would be exclusive. Now Gardenex has changed its mind. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 13 Jan 10

Garden centres should benefit as consumer behaviour changes The HTA has opened the decade with research on how consumers are responding to a challenging economic climate and concerns about the environment. What are the opportunities for the garden industry? See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 05 Jan 10

2009 Review - Part 2: July to December With trade strong, attention turned to the battle between the increased number of trade shows in 2010. Many garden centres won planning permission to extend. Corporate activity continued among suppliers. See more... (This article is open to all)
Byline: George Bullivant 04 Jan 10

It could be a frozen January With temperatures 2C below average expect prolonged periods of frozen ground during January, says Wiseweather, especially in the North. See more...
Byline: Wiseweather 02 Jan 10

2009 Review - Part 1: January to June There was a nervous feel to the start of 2009. The Banking crisis was in full swing. No one knew whether consumer demand would come to an abrupt halt after Christmas and garden suppliers were anxiously waiting for confirmation of Wyevale’s financial restructuring. This review is open to all. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 23 Dec 09

GCA conference draws influential speakers Jonathan Porritt, Lord Digby Jones and James Timpson will head an influential line-up of speakers at January’s GCA conference. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 18 Dec 09

Competition between trade shows gets keener Competition between the 2010 trade shows is getting keener. With months before many of the shows, they are vying with exhibitor lists and inducements for stand holders and visitors to get more from the shows.
Byline: George Bullivant 16 Dec 09

Choice Marketing celebrates double-digit growth The marketing group Choice Marketing, is hoping to add like minded independent garden centres as the current members celebrate their share in a £1m rebate. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 15 Dec 09

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

Find out how to develop your e-commerce business Yesterday's KPMG Retail Sales Monitor showed that Internet sales in November were 17% higher than a year ago. Recognising that garden centres cannot ignore e-commerce, the HTA is running a series of forums during January. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 09 Dec 09

Garden Expo is trimmed to 2 days The inaugural Garden Expo in June 2010 is to be a 2-day tradeshow to match the HTA’s National Plant Show. At the same time Hozelock, Stewart and Fiskars / Sankey have been announced as sponsors. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 09 Dec 09

Exhibitors beware! Garden companies must be very careful about signing any document from Expo-Guide. A signature is likely to commit them to payment of €1181 a year for three years. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 08 Dec 09

Firm export orders from recent Gardenex events Haws Watering Cans has secured a major order from Canada as a direct result of exhibiting in the British group organised by Gardenex at this year’s Spoga. Other exhibitors are following up on significant export enquiries received at Spoga and a recent Meet the Buyer event. See more...
Byline: Gardenex 08 Dec 09

More unsettled weather and a wet and windy Xmas for most Wiseweather predicts yet more unsettled weather for December with a wet and windy Xmas for most with gales in places.
Byline: Wiseweather 30 Nov 09

Webbs to join Garden Organic at Ryton News has been released today that discussions between Webbs Garden Centres and Garden Organic are at an advanced stage for Webbs to take over the commercial operations at Ryton Gardens. See more…
Byline: George Bullivant 23 Nov 09

PPL overcharging for licence to play recorded music Garden centres that have been paying a license fee to Phonographic Performance Ltd for playing recorded music to the public may be in for a refund. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 19 Nov 09

Retailers back attempt at tree planting world record Garden retailers across the country including almost 1000 members of the HTA, will be supporting the BBC’s attempt to coordinate the world record planting of 650,000 trees in one hour on 5th December.
Byline: George Bullivant 18 Nov 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

Garden centres create free publicity Some garden centres are winning free publicity by creating newsworthy events and passing the news to their local press. Read some of the stories published in the last week. Many cover unusual ways to launch Christmas. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 16 Nov 09

Garden centre values hold up Despite the recession, profitable nurseries and garden centres are selling for the same or more than a year ago, according to Quinton Edwards, who have completed a number of sales recently. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 11 Nov 09

CHA moves admin function to Gardenex The Commercial Horticultural Association has moved its administration to Gardenex in a move to drive the association forward and boost its profile. See more …
Byline: Peter Dawson 09 Nov 09

Mirror Group partners with The Edible Garden Show Mirror Group has signed a three-year agreement to become the national media partner of The Edible Garden Show, which takes place for the first time next March. See more...
Byline: The Edible Garden Show 06 Nov 09

Expect consumer demand to remain muted, says the HTA (Updated) The HTA has re-launched its Market Update report with advice that retailers should focus on the family this Christmas, offering traditional, good quality gifts that are not too expensive. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 05 Nov 09

Expect an unsettled November Wiseweather says we should expect a colder, wetter month, with snow appearing in the North. For details see more…
Byline: Wiseweather 02 Nov 09

A look forward to the Last Trade Show of the Year Peter Dawson looks forward to the Southern Growers Exhibition at its new location, Roundstone. He also reviews the latest HTA research, which suggests soft and top fruit suppliers are missing out. See more...
Byline: Peter Dawson 02 Nov 09

Strong bookings for National Plant Show Half the stand space is booked for next years inaugural HTA National Plant Show, which is being held at Stoneleigh on the 29th and 30th of June. So far, 51 British nurseries and importers have confirmed their space. To see who has booked, see more...
Byline: George Bullivant 30 Oct 09

Ornamentals R&D funding in turmoil After recent government announcements on R&D funding, Neil Bragg, chairman of the HDC, tells Peter Dawson, “I find the whole situation quite disturbing. Where do ornamentals now fit into the Agricultural Horticultural Development Board?” See more...
Byline: Peter Dawson 28 Oct 09

Cautious optimism at HTA conference The Retail world is changing. The new frugality won't go away when the economy comes back. Click and collect has seen dramatic take-up. We need to adapt. ...The consumer is looking for bite size indulgence... There is likely to be a brutal budget. Read the key points from the HTA conference. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 26 Oct 09

Top HTA Board Appointments Announced The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) has announced a number of key appointments following its AGM held on 21 October.
Byline: HTA 21 Oct 09

GIMA gives exclusive backing to Glee Members of GIMA, the association for garden suppliers in the UK, have voted unanimously to give exclusive backing to Glee as the trade associations split over which show to back in 2010. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 20 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

Kernock Park Plants join A.L.P. Kernock Park Plants are the latest nursery to join A.L.P. (The Association of Liner Producers). The Association already consists of 7 of the country's leading liner producers including Aline Fairweather, Fromefield Nursery, New Place Nursery, Seiont Nursery, The Northern Liner Company, West End Nursery and Wyeplants Ltd.
Byline: Kernock Park Plants 16 Oct 09

Buyers from Dubai, Estonia & France seek UK garden products The latest ‘Meet the Buyer’ event organised jointly by the Gardenex and PetQuip export federations will provide British companies with the opportunity of meeting with a leading garden retailer from Dubai, the largest DIY/building material retailer in Estonia and a French mail-order and internet sales company.
Byline: Gardenex 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

HTA signs Clarion deal Garden Expo 2010, a new addition to the garden business calendar, is scheduled to take place next year on 28 - 30 June at Stoneleigh Park in Coventry. With Glee and GAFA following in September, suppliers to the garden industry have a difficult choice: where and when to demonstrate their products. See more….
Byline: George Bullivant 13 Oct 09

2 more planning successes from Malcolm Scott Sefton Meadow and Frosts Woburn Sands garden centres have both been granted permissions to extend their retail area. See more...
Byline: Malcolm Scott Consultants 08 Oct 09

Hall change for the Totally Shows Totally Tools and Totally DIY, the post Christmas trade shows that have moved from Earls Court to join the Spring Fair at the NEC, have changed halls. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 05 Oct 09

New Danish trolley tagging system postponed Container Centralen have put back the introduction of RFID tagging until November 2010. See more…
Byline: Peter Dawson 05 Oct 09

Peter Dawson looks back at Glee Nursery It was sad to see Glee Nursery a shadow of its former self this year. Stalwarts like Allensmore, David Austin Roses, John Woods Nurseries and The Anglia Group plus the Italian trio of Colvi Franci, Vannucci and Zelari were very much to the fore. But the problem the show organisers face is how to stop the decline. See more...
Byline: Peter Dawson 01 Oct 09

Potential for an Indian summer in October For most of the UK, October should be warmer and drier than average with the potential of an Indian summer for a few days. The exception may be the north west. See more...
Byline: Wiseweather 30 Sep 09

PATS names exclusive exhibitors ‘The 2010 Battle of the Shows’ hots up with PATS issuing a list of companies, that it says will be exhibiting at its venues exclusively this season. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 29 Sep 09

New HTA website goes live The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) has a new website with a modern fresh look, improved navigation and updated content providing members with access to a wealth of information about the initiatives, services and promotions available to them. See more...
Byline: The HTA 28 Sep 09

Snippets from Glee Gardenforum spent 3 days listening to the chat at Glee. Here is a flavour of what was being said. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 23 Sep 09

Glee answers the doubters The question worrying exhibitors most at Glee 2009 was where to exhibit next year? They will have to make a selection from Glee, GAFA and the new Garden Expo in 2010. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 23 Sep 09

Glee cuts stand rates by 20% for 2010 Glee has slashed its rate card for exhibitors by 20% for 2010. Show director Dan Thurlow says EMAP has been listening and has introduced the new competitive pricing structure to ensure that Glee is a ‘show of scale’ in future years. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 19 Sep 09

What is the future for Glee? What is the future for Glee, the traditional annual conclave for the garden industry? Malcolm Gough, CEO of EMAP Connect, says the industry wants one good show and it will be Glee. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 07 Sep 09

September – warmer, drier and sunnier Wiseweather predicts fog and frosts by the end of September, especially in the south. See more...
Byline: Wiseweather 01 Sep 09

Aqua 2010 new Water Gardening and Aquatics Show The UK’s aquatics and water gardening trade has launched a new, stand-alone trade event at The Telford International Centre from 6th – 7th October 2010, in association with OATA and organised by Annie Dyke and her team at Impact Exhibitions.
Byline: Impact Exhibitions 28 Aug 09

Peter Dawson previews Four Oaks Traditionally September has been a busy month for plant buyers, first with Four Oaks and then a couple of weeks later Glee Nursery. But this year things appear to be different. See more...
Byline: Peter Dawson 28 Aug 09

InsideOut attracts larger garden centres InsideOut offers deals and expertise to larger garden centres that either are or aim to be multi-channel retailers, selling kitchenware, toys, fashion and/or giftware. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 27 Aug 09

40% freeze wage levels across the garden sector The HTA’s annual salary survey for 2009, reveals that over 40% of businesses in the sector have decided to freeze current wage levels. The salary of Sales Managers showed a marked decrease, while salary paid to Nursery Managers increased. See more...
Byline: The Horticultural Trades Association 26 Aug 09

Glee ends Sunday opening Glee 2010 will run from Monday 20th September until Wednesday the 22nd, ending the traditional Sunday opening for the country's leading garden trade show. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 26 Aug 09

Garden Centres are losing growth made in the spring The sales growth made during the good spring weather by garden centres is being eroded. Only giftware and restaurants continued to improve. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 24 Aug 09

Barnes and Marshall to share a platform at HTA conference Former Lebanese hostage, John McCarthy, leads a list of high-profile speakers at this year’s one-day HTA conference that will look at how the consumer and the marketplace is changing. However, there will be space for only 150 delegates. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 19 Aug 09

Allotments go-ahead for Dobbies Dobbies' plans to add 20 allotments to its garden centre in Southport looks set for approval by the planners tonight. See more…
Byline: George Bullivant 19 Aug 09

Strong early bookings for HTA National Plant Show and Garden Expo It is over 10 months before the first HTA National Plant Show and already a third of the space is booked. Interest in the parallel Garden Expo has also been strong enough for the organisers to have extended the floor plan. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 18 Aug 09

The best Eastgro for 5 years Eastgro, held for the first time this year at John Wood’s Nursery in Suffolk, basked in sunshine while further west the country received yet another soaking. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 06 Aug 09

Unsettled August Expect gales in West and Northwest in the middle of the month as there is little sign of settled weather till the end of the month. See more...
Byline: Wiseweather 03 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

Dig Together Day to unearth the nations gardening knowledge The RHS is coordinating its first Dig Together Day, this September; bringing together thousands of gardening clubs across the UK, to celebrate the knowledge they hold and to inspire new generations to keep the traditions of gardening alive. See more...
Byline: The Royal Horticultural Society 21 Jul 09

Gardenex announces three more overseas exhibition opportunities for British companies British garden and leisure product suppliers have three more opportunities to access overseas markets following the latest trade show exhibition announcements made by Gardenex. The shows, to be held in the USA, Spain and Italy, attract buyers from worldwide markets. See more...
Byline: Gardenex 15 Jul 09

Window Food campaign targets 600 acres of window ledges The grow your own campaign gets further impetus as the National Trust launches ‘Window Food’ campaign to turn 600 acres of urban window ledges into vertical vegetable gardens. There will be over 300 events across the country and some great display ideas for garden centres. See more...
Byline: The National Trust 10 Jul 09

New degree course for garden centre managers There is an important new qualification that garden centre managers and supervisers can work towards. It has been developed by Kingston Maurward College, validated by Bournemouth University and backed by the HTA and GCA. See more...


GCA calls time on GRO The GCA has disbanded GRO, the buying group it established in conjunction with AIS. In its place at AIS will launch a new group, ‘Insideout’. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 01 Jul 09

July starting cooler Wiseweather predicts that July will start cooler with temperatures increasing near the end of the month
Byline: Wiseweather 01 Jul 09

Survey to counter rising theft from garden centres The HTA’s retail group has backed a survey to counter rising theft from garden centres. It also supports Garden Expo, which is being proposed as a rival to Glee in 2010. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 29 Jun 09

Additional grants for UK exporters to Japan Gardenex has increased the grants available for exporters wishing to exhibit at Gardex / Ifex 2009 in Tokyo, Asia’s largest flower and garden trade show. There is also an offer from British Airways of free business class seats on their flights. See more...
Byline: Gardenex 22 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

HTA Conference takes to the rooftops Last year it was at the Stock Exchange, this year the HTA Conference will be at the Kensington Roof Gardens. Celebrity speakers led by ex-BBC political editor John Sergeant will be joined by key figures from the trade. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 18 Jun 09

Stewart to be next chairman of GCA Martin Stewart is to become GCA chairman for a second time, in January. His aim is to strengthen links with suppliers. GRO will continue but he said there was no logic in it for core gardening. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 12 Jun 09

New garden and outdoor living show to rival Glee Clarion Events has joined forces with the HTA and Gardenex to launch Garden Expo 2010, a plant and gardening show to rival Glee and Solex. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 10 Jun 09

GIMA Business Meeting – the green shoots of sales Speakers announced for the GIMA Business Meeting on the 11th June include the gardening buyer for leading TV shopping channel QVC, Chris Gardener. Plus Paul Peacock, “Mr Dig-it”. See more...
Byline: GIMA 08 Jun 09

June - Sunny & warm, especially in the North After a cool, showery spell in the second week, Wiseweather expects a warm end to June especially in the North. See more...
Byline: Wiseweather 01 Jun 09

GIMA Awards Dinner - a sell out, Not any More! Extra seating capacity is being arranged for the GIMA Awards Dinner on the 16th June at the Cotswold Water Park Hotel. The original capacity for 300 guests has been filled. The awards will be presented by Philippa Forrester, with entertainment from Mark Watson. See more...
Byline: GIMA 29 May 09

Last chance to nominate The Greatest Garden Centre Teams At the end of next week the Garden Trade News and Garden Radio judges start visiting all of the garden centre teams that have been nominated by members of the trade as "The Greatest" in their individual sales speciality. See more...
Byline: Trevor Pfeiffer 22 May 09

Garden Centre awarded £50,000 from the NWDA Northwich-based Acton Bridge Nursery and Shrub Centre has been awarded a £50,000 loan as part of the North West Regional Development Agency’s ‘Small Loans for Business’ programme. See more...
Byline: North West Regional Development Agency 21 May 09

9 days left for Garden Innovators It appears that some garden manufacturers are in danger of missing the earlier, May 29th, deadline for entering new products for the GIMA awards. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 20 May 09

Garden centres now 10% ahead of last year Two months of good weather have reversed the fortunes of garden centres. GCA Barometer of Trade figures suggest that, by the end of April, annual sales were 10% ahead. However, it will be the end of June before reliable comparisons can be made. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 19 May 09

Bank Holiday was not so hot The latest reports from the GTN Bestsellers show sales volumes fell 18% last week compared to 2008. See more…
Byline: GTN 15 May 09

New learning centre for RHS Rosemoor Devon County Council is to provide £500,000 for a new learning centre at RHS Rosemoor. More than 6000 primary school pupils will benefit from the new facilities. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 14 May 09

1600 garden retailers sign up for Sunday Times promotion New research for the HTA, which shows that younger people are showing an interest in gardening more, has spawned a series of initiatives to maintain sales momentum during the recession. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 11 May 09

“This is not the time to be invisible,” says Glee director "Glee is still the best opportunity to meet the widest possible audience," says director, Dan Thurlow. Additions to the 2009 show will include entrepreneur booths and displays of products in themed settings. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 08 May 09

Planning success saves Plants Galore Malcolm Scott Consultants Ltd have won planning permission for Plants Galore that rescues them from closure under an enforcement notice. See more…
Byline: George Bullivant 05 May 09

May slightly sunnier and warmer, but... Wiseweather predicts that May will be warmer and drier than average despite a cool unsettled period in the middle of the month. There will be a North/South split. See more...
Byline: Wiseweather 01 May 09

Odds on for a barbecue summer "After two disappointingly-wet summers, the signs are much more promising this year. We can expect times when temperatures will be above 30 °C, something we hardly saw at all last year." So says the Chief Meteorologist at the Met Office. See more...
Byline: Met Office 30 Apr 09

Enter in May or rue the day! With judges from B&Q, Tesco and several leading garden centres, just entering the GIMA Awards will provide valuable exposure to new products. Winning is a bonus. The competition is open to all. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 30 Apr 09

Don’t miss The Big Lunch Garden centres that ignore The Big Lunch will be losing out on an important opportunity to connect with their community. July 19th is likely to become a national focal point of the summer. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 29 Apr 09

de Graaff launches garden centre incentive scheme Eimert de Graaff, the founder and former chief executive of Hart, has launched a new garden centre incentive scheme, QV. Five garden centres have joined already. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 17 Apr 09

Wiseweather predicts a sunny Easter The long range weather forecast from Wiseweather predicts rain that will dry up in time for a sunny Easter. See more...
Byline: Wiseweather 31 Mar 09

Good advice for a recession “Retention of title on the invoice is not enough”; “Words I never want to hear again - Stay within budget"'; “Stay calm, listen to your staff, get into a helicopter...” - Just some of the advice offered at the latest GIMA meeting. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 31 Mar 09

Falling sterling cited as good reason for joining Gardenex The five most recent British garden product suppliers to join Gardenex export federation have cited the recent falls in sterling, making British products more competitive in overseas markets, as a good reason to join.
Byline: Gardenex 27 Mar 09

£850k reward for Choice Choice Marketing members are celebrating the completion of another successful year with a huge rebate of £850,000 for achieving agreed targets with their key suppliers. See more...
Byline: Choice Marketing 24 Mar 09

GCA seeks scholarship candidates Each year, the Garden Centre Association Trust awards two scholarships to support students undergoing horticultural training. The GCA is looking for nominations for the academic year that starts this autumn. See more...
Byline: The Garden Centre Association 18 Mar 09

Spring brings new life to Hebe Spring has brought new life to Hebe, the HTA's electronic trading service, first proposed 3 years ago. Solus, the UK industry's leading wholesaler has signed a contract to run a pilot with six leading garden centres, for two months this spring. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 17 Mar 09

BRC Director-General to address GIMA “Let's face it; things are in a mess at the moment. And the thinking that got us into the mess isn't going to get us out of it.” Advice from one of the challenging speakers at the GIMA meeting to be held on March 26th. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 16 Mar 09

Cotton Traders to open in 15 more garden centres With recession savaging the high street, there is strong demand from retailers, seeking franchises on garden centres, where the flow of the ‘right type’ of customer remains strong. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 06 Mar 09

Four Oaks Direct holds Flower Power Fair Around 20 nurseries from the North of England will be selling a range of garden and house plants on Mother's Day at the first Flower Power Fair of 2009, which will be held at Four Oaks Direct. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 06 Mar 09

Increased Government Grants for UK exhibitors British exporters wishing to reach the $100 billion North American lawn and garden market by exhibiting at the National Hardware Show in Las Vegas in May 2009 can do so for as little as £1,500 following an increase in Government funding for eligible exhibitors. See more...
Byline: Gardenex 06 Mar 09

Mass online vote to find best garden centre Gardeners’ World magazine, with a circulation of 330,000, has unveiled the Gardeners’ World Awards. Anyone can vote in the on-line survey, which is looking for the best and worst in gardening, including the best garden centres. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 04 Mar 09

March long range weather - good for gardeners? Although there is an unsettled feel to March, there should be more sun and less rain than average. See more...
Byline: Wiseweather 02 Mar 09

Debt problems increase for horticulturists Perennial has seen a dramatic increase in demand for its debt advice service over the last year. The charity has a nationwide team of case workers to advise and support people who have worked with plants when they get into any type of difficulty. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 13 Feb 09

Surprise increase in January retail sales figures The joint BRC-KPMG sales monitor showed an increase of 1.1% in like-for-like retail sales in January. This is the best performance since May, when the sun started to shine. But this doesn’t mean consumer confidence has returned says KPMG. See more…
Byline: George Bullivant 11 Feb 09

Glee downsizes as recession delays bookings - Updated Cautious about the impact of the recession, EMAP has reduced the scale of Glee and Petindex to fit into four halls. The shows can be expanded again if a good season boosts industry confidence and therefore, bookings. The HTA has given strong support for these moves. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 10 Feb 09

Plant fair defies the weather Over 130 Buyers braved the elements to make the first of this year's MRG plant fairs a success. They represented multiples, buying groups, DIY chains and independent garden centres. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 06 Feb 09

The first British Plant Fair to go ahead The first British Plant Fair of 2009 will go ahead as planned, undaunted by the weather. It takes place at Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire on Thursday. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 03 Feb 09

HTA seeks to eradicate poor payment practices The HTA is urging garden companies throughout the supply chain to sign up for the Prompt Payment Code and eradicate poor payment practices such as changing agreed terms unilaterally. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 03 Feb 09

Good advice for the recession What are the prospects for 2009 and how do we survive? This was the foremost question for delegates at the recent Garden Centre Association conference and GIMA meeting. Gardenforum distils the advice from both events. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 02 Feb 09

Cold and unsettled through until mid month The February long range weather forecast from Wiseweather expects it to be colder and drier than average, becoming less cold and more unsettled towards the end. See more...
Byline: Wiseweather 02 Feb 09

Boost for Garden Press Event The decision by the RHS to schedule its annual press conference to coincide with the Garden Press Event has increased the number of broadcasters and writers likely to attend. A few stand spaces remain available. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 25 Jan 09

Totally Shows and Spring Fair to co-locate in 2010 As the doors closed on the 2009 Totally Shows: Totally Tools, DIY and Secure, it was announced that organisers, Brintex, had struck a deal earlier in the afternoon with EMAP to combine the show next year with the Spring Fair. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 21 Jan 09

EMAP reverses out of car park charging EMAP has postponed its controversial decision to impose car park charges on visitors to the Spring Fair. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 13 Jan 09

Some garden centres missed out on gift voucher sales Sales of National Garden Gift Vouchers defied the recession by showing growth this Christmas. But the HTA is disappointed that some retailers missed out by being too cautious. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 12 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

Be ready for sleet and snow in January January temperatures and rainfall are predicted to be below average and it is likely to stay quite cold, becoming unsettled, until the end of the second week. See more...
Byline: Wiseweather 31 Dec 08

Tesco speaks to the garden industry Expect a full house at the first GIMA Business meeting of 2009. Speakers who will be predicting the trends in a most unpredictable year include the Leisure Category Director from Tesco, a leading independent garden centre owner and the joint MD of cash and carry chain, Stax. See more...
Byline: George Bulliant 24 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

Call for gardening organisations to work together Garden Organic has called for a joined up approach from leading garden organisations to encourage food security and bio-diversity by promoting growing at home. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 09 Dec 08

First recorded two month fall in retail sales UK retail sales values fell 2.6% on a like-for-like basis, from November 2007, when they had risen 1.2%. Total sales were lower than a year ago, as in October. This was the first time since the survey began in January 1995 that sales declined for two consecutive months. See more...
Byline: British Retail Consortium 09 Dec 08

HTA responds to the economic downturn 57 members attended last week's AGM of the Horticultural Trades Association held at Melbicks garden centre. Inevitably, the focus was on the economic downturn. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 08 Dec 08

Change of Date for SPOGA Organisers of SPOGA Cologne have changed the dates for 2009 to 6th - 8th September. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 05 Dec 08

The British Plant Fairs move to Stoneleigh There’s a new website and a new venue for the British Plant Fairs, which should deliver a boost to UK growers in 2009 with the rise in the Euro in relation to the pound. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 04 Dec 08

NGGV goes online to support TV ad campaign The HTA has introduced online ordering for National Garden Gift Vouchers to coincide with a range of high profile advertising campaigns in the run-up to Christmas. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 01 Dec 08

December to be colder than average and drier Wiseweather predicts that December will see a generally unsettled north westerly pattern predominate. Brief incursions of milder air will occur but polar maritime air will be dominant. See more...
Byline: Wiseweather 30 Nov 08

Suppliers back PATS 2009 News comes from PATS 2009, the new pet and aquatic shows, that almost three quarters of stand space is booked. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 24 Nov 08

Future makes it 12 with All-In-One All-In-One Garden Centre of Middleton Rochdale has become the latest member of the Future Marketing Group. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 21 Nov 08

GCA – "Poised to Ride the Recession" “Poised to Ride the Recession”. This is the theme for the 2009 Garden Centre Association conference in January where winners of the new style Ruxley Rose competition will be announced. For the finalists and conference details, See more…
Byline: George Bullivant 21 Nov 08

GIMA reveals results of GLEE survey GIMA survey reveals that GLEE exhibitors are happy with visitor quality, but not the numbers. Over half the members said they would definitely exhibit again in 2009. But, a worrying 21% said they would not. See more…
Byline: George Bullivant 17 Nov 08

GIMA accuses GRO of ‘Divide and rule’ GIMA has warned members that they need GRO like they need ‘A hole in the head’. In reply the new buying group says the view of the manufacturers misunderstands the concept of GRO. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 12 Nov 08

More cold weather in November, but sunnier Wiseweather predicts another frosty spell in mid November, with prospect of wintriness! See more...
Byline: Wiseweather 31 Oct 08

It’s not about pretty planting and neat lawns, says Mintel The latest Mintel report sees signs of a new generation of gardeners with different needs. Garden centre consolidation is slowing, but the long-term survival of the traditional garden centre is questioned. See more...
Byline: George Bulliavnt 30 Oct 08

New Name, New Venue for the Torquay Fair After 44 years, the Torquay gift fair will take a new identity and move to Exeter. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 27 Oct 08

Conference shows how to survive a recession HTA members who attended this week's business leaders’ conference heard that we are facing the toughest time ever for business directors. Innovation is the key to survival, but this does not come naturally to companies with over 20 staff. Creativity needs to be worked at. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 24 Oct 08

Butterfly World Project opens with Future Gardens next year Phase one of a stunning £25 million Butterfly World Project will open next June with Future Gardens, a series of show gardens launched by Sir David Attenborough and David Bellamy. When completed, the 25-acre site near St Albans will have display gardens in the shape of a caterpillar, a tropical biome and 10,000 tropical butterflies. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 23 Oct 08

1 in 7 success for National Garden Gift vouchers Despite the current turbulent economic climate, research by the Voucher Association shows that one in seven of all paper vouchers sold to consumers in the UK is an HTA National Garden Gift Voucher (NGGV). See more...
Byline: The HTA 17 Oct 08

September retail sales are 1.5% lower Comments attached to the latest BRC-KPMG sales figures, which show another drop, say UK retail is not in freefall, the consumer is still spending. See more…
Byline: BRC - KPMG 15 Oct 08

Cream of the industry set to attend HTA Garden Leaders’ Conference Top names from across the garden industry have signed up to attend the HTA’s Garden Leaders’ Conference which takes place at the London Stock Exchange on 21-22nd October. See more...
Byline: The HTA 09 Oct 08

IGCA heads for the North West in 2009 The IGCA (International Garden Centre Association) Congress is to return to the UK after 12 years. In 1997 the event was hosted by London, the Southeast and Scotland. In September 2009 it will be the turn of the North West. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 02 Oct 08

October – cooler, wetter, duller According to Wiseweather, October sees the return of generally cool wet weather for most with gales and heavy rain at times. See more...
Byline: Wiseweather 30 Sep 08

GRO names its buyer for garden products GRO has appointed a buyer for garden dry goods. He has started to contact suppliers who have indicated their willingness to talk to the new, GCA backed, garden centre buying group. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 30 Sep 08

GIMA asks - what's around the corner? With the future looking more uncertain than ever GIMA has asked two retailers to look ahead. The next business meeting will hear from Wilkinson and Frosts as well as experts in logistics and web-based research. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 29 Sep 08

So where does Glee go from here? As Glee 2008 closed its doors last night questions were being asked about the format of the UK's largest garden trade exhibition. Show director, Dan Thurlow, dispels many of the rumours but confirms that it will be a more compact show next year. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 24 Sep 08

ECO-St and Wyevale announce launch of Energy Saving Centres Following the recent rises in energy prices ECO-St and Wyevale have joined forces to develop Energy Saving Centres that will educate customers about ways to save energy and generate their own.
Byline: Wyevale 23 Sep 08

Management shake-up at the HTA The HTA is restructuring in order to be ‘fit for purpose’ for the next ten years and to serve a wider sector of the industry. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 17 Sep 08

HTA’s Garden Industry Leaders’ conference The new style HTA conference at the London Stock Exchange will be of particular interest at this time of financial turmoil. Jeff Randall, the Daily Telegraph’s Editor-At-Large, will be the after-dinner speaker. Peter Day, presenter of BBC Radio 4’s In Business programme will chair a programme of experts including HSBC senior economist Mark Berrisford-Smith. See more (this article is open to all readers) ...
Byline: The HTA 15 Sep 08

BBC and RHS sign 5-year contract The BBC and The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) have signed a new five-year contract, which includes the exclusive rights to broadcast the major RHS flower shows on BBC Television until 2013. See more...
Byline: BBC Knowledge Publicity 09 Sep 08

New look for Ruxley Rose competition The new look Ruxley Rose competition will keep garden centres focused on plants at a time when their attention might be diverted by Christmas decorations. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 04 Sep 08

HTA wins support in fight to lift Sunday Trading restrictions The HTA is to meet the government in October backed by overwhelming support from its members in favour of exempting garden centres from Sunday trading restrictions. This will add weight to the Bill currently in the House of Lords. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 01 Sep 08

Will there be an Indian Summer? Any warmth in September will be short lived says Wiseweather. And there’s more rain to come. See more...
Byline: Wiseweather 01 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

Marshalls attacks Glee Having decided not to exhibit at Glee this year, Marshalls has taken the unusual step of criticising the garden industry's largest trade show. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 22 Aug 08

Ornamentals growers urged to register for new SPS scheme The HTA is urging nurseries in England to register their interest in receiving entitlements for the single payment scheme as soon as possible. See more…
Byline: Peter Dawson 13 Aug 08

The Composting Association has changed its name The Composting Association has changed its name to the Association for Organics Recycling. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 01 Aug 08

It’s Brollies and Sunhats this August This month is predicted to be one of the cooler and wetter Augusts of the last decade. A few hot days are expected but no protracted warm spells, according to Wiseweather. See more...
Byline: Wiseweather 01 Aug 08

Salary survey reveals wages of sales managers are forging ahead This year’s salary survey by the HTA shows that garden centre managers continue to be paid more than a nursery manager. The average plant area manager is paid £19,500 and nursery workers in the Southern region remain the highest paid with average wages of £14700. Sales manager salaries have grown 8%. For details see more...
Byline: The Horticultural Trades Association 31 Jul 08

Enhance the competitiveness of your business with Women in Work! Significant training grants are available for HTA members to take advantage of through the Women and Work project, managed by Lantra Sector Skills Council for the environmental and land-based sector. See more...
Byline: The Horticultural Trades Association 29 Jul 08

HTA Garden Industry Leaders’ Conference 2008 The HTA is replacing its annual conference with The Garden Industry Leaders’ Conference at the London Stock Exchange in October. It will be chaired by Peter Day of BBC's In Business, and speakers will include HSBC senior economist Mark Berrisford-Smith, Stuart Scott, Edward de Bono’s master trainer in the UK, and Tim How, chief executive of Majestic Wine. See more...
Byline: The HTA 25 Jul 08

RHS Update on Weedkiller Residue The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) advisory service continues to receive many calls from gardeners worried that their crops are being damaged by weedkiller residues from contaminated manures or soil improvement composts. See more...
Byline: RHS 15 Jul 08

Sales fall sharply after early summer blip UK retail sales values fell 0.4% on a like-for-like basis, compared with June 2007. Sales have now been lower than a year ago in three of the past four months, the worst since summer 2005. See more...
Byline: British Retail Consortium 15 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

GCA members warm to GRO Internal correspondence between GCA members shows that those who are already active in the controversial AIS/GRO buying group are delighted with the results, even before the imminent appointment of a senior garden buyer. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 06 Jul 08

Gloomy forecast for July from Wiseweather After a very average June, Wiseweather expects patterns to change in the next week to a rather more unsettled phase. This will make July one of the coolest of the last decade or so. See more...
Byline: Wiseweather 30 Jun 08

Two new Pet and Aquatic shows for 2009 Pets and aquatics will have two new regional trade shows for 2009. PATS 2009 is being organised by former organisers of Glee and Petindex. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 23 Jun 08

New name for Composting Association The Composting Association is changing its name to the Association for Organics Recycling from August. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 10 Jun 08

GIMA postpones June meeting GIMA has been forced to postpone its June meeting, due to the absence of its Director, Neil Gow, who is unwell. He is expected back before long.
Byline: George Bullivant 06 Jun 08

SW/NE split to continue in June Wiseweather predicts that low pressure will be dominant in the south and west for a lot of June while the north east will see higher pressure nearby. See more...
Byline: Wiseweather 30 May 08

Councils adopt HTA's 'Greener' motion Efforts to include more planting in new urban developments are bearing fruit with news that a third council has passed a motion put forward by the HTA with 9 more likely to follow soon. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 06 May 08

Initiatives by Glee will highlight new products The new management team at Glee realise that it has to make changes if the exhibition is to remain the annual focus for the garden and pet industries. They have responded with a number of initiatives that will improve the value of the show to visitors and exhibitors alike. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 01 May 08

Unsettled May, especially in SW Wiseweather’s long range weather forecast for May predicts a month dominated by low pressure. The North and the East will fare best. See more...
Byline: Wiseweather 30 Apr 08

Wyevale to develop an employee academy Wyevale Garden Centres are to develop an employee academy. It is expected that 275 employees will participate in the academy, which commences in July 2008. See more...
Byline: Ovation (EA) 23 Apr 08

New name for DIY and Garden Show The London based DIY & Garden Show is to have a fresh look and a new name, Totally DIY. But organisers are adamant that despite dropping the word, their commitment to gardening is as strong as ever. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 22 Apr 08

Plant sales down 22% in March says GCA The first meaningful figures for the spring have been released by the Garden Centre Association. Sales to the end of March of plants and garden sundries fell, while catering and pets increased. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 21 Apr 08

HTA to trial electronic gift cards The HTA is to launch an electronic gift card to enhance the existing National Garden Gift Voucher scheme. Members will be contacted within 6 weeks so that the scheme is ready for Christmas trading. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 16 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

HTA welcomes new members to its Retail Management Group The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) has announced two new members to its Retail Management Group. They are Philip Evason of Haskins Garden Centres, and Iain Wylie of Grosvenor Garden Centre, Chester. See more...
Byline: The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) 03 Apr 08

Wiseweather predicts North/South divide for April Wiseweather predicts soil temperatures will be near average in the north and central parts but possibly slightly above average for southern parts after mid month, with soil moisture deficits near or slightly above average. See more…
Byline: Wiseweather 31 Mar 08

Suggestions of GRO’s death are premature. Suggestions that GRO is dead, made at the recent GIMA meeting, have been vehemently denied by AIS. For the first time Gardenforum can reveal many of the garden centres that have joined. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 19 Mar 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

Winter is not over say forecasters The latest forecast from Wiseweather predicts the early spring to continue through March, but watch out for a polar blast at the end of the month. See more...
Byline: Wiseweather 03 Mar 08

GardenAfrica seeks garden centres to co-host a weekend GardenAfrica, a UK registered charity, is looking for garden centres to co-host an exciting weekend of events which will boost sales and fund horticultural projects in sub-Saharan Africa. See more...
Byline: GardenAfrica 28 Feb 08

Grand Designs Live extended to 9 days GRAND Gardens occupies one of the 4 halls at the extended Grand Designs Live. The show is backed by Channel 4 and offers visitors the chance to buy, build and furnish a house and garden, all under one roof. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 20 Feb 08

Mystery shopper service to be extended The HTA is extending its mystery shopper service so that it becomes a 12 month service, available to manufacturers as well as retailers. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 19 Feb 08

HART members earn £640,000 A year after her management buyout of HART, backed by the Barwell, Jessica Adams is pleased with the progress that the buying group for smaller garden centres has made. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 08 Feb 08

Gardenex & PetQuip ‘Meet the Buyer’ Event The Gardenex & PetQuip export associations are organising another ‘Meet the Buyer’ event on 21 February 2008. British suppliers will be able to meet retailers from Italy, Finland, Germany and The Netherlands on a one-to-one basis.
Byline: Gardenex 07 Feb 08

Opportunity for ornamental growers in SE England The HTA has raised funding for South East Producers to become involved in an ornamentals transport consolidation project. See more...
Byline: The Horticultural Trades Association 05 Feb 08

Garden centres outpace DIY stores in difficult year A fistful of reports from the HTA shows how garden centres prospered compared to DIY superstores in a challenging year; that only 9% of people recognise the environmental benefit of plants; and that orders through home delivery/mail order companies grew 22%. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 04 Feb 08

GRO tells GIMA that the show is on the road Following the unveiling of GRO in December, doubts have started that the GCA’s proposed buying group might not get off the ground. Suppliers have not warmed to what they believe was an ill-prepared launch and it has not been clear how many Garden Centres have signed-up. Yesterday’s GIMA meeting provided the platform to clear the air. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 01 Feb 08

Cold start to February won’t last After a chilly start, Wiseweather predicts that temperatures will be near average in February with the occasional snow flurry. For details see more…
Byline: Wiseweather 31 Jan 08

Slugs and Snails (but not quite puppy dogs tails) Slugs and snails were the UK’s most troublesome garden pest of 2007, according to members of the Royal Horticultural Society. These slimy predators moved one place up on last year, just beating the recently established harlequin ladybird into second place. See more...
Byline: The RHS 28 Jan 08

Children and the Environment – the new RHS focus The environment and children are to be the themes that unite all future activities by the Royal Horticultural Society and will feature heavily in the television programmes and articles on the 2008 RHS shows such as Chelsea, Hampton Court and Tatton Park. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 21 Jan 08

Export federation applies for exhibitor cash grants at Gafa and Gardex/Ifex UK companies could benefit from cash grants to attend Spoga+Gafa in Cologne (31 August to 2 September 2008) and Gardex/Ifex in Tokyo (30 October to 1 November 2008). See more...
Byline: Gardenex 08 Jan 08

News Review 2007 Here is our review of the News in 2007. This story is open to all our readers even if you are not a subscriber. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 03 Jan 08

GIMA to quiz GCA on GRO GIMA is inviting garden suppliers and retailers to quiz AIS and the GCA about GRO, the proposed buying and marketing group that has the potential to transform the independent garden sector. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 28 Dec 07

Gardenex to organise UK garden trade pavilion at Las Vegas One of the major international shows for the garden and leisure sector, the National Hardware Show and Lawn & Garden World, is to return to the popular venue of Las Vegas in 2008. See more...
Byline: Gardenex 17 Dec 07

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

Above average rain expected for December Wiseweather, the independent weather consultancy, thinks that an unsettled start seems likely to continue well into the first half of December. Rainfall is expected to be above average and it could become very unsettled around Christmas. See more...
Byline: Wiseweather 29 Nov 07

Horticulture to have the Green Skills ‘Facebook’ treatment English Heritage, Lantra, Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), The Horticultural Trades Association and The Royal Parks, met with over eighty industry representatives last week, to launch a new strategy that will ensure horticulture becomes a viable career option for all. See more...
Byline: The RHS 26 Nov 07

GCA moves to cut costs and carbon footprint Hot on the heals of news that the GCA is to link with national buying group AIS, comes an announcement that it will vacate its offices at the HTA. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 26 Nov 07

GCA to form new buying group The Garden Centre Association is forming a new buying group backed by one of the country’s largest support organisations for independent retailers. Details will be given to retail members and suppliers on 12th and 13th of December. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 20 Nov 07

The RHS returns to its roots The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has announced that it will hold an event at the birthplace of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. RHS at the Inner Temple will take place from 11 – 13 September 2008. See more...
Byline: The Royal Horticultural Society 16 Nov 07

HTA postpones Potting Live Many UK growers who had booked to attend Potting Live will be disappointed that it has been cancelled, robbing them of the opportunity to test the latest automation equipment. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 06 Nov 07

Solex is fully booked for 2008 Solex, a new leisure garden furniture exhibition organised for the members of LOFA for whom Glee comes too late in the year, is fully booked. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 05 Nov 07

Risk of wintry end to November Wiseweather, the independent weather consultancy, expects a settled start to November especially in the South East. The last 10 days risk wintry weather. The Gardenforum weather forecast, tailored to your postcode, is updated several times a day. Check the weather eye on the home page. See more…
Byline: Wiseweather 31 Oct 07

New sponsor for GAN Trade Show 08 Westland Horticulture is to sponsor GAN 2008, the southern based horticultural trade show that takes place in February. See more…
Byline: GAN Trade Show 08 26 Oct 07

GardencentreTV is now online A new website has launched to the trade. Gardencentre TV features a weekly video show, an online library of trade brochures and a comprehensive index of industry suppliers. See more…
Byline: George Bullivant 24 Oct 07

A Passion for Plants A Passion for Plants, a new BBC series starting this Friday, spends a year at the Royal Horticultural Society. On Nov 16th it will follow the show manager, the judges and two first time exhibitors as they prepare for Chelsea 07. See more...
Byline: The RHS 19 Oct 07

Consumers will not be satisfied by 'green-wash' If any company in the garden industry doubted the need to review its policy on environmental and social responsibility, the first day of the HTA’s annual conference should have changed their mind. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 18 Oct 07

HTA says gardening sales withered 9% in 2007 Garden centres and mail order have fared much better than DIY stores and the high street in another difficult gardening year, reports the Garden Industry Monitor published by the HTA. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 12 Oct 07

Green Light for the Garden Industry (Updated) The HTA conference is a worthwhile visit for anyone, retailer or supplier, who wishes to improve profit and succeed in a rapidly changing and greening market. Not only will there be inspiring speakers but the HTA is unique in the resources it has, financial and otherwise to help businesses wanting to change and grow. See more…
Byline: George Bullivant 02 Oct 07

HTA secures funding for nurseries in SE The HTA has secured funding for 5 projects to help nurseries in the South East with marketing, transport and improving their environmental credentials. See more…
Byline: The HTA 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

Dobbies MD to outline strategy at GIMA Following its acquisition by Tesco, Dobbies' MD, James Barnes, will outline the strategy for the group at the next GIMA business meeting. The meeting will also hear from an MP and the new MD of a leading chain of independent garden centres. See more…
Byline: George Bullivant 14 Sep 07

HTA serves up a catering improvement scheme The HTA’s influential Retail Management Group has accepted plans by consultant, Andy Campbell, to expand the HTA’s Business Improvement Schemes (BIS) through which members benchmark their performance. The retailer scheme will be extended and a new Catering BIS will be added to the menu. See more…
Byline: George Bullivant 12 Sep 07

gardenersworld.com – website launch from BBC Gardeners’ World is to extend its multi-format offering with the launch of gardenersworld.com on 12th September 2007 with the aim to be the number one destination for online gardeners. See more…
Byline: George Bullivant 11 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

Have Your Say on the Industry's Qualifications and Training Businesses and employees in the horticulture and landscape industries are urged to complete a short online questionnaire and have their say on the future of qualifications and training for their industry.
Byline: Lantra 16 Aug 07

Salary survey shows importance of nursery sales managers The HTA 2007 annual salary survey results graphically illustrate the differing fortunes of businesses in the sector. As in previous years there is a considerable variation in the level of remuneration received by executives in both the nursery and garden centre sectors.
Byline: The Horticultural Trades Association 09 Aug 07

A drier August predicted Wiseweather, the independent weather consultancy, have issued their August long range forecast.
Byline: Wiseweather 31 Jul 07

£450k reward for Choice Members of Choice Marketing harvested a £450,000 rebate from their suppliers for hitting their sales targets for 2006. See more…
Byline: George Bullivant 27 Jul 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

Garden centre cafés are sitting on a gold mine What is the secret of running a successful catering operation in a garden centre? The answer is simplicity, courage and passion. This is the advice of London’s leading restaurateurs and food writers at yesterdays HTA catering conference. See more…
Byline: George Bullivant 11 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

July still unsettled After probably the second wettest May-June period ever, July's long range forecast from Wiseweather, shows more unsettled weather likely for many. See more...
Byline: Wiseweather 02 Jul 07

Homebase extends Garden Living Club Homebase is to roll out its Garden Living Club across the country. The loyalty scheme has been tested on members of the Homebase Spend & Save scheme for the last 12 months. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 27 Jun 07

HTA Annual Dinner is on a coral reef Entitled ‘Green Light for the Garden Industry’, the 2007 HTA conference explores how green issues can drive sales at the same time leading to efficiencies and cost savings. The annual dinner will be held on a shark infested coral reef. See more…
Byline: George Bullivant 21 Jun 07

RHS appoints Head of Community Horticulture The Royal Horticultural Society has appointed Catherine Haynes to lead and develop a new department to encourage community gardening throughout the UK. See more…
Byline: The RHS 19 Jun 07

Significant opportunity for UK exporters Gardenex is to organise a British pavilion at Japan’s international garden show. “This is a significant opportunity for UK exporters in a £10 billion garden market”, says director general. See more...
Byline: Gardenex 15 Jun 07

GIMA - clearing house, publisher and bank Question - has your business had a really good year, but do you wonder why you are not making more profit? Some solutions were offered at last week's GIMA business meeting, which also heard how winning the GIMA Sword of Excellence boosted the sales of Aftercut 154% for Westland. And Why not bank with GIMA through the BHF? See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 11 Jun 07

New report forecasts steady growth in garden market There’s a new, 95-page report from MTW Research covering the garden market from 2007 to 2012. Sales for each product sector are projected to 2012 and trends that have and will affect sales growth are identified. See more…
Byline: George Bullivant 06 Jun 07

June – more settled but still wet Following a very wet May with over 200% average rainfall, June is expected to be more settled in North & East and less so in South & West with temperatures, rainfall, thunderstorms and sunshine all above average. See more...
Byline: Wiseweather 01 Jun 07

Celebrities add spice to HTA catering conference Celebrities including Skye Gyngell, head chef at Petersham Nurseries Café and author of A Year in My Kitchen and Wendy Fogarty, forager and founding ambassador for the UK Slow Food movement will talk at the HTA catering conference in July. See more…
Byline: The Horticultural Trades Association 29 May 07

GIMA Business Meetings Turn a New Leaf There’s a new venue for the next GIMA business meeting and a fresh format. The main presentation, finding hidden profits in your business, will be of particular interest to directors. Immediately following the meeting, the first GIMA masterclass will be held. See more…
Byline: George Bullivant 23 May 07

Warning to Glee exhibitors Think carefully before signing any document from Fairguide, offering a listing to exhibitors at Glee Petindex. The unwary will find they have committed to paying 1171 Euro for the next 3 years. There have also been fax scams. See more…
Byline: George Bullivant 23 May 07

Leading companies sign for HTA Environmental Scheme Following enthusiastic reports from the first year of the HTA Environmental Management System (EMS), eight leading garden companies are to work towards BS8555 accreditation this year. Two retailers, five nurseries and the first landscape company have committed to scheme. See more…
Byline: George Bullivant 19 May 07

Colquhoun to be interim chair of horticultural sector company Andrew Colquhoun has been announced as an interim chair of the shadow horticultural sector company and board member of Levy Board UK, following resignation of the chairman designate. See more…
Byline: George Bullivant 15 May 07

Plantforlife Guide encourages first-time gardeners One in four people are not seeking advice at garden centres or nurseries because they don’t know what to ask for… one of the findings of survey by PlantforLife that is addressed in a newly published guide. See more… (open to all)
Byline: PlantforLife (The HTA) 09 May 07

Join in Compost Awareness Week It’s not too late to participate in next week’s compost awareness week. Visit the website link below to download, everything you need to show you are part of this high profile event. See more…
Byline: George Bullivant 02 May 07

New Venue, fresh approach for GIMA business meetings Delegates who attend the restyled GIMA meeting in June will get double value. The morning presentations will consider strategies to get the most out of a market, while the afternoon will feature a workshop on how to get more from your presence at trade shows. See more…
Byline: George Bullivant 01 May 07

Drier, warmer weather to continue through May Overall the month is likely see high pressure dominant for at least part of the time in the north; however, the south west will see lower pressure, with rather more unsettled weather generally. See more…
Byline: Wiseweather 30 Apr 07

APL wins TrustMark accreditation The APL has won approval as an operator for the government’s TrustMark scheme. This will help consumers identify which landscapers they can rely on. See more…
Byline: The HTA 23 Apr 07

GLEE already 80% booked As this is a non-GAFA year, GLEE is expecting to draw more exhibitors and visitors with its simplified layout, a new website, a Going Green Trail and recognition for exporters. See more…
Byline: George Bullivant 20 Apr 07

85,000 sq ft garden centre for Peterborough (Edited) Permission has been granted to a new breed of garden centre developer, for a large garden centre at Eye, on the edge of Peterborough. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 10 Apr 07

Is third party distribution the solution for garden manufacturers? In a meeting devoted to improving business performance, GIMA members hear how Midland nurseries have benefited from outsourcing distribution to a third party and how LEAN techniques have reduced cost and time for a leading garden centre group. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 09 Apr 07

April forecast: warmer, drier and sunny Although generally settled in the first half, the second half looks less settled in the north. Periods of rain and some heavy showers may well affect the rest of the UK by the last week in April. See more...
Byline: Wiseweather 02 Apr 07

Trust re-launches top qualification for pet retailers The Pet Care Trust, the national charity promoting responsible pet ownership, pet care education and training, has re-launched its Pet Store Management qualification. The Trust has revised its distance learning course material. See more...
Byline: Pet Care Trust 30 Mar 07

TheOnlineGardener.com goes live TheOnlineGardener.com, the garden website that passes the orders it takes to independent garden centres, has gone live on schedule. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 30 Mar 07

BHHMA becomes BHETA It's a sign of the times as British Hardware & Housewares Manufacturers' Association (BHHMA) decides the word manufacturing is no longer relevant. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 26 Mar 07

Fresh start for HART A year after being rescued from administration by its directors, HART, the marketing group for smaller garden centres, has fresh backers and a new strategy. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 26 Mar 07

A Quarter of a Million Easy Guides sold in a month Within a month of launch, the first print of the new HTA/RHS Easy Guides series has nearly sold out. The series of 26 how-to consumer leaflets cover a wide range of subjects to help and inspire garden centre customers to make the most of their gardens. See more…
Byline: The Horticultural Trades Association 15 Mar 07

More rain & less sun expected in March The unsettled wet weather is to continue through March, according to the latest forecast from Wiseweather. See more...
Byline: Wiseweather 28 Feb 07

End of March launch for The Online Gardener The Online Gardener, the gardening website that will work in tandem with local garden centres is on track to launch at the end of March. It is already claiming to have the largest range of gardening products in the UK. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 28 Feb 07

Garden centres back Gardener's World scheme Within days of receiving news of Gardener's World Magazine's new discount card, 95 garden centres have signed up. The new loyalty scheme launches in May and GW hopes for widespread manufacturer and retailer support. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 27 Feb 07

More Buyers for International Meet-the-Buyers Event 3 new International buyers, bringing the total to nine, are to attend March's International 'Meet the Buyers' day for garden and pet suppliers thinking of exporting to Germany, Ireland and Belgium. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 26 Feb 07

Participate in the 'I Love My Home' research A new pan-European market research project to track consumer home improvement and gardening trends and better understand why people undertake such jobs has been initiated by Fediyma, the European Federation of DIY Manufacturers. The ‘I love my home’ project is open to all manufacturers and retailers in the sector.
Byline: BHHMA 18 Feb 07

Landform Consultants win APL's top award Judges at yesterday's APL Awards urged garden designers and landscapers to work together more closely to raise standards. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 14 Feb 07

HTA criticises Defra report on growers The HTA has criticised a consultants' report into the needs of UK growers who pay a levy to the HDC. The survey, which highlights bureaucracy as the most pressing need, is intended to make sure the new HDC provides the appropriate service. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 06 Feb 07

GIMA hears how to deal with retail bullies GIMA's first business meeting under Neil Gow heard a call for strong wholesalers from Guy Topping; that it's a mistake to give out literature at trade shows and how suppliers can charge retail bullies 8% over base rate for late payment of invoices, up to 6 years after the event. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 05 Feb 07

Less snow than normal predicted for February February is expected to be warmer and wetter with less than average sunshine. See more...
Byline: Wiseweather 01 Feb 07

Numbers up at DIY & Garden Show This week's DIY & Garden Show, the first under the Brintex banner, attracted more visitors than a year ago. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 18 Jan 07

See your products in the gardening columns More space has been made available for garden suppliers to participate in the Garden Press Day on 8th Feb, the largest gathering of the consumer gardening press outside the Chelsea Flower Show. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 17 Jan 07

Promotion boosts Gift Voucher sales Gift Voucher sales grew 20% in December, reports the HTA as it unveils a new mystery shopper service and subsidised training for members. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 09 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

Expect January to be wet Wiseweather, the independent weather consultancy, expects January to be dominated initially by an unsettled cyclonic pattern with deep depressions moving across or close to the UK in the first and second week. These may introduce a colder, more polar flow, at times, most especially in the north. See more...
Byline: Wiseweather 02 Jan 07

Grower to join Horticulture Week stable On the eve of the Garden Centre & Retail Awards comes news that the Grower Magazine, which sponsors the evening, is to be sold to rival Haymarket Publishing. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 22 Nov 06

Glee unveils new layout for 2007 Glee will look very different in 2007. Click on the website button below to see the new more compact layout, designed to make it easier for the visitor by locating associated products near each other. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 16 Nov 06

Drier weather to continue through November Wiseweather predicts fewer gales, less rainfall and a number of cold nights inland for November. See more...
Byline: Wiseweather 31 Oct 06

Three more garden centres join Choice Marketing Three garden centres and a new chairman for Choice Marketing, the marketing and buying group for independent garden centres. The combined turnover of the 23 members is now £44m. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 30 Oct 06

GIM says sales fell 27% in August Latest GIM figures from the HTA show that supermarkets have been the fastest growing retailers of plants this year. They also show garden furniture sales fell 60% in August. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 26 Oct 06

New 'on demand' gardening TV starts next spring 'How to TV' will launch a channel dedicated to gardening and DIY next spring. UK manufacturers are being asked for products to feature in the programmes. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 23 Oct 06

HTA Conference report The environment, falling sales, disappearing margins, have increased demands on the HTA to provide more information and leadership for its members. This week's conference demonstrated what an essential resource the HTA is becoming as issues facing the garden industry become too big for individual companies. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 18 Oct 06

McFie first chairman of new Glee advisory board Emap TPS, organisers of Glee, have given details of the make up of the new advisory board which was first trailed by MD, Alison Jackson at last month's show. See more...
Byline: Peter Dawson 03 Oct 06

High pressure still around for most of October A very unsettled first week of October leads to a sunnier than average month for most.
Byline: Wiseweather 02 Oct 06

Tender opportunities for the 2012 Olympics Keep your business up-to-date with regular email alerts on all major developments on the London Games.
Byline: George Bullivant 07 Sep 06

September long range forecast: 'Warm and sunny' Although August saw a lot less sunshine than expected (83% of average), Wiseweather's long range forecast predicts that September should make up for it, with a return to a more settled weather pattern. See more...
Byline: Wiseweather 31 Aug 06

A record breaking July to be followed by a warm August Wiseweather, the independent weather agency, suggests that after a record breaking July, which it appears will be the warmest month ever recorded in England and Wales since official records begun in 1659, as well as the sunniest, August is expected to continue in a broadly similar vein. See more...
Byline: Wiseweather 31 Jul 06

New buying group for independent garden centres, with a difference. A new UK wide marketing/buying network for independent garden centres is being formed, based on a new website, theonlinegardener.com. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 31 Jul 06

Town & Country wins important High Court case against agent Town & Country has just undergone five days in the High Court to win a case, which has important implications for any company that uses agents. See *adviceforum* for the full BHHMA report; for a summary - see more...
Byline: George Bullivant 17 Jul 06

Average garden centre manager earns £25,220 The HTA 2006 annual salary survey results graphically illustrate the differing fortunes of businesses in the sector. The differences are particularly acute in the nursery sector, where a number of executive post holders have seen their remuneration remain static or decrease over the past year, an indication of the tough trading conditions. See more...
Byline: The Horticultural Trades Association 14 Jul 06

Expect a warm and sunny July says Wiseweather 'Wiseweather', the independent weather agency, expects July to be a month where the south sees a hot start but becomes temporarily cooler. However, it looks like warming up again by the second half of the month.
Byline: Wiseweather 30 Jun 06

HTA figures reveal impact of late Spring According to the latest GIM figures from the HTA, garden centre sales were 14% down for the first 4 months of this year, with plant sales proving more resilient than the sales of manufactured goods. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 23 Jun 06

Gardenex forms new pet equipment association From the stable of Gardenex comes the announcement of a new export trade association for the pet supplies industry. PetQuip has been formed to assist and promote the development of international trade in the pet equipment sector. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 11 May 06

Homebase Director to address garden suppliers GIMA continues its programme of speakers from leading retailers with presentations from QVC and Homebase at its next quarterly meeting. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 08 May 06

Good gardening weather predicted for May Overall May should be a generally sunny month for most, especially in southern England & Wales but with notable regional differences. Rainfall will be near or slightly below average for most parts but probably staying rather below average in the south and east. See more...
Byline: Wiseweather 01 May 06

A thumbs down to trendy garden designers A new survey to mark the launch of a new edition of the RHS Encyclopedia of Plants & Flowers, the "gardeners' bible" for over 17 years, gives a thumbs down to trendy garden designers and calls for gardening to be included in national curriculum. See more...
Byline: The RHS 10 Apr 06

Meet key European Buyers and learn about spoga+gafa changes Gardenex is organising a 'Business in Europe' event on 26 April in London. This is an opportunity to meet with key European buyers and learn about doing business in Europe. See more...
Byline: Gardenex 09 Apr 06

Colder with showers to start and a hint of sunshine The latest long-range weather forecast suggests rather below average temperatures for most with frost and snowfall rather above average. See 'more'
Byline: Wiseweather 04 Apr 06

Blind gardeners to benefit from new national club To mark the launch of the National Blind Gardeners' Club, Thrive is announcing Blind Gardener of the Year 2006. Now in its second year, this popular competition is designed to celebrate the enthusiasm, skills and achievements of blind gardeners across the UK. See more...
Byline: Thrive 20 Mar 06

Plantforlife to reach over 1 million homes Over 500 garden centres have signed up for the Point of Sale to support this year's Plantforlife campaign, instigated by the HTA with the help of 50% European funding. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 10 Mar 06

Successful exporters are prepared, persistent and professional Tips to potential exporters emphasised the need to use local embassies and Gardenex, at last weeks export day arranged by Glee and Gardenex. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 06 Mar 06

Cold weather forecast to continue The latest long-range weather forecast from Wiseweather predicts continued colder than average weather with more rain, snow and frost. See more...
Byline: Wiseweather 27 Feb 06

Hozelock to launch helpline to minimize hose-ban confusion A 24-hour helpline to let retailers and gardeners know if they are affected by a hosepipe ban is to be launched by Hozelock, concerned that last week's announcement by the Environment Agency is confusing many home-owners. See More...
Byline: Peter Dawson 27 Feb 06

Growers co-operate to save transport costs The Midland Regional Growers (MRG) have launched a transport sharing scheme that the HTA believes will be a template for nurseries, in other regions, needing to reduce costs and improve service. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 20 Feb 06

Stressed city workers urged to rethink their lifestyle and escape Hadlow College has launched 'The Grass is Greener' campaign aimed at helping unhappy London commuters to realise their dreams for a more fulfilling life. It will encourage them to swap careers from investment banker or PA to a garden designer or owner of a floristry business. See more...
Byline: Hadlow College 17 Feb 06

RHS seeks the Nation's Favourite Bloom In March, at the RHS London Flower Show, 25 of the UK's best nurseries will introduce visitors to some unusual spring bulbs, including members of the little blue bulb family, Hyacinthacea. Also for details of a poll to find the nation's favourite bloom, see more...
Byline: The RHS 16 Feb 06

Windmills to resolve nursery's fuel bills Carlisle nursery, Westwood Nurseries is seeking permission to install 5 wind turbines to reduce its £15,000 per year fuel bill. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 09 Feb 06

Cold dry weather to persist through February February is expected to see rather below average temperatures, more especially in SE and E, though the far NW may be closer to average. Less than average rainfall amounts are expected, although frost and snowfall will be rather above average for most parts. See more...
Byline: Wiseweather 02 Feb 06

Glee Export Day focusses on Europe Glee Export Day 2006 will take place on March 1st. It is designed to assist UK exhibitors launch or strengthen their export programmes, especially to Europe. There will also be a matchmaking programme between potential Glee exhibitors and European buyers. See more...
Byline: Glee 27 Jan 06

RHS show previews plant fashions for 2006 What will be in vogue, is a question that is asked every year as the countdown to the summer flower show season begins and, this year, the RHS London Flower Show (14 - 15 February) will answer it. See more...
Byline: The Royal Horticultural Society 20 Jan 06

HTA research to improve competitiveness of UK Growers The HTA has secured funding to research the supply chain for ornamental horticulture. The findings will be presented to UK Growers who are losing out to more efficient importers. See more...
Byline: The HTA 20 Jan 06

New owners for the DIY & Garden Show The DIY & Garden Show opened yesterday with the biggest sale yet, the show itself. Christopher Leonard-Morgan sold the show last Friday to Brintex. See more....
Byline: George Bullivant 16 Jan 06

Gardenex wins trade show funding for British exporters Gardenex has secured government funding for exporters to exhibit at a number of major events or missions during 2006-7. British firms will be able to receive cash grants to exhibit at the National Hardware Show in the USA, Gafa / Spoga in Germany and the Japan Gardening Fair. Grants will also be available for the major international pet trade exhibition, Interzoo in Germany, which is new to the Gardenex calendar. See more...
Byline: Gardenex 13 Jan 06

Christmas retail cheer fails to reach Dobbies Figures released today by the BRC show that December sales grew faster than expected, lifting like-for-like sales into positive territory for the last 3 months. Dobbies Garden Centres, however, failed to match last year. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 10 Jan 06

Dry weather expected to continue in January January is expected to be another month of less than average rainfall, says Wiseweather. A colder settled spell will be replaced by wetter weather for a while before establishing itself again, perhaps with more snow. See more...
Byline: Wiseweather 02 Jan 06

More cold weather predicted for December Expect more snow in December says Wiseweather. Warmer unsettled weather in the first days of the month will soon quieten to colder, drier, more settled days. See more...
Byline: Wiseweather 29 Nov 05

RHS returns to the Welsh capital Following the success of the RHS Spring Flower Show, Cardiff in April 2005, the Royal Horticultural Society is returning to the Welsh capital to create a gardeners’ paradise in the heart of the city. See more...
Byline: The RHS 25 Nov 05

RHS launches Neighbourhood Awards to encourage community regeneration Local groups taking their first steps to green up and clean up their local area can now get help and support from a new scheme created by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS). The gardening charity is launching the Neighbourhood Awards as part of its national Britain in Bloom campaign. See more...
Byline: The RHS 10 Nov 05

PlantforLife vital for plant sales The EU is to fund a third year of PlantforLife, the PR campaign organised by the HTA to increase the use of plants. The message, which highlights the contribution of plants to the environment and to personal health and wellbeing, may have helped plant sales suffer less than other garden products. See more...
Byline: The HTA 13 Oct 05

Retail Sales - is the trend up? Retail sales in the UK in September fell 0.8% on a like-for-like basis from September 2004 when sales had grown 2.0%. Like-for-like growth has now been in negative territory for seven of the nine months so far this year. See more...
Byline: British Retail Consortium / KPMG 12 Oct 05

HTA offers retailers free seminar on Lean HTA is running four free workshops to introduce garden retailers to the techniques and benefits of Lean manufacturing. This follows a series of workshops for growers earlier in the year. See more...
Byline: The HTA 10 Oct 05

Mid October - An Indian Summer? The October long range weather predictions from Wiseweather, suggest more sun and less rain than average with the possibility of an Indian summer in the middle of the month. See more...
Byline: Wiseweather 30 Sep 05

Work-Study Award Launched for Horticulture Students The David Colegrave Foundation has announced a joint venture with the Ed Markham International Scholarship Fund resulting in the creation of a work-study programme for students in the United Kingdom and North America. See more...
Byline: The HTA 05 Sep 05

September to be warmer and drier than average Wiseweather, the independent weather consultancy, thinks that September is expected to be a warm and initially rather settled month across most of the UK, especially the south. October and November may also be warmer than average. See more...
Byline: Wiseweather 01 Sep 05

British companies exhibit at Japanese garden show Seven British garden and leisure product companies will be exhibiting in October at a major Japanese trade fair in a British Pavilion organised by Gardenex and supported by the UK government and British Embassy, Tokyo.
Byline: Gardenex 26 Aug 05

Coldest August for 12 years Wiseweather, the independent weather consultancy, expect August to be a rather cool and initially rather unsettled month across most of the UK. See more...
Byline: Wiseweather 01 Aug 05

Woking Nursery Exhibition Sizzled Despite the heat, which may have suppressed numbers a little, the Woking Nursery Exhibition appeared a success for the 80 display stands at Merrist Wood. Liss Forest and Barnsfold Nurseries won the awards. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 19 Jul 05

Late June Sun Brings Uplift for Some Latest retail figures from the BRC show that June was better than May and April's tough trading, but largely because of the combination of good weather and clearance sales, which boosted sales of clothing and footwear. Gardening and DIY also benefited. See more...
Byline: British Retail Consortium / KPMG 05 Jul 05

Wiseweather predicts North-South Divide for July Wiseweather expects July to see slightly above temperatures for most, more especially the south. Central and northern parts will see about average rainfall but most southern parts may see near or rather less than average, although rain amounts will tend to vary widely locally. The SE may be rather sunnier than average. See more...
Byline: Wiseweather 04 Jul 05

Enter the £460k Edge Employer Award New practical learning charity, Edge, will reward £460,000 in cash prizes to employers across the nation who can demonstrate how they offer excellent work-related learning opportunities for 14-25 year olds. See more...
Byline: EDGE 14 Jun 05

Blooms, Costco and Forest address GIMA A well attended GIMA meeting heard Blooms say that the hobby of shopping is greater than the hobby of gardening, while Costco revealed plans for rapid expansion and outdoor garden areas. Forest Garden announced Forest@Home. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 14 Jun 05

APL Drives to Expand Membership The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) has launched a recruitment drive to increase the membership of the Association of Professional Landscapers (APL), a specialist group within the HTA. See more...
Byline: The HTA 08 Jun 05

HTA launches PlantforLife Campaign Working in partnership with interior designer and TV presenter Naomi Cleaver, PlantforLife's 'Hot Colour' programme celebrates the garden as an extra 'outdoor' room and transplants interior design colour theories to planting. The campaign includes a direct mail campaign to 2m homes. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 20 May 05

This Week is Compost Awareness Week Highlights of Compost awareness week include the first Composting Industry Code of Practice, a campaign to encourage households to compost more and a report on the State of Composting in the UK. For details see more...
Byline: George Bullivant 04 May 05

Wiseweather forecasts an Unsettled May Unsettled weather with above average rain is forecast for the next month, by Wiseweather. Temperatures are expected to be around the average but there is an increased risk of frosts. See more...
Byline: Wiseweather 03 May 05

Join the IGCA Congress in Paris The International Garden Centre Association's congress (IGCA) takes place this year in France from August 21st to 26th. The conference is a chance to exchange experiences with similar businesses from around the world and to sample some of the delights of France. See more...
Byline: IGCA 03 May 05

JLEE 2005 has been Cancelled JLEE has been cancelled. EMAP, owners of TPS the Glee organiser, launched the garden show in Paris last year. JLEE was scheduled again for June. However, disappointing visitor numbers last year has led to a lack of exhibitor bookings this year. A spokesman for JLEE said also that the show was unlikely to go ahead in 2006.
Byline: George Bullivant 22 Apr 05

HTA launches a business finance scheme for members HTA members can now acquire finance with competitive rates through the HTA Business Finance Scheme, which is operated in partnership with BHF Finance. See more...
Byline: HTA 18 Apr 05

Industry to be consulted over £600,000 Lottery Bid English Heritage, the RHS, and a number of other heritage organisations, have received £40,000 to prepare a bid for lottery funding to reverse a shortage of the skills vital for the conservation of historic parks, gardens and plant collections. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 13 Apr 05

New GIMA President looks to Extend its Influence GIMA elects David Arnold as new President and hears from two rapidly growing retailers who are developing their gardening offer in contrasting market places, Robert Dyas and Ideal Home Shopping. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 05 Apr 05

Prepare for a Wet April April's long range weather forecast from Wiseweather predicts more rain and less sun than average. See 'more' for details...
Byline: Wiseweather 01 Apr 05

HTA Conference goes to York The 2005 HTA conference is destined for York with the annual dinner being held in the atmospheric Station Hall of the National Railway Museum. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 18 Mar 05

RHS challenges gardeners to consider the science behind successful growing To celebrate National Science Week (11th-20th March 2005), the Royal Horticultural Society is inviting gardeners to think about the science behind successful gardening. The RHS has created a fun 60-second survey on its website to explore old wives' tales. At the end of the week it will reveal which are fiction. See more...
Byline: The Royal Horticultural Society 07 Mar 05

Glee 2005 woos Small Growers and New Exporters Glee organiser, TPS, is inviting all its UK based exhibitors to learn how to export at a free seminar in April. The event will be held jointly with Gardenex. At the same time, a cost saving package has been announced to attract regional growers to Glee 2005. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 04 Mar 05

Notcutts Recycles Old Boots Notcutts Garden Centres recycling campaign for 2005 will support Feed The Children International UK. This year the garden centre chain will be asking customers to ‘Boot Out Your Old Boots’ in return for discount off a special range of Town and Country Wellington boots. See more...
Byline: Notcutts Garden Centres 02 Mar 05

HTA simplifies packaging waste calculations. The HTA has produced a CD version of its packaging waste workbook to simplify calculations for retailers and retail nurseries with obligations under the packaging waste regulations. The CD and the workbook, which covers all companies, are now available to all companies, whether members or not. See more...
Byline: The HTA 14 Feb 05

Expect more Sun and Frosts say Wiseweather February is to be colder, drier and sunnier than average. This is the prediction of Wiseweather. Night frosts will be more frequent especially in the South East. See more...
Byline: Wiseweather 31 Jan 05

HTA offers Regional Forums on Improving Your Business The HTA is running a series of regional business forums in 2005, which will provide a platform to discuss current issues affecting garden retailers, growers, landscapers and suppliers. Aimed at members and non-members, attendees will also have an opportunity to be updated on key industry issues and initiatives being progressed by the HTA on their behalf. See more...
Byline: Erica Harper - The HTA 18 Jan 05

HTA Launches a Property Maintenance Service The Horticultural Trades Association has teamed up with the British Retail Consortium to offer its members access to a national property maintenance service. This is the latest of an expanding range of products and services tailor made for the HTA's 2,500 member retailers, growers and landscapers. See more...
Byline: The HTA 07 Jan 05

HDRA Seeks Mentors for Growing Programme HDRA, the organic organisation is offering free training to mentors so they can set up local 'Grow your own Food' initiatives around the country. See more...
Byline: HDRA 07 Jan 05

HTA offers Poly Tunnel Safety Training This is a hot topic as the Health and Safety Executive need to see that the industry is taking the new safety codes seriously, or more stringent regulation is likely. Courses are running throughout the UK in January and February. See more...
Byline: Erica Harper - HTA 04 Jan 05

Wet Weather to continue through January The long range forecast for January predicts above average rain with fog and frosts in the second half of the month. See more...
Byline: Wiseweather 31 Dec 04

RHS Bicentenary Appeal over Halfway to Target Supporters of gardening charity the RHS have raised £2.7m towards the £5m appeal launched in June to fund the construction of the Bicentenary Glasshouse at RHS Garden Wisley. The existing glasshouses, which house a number of endangered plants urgently need to be replaced. See more...
Byline: The Royal Horticultural Society 15 Dec 04

No White Christmas says Wiseweather December is expected to be similar to last year. A rather settled month initially is likely to become more changeable by midmonth, with the east likely to see the best of the winter weather on the whole. No 'White Christmas' is expected. See more...
Byline: Wiseweather 30 Nov 04

Export Grants under threat from Government Cuts The government's current spending review is threatening the cash grants available for UK garden companies when visiting trade fairs abroad. Gardenex is urging exporters to act now to protect a service that has helped many small and medium sized businesses into overseas markets. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 26 Nov 04

B&Q to address GIMA Open Meeting B&Q are to address the next GIMA Business Meeting to be held on Tuesday 11th January. Such is the influence of B&Q that GIMA are to open the meeting to non-members as long as they book in advance. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 26 Nov 04

New Management Line-up at HTA Tim Briercliffe, who has worked closely with the HTA as Senior Horticultural Advisor at ADAS, is to step into the vacancy to be left by Alison Lee, who leaves the HTA and the industry this week. At the same time, Lee Appleyard, head of marketing at the HTA, becomes a director. For the HTA announcement - see more...
Byline: The HTA 01 Nov 04

Wiseweather predicts colder and drier November November is expected to be a fairly settled and generally quite chilly month with slightly less rainfall and slightly more sunshine than normal. Colder than average and, though rather wet and windy at times, there will be a substantial number of anti-cyclonic quiet spells with night fog and frosts. See more...
Byline: Wiseweather 01 Nov 04

More Notes from The HTA Conference The declining market share of garden centres, the focus of big corporates and the shock of poor weather, have produced a new realism and focus as witnessed by a variety of notable speakers. The HTA (Horticultural Trades Association) now possesses a wealth of statistics, which is invaluable to any company considering its strategy for success in a changing market. For a conference insight, see more...
Byline: George Bullivant 25 Oct 04

British companies to tour Sweden's growing garden market Gardenex is hosting a 2-day tour to assess opportunities for UK suppliers who are considering entering the Swedish market. The visit will include a trip to Sweden's garden trade fair, Elmia. See more...
Byline: Peter Evers 22 Oct 04

Planning Application Fee Hike Planning Consultant, Helen Scott, warns of large increases in planning fees from April 2005. The current maximum for a detailed application for buildings will go up from £11,000 to £28,500 with further increases in subsequent years. See more...
Byline: Helen Scott 22 Oct 04

25 New Members for the HTA The HTA has publised a list of new members as it prepares for its annual conference, which starts on Monday and takes as its theme, improving business efficiency and generating growth. The conference will be closed by Debra Veal the youngest woman to have rowed an ocean alone. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 13 Oct 04

October - Frosts likely in the North, Drier in the East The independent weather consultancy, Weatherwise, predicts temperatures slightly below average for October, with more frosts than average in the North. However, there will be more sun than average. See more...
Byline: Wiseweather 30 Sep 04

Numbers Down, but Quality Up, says Glee 24761 visited Glee this year, 1100 less than in 2003. The number of international visitors was up by almost 9% to 2530 and Glee organisers believe that there was a significant increase in serious buyers spending more than a day at the show. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 28 Sep 04

Jason Lock re-elected APL Chairman The HTA has announced a new look business improvement scheme for landscapers, as Notcutts' Jason Lock is re-elected as chairman of the Association of Professional Landscapers. See more...
Byline: The HTA 24 Sep 04

Weather to Continue Unsettled September is expected to continue the trend of the recent summer in being somewhat but not especially warmer than average, but it should at least be rather drier than August and generally fairly sunny, starting with settled high pressure over the UK. However, this late warmth and somewhat above average sea temperatures will help create the conditions for a generally unsettled second half of the month. See more...
Byline: Wiseweather 31 Aug 04

Best chance of late 'summer heatwave' is the Bank Holiday Second half of August in the UK looking rather cooler than normal with a lot of rather thundery rain or showers at times in most places; best chance of a late 'summer heatwave' is in the Bank Holiday period but it's not likely to be long-lived. First half of September continuing unsettled but quite warm, especially in the south and east at times then becoming more settled but cooler. See more...
Byline: 'Wiseweather' 16 Aug 04

OFT Reject BHHMA Claim for Investigation of DIY Chains After a protracted campaign by the BHHMA on behalf of its members to prove that they are, on occasion, being subjected to unfair demands by some of the larger DIY and supermarket chains, the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has rejected the claim that any investigation needs to take place on the basis that the consumer is not suffering. See more...
Byline: British Hardware and Housewares Manufacturers' Association 16 Aug 04

HTA Salary Survey highlights Salary Rises Salaries in the horticultural sector rose by an average of 3.97% in the year to March 2004, according to the HTA annual salary survey. Smaller companies are showing the highest rises, and the growing significance of catering is shown by increased rates for catering managers. See more...
Byline: The HTA 09 Aug 04

Alison Lee to leave HTA at end of 2004 Alison Lee, Director of Business Development at HTA, has decided to retire at the end of this year, and will be leaving the Association in December. She intends to spend more time at home and with her family. See more...
Byline: The HTA 09 Aug 04

Another unsettled month but at least it will be warm Wiseweather, the independent weather consultancy, says August is expected to continue in the same vein as the rest of summer 2004, a generally unsettled showery month, temperatures will be rather above average in the south and east but will return to normal after a rather warm start to the month in the north of the UK.
Byline: Wiseweather 30 Jul 04

HTA Group to set out new Strategy for Retail The HTA Retail Group is to publish the first results of its deliberations in September. With its influential membership including such names as James Barnes - Dobbies, Chris Roberts - Van Hage and Caroline Owen - Scotsdale we can expect an insight into the state of the independent retail sector. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 30 Jul 04

HDC to continue in its present role Agriculture Ministers from England, Scotland and Wales have agreed that the Horticultural Development Council (HDC) should continue in its present role as the body charged with commissioning research and development for the horticultural industry. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 27 Jul 04

Landscapers- A good standard and on time says Gardening Which? In a survey by Gardening Which?, landscapers were criticised for failing to return calls and for the lack of detail when quoting. However, the consumer research magazine praised the standards of the work done. See more...
Byline: Gardening Which? 27 Jul 04

Best chance of a heatwave at end of July according to Wiseweather The independent weather consultancy ‘Wiseweather’ has just published its mid July-mid August long range forecast. See more for details...
Byline: George Bullivant 19 Jul 04

Coles to share 90 years experience with the industry Coles are to celebrate their 90th anniversary with an invitation to the industry to learn the tricks of the tree trade and pick up the particulars of potting at their 120-hectare nursery in Leicestershire. Coles are hosting the educational event on September 15th 2004. See more…
Byline: George Bullivant 12 Jul 04

British companies Launch Innovative Products at Cologne Show Nearly 60 UK companies will be exhibiting at spoga+gafa in Cologne in September in a Gardenex-organised group supported by the British government. It will be the 32nd time that Gardenex has had a presence at the major garden and leisure international trade show where it will be helping to link British manufacturers and suppliers with overseas buyers. See more...
Byline: Peter Evers - Gardenex 29 Jun 04

UK Businesses Completely Unprepared for the new Telephone Law MarketingFile.com, Europe's largest online source of direct marketing data has completed a survey that reveals that UK businesses are totally unprepared for the new laws regarding unsolicited calls to other businesses. 70% of businesses haven't heard of the new law. See more...
Byline: MarketingFile.com 08 Jun 04

Wiseweather Expects 25% more Sun in June According to Wiseweather, June is likely to be warmer, drier and with less rainfall than average. But watch out for thunderstorms towards the end of the month. See more...
Byline: Wiseweather 04 Jun 04

MRG Show Expands Midland Regional Growers have now oversold the space at their show on June 23rd and have needed to extend the marquee to fit everyone in. Ian Boardman has been sponsored to address retailers at the show, which is at Pershore. See more...
Byline: Neil Jackson 07 May 04

The North can expect the Best of the May weather A few weeks ago the outlook for May, according to Wiseweather was looking pretty good. Now they think it will be somewhat wetter and with only just above average temperatures. The best sunshine is expected towards the end of the month. The North and West will have the best of the weather. See more...
Byline: Wiseweather 03 May 04

Outlook for May - Warmer, Drier and Sunnier Wiseweather suggests that there is a strong trend that May is likely to see the latter part of the month rather warm and settled at times giving a good taste of early summer. However a fairly settled start to May might not last as weak Atlantic developments swing across most of the UK from the west. See more...
Byline: Wiseweather 15 Apr 04

April to be Colder and Wetter than Average An independent weather forecaster focusing on the horticulture industry, expects April to be a month of a rather cold and mainly northwesterly flow or cyclonic circulation. 'Wiseweather' predicts rather more rain than recently, less sunshine and temperatures rather below those normally expected in April. For week-by-week detailssee more... For a personalised forecast click on website...
Byline: Wiseweather 02 Apr 04

New Layout and one more Hall for Glee Glee 2004 grows again with the introduction of a 10th hall, which gives plants their own venue. Changes in layout should mean a more logical flow between halls, while other changes include the John Stanley innovation centre showing the latest retail concepts and loyalty building techniques. See more...or click on website to see the new plan.
Byline: George Bullivant 02 Apr 04

Architects to Learn How Plants Benefit Health The HTA have long been lobbying the government about the beneficial effects of plants in architecture. Now there's good news for nurseries and landscapers. The Royal Institute of British Architects has endorsed a training course for its members from Plants for People. See more...
Byline: Colleen Smith 31 Mar 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

Assembly springs to Welsh Garden's aid Todays Guardian says that a lifeline has been thrown to the National Botanic Garden of Wales, which has been facing closure since December. The Welsh Assembly said it would provide £300,000 to save the gardens and this would be matched by Carmarthenshire council and the Millennium Commission in the next financial year. See more...
Byline: Helen Carter - The Guardian 18 Mar 04

New website helps solve garden care problems Today there is another good reason for every information desk in every garden centre to have an Internet link. The Crop Protection Association has launched a website that will be invaluable to garden centre staff when giving advice on garden chemicals. With the industry under pressure to promote safer use, storage and disposal of chemicals www.garden-care.org.uk (click below) should be a valuable aid. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 12 Mar 04

BBC Gardeners World to give Advanced Notice of Plants The HTA has persuaded the BBC to release plant lists in advance of transmission of BBC Gardeners' World. The pilot scheme will run for 3 months from the beginning of April and will give nurseries and retailers up to 9 days to prepare for interest generated by the programmes. See more...
Byline: The HTA 02 Mar 04

GIMA gets the message from Focus DIY Over the last two years GIMA business meetings have heard from many leading retailers. Today it was Focus DIY who reinforced a message heard many times before; Focus wants category managers who will manage the whole marketing process. This was followed by a timely presentation by Concept Design, showing garden suppliers how skilful merchandising can build sales. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 24 Feb 04

GAFA Becomes a Two-yearly Show GAFA, the international garden trade fair held in Cologne, is to be held every other year from 2004, while SPOGA will continue on an annual basis. Garden manufacturers will be invited to exhibit at SPOGA in 2005 when there will be no GAFA. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 18 Feb 04

200 Great Plants for 200 Years of Great Gardening The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has nominated 200 garden plants to celebrate their Bicentenary. Hundreds of top plantspeople, professional and amateur, who make up the renowned RHS Plant Committees have contributed their favourite plants to the list, which covers a large range of garden plants currently available to gardeners. See more...
Byline: Jennie Lowe 16 Feb 04

Exhibition cash grants available to more companies Opportunities exist for UK garden and leisure products companies to reach worldwide markets at very preferential rates following the announcement by Gardenex of its arrangements for British group participation at the National Hardware Show in Las Vegas and Gafa/Spoga in Cologne.
Byline: Peter Evers 16 Feb 04

Glee to get a Sister Show in Paris - Jlee Jlee, the new trade show for the French gardening industry, will take place at the PARIS-NORD Villepinte exhibition Centre from 21st to 23rd June 2004. Organised by Agor, the French division of Emap Business Europe, whose sister company, Trade Promotion Services, organises Glee, Jlee will be the only major forum for the industry in France in 2004. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 10 Feb 04

HTA Strengthens its Services to Growers At the HTA Ornamentals Committee's first meeting of 2004, it welcomed a number of new members into its fold who had formerly served on the Joint Hardy Nursery Stock Committee. These new members included Geoff Caesar of Bransford Plants, Anthony Darby of Darby Brothers, and Nigel Timpson of Hewton Nurseries. Issues discussed included Phytophthora Ramorum, Lean Manufacturing and a new Amenity Market Initiative. See more...
Byline: Sandie Skevington 27 Jan 04

Seats Still Available at Grower Promotion Forum There is consternation about the lack of promotional material received from British growers and nurserymen, especially when regular news of new plant launches flows in from growers across Europe. This is the view of Nexus and TPS, respectively publishers of Grower Magazine and organisers of GLEE, who are organising Grower Promotion Forum with a panel of well-known journalists ready to offer advice free to any grower. For Details on how to attend see more...
Byline: Angie Noon 21 Jan 04

EU Funds Boost HTA's Plant for Life Campaign The Horticultural Trades Association will spend £1.5m over 3 years, funded in part by the EU, on a marketing and promotional campaign aimed at selling more plants. 'Plant for Life' will show the role of plants in improving the quality of life. The scheme should also help all those involved in landscaping both at the domestic level and in larger commercial projects. See more...
Byline: Sandie Skevington 13 Jan 04

More Cash Grants for UK Exhibitors at Overseas Tradeshows Gardenex, Britain's export garden trade federation has announced its programme for 2004. Two new trade shows, one each in Australia and the US, have been added to those for which funding is available to assist exhibitors from the UK. See more...
Byline: Peter Evers 19 Dec 03

Two New Trade Groups Announced Two new trade groups were announced at Glee. A number of influential nurseries have formed the Midland Regional Growers Group to combine their efforts to find solutions to common industry issues. And there is to be a new retail group. The HTA Retail Management Group has been formed to fill a vacuum for the 2500 retailers within the HTA, most of which are not members of the Garden Centre Association. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 29 Sep 03

Fact-finding visit to France for UK Exporters The UK garden export federation, Gardenex, is joining forces with the British Consulate Lille to offer British manufacturers of garden and leisure products the opportunity of a two-day fact-finding visit covering French garden centres, DIY chains and distributors.
Byline: Peter Evers 19 Sep 03

Flower Advertising goes National on TV The first National TV advertising campaign for fresh flowers hits TV screens up and down the country on September 15th and will be seen over the following 4 weeks. See more...
Byline: Flower Council of Holland 06 Aug 03

Gardenex Membership Open to More British Companies Gardenex, which distributes government funding to British firms taking part in exhibitions and trade missions overseas, has widened the criteria for membership. In future companies will only need to show that they provide a benefit to the UK economy in terms of jobs or profit from sales of goods sourced overseas. See more...
Byline: Peter Evers 25 Jul 03

GCA to Debate Supplier Relations Last year GIMA attempted, unsuccessfully, to convene a debate to improve understanding between suppliers and retailers. Now the theme has been picked up by the Garden Centre Association, which has picked "Partnership in Profit" as the theme for their 2004 conference. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 24 Jul 03

One Space Left for NHS - Chicago There is still space for one UK manufacturer to exhibit at the National Hardware Show in Chicago as part of the Gardenex inspired group venture. Cash grants of up to £2,300 are available, but time is short. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 23 Jun 03

Writer's Guild Creates Award for Investigative Journalism The garden industry is long on reporting and short of any real journalism so it's good to see the Garden Writer's Guild announce a new award for investigative journalism. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 17 Jun 03

HTA winning the 'Pots as Packaging' battle The European Environmental Committee has passed the amendments, tabled by the HTA, changing the definition of packaging under the Packaging Waste Regulations to exclude pots as packaging. The amendments would remove the unfair trade advantage that many European growers have over those based in the UK. See more...
Byline: Sandie Skevington 27 May 03

Gardenex Seminar Prepares British Firms For Europe Around 50 British delegates joined key buyers and commercial officers from Europe at a 'Business in Europe' seminar organised by Gardenex. Topics included the strong move towards treating the garden as an extension of the living room; how the English way of life stimulates German consumers to follow suit and the growing trend in Austria and Germany for the introduction of roof gardens. See more...
Byline: Peter Evers 05 May 03

Glee Nursery - UK's Largest Exhibition for the Nursery Trade Glee believes that Glee Nursery is now the largest exhibition for the nursery trade in the UK. More than 100 exhibitors are confirmed within Hall 3/3A Nursery, including a number of companies new to the show. See 'more' for a list of exhibitors.
Byline: Glee 15 Apr 03

Virtual Chelsea Goes Live Get a sneak preview of what's in store at this year's Chelsea Flower Show at www.rhs.org.uk/chelsea. See plans and illustrations of all 25 show gardens and almost 40 small gardens. Detailed planting lists and descriptions for each provide further information, inspiring the visitor for the real thing. See more…
Byline: Clare Slack 09 Apr 03

APL embarks on a Consumer Media Programme Research by the Association of Professional Landscapers shows that consumers rely on local adverts and recommendation rather than gardening shows when looking for a domestic landscaper. As a result, the APL is to forsake Chelsea and Hampton Court and rely on a PR campaign in local newspapers, radio and TV to promote their new Customer Charter. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 28 Feb 03

Cash Grants for British Companies Exhibiting Abroad Gardenex, the British export federation for the garden and leisure industry, has been successful in its bids to sponsor three major international trade shows. National Hardware Show, Chicago; GAFA/SPOGA and the Japan Gardening Fair. See More...
Byline: Peter Evers 14 Feb 03

GTN and Flower Council of Holland organise Plant Fair Tour in March Following a successful tour to this fair some 3 years ago with members of the Garden Centre Association, the Flower Council of Holland will host a second tour in March this year, in association with GTN. The aim of the tour is for garden centre retailers to see a much wider selection than they might normally.
Byline: Flower Council of Holland 12 Feb 03

New Chairman to address Ambivalence to Glee Kim Macfie is to be Chairman of Glee, the garden and leisure exhibition, for 2003. The election of a leading member of The Outdoor Power Equipment Council starts a campaign by TPS to attract more stands from the machinery sector. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 29 Jan 03

DIY and Garden Show Rising to the Challenge Early indicators are encouraging for the DIY and Garden Show which has gambled with a change of location and faces increased competition from the Spring Fair. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 09 Jan 03

Sales of National Garden Gift Vouchers hit New Record £500,000 of National Garden Gift Vouchers were sold on Monday 16th December, a new record for a single day. This comes at a time when the HTA has warned its members against using other gift voucher schemes. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 17 Dec 02

The Spring Fair adds Gardening for 2003 The Spring Fair (2-6 February 2003) is to capitalise on the number of garden centre buyers who visit to plan their Christmas and gift ranges. There will be a gardening and home improvement section for the first time. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 05 Dec 02

Government make borrowing easier for retailers and caterers Thousands of small businesses will find it easier to obtain bank loans because of changes announced in the Pre-Budget Report. From next April, a whole new raft of sectors - including retailers and caterers will be eligible for the Small Firms Loan Guarantee Scheme, whereby the Government provides a guarantee encouraging banks to lend to small firms. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 29 Nov 02

2001 - third warmest year since records began Key trends and other statistics on the environment over recent years are presented for easy accessibility in the latest edition of the booklet, The Environment in your Pocket 2002, published today by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. See more...
Byline: DEFRA 20 Nov 02

RHS to start Regional Roadshows The Royal Horticultural Society is to add regional Plant Roadshows to the gardening calendar. The first will take place in Bournemouth on 11 - 13 April 2003. The shows are a response to the dwindling attendance at the monthly shows in London. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 16 Nov 02

Gardenex to Stage Trade Mission to Australia Gardenex is to take a trade mission to Sydney and Melbourne in March 2003 to encourage UK exporters to address the $5-billion Australian Market while UK sales are low. Grants are available to help with costs. See more...
Byline: Peter Evers 11 Nov 02

HTA fees to increase by 7% Membership fees of the Horticultural Trade Association will increase by 7% for 2003, after members voted in favour of the council recommendations at the organisation's AGM in Dublin this week. See more...
Byline: Jim Ward - The Garden Communication & Media Company Ltd 25 Oct 02

ADAS - New Support for Growers, Retailers & Landscapers ADAS has appointed David Lancaster as Managing Director of the new ADAS Horticulture Group. He will head a team of 25 consultants offering advice and training to growers, landscapers and retailers. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 24 Oct 02

DEFRA reports on future of HRI Lord Whitty invites comments on recommendations that Horticulture Research International should cease to be sponsored by DEFRA and that its various facilities should merge with others, become independent or close. See 'more' for full statement...
Byline: George Bullivant 23 Sep 02

Garden Radio launched for Garden Centres The Garden Communications & Media Company is launching an in-store radio service for garden centres at GLEE. By mid-September, Garden Radio will be testing live in four garden centres.
Byline: Trevor Pfeiffer 14 Sep 02

Apple & Pear Research Council and Horticultural Development Council Merge Ministers have agreed that the Apple and Pear Research Council (APRC) is to be wound up and its work taken over by the Horticultural Development Council (HDC) with effect from 1 April 2003. See more...
Byline: DEFRA 30 Aug 02

GIMA Members to trial Internet Buying System Access-to-Retail presented a vision of future buying to members of GIMA and selected retailers last week. They were impressed enough to agree immediately to fund a trial of the system over the next few months. Both retailers and suppliers could see benefits of a system that gives seamless access for any retailer to any of their suppliers. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 07 Aug 02

Major success for newcomer to Woking Show. Woking Nursery Exhibition has given a strong start to the season of trade shows with visitor numbers up by as much as 20%. The mood after a turbulent season was very positive. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 11 Jul 02

New Garden Companies targeted by Alliance & Leicester Anyone thinking of setting up a garden centre or garden services business can now find industry-specific advice at Alliance & Leicester Business Banking's website at www.mybusinessbank.co.uk. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 05 Jul 02

New Government guide for Plant Importers A new guide that summarises the controls on imports into Great Britain of animal products, plants and plant products from non-European Union Countries is published today. The Guide "Protecting our Livestock & Plants from Pests & Disease" offers importers key information about the current controls, responsible enforcement agencies and their contact points.
Byline: DEFRA 05 Jul 02

HDC launches vital Pesticide Gap Analysis Ongoing UK and EU pesticide reviews may result in the horticultural industry losing potentially 50% of current active ingredients. See more...
Byline: Horticultural Development Council 05 Jul 02

For Peat's sake don't rubbish Horticultural Composting - Meacher 'Composted horticultural waste has great potential to offer growers a sustainable alternative to peat,' Michael Meacher told Apex, a new horticultural recycling scheme, 'Any initiative that promotes the composting of horticultural green waste will receive wholehearted support from this Government.' See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 17 Jun 02

London DIY and Garden Show moves to Earls Court The 2003 DIY & Garden Show, previously known as The DIY & Home Improvement Show and GardenExpo is to move from ExCeL to Earls Court 2 in West London, following discussions with many exhibitors and visitors. See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 17 Jun 02

Glee Exhibitors nominate Best Customers for VIP Passes Glee exhibitors are now being asked to nominate their top ten buyers, for whom they would like to offer the facilities of the show's brand new VIP Pass. Benefits include early entry and a VIP lounge. See more...
Byline: Angie Noon 11 Jun 02

Cash grants for British Companies to visit NHS, Chicago Gardenex is offering £350 travel grants to British DIY manufacturers wishing to attend the Chicago show in August, which is visited by 60,000 key buyers from over 90 countries. See more...
Byline: Peter Evers 31 May 02

GoneGardening opens 250 shops! On-line retailer, GoneGardening, today announced that it has signed an exclusive agreement with WebPoint, Europe’s premier network of broadband Internet kiosks to promote its brands across the WebPoint network. It will start with same-day flowers. See more...
Byline: Simon Woodhead 23 May 02

Business Links failing to win confidence of small firms A mere 10% of small firms are happy with the advice that they receive from government-funded support services such as Business Links according to a major new survey by the Federation of Small Businesses. See more...
Byline: Federation of Smasll Businesses 22 May 02

RHS and BBC pilot Planting Index service for gardeners It happens to most gardeners. You race home from the garden centre eager to plant out your latest purchases, only to be rained off for a whole week or, worse, watch a late frost nip tender young growth in the bud. Now the Royal Horticultural Society has teamed up with BBC Weather Centre to launch a new online service to help gardeners determine when it is appropriate to plant. See more...
Byline: RHS 01 May 02

Business to be won by British companies, say top importers A Business in Europe Seminar heard leading importers from Belgium and Switzerland tell of the opportunities for British exporters in growing European markets. Switzerland is one of the key markets targeted by Gardenex in 2002. See more...
Byline: Peter Evers 29 Apr 02

HTA expresses deep dismay at huge National Insurance increase. The HTA has issued a statement welcoming the budget measures, which reduce corporation tax and VAT administration for very small businesses. However, it is not happy with proposals that affect gift vouchers and the increase in National Insurance contributions. See more...
Byline: Sandie Skevington 19 Apr 02

New GIMA President questions mixed signals from 'How To Garden?' GIMA membership grew 15% last year and new President Richard Heptinstall-Bolton from Wolf Garden promised to use its increasing influence to promote the views of its members. His first targets were the mixed signals coming from the TV programme 'How to Garden?' See more...
Byline: George Bullivant 08 Apr 02