HTA warns of postcode lottery with recycling of plant pots

Millions of gardeners could face inconsistent recycling services at the end of March unless local authorities update their guidance to reflect new national rules on plastic plant pots, the HTA has warned. Read more - members only

Spoga+gafa moves to September from 2027 onwards

After consulting with exhibitors Spoga+gafa in Cologne will change dates to the first weeks of September from 2027.  The 2026 show will proceed as planned from June 22 to 24. Read more - members only

Expansion, fires and sales shape garden centre news

Garden centre sector sees expansion plans approved, restaurants reopening and new openings, a centre offered for sale, redevelopment proposals submitted and retailers investing in technology following fires and rising retail theft. Read more - members only

Ruxley Manor adopts Facial Recognition software to combat shop theft

Blue Diamond acquires Leaf Garden Centre from administrators

Blue Diamond Garden Centres has bought the business of Leaf Garden Centre, following its entry into administration at the end of February. Read more - members only

Landscape bodies align to implement new British standard

Landscape and garden design organisations take first steps towards a collaboration aimed at raising standards, strengthening professionalism and increasing client confidence in the quality of domestic landscaping. Read more - members only

Phil Tremayne, Wayne Grills, Tracy Whitfield,  John Wyer

Klondyke acquires Perthshire garden centre

Klondyke Group has acquired The Crieff Visitor Centre, a well-established garden centre and gift shop on the outskirts of Crieff, Perthshire. Read more - members only

Martin Ward to become the new Director of GIMA

GIMA has announced the appointment of Martin Ward as its new Director, succeeding Vicky Nuttall, beginning a new chapter for the trade association representing garden and horticultural suppliers. Read more - members only

Martin Ward

The restaurant investment at Weyhill points to the future for Hillier

Betty Hillier, 6th generation descendant of the founders, cut the ribbon on the Weyhill restaurant relaunch, offering the first glimpse into plans to elevate the Hillier profile. Read more - members only

At last, BGC completes purchase of Alton Garden Centre

The delayed purchase of Alton Garden centres by BGC, announced today, sees another of the sector’s great characters retire from the sector.  Read more - members only

Recent acquisitions by British Garden centres.

Trade restrictions lifted as Phytophthora pluvialis now deemed low‑risk

Trade restrictions on the movement of conifer species have been lifted across 7 English counties after confirmation that Phytophthora pluvialis no longer meets the criteria for quarantine pest status. Read more - members only

Growers look ahead at Frank Matthews open day

Roots to Retail visitors were welcomed to Frank P Matthews in Tenbury Wells by Bransford Webbs and New Leaf Plants, marking its 125th anniversary and recent investments. Read more - members only

Millbrook extends BGC footprint in Southeast

It has been announced that British Garden Centres has agreed to purchase 2 Millbrook garden centres, expanding the group’s estate to 77 Garden centres. A third Southeast purchase by BGC is imminent. Read more - members only

Excerpt from BGC site map

To see earlier stories - Look in the News Archive