Garden Centres turn to food, padel and dinosaurs as the summer heat rises
In a bid to drive footfall over a long hot summer, Garden centres continue to diversify, developing their food offering, creating family customer events and activities and opening new social and sporting venues. Read more - members only
Much of South UK faces hosepipe bans
Thames Water is the latest company to announce a hosepipe ban as hot, dry weather and high demand put pressure on water supplies across large parts of Southern England and Wales. Read more - members only
B&M UK hit by slower garden season in Q1
B&M UK sales fell in Q1, the 13 weeks to 27 June 2026, reflecting a slower start to the garden and outdoor season. Read more - members only
A tribute to Andy Bunker
Andy Bunker, a well‑known and widely respected figure in UK garden retail, died on 13 July 2026, aged 63, following a short battle with pancreatic cancer. Read more - open to all
Garden centres have forgotten how to sell garden furniture
Conversations in the aisles at Solex revealed supplier frustration that too many garden centres are losing their confidence with premium outdoor living, allowing online retailers to increase share. Read more - members only
Crowds flock to RHS Badminton
Roads were clogged for miles around Badminton, such was the demand to visit on day 1 of new RHS Flower Show that has replaced the Hampton Court Show this year. Read more - members only
Crocus launches biologically active insect‑powered mulch
Crocus has launched one of the UK’s first biologically active mulches, harnessing insect frass to build fertile soil and boost plant health, “...a mulch that works with nature rather than just sitting on top of it.” Read more - members only
Death announced of David J. C. Austin
David Austin Roses has announced that David J. C. Austin, son of its founder, has died at his Shropshire home, surrounded by his family. Read more - open to all
Garden centres resilient against headwinds
Volatile weather and weak consumer confidence remained headwinds to garden centre performance in June 2026. Yet, thanks to catering growth, HTA figures for the year to date show sales just -1% behind 2025. Read more - members only
UK horticultural businesses: we need your insight
Defra is asking growers, nurseries, importers and retailers to complete a survey examining how soil, including soil attached to imported plants, enters the UK and is managed. Read more - open to all
Caledonia investment could reshape Blue Diamond and accelerate garden centre consolidation
Blue Diamond shareholders approve Caledonia’s £60m investment, significantly boosting its capital for acquisitions and potentially accelerating change in the fragmented garden centre market. Read more - members only
.jpg)