Kingfisher to roll out agentic AI shopping
Kingfisher has announced a multi‑year partnership with Google Cloud to introduce agentic AI‑powered shopping across its e‑commerce platforms, including B&Q in the UK. Read more - members only
Kingfisher to roll out agentic AI shopping
Kingfisher has announced a multi‑year partnership with Google Cloud to introduce agentic AI‑powered shopping across its e‑commerce platforms, including B&Q in the UK. Read more - members only
Dobbies Garden Centres invests £1.5m in nationwide foodhall rollout
Dobbies Garden Centres has completed a £1.5m investment in a new foodhall concept, which has been rolled out across 48 of its UK garden centres. Read more - members only
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
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
Farplants retains branded labels for retailers under EPR changes
Retailers facing new EPR rules are being urged to adopt plain labels to avoid higher costs, financial liability and increased administrative complexity. Read more - members only
Klondyke unveils new ‘Garden Thyme’ furniture brand
The Klondyke Group has launched its 2026 outdoor living collections at a dedicated Outdoor Living Showcase held this week at its Polmont centre. Read more - members only
Ames update
Following last week's revelation that Ames has been put up for sale by Griffon Corporation, more information has emerged about the future of the business. Read more - members only
Schoneveld Breeding bought by De Groot en Slot Family Business
Dutch genetics specialist Schoneveld Breeding has been acquired by the family‑owned De Groot en Slot, marking a significant consolidation within the European horticultural supply chain. Read more - members only
Ames UK is for sale
Griffon Corporation reorganisation leaves Ames UK, newly invested with modern plant and state-of-the-art control systems, available to approaches from suitors. Read more - members only
STV buys the assets of Wildlife World
Following a decision by the directors of WildLife World to close the business, STV has acquired the intellectual property and assets of company. Read more - members only
BGC leases Downtown Garden Centre
British Garden Centres has confirmed that it is leasing Downtown Garden Centre in Grantham, Lincolnshire, a move lifts that its national portfolio to 75 centres across the UK. Read more - members only
Champion of champions garden centres unveiled at GCA conference
The winners of the Garden Centre Association’s (GCA) most prestigious awards including its Garden Centres of Excellence were announced at its annual conference yesterday (Tuesday, January 27, 2027). Read more - members only
Downtown Garden Centre to close briefly” for refurbishment”
Social media posts have raised questions about the future of Downtown Garden Centre, near Grantham, after rumours suggested it closed on Thursday (January 22) for a refit. Read more - members only
Sales and margin growth at Blue Diamond in 2025
Blue Diamond Garden Centres reports strong sales and margin growth in 2025 despite market challenges, driven by acquisitions, improved efficiency, and good spring weather. Read more - members only
Blue Diamond dances to the beat of Alan Roper
Over 700 partied into the night at the Caribbean themed Blue Diamond awards for its most profitable garden centres. Read more - members only
Opperman Plants files notice of intention to appoint administrators
Lincolnshire grower Opperman Plants has filed a Notice of Intention (NOI) to appoint administrators as financial pressures mount on the long‑established nursery. Read more - members only
Blue Diamond extends Garden Re‑Leaf fundraising to a full week
Blue Diamond Garden Centres are ramping up their support for Greenfingers Charity this year by extending Garden Re‑Leaf Day into a full week of fundraising activities. Read more - open to all
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
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
Miracle-Gro launches new integrated brand campaign
Miracle-Gro has unveiled a new national brand campaign fronted by gardening duo The Glovers, aiming to boost confidence, simplify gardening and grow participation across the category. Read more - open to all
Acquisition of La Mundial de Coco future‑proofs Bulrush’s coir supply
Pindstrup Mosebrug A/S, parent company of Bulrush Horticulture, has acquired La Mundial de Coco, a leading Dominican Republic‑based supplier of high‑quality coco fibre and coco pith. Read more - members only
Hillier celebrates 2025 successes
The Hillier Awards night celebrated the outstanding garden centre contributions by staff and suppliers and the Nursery’s achievement, becoming the AIPH International Grower of the Year. Read more - members only
Hillier seeks Senior Production Manager to succeed Charles Carr
Hillier Nurseries has begun the search for a new Senior Production Manager following the decision of Charles Carr, Head of Wholesale Nurseries, to step down in May 2026. Read more - open to all
Evergreen GC acquisition extends compost footprint in Europe
Evergreen Garden Care has extended its range in Europe with the acquisition of Agaris Horti, a producer and supplier of growing media, from Straco Private Equity. Read more - members only
Newey invests in the future of UK tree production
Newey Ltd, one of the UK’s largest plant producers, has secured approval for a new 2.5-acre Intermediate Tree Site in Chichester. Read more - members only
GCA names garden centres and supplier of the year
Ruxley Manor, Old Railway Line, Brimsmore garden centres and Woodlodge take top GCA awards. Read more - members only
Hillier Nurseries, UK, wins AIPH International Grower of the Year 2026
Hillier Nurseries Ltd, a UK-based producer of shrubs and trees, has been awarded the title of International Grower of the Year (IGOTY) 2026 by the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH). Read more - members only
B&M warns on profits despite stronger December sales
B&M European Value Retail has lowered its full‑year profit expectations after a mixed third quarter, despite delivering a strong December and encouraging early January trading. Read more - members only
Garden centres are preparing for 2026 after a strong 2025
As we move into 2026, garden centre operators across the UK are reflecting on a successful 2025 and considering how best to navigate the uncertain year ahead. Read more - members only