Dobbies and Ares are working to an ambitious 5-year strategy

CEO David Robinson unveiled the first Dobbies store to be upgraded post restructuring, explaining how he plans to restore successful trading to the 53 garden centres now in the group.  Read more - members only

Michael Hall retires from Fallen Fruits

After more than 30 years, Michael Hall is taking his well-earned retirement, stepping down as Managing Director of Fallen Fruits Ltd. James Brindle will take over as the new Managing Director. Read more - open to all

Michael Hall

Record dispatch week for Farplants sales

Farplants Sales, a leading plant wholesaler owned by 3 growers, has successfully handled one of its busiest weeks ever without any sense of rush or stress, shipping over 800,000 plants.  Read more - members only

The sun shines and garden sales jump in March

The HTA reveals a strong performance for UK garden centres in March, but warns there needs to be a sustained period of robust sales to offset rising employment costs. Read more - members only

BGC buys Hayes Garden Centre

British Garden Centres has confirmed its acquisition of Hayes Garden World in Ambleside.  This will be the 8th new garden centre for BGC this year. Read more - members only

Northampton reopens as BGC’s 72nd garden centre

TV presenter Nicki Chapman has reopened Northampton Garden Centre under the new ownership of British Garden Centres (BGC). Read more - members only

Nicki Chapman with Amy, Charles and Libby Stubbs of family owned British Garden Centres

Westland buys Bulldog Products

Westland continues expansion with the purchase of Bulldog Products Ltd, the wild bird feed business, and with plans for a new distribution depot in South Wales. Read more - members only

Study into carbon accounting of nursery stock

Greenwood Plants is collaborating with the RHS and Sheffield University on a research project to study the carbon accounting of nursery stock for urban greening. Read more - members only

Louis Kosowicz, Dr Jill Edmondson, Dr Mark Gush, Melanie Asker and Kevin Merritt

Lacklustre results for Squire’s in damp 2024

Excellent 2025 spring trading justifies Squire’s long-term confidence after poor weather forced lacklustre but resilient results in 2024. Read more - members only

Milford Garden Centre

Notcutts Dukeries Garden Centre emerged as the standout performer

National family-owned garden centre group Notcutts celebrated the achievements of its 19 garden centres and support office at their annual conference. Read more - open to all

The Notcutts Group Limited board members

MorePeople Celebrates 25 Years in Business

April 2025 marks a significant milestone for specialist recruitment business MorePeople, celebrating 25 years in the food, fresh produce, horticulture, and agriculture industries. Read more - open to all

Guy Moreton

Results below expectations at Yorkshire Garden Centres

The owners of Tong Garden centre have filed their accounts for the year to June 2024.  Results were below expectations due to low consumer confidence and the very poor spring weather. Read more - members only

Aerial view of Tong Garden Centre

Blue Diamond looking to build Fire-Power for acquisitions 

Alan Roper tells GIMA members, “I’m still hungry to grow the business,” while explaining his principles that have driven the Blue Diamond success story.  Read more - members only

Alan Roper, managing director of Blue Diamond Garden Centres

Blue Diamond rocks at the Roundhouse

Teams from Blue Diamond’s garden centres around the country dressed as rock stars and gathered at the Roundhouse, the iconic rock venue in London.  Read more - members only

Rick Parfitt Jnr

Blue Diamond to open Harlestone Heath Garden Centre on March 24th

Blue Diamond is set to open Harlestone Heath Garden Centre on Monday, March 24th.  The former Dobbies site closed in December.  Read more - members only

photo:Northampton Chronicle

Squire's names new Managing Director

Squire's Garden Centres appoints Sam Dickson to succeed Martin Breddy as managing director. Read more - open to all

Sarah Squire, Chairman, welcomes Sam Dickson new Managing Director of Squire’s Garden Centres

Garden Centre re-opens its doors after fire

Following a major fire in its new extension in November 2024, The Old Well Garden Centre re-opened its doors again for the Easter weekend. Read more - members only

Hobbycraft to launch CVA as part of restructuring plan

Hobbycraft Trading ltd, the UK's leading arts and crafts retailer, plans to launch a Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA) as part of a restructuring plan, Gardenforum has learned. Read more - members only

Cadix (UK) Limited closes its doors after 26 years

Cadix (UK) Limited has announced that as of Thursday 10th April 2025 it has ceased trading with immediate effect. Read more - open to all

Store openings boost revenues at B&M

Like for like sales fell at B&M UK, the variety goods value retailer, for the 52 weeks ending 29 March 2025.  Revenues, however, grew as new stores opened. Read more - members only

Feefo Gold Award for Bents Garden & Home

Bents Garden & Home in Warrington has been awarded the Feefo Gold Trusted Service Award 2025, recognizing their consistent delivery of world-class customer service. Read more - members only

Blue Diamond opens Huntingdon and offers 2 sites for sale and leaseback

Blue Diamond opens its 49th garden centre at Huntingdon and offers 2 existing garden centres for sale and leaseback. Read more - members only

Exciting new chapter for Old Railway Line Garden Centre

Old Railway Line marks its 35th anniversary with a grand opening of its new entrance and fully covered plant area. Read more - members only

Is new tech the key to catering customer satisfaction?

The introduction of a new kiosk and app-based ordering system at Fron Goch Garden Centre in North Wales has prompted the question - are kiosks and an app for ordering the future for garden centre restaurants? Read more - members only

New Pugh’s town centre stores buck the trend

Plans for “Garden Kitchen by Pugh’s”, a garden shop and food hall in Abergavenny town centre have been given the go-ahead by Monmouthshire County Council.  Read more - members only

Monkton Elm opens its new Restaurant

Monkton Elm garden centre near Taunton has just re-opened its popular Elm Tree restaurant after major refurbishment. Read more - members only

New owners for Chard garden centre

Chard Garden Centre was transferred to new owners at the beginning of this week.  The new owners want to honour the incredible legacy built by Neil and Carol Cline. Read more - members only

Carl McDermott and Gill Vigus taking the keys from Neil and Carol Cline.

Thetford Garden Centre completes major redevelopment

Thetford Garden Centre has completed a significant redevelopment project.  Now it can create exceptional cakes in generous portions that customers will truly enjoy. Read more - members only

The ladies

Dobbies unveils strategy to drive year-round footfall

Dobbies, the restructured UK garden centre group, has launched a new strategic and creative platform, "This Is Garden Living," aimed at driving year-round footfall. Read more - members only

J Parker’s buys Daisy Nook Garden Centre

J Parker has today taken over the operations of Daisy Nook Garden Centre in Failsworth near Manchester. Read more - members only

To see earlier stories - Look in the News Archive