Crest will give away 30,000 Flopro hose reels through garden centres, absolutely free, next spring in a deal with a national newspaper.  The move aims to establish Flopro as a ‘must stock’ brand for all garden centres. Read more - members only

Owners of struggling Eggesford Garden Centre in Devon are closing the business blaming roadworks as the final tipping point. Read more - members only

Having completed 3 acquisitions in a year Ames UK managing director, Kelkay’s Anthony Harker, will be using Glee to meet a number of businesses to explore potential opportunities. Read more - members only

Wyevale has announced the sale of 5 more garden centres. Two will remain as garden centres, including a nostalgic 9th for Blue Diamond.  The others are expected to be redeveloped. Read more - members only

Gardman has served notice on its logistics partner, XPO. From 10^th September Gardman brands will be delivered by its former carrier, Robson`s of Spalding as it targets 95% service levels. Read more - members only

Good sales growth for B&Q in Q2 were driven by a strong performance of weather-related categories. Read more - members only

Following the devastating fire on the 12^th March that destroyed almost all our inventory, we have been working hard to quickly rebuild stock cover and service to our customers. Due to production capacity constraints of a limited number of our suppliers they have not been able to meet these delivery dates and here is an update. Read more - open to all

Hilco owned Homebase is expected next week to announce a CVA and closure of around 60 more stores. Read more - members only

Hortipak has joined leading horticultural marketing groups across Europe and the USA to form the Media Concept Group. Read more - members only

J. Squire & Co. Ltd (“Squire’s”) and Wheelhouse Warehousing Ltd (“Wheelhouse”) are pleased to announce the purchase of Frensham Garden Centre by Squire’s from Wheelhouse. The purchase was completed on 1 August 2018. Read more - members only

Dobbies names Graeme Jenkins as Chief Executive Officer with immediate effect replacing Nicholas Marshall, who has not been seen at the business for some months. Read more - members only

Notcutts has been given planning consent for a major redevelopment and upgrade of its Woodbridge garden centre, the group’s original site. Read more - members only

Contracts were exchanged today for Blue Diamond to acquire 8 garden centres from Wyevale as Terra Firma starts the break-up of the country’s biggest garden centre group. 2 other sites have also been sold. Read more - members only

James Whiteley, managing director of the online retailer White Stores, has bought the trading name of Nova Garden Furniture and has started wholesaling. Read more - members only

Wyevale bidders will be anticipating calls after the garden centre group announced the start of stage two of the sale where it will give additional information to those bidders who have made it through the initial stage.  Read more - members only

George Hillier and Martin Hillier, respectively sons of Robert and John Hillier, have been appointed to the Hillier Nurseries board, becoming the 5^th generation at the grower and garden centre group. Read more - open to all

Wyevale announces the sale of a further 4 garden centres.  An update on the remaining garden centres is expected soon. Read more - members only

The threat of administration has been lifted from Homebase.  But 42 stores will close leading to 1500 job losses. Read more - members only

Blue Diamond reveals it has sold 3 garden centres in a sale and leaseback deal to fund in part buying the 8 Wyevale garden centres announced last month. Read more - members only

Blue Diamond has, today, moved in to the eight garden centres it bought from Wyevale telling the employees it’s a ‘New Dawn’. Read more - members only

Homebase has confirmed it is planning a Company Voluntary Arrangement and lists a further 42 stores that will close over the next 16 months. Read more - members only

Mr Fothergill’s Seeds celebrated its 40th year by announcing several initiatives for 2019 including a link with BBC Children in Need. Read more - members only

Homebase appointed Mike Norton as director of gardening and building in July. The group, recently purchased by Hilco, is reported to be closing its horticultural offices in Swindon. Read more - members only

Ames UK has started the process of rationalising the agency sales teams of Kelkay, La Hacienda and its most recent acquisition Anchor Fast. Read more - members only

Ames makes its 3^rd acquisition in a year, adding Anchor Fast to its UK stable that already holds Kelkay and La Hacienda. It plans continued expansion in the UK and Ireland. Read more - members only

Vitax Limited, one of the UK’s leading garden and horticulture manufacturers has appointed a new managing director as it drives forward with its ambitious growth plans. Read more - open to all

Syngenta announced today it has acquired Floranova a flower and home garden vegetable seeds breeder with a broad portfolio and customers in over 50 countries. Read more - members only

Franchi Sementi has been acquired by Verisem Distribution, with Giampiero Franchi joining the parent company board to develop the company’s distribution, including in the UK. Read more - members only

Yesterday’s Sunday Times reports, “Homeowners who follow government advice to use water butts to hose their gardens and wash their cars risk exposing themselves to a dose of deadly legionella bacteria.” Read more - members only

Despite eye-catching new products at Solex, it’s been tough for garden leisure importers and not just because of the weather.  They have faced delayed deliveries, adverse cash-flows, rising costs and compliance with LOFA Assured. Read more - members only