Paris Natar, who started Gardman 17 years ago, completes the hand-over to the new management team by becoming a non-executive director, this week. But it does not mean that he will be any less involved with the company than before. See more... Read more - members only

The cold weather has disrupted Hillier’s preparations for the Chelsea Flower Show and the nursery’s attempt to extend its unbroken run of 64 gold medals. Follow the Hillier progress day by day on their blog at www.hilliernurseries.blogspot.com. Click on the link below... Read more - members only

Marshalls, the UK's largest manufacturer of natural stone and hard landscaping products, remains cautious despite sales figures that match last year and lengthening order books. See more... Read more - members only

At the time, they say, when other companies are cutting back and shedding resources, Scotts Miracle-Gro have increased their shop floor support for garden centres. And it seems to be working. Despite the cold start to the season, sales are ahead of last year. See more... Read more - members only

The owners of Haskins Garden Centres, Warren Haskins and his family, have agreed today to sell HobbyCraft to private equity group, Bridgepoint Capital. The price for the arts and craft retailer is believed to be around £100 million. See more... Read more - members only

There will be no new store openings this year at Homebase as it concentrates on expanding sales through the Internet. It has launched a new community website, www.getintogardening.co.uk. See more… Read more - members only

Two garden centres, one at each end of the country, are to close and be redeveloped for other uses. See more... Read more - members only

Matthew Bubear, CEO of Casco Europe, has completed a management buyout to acquire the business. This follows the sale of the North American parent company, Casco, which was announced in January. See more... Read more - members only

Poor weather has hit sales at Gardening Direct. However, Internet sales have risen. The current air travel restrictions will not affect the availability at Flying Flowers. See more... Read more - members only

Aylett Nurseries is the first independent garden centre to become a full member of the Growing Media Initiative (GMI). This means that 55% of its bagged growing media is not peat. See more... Read more - members only

The latest updates in Company Results show big sales increases at Notcutts and Thompson & Morgan. There was a big increase in profit for R A Meredith & Son (Nurseries). For further results including Coolings, DJ Squire, Frosts, Scotsdale, Stewart Plastics, Suttons, Hillier, Europlants (UK) and David Austin Roses, see more... (This article is open to all readers)... Read more - open to all

The Dorset and Hampshire garden centre group Golden Acres has announced a 20% sales increase for its four garden centres during 2009. See more... Read more - members only

The Garden Centre Group will open the doors of 74 garden centres to members of its Gardening Club on Easter Day. To see which centres will open, see more... Read more - members only

Kelkay, the Yorkshire-based manufacturer of landscaping products, is investing £3 million on an expansion that will enable turnover grew to £20 million. See more... Read more - members only

William Sinclair has reached an agreement with Natural England over the compensation it will receive for ceasing to harvest peat at Bolton Fell in Cumbria and restoring it. See more... Read more - members only

Flying Brands has bought the assets of Flowers Direct from its administrators. This will strengthen the databases of Flying Flowers and Gardening Direct. It will also give them access to 750 florists. See more… Read more - members only

There is a growing force in the selling and distribution of plants. Landgard started in the UK three years ago and has already achieved turnover of £23 million. It is aiming to double this in the next three years. See more... Read more - members only

The directors of Essex-based Kinglea Plants, the producers of Plug U Grow and Veg U Grow young plants for the multiples and independent garden centre trade, called in the administrative receivers last Friday with the immediate loss of nine jobs. See more... Read more - members only

It has been reported that Cargo’s experiment with garden centre concessions has failed. It is to close its Blooms site. See more... Read more - members only

Grow your own specialist Haxnicks, has continued its expansion with the purchase of the business of Rootrainers from Ronaash. See more... Read more - members only

The Golden Acres group has started discussions regarding the possible acquisition of two further garden centres and is looking for more within two hours driving of Bournemouth. See more... Read more - members only

The Big Green Company has opened a solar energy centre on Wilmslow Garden Centre. This is the second garden centre franchise and it hopes for several more across the UK. See more… Read more - members only

Dobbies has passed another milestone. Annual sales have topped the £100 million mark for the first time, boosted by new openings and 6% like-for-like growth during 2009. See more... Read more - members only

According to the GCA, sales at independent garden centres for the first three months of this year were 9% lower than the same period in 2009. But with the good weather garden centres are now "VERY busy". See more... Read more - members only

William Sinclair has started the mass production of the material that it says will consolidate its position as market leader in peat substitute growing media. See more... Read more - members only

Klondyke Group, which operates Klondyke and Strikes garden centres, has filed strong results for the year ending September 2009. See more... Read more - members only

A local newspaper reports that Dobbies’ newest garden centre, in Aberdeen, has been refused an off-sales drinks licence to protect children from harm. See more... Read more - members only

The Garden Centre Group is opening many of its larger garden centres on Easter Day as a service to Gardening Club members. They will be able to take lunch in the restaurant and browse the shop and plant area. See more... Read more - members only

Improved margins at B&Q have helped Kingfisher profits jump to £566m for the year to the end of January. Direct sourcing will rise by 20% this year and new eco-product ranges will be trialled. See more... Read more - members only

Hozelock has announced a TV advertising campaign featuring products to save time, effort and water. It starts on 26th of March. See more… Read more - members only