Scientists report that the bushy, hairy-leafed Cotoneaster franchetii is the latest ‘super plant’ to help boost the environment and improve human health because of its special ability to fight pollution by trapping harmful airborne particles. Read more

January trading is substantially below last year due to Covid and the weather. The Met Office warns of a greater than normal threat of disruptive winter hazards for all areas during most of February. Read more

BHETA is lobbying against last minute changes to draft Plastic Packaging Tax legislation that introduce consumer goods to the intended single use packaging. Read more

BHETA has raised strong objections to last minute additions to the draft Plastic Packaging tax legislation. Specifically, the extension to include consumer goods as well as packaging. Read more

Dejex Supplies, a wholesaler to commercial horticulture explores the arguments for and against peat and its alternatives. Read more

HTA launches Sustainability Roadmap to guide UK horticulture towards leading edge of sustainable business practice. Read more

Following Monty Don’s criticism of garden centres and growers for selling peat, the HTA has written that a peat-free future needs a change in national policy. Read more

New scientific proof that greening front gardens reduces stress will change the way we design and build our living spaces, says the RHS. Read more

A new study by The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) and University of Reading has found that ivy is the most effective plant cover for cooling buildings and reducing humidity. Read more

The Government has rejected calls by The HTA and NFU to pay financial compensation to UK Growers following the Covid-19 shutdown.   Read more

Tougher Xylella regulations have come into force, which are said to effectively ban the import of olives, lavender and rosemary. However, the HTA warns of more plant imports without Government aid for Coronavirus. Read more

February 2020 has been the wettest February on record for most of the country. The weather looks likely to remain rather wet and windy into the middle of March… Read more

On Tuesday the Spring Fair seemed to be buzzing. But underneath there was uncertainty and concern about how the Coronavirus would impact imports of goods manufactured in China. Read more

UK growers at the HTA Contact conference are told the government needs UK horticulture for it to deliver its 25 year environment strategy. Read more

The HTA has asked Defra to introduce a 12 month grace period for plant passports as growers and retailers don't want to get it wrong. Read more

The HTA complains of lack of consultation and confusion as Government introduces stricter measures to reduce the risk of importing Xylella fastidious into GB. Read more

The pledge is in response to the global impact of plastic packaging usage and the potential environmental damage this packaging can cause as a result of incorrect use and careless disposal. Read more

Unlocking the complexities of the peat debate by encouraging collaboration of the broad range of industry stakeholders to produce a roadmap the removal of peat from growing media.   Read more

The met office has warned of snow tonight and on Saturday in Scotland and the North and later, in central England. The wintry risk continues into next week. Read more

The Sunday Telegraph reported that garden centres will be handed hefty fines for continuing to sell peat compost under new government plans for a crack down.

Following criticism of British growers by Monty Don, Peter Seabrook’s column in the Sun stands up for some of the most environmentally and sustainable nurseries in the world. Read more

It has been reported that the expiry date for Glyphosate will be extended until at least 15 December 2025 in Great Britain following Brexit. Read more

Homebase is rolling out ‘The Green Aisle’ across its stores and online, showing a range of the most environmentally friendly and energy-efficient products all in one place. Read more

As part of International Year of Plant Health, Defra is hosting the UK’s first Plant Health Week.  It will run from 21– 27 September and will raise awareness of plant health threats. Read more

From Saturday Coronavirus restrictions will be relaxed for activities such as bowling alleys, skating rinks and soft play centres.  But travellers returning from France and Holland must self-isolate. Read more

The RHS has joined Water UK to encourage gardeners to adopt a ‘water-wise’ approach to their gardens ahead of this week’s forecasted heatwave. Read more

The quest to be environmentally responsible has brought new suppliers of compost and soil improvers to the Garden Press Event and a new approach for some existing suppliers. Read more

HTA sees the appointment of George Eustice as Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs as a positive move given his knowledge of this industry. Read more

The Government re-introduced the Environment Bill to Parliament yesterday. It follows the loss of the original Bill because of the general election in December. Read more

Here is a summary of the news stories published on Gardenforum during 2019:  Wyevale disintegration and the expansion of other groups, the environment, supplier consolidation and people in the news.  This review is open to all. Read more