Blight extends Sweet Chestnut trade restrictions in South West
The Forestry Commission has expanded Sweet Chestnut Blight restrictions in south-west England following the discovery of further infected sites near the boundary of the restricted areas first announced in March. Read more - open to all
HTA unveils Horticulture, The Conference programme
The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) has announced key programme highlights for Horticulture, The Conference, taking place at London’s Barbican Centre on Thursday 24 September 2026. Read more - open to all
Landlords serve notice on Dobbies’ Antrim store
Dobbies garden centre at The Junction Retail and Leisure Park in Antrim is due to close at the end of October as the site is prepared for new retail and leisure uses. Read more - members only
Most councils fail to recycle plant pots
An HTA FOI investigation finds just 44% of English councils collect non-black plastic plant pots, potentially leaving horticulture with an additional £750,000 annual EPR bill.
Pillaton Garden Centre sold to local investor
Christie & Co has announced the sale of Pillaton Garden Centre, an established garden centre near Penkridge in South Staffordshire. Read more - members only
HTA reports stronger trade in July than expected
Garden Centre sales in July show a strong rebound after weaker sales the previous month, where wet-weather conditions, followed by extreme heat, may have created pent-up demand. Read more - members only
Greenfingers Charity calls on Glee visitors to Go Floral
Greenfingers Charity is encouraging everyone heading to Glee on Thursday 10 September to embrace Floral Thursday and help raise vital funds for children's hospice gardens. Read more - open to all
GCA opens Worrall Cup entries early
Garden Centre Association members can enter the 2026 Worrall Cup from September 1, with an earlier deadline designed to avoid the festive rush.
Read more - open to all
Cotton Traders grows despite cost pressures
Cotton Traders, with sites in 72 garden centres, has grown revenue and operating profit in 2025, despite inflationary pressures and a challenging consumer trading environment. Read more - members only
What Mr Fothergill’s trials reveal about its growth strategy
Fothergill’s recently opened its trial grounds to journalists, influencers and bloggers. Three years after the founding family sold the business to Harwood, the company’s direction is clear. Read more - members only
Deco-Pak appoints Dan Charles to senior commercial role
Deco-Pak has strengthened its senior management team with the appointment of Dan Charles as Head of Commercial & Merchandising.
Read more - open to all
GIMA hosted meetings bring international buyers to Glee
GIMA is using its Gardenex export service to bring a group of international buyers to Glee 2026 (8 to 10 Sept, NEC Birmingham) for a programme of one-to-one hosted meetings with exhibitors. Read more - members only
