Do you remember the GIMA Awards of yesteryear?
As the annual GIMA Awards get set to celebrate its 40th anniversary in July 2020 the leading trade organisation for garden manufacturers is calling upon the industry to help paint a picture of GIMA Awards of yesteryear. Read more
BHETA provides Challenge 25 collateral for bladed goods
BHETA is to provide officially sanctioned Challenge 25 artwork for suppliers, retailers and delivery companies involved in the supply of age-restricted bladed items such as kitchen knives and DIY and garden tools. Read more
Funding for commercial horticulture students thanks to Peter Seabrook & BPOA
Students of commercial horticulture can get £1,000 of funding through the British Protected Ornamentals Association – Peter Seabrook Bursary. Read more
Hot seat sessions at Cultivating Retail
Key topics impacting the industry will be in the spotlight at next month’s Cultivating Retail Conference on Tuesday 19 November 2019 at East Midlands Conference Centre, Nottingham. Read more
September sales fell 1% in GCA garden centres
September sales were 1% down on last year according to the latest figures published by the Garden Centre Association. Read more
Advice for Brexit, deal or no deal
Gardenforum looks at some of the resources available to help companies keep up to date with advice on Brexit and especially a no deal Brexit. Read more
Price rises for plants as demand exceeds supply
As demand for UK grown plants increases, growers in the Green Heart of Glee reveal that prices will rise and there could be shortages. Read more
Travel with the Ball Colegrave sponsored scholarship
Where could experience in the commercial bedding plant industry take you? Bedding plant enthusiasts are invited to find out by applying for the £1,500 Ball Colegrave Sponsored Travel Scholarship. Read more
Garden centres defy high street gloom
GCA figures for July show garden centres increased sales by +11%, while the BRC reports that high street footfall dropped by -2.7% and footfall in shopping centres fell by +3.1%. Read more
Free report forecasts production and markets for ornamentals
The International Vision Project (IVP) by the AIPH, is the first of its kind in ornamental horticulture to set out a forecast for the future of the global industry until 2030. It is available free online. Read more
The HTA has a message for Boris
The HTA’s Director of Policy and Communications tells the new PM that the ornamental sector, which supports 568,000 jobs, is essential for the Government’s environment plans. Read more
The 2019 GIMA Award winners are…
The big winners at last night’s Garden Industry Manufacturer’s Awards were the rapidly growing Smart Garden and industry newcomer, Primeur, with its recycled rubber, self watering planters. Read more
The next May bank holiday will be on a Friday
The first May bank holiday in 2020 will be put back 4 days to Friday 8th May to celebrate VE Day in Europe. Read more
Retailers and suppliers meet to discuss responsible knife retailing
Top retailer and supplier brands attended BHETA’s workshop, to discuss its responsible knife retailing campaign. The first actions in the responsible retailing campaign will be announced within weeks. Read more
New Wisley plant centre to have biggest range of unusual plants
The new Welcome building that opens next month at the RHS Wisley garden will sell more unusual and rare plants from one place than anywhere else in the UK. Read more
Cultivation Street announces Miracle-Gro® as new sponsor
The national community, school, and gardens for better health campaign, Cultivation Street, enters its eighth year in 2020 and is excited to announce Miracle-Gro® as the sponsor for 2020 (previous sponsors have been the HTA and Calliope). Read more
Kick start 2020 with the Contact Conference
With 2020 designated the International Year of Plant Health, biosecurity will be taking centre stage at Contact Conference, sponsored by ICL, which takes place on Wednesday 15 and Thursday 16 January 2020 at Horticulture House, Chilton. Read more
Did sales rise or fall in October?
Separate reports from the GCA and the HTA show contrasting outcomes for garden centre sales during October. The GCA reports a fall for a second consecutive month, while the HTA reports a rise. Read more
Funding for horticultural research students
There is a scholarship available to students pursuing a research career in the horticultural industry. Read more
Announcing our venue for GCA Conference 2020
Our conference is attended by a majority of our garden centre members; therefore, it is the ideal opportunity to meet new and existing customers and speak to the decision makers. Read more
How can environmental solutions & sustainable applications advance commercial horticulture?
If you’re a student with a passion for ‘green’ horticulture you may be the right candidate to apply for the £1,500 John Gibson Environmental Scholarship. Read more
Garden centres prosper in the rain and heat of August
August weather was hotter and wetter than average. As a result both garden furniture and gardening sales prospered according to the GCA Barometer of Trade. Read more
A new product category emerged at Glee
Alternative to Chemicals, goes a step beyond replacing one chemical with another that's more environmentally friendly. Hozelock and Westland see ATC as an important step preparing consumers for a 'free-from' future. Read more
The HTA needs to get onto the front foot
HTA chairman, James Barnes calls for the backing of members, especially growers, to hear him present plans to re-invigorate the HTA and to promote sustainability at the Cultivating Retail conference. Read more
The Trouble with Garden Centres – ITV Thurs 22 Aug
Watch ITV Thurs 22 Aug at 7.30. Chris Choi investigates the sustainability of garden centres in 'The Trouble with Garden Centres’. Read more
GCA sees record numbers of new members join
The Garden Centre Association (GCA) has seen a record number of new members join in 2019 – with 10 signing up so far this year. Read more
Despite a weaker June, garden centre sales are +6% for the year
2019 has the makings of a strong year for garden centres. Latest figures from the GCA indicate that garden centres are still +6% ahead of last year despite losing ground in June. Read more
May sales hold up well
May sales, while down -7%, were stronger than garden centres could have hoped for. At the end of the month they are still +9% year-to-date ahead of last year. Read more
Contemporary sculptures mark opening of new Wisley garden centre
A 5m high Giants Chair dominates a sculpture display at RHS Wisley Gardens that coincides with next week’s opening of its new garden centre, restaurant and Welcome building. Read more
GCA plant sales up 34% this year
The GCA Barometer of Trade shows garden centre sales were +19% up for the year at the end of April with outdoor plants and furniture being the stand-out performers. Read more
