The HTA has published a Safe Trading Guidance to be signed by all retail members, which limits the number of customers in store, defines the products that can be sold and outlines procedures to be followed. Read more

With the time approaching that garden centres are likely to be permitted, with restrictions, to open, some garden centres are asking if they can afford to open. Read more

Figures just released by the GCA, show that garden centre sales fell 31% in March. Most centres closed from March 23^rd or soon after due to the Coronavirus. Read more

BHETA has reduced its forecast for DIY and Garden sales in 2020 by -12.1%.  But, it says, the sector is better protected than some.  It projects 2020 sales will fall from £11.4bn to £10bn. Read more

With no date set for the reopening of garden centres the best hope for the survival of growers’ businesses rests with the Government providing a compensation scheme. But it is asking for more data. Read more

When garden centres resume trading in the UK, how will they preserve social distancing? Gardenforum looks at what measures will need to be considered. Read more

GIMA has appealed to retailers to keep cash flowing or it could lead to the untimely demise of some suppliers. Some retailers, it says, are starting to employ bullying tactics. Read more

Current Coronavirus topics ask should garden centres be classified as essential retailers and are retailers paying their suppliers? Plus an update on the Furlough process and a petition. Read more

BHETA has stepped in to defend DIY, housewares and garden suppliers as multiple retailers seek to extend trading terms by 90 days in these exceedingly challenging times. Read more

Essential retailers remain open for garden products while Plants Galore hits out at unfair lockdown.  The HTA pleas for financial support for growers while vandals hit North Yorkshire nursery. Read more

Before the virus lockdown in March, it was the rain. February sales fell 8% in the month with substantial falls in plants and gardening revenue according to the GCA. Read more

Squire’s Twickenham opens for pets, Home base and B&Q remain closed. AIPH says losses for Dutch growers could be 2bn Euros. Zest for Leisure closes temporarily. Read more

Klondyke, Millbrook and number of leading garden centres have announced that they are closing, doing what’s best for staff and customers during the Coronavirus crisis. Others are set to follow. Read more

It has this evening been confirmed by the Minister for Housing, Communities & Local Government that Rates relief at 100% for the retail and leisure sectors will be applied to all Garden Centres. Read more

Here’s a summary of announcements made in the last 24 hours about the impact of Covid-19 on the garden sector. It includes progress from the HTA and BALI and the impact on French garden centres. Read more

A group of MP’s have written to George Eustice calling for compensation for growers and for garden centres to re-open.  At PMQ’s the Foreign Secretary acknowledged this is an important area. Read more

The Gardens Group is putting excess stock to good use in support of key workers and everyone doing their bit to stay home throughout the lockdown, donating unsold plants to carers, hospital staff and teachers. Read more

On Saturday 25th April, Homebase says it will be trialling the opening of 20 stores, with strict controls in place to ensure shopping is safe for everyone. Read more

Almost 150 B&Q stores have re-opened selling plants and gardening items. How long can Government continue to discriminate against garden centres, when 70% of the public say they would feel comfortable there? Read more

The Scottish Government has aligned its advice with the rest of the UK and encouraged garden centres, nurseries and plant growers to sell plants and garden accessories via mail order. Read more

Hopes for a resumption of trading by garden centres before the next bank holiday are withering. So, the HTA is asking growers for evidence to build the case for compensation from Government. Read more

Although Garden centre premises are closed, the switch to home delivery is leading to long delays and frustrated customers, but also to acts of generosity. Read more

The HTA’s Growers in Crisis publicity campaign has been successful in persuading the Government that ornamental growers are a key industry.  If a compensation scheme is agreed, Growers must be ready. Read more

Containers of garden furniture, delayed by the Coronavirus lockdown in China, are arriving in the UK as retailers are closed leaving LOFA members facing crippling demurrage and other costs. Read more

The AIPH says a significant proportion of ornamental horticultural producers are likely to go out of business during 2020. Some governments do not understand the specific threats facing them. Read more

“The horticultural sector could be wiped out by the UK Coronavirus shut down in just weeks” claims the HTA. The case has been highlighted by the BBC Today. Read more

The GIMA Awards are cancelled. The HTA gives members a subscription holiday. Cherry Lane Garden Centres extend opening hours. Read more

Dobbies close all its stores, BALI advises landscapers to cease trading for 48 hours, and Perennial reminds the industry that it is the safety net for people in the industry needing help at this time. Read more

As restaurants on garden centres are closed in the battle to contain Coronavirus, HTA chairman James Barnes writes to members promising HTA support and announcing a weekly survey on trading. Read more

This update is open to all readers. It includes news from Dobbies and Blue Diamond, with advice and opportunities for the current crisis. Read more