No date from Northern Ireland for garden centres
The Northern Ireland administration has said garden centres will be in the first group of retailers to reopen, but it has not indicated when this will be. Read more
No date from Northern Ireland for garden centres
The Northern Ireland administration has said garden centres will be in the first group of retailers to reopen, but it has not indicated when this will be. Read more
English garden centres finally get permission to reopen
English garden centres will be allowed to open from Wednesday says Government. Read more
English garden centres to reopen on Wednesday
The BBC has quoted a senior government source saying garden centres in England will be allowed to reopen on Wednesday, if they comply with social distancing. Read more
HTA eases its safe trading guidance for garden centres
In the hope of an early re-opening of garden centres, The HTA has eased its safety guidance, no longer advising a ban on non-garden related goods. However, cafes should remain closed. Read more
HTA seeks to resolve click & collect ‘Catch 22’
The HTA has asked Government to resolve the click & Collect ‘Catch 22’ where garden centres are allowed to provide the service, but people are not allowed to travel to collect non-essential items. Read more
MP’s write to minister to support growers - UPDATED
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 donates surplus stock to charities, hospitals and schools
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
Garden centre sales fall 31% in March
Figures just released by the GCA, show that garden centre sales fell 31% in March. Most centres closed from March 23rd or soon after due to the Coronavirus. Read more
DIY & Gardening forecast to be down more than -12%
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
The HTA sends vital survey to all UK growers
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...
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
HTA gains unprecedented access to Government
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
Port costs threaten LOFA members with closure
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 joins the appeal for help from Governments
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
HTA presents its case to save horticulture
“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
Garden centres do not have to open on Wednesday
The HTA cautions garden centres to take a thoughtful and considered approach to reopening and not to open until they are ready. Read more
Welsh Garden Centres re-open while UK garden centres wait expectantly
Welsh Garden Centres reopen today, under Coronavirus guidelines. English Garden centres might hear today, when the background paper to the PM’s broadcast is released, if they can re-open. Read more
Re-opening of English Garden Centres in doubt UPDATED
Tonight’s announcement on Coronavirus from the Prime Minister made no mention of English Garden Centres reopening. We may have to await details released to Parliament 3.30pm tomorrow if there is to be a go-ahead. Read more
Welsh garden centres to re-open on Monday
First Minister, Mark Drakefield, has announced that Welsh garden centres can re-open on Monday provided they can ensure the two metre social distancing rule. Will English garden centres follow? Read more
Covid-19 roundup 6th May
Garden centres should be prepared to open next week; Barclays back two leading independent garden centres; Juggling WFH, home schooling, child-care, basic husband training… Read more
Safe Trading rules for when garden centres re-open
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
Can garden centres afford to re-open?
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
Homebase begins to lift Covid-19 lockdown
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
How long can Government continue to discriminate against garden centres?
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
Scottish minister says garden centres and nurseries can sell via mail order
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 fade of garden centres opening before the May bank holiday
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
Covid-19 update 16 April
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
Covid-19 update Tuesday 7th April
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 boss accuses major retailers of commercial bullying
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
Covid-19 update Tuesday 31st March
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