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 will be allowed to open from Wednesday says Government. Read more

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

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

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

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

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

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 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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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