The surge in garden centre sales continues
The HTA Market Update report shows that garden centre sales were up +97% in March compared with March 2020 when there were 9 days fewer trading due to Covid-19 and +56% up on March 2019. Read more
The surge in garden centre sales continues
The HTA Market Update report shows that garden centre sales were up +97% in March compared with March 2020 when there were 9 days fewer trading due to Covid-19 and +56% up on March 2019. Read more
Fleuroselect kicks off promotion for 'Year of the Calendula & Courgette'
2021 is the Year of the Calendula and Courgette, an international marketing campaign organised by the Home Gardening business unit of Fleuroselect. This campaigns aims at boosting the sale of Calendula and Courgette seeds and plants to end consumers. Read more
Dalverton Garden Centre to extend plant area
Dalverton Garden Centre on the Isle of Wight is set to increase its plant sales area by 20 per cent with support of Malcolm Scott Consultants. Read more
RHS to be peat-free by 2025
The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has committed to being 100% peat-free by 2025 as it experiments with farmed sphagnum moss. Read more
The GIMA Awards are to return in November
Having been cancelled in 2020 the GIMA Awards, the main industry social event of the year, is to celebrate its 40th anniversary on November 11th. Read more
Sales fell -46% in January says HTA
The HTA Market Update reveals that overall garden centre sales were down -46% from January 2020 levels. Seeds and BBQ's increased sales. Read more
GCA names two future Chairmen
GCA has published results of its virtual AGM. Tammy Woodhouse is confirmed as the next chairman. Klondyke’s David Yardley joins the executive committee for the first time. Read more
BHETA acts to remove plastic products from packaging tax
BHETA is lobbying against last minute changes to draft Plastic Packaging Tax legislation that introduce consumer goods to the intended single use packaging. Read more
HTA update on inspection regime for imports
The HTA explains Defra’s most recent guidance documents that clarify the proposed inspection regime for importing plants after 1 January and what they mean for the industry. Read more
LOFA warns that container issues at UK ports are escalating
LOFA warns that increased congestion at ports, especially Felixstowe, could impact the supplies of garden related products after Christmas. Read more
Latest Plant import / export guidance from Defra
With 50 days until the end of the transition period, the government is urging the horticulture industry to check online guidance around importing and exporting plants and plant products. Read more
Gardenex advice on our transition from the EU
Brexit - What are the concerns if there is a free trade deal?... What are the concerns if we revert to World Trade rules?... The key messages for UK exporters are explained by Gardenex. Read more
Prepare for Brexit with the GIMA Transition Hub
GIMA has launched UK Brexit Transition Hub for members and non-members. At the same time it has joined a CBI call for Government to reach a deal with the EU. Read more
Growers call for ballot on AHDB levy
107 horticulture growers have called for a ballot on the continuation of the statutory AHDB levy that funds R&D into crop protection, innovation and other research. Read more
Gardenex and PetQuip produce updated A-Z Guide to Exporting, exclusively for members
The Gardenex and PetQuip associations have published the latest edition of their invaluable A-Z Guide to Exporting, which is now available exclusively for members. Read more
Spring clean your finances take control with help from Perennial
Living with the pandemic has exacerbated the challenging financial position experienced by many working in horticulture. Perennial is addressing some of these money worries by encouraging everyone to check their financial wellbeing. Read more
Gardening sales flourished in February
February figures from the GCA show why garden suppliers are struggling to keep up with demand. Garden centre sales of furniture and barbecues were up 142%. Read more
Watch Your Back! 21
Watch Your Back! returns with a NEW scheme designed to keep everyone in horticulture sun protected. Read more
Gilbert Evans clarifies business rates post Budget
Gilbert Evans seeks to resolve the confusion following the recent budget announcement regarding the extension of the Expanded Rates - Retail Discount scheme. Read more
Consumers looking forward to eating out again
The HTA Market Update report for March shows national sales of garden/gardening categories were +69% up in February 2021 compared to the same month of last year. Read more
Exporting to the EU since the trade deal
Gardenex, PetQuip and the CHA will be hosting a special webinar, ‘Exporting to the EU since the trade deal – impacts and key issues’, on Friday 5 March. Read more
Cardboard shortage could add to delivery delays
The boom in home deliveries, stock piling by suppliers and slower recycling from shops has made corrugated cardboard so sought-after it is now being called ‘beige gold’. Read more
Bonnett writes open letter to APHA/Defra
Gardening Express boss writes to APHA/Defra re the farce preventing him from sending plants to Northern Ireland and the potential plant health risks. Read more
Joy of Plants links with WooCommerce
Joy of Plants has launched a plugin to make its library of plant photos and information available in the industry’s favourite webshop platform, WooCommerce. Read more
Kingfisher buys NeedHelp for UK roll-out
Kingfisher, parent company of B&Q and Screwfix, has bought NeedHelp, the French home improvement services marketplace, for roll out in the UK. Read more
Beyond Transition: the steps UK exporters should take now!
With the end of the Brexit Transition period looming, Gardenex will be hosting a special webinar to hear all the the steps that exporters need to take in preparation for 1 January 2021 and beyond. Read more
LOFA warns of disruption at UKs 3 main container ports
Congestion is causing severe disruptions at the UKs three main container ports, says LOFA. The lack of availability of containers will lead to delays and price rises. Read more
PR Week Award for the HTA for lockdown campaign
Everyone saw this campaign! The stark reality of wasted plants and flowers hit the front pages and appealed to our hearts and minds. Read more
GCA cancels January conference
The GCA has cancelled its January 2021 conference due to COVID-19. The restrictions, however, have led to new methods of working. Read more
Early opening of garden centres saved the industry
So said James Barnes as he announced HTA plans to double grower membership. New industry growth plans are to be developed with Government. Read more