Are garden centre sales getting back to normal?  Not yet, catering sales in February were down 25% on pre-pandemic levels according to latest figures from the GCA, but plant sales are well ahead. Read more - members only

The first HTA Sustainability Reference Sites have been named as Hillier Nurseries, The Barton Grange Group, The Gardens Group and New Wood Trees.  Read more - members only

Working with specialists, the HTA has launched a new Guide to Potentially Harmful Plants. For the first time it covers the risk to pets. Read more - members only

The Garden Centre Association (GCA) is hosting some of the first elements of its annual conference virtually for members next month (February 2022). Read more - open to all

GCA figures show garden centre sales grew by an extraordinary +28% in 2021, with massive growth from garden leisure and outdoor plants.  There was also a strong recovery in catering revenues but... Read more - members only

GIMA enters 2022 with over 40 new members and an unrivalled portfolio of business support tools. Read more - open to all

The first of GIMA’s 2022 Day Conferences is scheduled for February 17^th.  Attendees will learn more about forthcoming changes to the Extended Producer Responsibility Regulations (EPR). Read more - open to all

The Future for International Trade Conference will be held at the Stratford Manor Hotel in March.  Keynote speaker will be Shelley Boyle, Head of Business Development at ManoMano.  Read more - open to all

Partial success for HTA lobbying…  in 2022 Government will allow ornamental and tree growers to join food growers importing seasonal workers.  But there's to be no overall increase in the number allowed in. Read more - members only

Online retail sales recorded their lowest ever growth – falling by a staggering -19.8% Year-on-Year, according to the latest IMRG Capgemini Online Retail Index. Read more - members only

Results recently published on Gardenforum show winners and losers.  Companies where performance improved include Decco, Capital Gardens, Doff Portland and Longacres Garden Centre. Read more - members only

UK growers and retailers are being asked to join Peter Seabrook and become involved in the UK Floral Fantasia growing trials at RHS Hyde Hall. Read more - open to all

Perennial, the charity for people working in, or retired from, the horticulture industry, is today launching a free physiotherapy service available to people working in horticulture. Read more - open to all

The AIPH International online Conference: The path to sustainability in ornamental horticulture boasts a line-up of expert panellists from around the world. Read more - open to all

The David Colegrave Foundation (DCF) scholarship season is open for student horticulturists. This year sees the launch of a new £1,000 scholarship, providing another fantastic opportunity for students who work, or were born in, the North West of England to study horticulture.  Read more - open to all

Good news says BHETA, many (but not all) garden and DIY products could be excluded from The Offensive Weapons Act (OWA), scheduled to come into force this Spring. Read more - members only

The HTA and NFU have organised two special online events next Friday 4^th March focusing on the government’s proposed ban on peat. Read more - open to all

Following two years of restrictions and uncertainty, the AIPH announces its first in-person event in two years - the 2022 AIPH Spring Meeting, held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Dubai, UAE. Read more - members only

David Denny has become HTA Director of Research & Insights while Marin Simmons will become Head of Horticulture leaving a vacancy for a new HTA director of Membership. Read more - open to all

The British Home Enhancement Trade Association (BHETA) is to hold a networking webinar with the John Lewis Partnership on Wednesday 2^nd February at 10.30 am Read more - open to all

Choice Marketing members are celebrating their best ever year with group turnover of £150+m.  Before Christmas a huge interim rebate of over £2m was paid out to its members. Read more - members only

The HTA detects a mood of cautious optimism, but says 1/20 jobs are vacant.  Higher inflation and increased wages costs will make 2022 a challenging year. Read more - members only

As one of the leading garden retailers in the UK, Blue Diamond is keen to help horticultural students.  Up to £2,500 funding is available. Read more - open to all

As eBay expands its focus on DIY and gardening, BHETA is to host an industry-wide webinar open to all suppliers with the online marketplace. Read more - members only

Past winners Barton Grange Garden Centre in Preston and Castle Gardens at Sherborne, Dorset top the GCA list of the best garden centre Christmas displays. Read more - open to all

The HTA says the Chancellor’s emphasis on ‘upskilling’ the workforce does not go far enough.  Urgent government action is needed to address the lack of colleges and seasonal labour rules. Read more - members only

September is the first month that garden centre sales have fallen since last winter according to the GCA.  This is predominantly due to a fall in lower sales of plants and gardening goods. Read more - members only

All statistics suggest that the UK consumer focus on DIY, grow your own, garden leisure, etc remains strong beyond lockdown.  Read more - open to all

Recent indicators suggest businesses should prepare for more patrons in their on-site catering facilities in the months to come.  Also business should start thinking about Christmas. Read more - members only

A recent survey by Which? has revealed Amazon to be the priciest DIY retailer, while B&Q was the cheapest.  However, service matters too. Read more - members only