Average basket size grows more slowly than customer numbers

The half-year figures from the Garden Centre Association (GCA) even out the peaks and troughs of the season and give the first, fairly reliable snapshot of where the industry is. For analysis, see more... Read more - members only

GCA signs up five more members in June

The Garden Centre Association (GCA) has announced that it signed up some new garden centre members last month (June, 2014).  See more... Read more - members only

Thetford Garden Centre

Plenty of sun expected in July

Wiseweather predicts below average rainfall in July, with correspondingly high amounts of sun. But there will be thundery outbreaks. See more... Read more - members only

Hot topics at the HTA National Plant Show

Will nurseries increase production next year? Are shrubs sales in long-term decline? Which nurseries are expanding? Is there a solution to Danish trolleys? These were some of the topics debated down the aisles at the HTA National Plant Show. See more… Read more - members only

RHS secures Chelsea site for next 10 years

The RHS Chelsea Flower show will retain its central London venue at the Royal Hospital for at least another 10 years as the RHS signs a new 10 year deal. See more… Read more - members only

It will not be a glorious June

Wiseweather suggests June will be characterised by a succession of low pressure areas interspersed with short spells of high pressure bringing above average rain for the month. See more... Read more - members only

Why the GIMA’s?

The deadline is approaching for suppliers to submit their products for the 2014 GIMA Awards. These are two reasons why these are the most influential awards in the garden sector. See more.... Read more - members only

Only 20% of landscapers quote maintenance costs alongside their designs

In a survey of 100 professional landscape practitioners, landscape architects and garden designers, only 20% surveyed said they provided annual maintenance costs alongside their designs and schemes. See more... Read more - members only

May forecast is good for gardeners

May is likely to be dominated by high pressure according to the monthly forecast from Wiseweather, with above average temperatures and sunshine. See more... Read more - members only

The RHS has launched a major new website

The RHS has launched its potentially powerful new website, but Gardenforum finds that it may have been released too early, before it is ready. See more... Read more - members only

Healthy Easter sales gives trade a boost

There are many happy bunnies across the garden industry after a bumper Easter weekend. Many garden centres are reporting record trading days with plants and garden sundries sales particularly strong, along with catering. Read more - members only

There's a new recruitment agency for the garden industry

There's a new recruitment agency coming to garden retail, landscape and horticulture in general. Alexander Tredwell  is a division of Wax Selection and is headed by a well known recruiter within the garden sector.  See more... Read more - members only

GIMA creates £5000 innovators fund

GIMA is launching a £5,000 seed corn fund to encourage innovative new businesses into the UK gardening industry. See more... Read more - members only

New e-learning course for garden retail staff on using garden care chemicals safely

A new exciting online tool has been launched by the Crop Protection Association (CPA) and Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) to provide training for garden retail staff on the safe use of garden plant protection products. Read more - open to all

Good landscaping can cut health costs

Pressure on Government to give greater priority to good landscaping will get a boost at The AIPH Green City Conference in London. It will hear how investing in landscapes can counteract the growing cost of healthcare in the UK. See more... Read more - members only

Hotels fully booked as independents return to Glee

With almost 2 months before the show starts, some of the most popular hotels at the NEC are fully booked as garden retailers look set to return to Glee in numbers. See more… Read more - members only

Report looks at online garden products market

AMA has published a study on the online garden products market. It forecasts trends to 2018, distinguishing between specialist and non-specialist Internet retailers. See more… Read more - members only

New Legal advice line for HTA members launched

Members of the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) now have access to a dedicated legal advice line to help with any Business Legal queries they may have. Read more - open to all

Associates welcome as GCA members gather for regional award meetings

Garden centres will be gathering around the country in July to hear the results from this year’s GCA inspections. Suppliers, who are associate members, are also welcome to attend. See more… Read more - members only

Your 'To Do' list for the National Plant Show

There’s just over two weeks before the fifth National Plant Show. A look at the record number of plant introductions and hearing about new research on gardeners of the future are two items for your ‘To Do’ list. See more... Read more - members only

Profits are up - Who said 2012/13 was a difficult time for gardening?

The latest updates to our Company Results pages show an encouraging picture, with nearly every company improving performance. Allensmore, David Austin, DJ Squire, Webbs, Bulrush, Harrod, Taylor Bulbs and Kelkay all improved their figures over the previous year. Who said 2012/13 was a difficult time for gardening? See more (open to all)... Read more - open to all

Figures show the gardener is back

April figures released from the Garden Centre Association’s Barometer of Trade underline how gardeners have got back into gardening this spring, buying plants and gardening products. See more... Read more - members only

Will your team be Top of the Pots?

The HTA has initiated a Top of the Pots merchandising competition to find the garden retailer with the most creative container gardening display. See more... Read more - members only

Strong interest in Glee 2014

A new venue, an export theatre, Clearance Sunday, International Buyer Connect, 20% more space booked and some big names returning have given a new energy to Glee for 2014. See more... Read more - members only

There’s a new recruitment agency for the garden industry

There’s a new recruitment agency coming to garden retail, landscape and horticulture in general.   Alexander Tredwell  is a division of Wax Selection and is headed by a well known  recruiter within the garden sector.  See more... Read more - members only

Aimee Glover with James Frost

EU & Government move to stop the spread of alien species

Measures to stop invasive alien species of plants, animals or insects getting into the EU or to limit the ecological and economic damage caused by those that do, came a step closer last week. See more… Read more - members only

Plants and gardening push GC sales up 12% in the year

Analysis of the latest GCA figures shows that garden centre sales have increased by 12% in the last 12 months and it is thanks to plants, garden sundries and garden furniture. See more... Read more - members only

April long range forecast looks promising

Rainfall is forecast to be lower than average, while temperatures, especially in the south and east, are predicted to be above. The long range outlook from Wiseweather should be good for gardening. See more... Read more - members only

Plans laid for industry wide marketing initiative in 2015

HTA, GIMA and HTA urge members to back a campaign devised by the the new Garden Industry Marketing Board to encourage more young people to enjoy their outdoor space. See more... Read more - members only

Design your dream patio or driveway with new paving planner from Bradstone

Paving expert, Bradstone, has launched a clever online Paving Planner tool created to help design your dream patio or driveway in a few simple steps from the comfort of your own home. See more... Read more - members only

To see earlier stories - Look in the News Archive