Defra is asking growers, nurseries, importers and retailers to complete a survey examining how soil, including soil attached to imported plants, enters the UK and is managed. Read more - open to all

Blue Diamond shareholders approve Caledonia’s £60m investment, significantly boosting its capital for acquisitions and potentially accelerating change in the fragmented garden centre market. Read more - members only

South East Water has announced a hosepipe ban for around 850,000 customers in Kent, citing record demand and sustained high temperatures that have pushed its network beyond capacity. Read more - members only

Durston Garden Products is preparing to move production to a new 25-acre site in Somerset to increase capacity, and open the family business up to opportunities in new market sectors. Read more - members only

Blue Diamond is to buy Highfield Garden World at Whitminster in Gloucestershire.  Staff have been informed today. Read more - members only

Conversations in the aisles at Solex revealed supplier frustration that too many garden centres are losing their confidence with premium outdoor living, allowing online retailers to increase share. Read more - members only

Roads were clogged for miles around Badminton, such was the demand to visit on day 1 of new RHS Flower Show that has replaced the Hampton Court Show this year.   Read more - members only

spoga+gafa has abandoned plans to move away from its June timeslot and will remain a June event after strong representations from exhibitors, retailers and industry bodies. Read more - members only

A difficult spring season set the tone at this year’s National Plant Show, with growers and retailers reflecting on challenging weather and rising costs. Read more - members only

Hillier Garden Centres is progressing with the proposed sale of its Hemel Hempstead site, with closure now expected by the end of January 2027, subject to completion. Read more - members only

Blue Diamond plans to raise £60 million from Caledonia Investments to fund acquisitions, expansion and shareholder buy-backs, strengthening its position as the UK’s leading garden centre group.