Garden centres report an excellent Easter and April with sales up 40% on last year and storm Katie. But chief executives tell us, “We must keep our feet on the ground,” and it will get tougher, with increased competition and inflation. Read more - members only

2016 saw second tier garden centre chains and independents invest as Wyevale consolidated. Homebase and Argos are sold. The HTA moved offices and moved to become the lead association for all gardening related businesses. Glyphosate, Xylella and the weather made frequent headlines. Scotts and Bayer looked for a way out of distributing consumer garden chemicals. Read our review – open to all. Read more - open to all

An example of when an event can backfire and two more garden centres look set to disappear into housing projects. Read more - members only

The fire and rescue service was called to Wyevale’s Windlesham garden centre last week to rescue a man who was trapped upside down between two containers. Read more - members only

Blue Diamond completed a £1m refurbishment of Trentham Garden Centre at the end of March, winning the approval of its Staffordshire customers. Read more - members only

A new garden centre opens near Braintree this week.  A man is arrested for assaulting a woman at Fermoys and British Garden Centres buy a small garden centre in East Durham. Read more - members only

40 people became unwell after visiting Old Railway Line Garden Centre on Mothers’ Day. The source of the outbreak is not yet known, but Norovirus could be the cause. Read more - members only

Consent has been granted for a Le Friquet style garden centre at Leeds, making it potentially the 18th garden centre for Blue Diamond. Read more - members only

Local newspapers report that the former finance director of Riverside Garden Centre in Bristol has been ordered to repay £125,000 stolen from a workers co-operative. Read more - members only

2015 was an eventful year in the garden sector. Here is a round-up of some of the most important stories on Gardenforum throughout the year. This article is open to non-members. Read more - open to all

The GCA has named fifteen garden centres around the UK with the best overall Christmas displays. Read more - members only

“We are delighted the Garden Bridge can now progress,” says the chairman as a deal is agreed that will limit what London taxpayers will pay. Read more - members only

Wyevale has completed the purchase of Wych Cross Garden Centre at Forest Row in E Sussex, recognised nationally for its rose collection. Read more - members only

Gardening sales fell in a sunny but cool September, while restaurants and food halls prospered. There is now clear evidence that the North has outperformed the rest in 2015 so far. Read more - members only

Garden centre agent, Alexander Mackie has sold two independent garden centres.  The first in Lincolnshire has been bought by the British Garden Centre Group; the second in Essex goes to an industry newcomer. Read more - members only

Petersham Nurseries is to bring its passion for organic gardening, culinary excellence, ethical and sustainable sourcing to the heart of London in a new Floral Court luxury retail and residential development. Read more - members only

The GCA has named the regional winners in the competition to find the best plant retailers. The garden centres will face a second inspection before the national winners are declared in January. Read more - members only

The Garden Centre Association names its best garden centres by region. The overall winners will be revealed at its January conference at St. Andrews from January 22 until 25. Read more - members only

Squire’s Garden Centre in Long Ditton has a stylish new look, following a £700,000 investment to make it bigger and better than before! Read more - members only

Wokingham Borough Council has threatened Hare Hatch Sheeplands with court action despite a planning appeal being scheduled for September and a local petition signed by 8500 supporters. Read more - members only

Grovewell Garden Centre has added a third garden centre to its group with the acquisition of MacFarlanes at Hawkinge. Read more - members only

Ingatestone Garden Centre in Billericay, Essex has been closed by its owner saying the business was no longer financially viable. Read more - members only

Bord na Mona emerges as the main growing media supplier to Wyevale Garden Centres, replacing Westland's William Sinclair.  The range will be marketed as Wyevale’s own compost. Read more - members only

Lovania Nurseries acquires Seoint Nurseries and Neil Alcock is made managing director. Read more - members only

Northern garden centres seem to have escaped damage from the floods, but congestion from the Forth Road Bridge closure has affected sales in Scotland. Read more - members only

When Hillview Group bought Witney Garden Centre they were faced with a challenge. Although surrounded by people, how would they find the centre down a country lane in the middle of the Cotswolds? Read more - members only

The HTA is looking for three new Council members to be the regional voice of the membership. “It is a great opportunity to see what is going on and influence it,” says President, Adam Wigglesworth. Read more - members only

2 years ago In November, Blooms at St Mellons in Cardiff was destroyed by fire. It has been rebuilt and reopened under its former manager. Read more - members only

Grimsby garden centre, has been bought by a not for profit social enterprise, NAViGO, which runs all local mental health and associated services in North East Lincolnshire. Read more - members only

Two Welsh garden centres join The Great Western Partnership as the buying and marketing group seeks to expand its membership. Read more - members only