Trade restrictions lifted as Phytophthora pluvialis now deemed low‑risk

Trade restrictions on the movement of conifer species have been lifted across 7 English counties after confirmation that Phytophthora pluvialis no longer meets the criteria for quarantine pest status. Read more - members only

Re-launch of the Responsible Sourcing Scheme

The Responsible Sourcing Scheme (RSS), the independently audited certification scheme for growing media, has a redesigned website with responsibility ratings for tested products. Read more - members only

EHG urges Parliament to take horticulture more seriously

MPs and members of the House of Lords met the trade at a reception in Westminster to hear calls for closer collaboration between industry and government to unlock Environmental Horticulture’s full potential. Read more - members only

Boyd Douglas-Davies

GIMA AWARDS 2025

Gardena lifted the Sword of Honour at the 44th GIMA Awards in front of 440 guests for a night of celebration at Celtic Manor Resort, Newport, hosted by Patrick Kielty. Read more - open to all

GARDENA celebrate with the GIMA Sword of Excellence

Hosepipe bans remain in place

Hosepipe bans in southern England—including areas served by Thames Water, Southern Water, Yorkshire Water, and South East Water—are still in effect. Read more - members only

More UK trees needed to hit climate targets

The Government’s climate change and biodiversity targets will not be met without greater support for domestic tree production, according to a groundbreaking new report produced jointly by the Woodland Trust, the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA), the National Trust (NT) and the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS). Read more - members only

Maelor Forestry Tree Nurseries

Second hosepipe ban begins next Tuesday

Thames Water has announced a hosepipe ban will begin next Tuesday for customers in Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire, most of Wiltshire and some parts of Berkshire. Read more - members only

HTA marks five years of Planet Mark certification

The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) is celebrating its fifth consecutive year as a Planet Mark Certified Business, reinforcing its long-term commitment to sustainability. Read more - open to all

Study into carbon accounting of nursery stock

Greenwood Plants is collaborating with the RHS and Sheffield University on a research project to study the carbon accounting of nursery stock for urban greening. Read more - members only

Louis Kosowicz, Dr Jill Edmondson, Dr Mark Gush, Melanie Asker and Kevin Merritt

‘Wonderfuel’: the gold-standard in peat-free compost?

Treasure Gardening, a disruptive new social enterprise, launches into the UK market with its debut product, Wonderfuel, the first in a series of innovative, sustainable gardening products. Read more - members only

120 Industry heads meet MP’s and Lords

Whilst other industries look to reduce their environmental impact we want to increase ours.  This is the message received by Minister Daniel Zeichner at the House of Commons yesterday. Read more - members only

Daniel Zeichner is Minister of Food, Security and Rural Affairs

Motion to ban sale of peat introduced to House of Commons

A private members bill to ban the sale in England of horticultural peat by end 2025 has passed its first reading in the House of Commons. Read more - members only

Deroma takes significant steps towards a greener future

Deroma installs solar panels to its headquarters to help generate sustainable power for the future at its headquarters and factory in Malo Italy. Read more - open to all

GCA Sustainability Webinar

In a popular and well attended webinar on June 26th, on one of the hottest days of the year so far, 37 GCA members and Associate members heard how to tackle issues surrounding sustainable practices in their businesses. Read more - members only

New actions to protect against bark beetle tree pest

Woodland managers, landowners and the forestry industry are encouraged to remain vigilant as the Forestry Commission announces an expansion of the current Ips typographus (eight-toothed spruce bark beetle) demarcated area following findings of the tree pest on Norway spruce in East Anglia. Read more - open to all

Landscape bodies align to implement new British standard

Landscape and garden design organisations take first steps towards a collaboration aimed at raising standards, strengthening professionalism and increasing client confidence in the quality of domestic landscaping. Read more - members only

Phil Tremayne, Wayne Grills, Tracy Whitfield,  John Wyer

How should garden centres navigate the challenges of 2026?

Last week’s GCA conference heard how retail, the economy and even the weather are changing. Speakers including retail expert Mary Portas, and economists from HSBC, outlined strategies for garden centres. Read more - members only

Mary Portas on stage at the GCA conference

T&M survey looks forward to 2026

British Gardening is set for sustainable, wildlife-friendly, digital, and resilient growth in 2026, says Thompson & Morgan following a nationwide survey. Read more - members only

HTA sets out £5 billion green economy vision for Scotland

HTA has unveiled its Scottish Environmental Horticulture Manifesto outlining a vision for Scotland’s green economy which could unlock a £5.1bn economic opportunity by 2030. Read more - members only

L-R Stan Green, Carolyn Spray (Pentland Plants), Katie Neenan

London College of Garden Design leads the way in sustainability

The London College of Garden Design (LCGD) has been recognised for its leadership in sustainability, embedding environmental principles into its training and shaping the next generation of responsible, biodiversity-focused garden design professionals. Read more - open to all

BHETA issues urgent warning on new EPR legislation

BHETA has released an urgent warning regarding the latest Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation, highlighting the significant financial implications of the new rules. Read more - members only

First hosepipe ban starts on Friday

A hosepipe ban by Yorkshire Water, the first in the UK this year, will start on Friday.  The HTA recognises the need to act but highlights exceptions. Read more - members only

Drip irrigation is allowed

Mike Burks highlights SMEs' role in achieving net zero at Westminster dinner

Mike Burks, managing director of the Gardens Group, delivered a keynote speech at a Westminster dinner to mark the start of Chelsea week. Read more - open to all

Ian O'Donnell, Federation of Small Businesses Toby Perkins MP and Mike Burks The Gardens Group

Horticulture sector unites to boost peat-free gardening

20 organisations have united to create clear guidance on how to grow successfully using peat-free compost, making it easier for gardeners to make sustainable choices. Read more - open to all

Bionema announces 50 science and technology apprenticeships

Bionema Group, a UK-based biocontrol technology company, is committed to creating 50 science and technology apprenticeships over the next three years. Read more - members only

Sipcam and Westland top the GIMA Awards 2024

Over 400 guests watched as Sipcam retained the GIMA best product award from last year, while Westland was voted supplier of the year by GCA members. Read more - open to all

Sipcam wields the GIMA Sword of Honour

Plant pots accepted in kerbside recycling from 2026

Starting in 2026, all non-black, recyclable PET or PP plastic plant pots will be accepted in household kerbside recycling in England. Read more - members only

Solar and LED lights aid carbon footprint reduction

Taylors Bulbs have been reaping the rewards of their recent solar panel and LED lighting installations. Read more - open to all

Adam Taylor on the roof

GCA recommends Flybox

The Garden Centre Association is highlighting Flybox as a very interesting new way of dealing with waste food.  Read more - members only

Oak processionary moth – warning issued

The public are today (Wednesday 29th May) being urged to be vigilant for any sightings of oak processionary moth caterpillars. Read more - members only

To see earlier stories - Look in the News Archive