We are now Carbon Neutral – Forest Garden

Worcestershire-based Forest Garden has become carbon neutral.  It has ensured that everything from sourcing to sawing, manufacturing to haulage is now carbon neutral. Read more - open to all

Major new exhibit has been installed in the Eden Project

New Costa Rica Eco Lodge exhibit and exclusive event share world-leading regeneration message. Read more - open to all

Dobbies expands compost bag recycling scheme across UK 

Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre retailer, has expanded its compost bag recycling scheme following a successful trial across 10 of its stores. Read more - open to all

New pilot to strengthen UK biosecurity

From June 2022, applicants to government tree planting grants must source saplings from approved suppliers. Read more - open to all

RHS trials could help shape the future of horticulture

Trials of new national collections at Wisley: Eucryphia, Albizia julibrissin (Persian silk tree) and Lagerstroemia (crape myrtle) could help shape horticulture’s response to climate change. Read more - open to all

Eucryphia lucida 'Pink Cloud' cc Christopher Whitehouse

“A tree for every employee”

The management and staff of Taylors Bulbs took time out from their daily work to plant 150 trees on their site in Holbeach. Read more - open to all

HTA names first Sustainability Champions

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

George Hillier

Government asks to understand the problems of going peat-free

A defra minister is calling for evidence as it considers potential exemptions for sectors for which the transition to peat-free is particularly difficult.  Add your views… Read more - members only

Two schemes to cut consumer demand for peat

Two nationwide schemes to reduce consumers’ demand for peat are being launched as part of HTA and GCA plans to phase out sales of peat. Read more - members only

Spring flowers appear a month early

According to the New Scientist, UK spring flowers are opening nearly a month earlier than they did before the mid-1980s, due to climate change. Read more - open to all

Horticulture veterans call for more open debate on peat

As Government consults on ending the retail sale of peat, some of ornamental horticulture's most experienced growers and journalists publish an open letter, highlighting the complex issues in the debate. Read more - open to all

New plastic tax from April 2022

BHETA explains the preparations required to comply with the 2022 Plastic Packaging Tax, which comes into force in April 2022. Read more - members only

Squire’s launch ‘Sustainability Champions’ programme

Squire’s Garden Centres has launched their ‘Sustainability Champions’ programme. One or two team members from each of their 16 garden centres have volunteered to be ‘Sustainability Champion'. Read more - members only

Sustainability Champions with Sarah Squire (front left) and Sustainability Man. Ross McEwan (back L)

Budget criticism from the HTA

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

Forestry Commission act on new tree disease

Woodland managers, landowners, the forest industry and tree nurseries are being urged to remain vigilant after the Forestry Commission (FC) and Forest Research (FR) identified the tree pathogen Phytophthora pluvialis in a woodland in Cornwall. Read more - members only

Phytopthora pluvialis lesions on a tree stem. Credit: Forest Research.

elho celebrates becoming the first European company to be certified by TÜV

Sustainable plant pot manufacturer, elho, has become the first in Europe to be certified by TÜV , a technical inspection association that ensures products are safe and comply with regional, national and international regulations. Read more - open to all

Vibia Campana vertical forest

RHS scientists record first rockrose prickly leaf beetle in the UK

The discovery of the rockrose prickly leaf beetle (Dicladispa testacea) is the first time the species has been recorded in Britain. It was identified from adult beetles on its name-sake plant - the rockrose (Cistus) - in a garden in Surrey. Read more - open to all

Rockrose prickly leaf beetles (Dicladispa testacea)

Fiskars creates bee-friendly garden to mark World Bee Day 2022

Fiskars, one of the UK’s leading gardening tool suppliers, has teamed up with several green fingered influencers to support the vital bee population as part of its Urban Gardening project. Read more - open to all

Tubex sets flat-rate pricing for tree shelter collection and recycling

Tree shelter specialist Tubex has created the UK’s first flat-rate service for its successful Collection and Recycling Programme for plastic tree shelters. By reducing costs and improving accessibility for end users, Tubex believes it will drive further take-up to the scheme. Read more - open to all

spoga+gafa adds a ? to Sustainable

Sustainable? Is the questioning theme for spoga+gafa 2022 as it returns after an absence of 2 years in June. Read more - members only

Dobbies partners with Elho to recycle plastic pots

Sustainable plant pot designer, elho, has partnered with Dobbies to provide plastic plant pot recycling bins across its 69 centres nationwide. Read more - members only

Webinar to answer questions on a peat ban

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

New packaging regulations will cost brand owners £millions

Reforms to packaging regulations proposed by Government for 2023, currently out for consultation, will cost brand owners £millions. Read more - members only

The Design Museum Shop launches student designed product Grow Wild

The Design Museum is delighted to launch Grow Wild, the winning entry for Design Ventura 2020 from Heckmondwike Grammar School’s team of Year 8 students. Read more - open to all

RHS and HTA tell Defra, help us to help you

Eustice targets 2024 for peat sales ban and hears that without helping ornamental horticulture, government cannot achieve its goals for urban renewal and a sustainable future. Read more - members only

HTA ask the industry "Work with us to phase out peat use...."

Work with us to phase out peat use, protect the environment and safeguard the UK horticulture industry. Read more - open to all

Ban on peat? Give us time

The garden industry calls for time and an ordered approach to the eradication of peat from horticulture. Supplies, legislation and technology need to catch up. Read more - open to all

Westland director, Keith Nicholson, shows ericaceous peat-free compost trials

Solar is latest step in Bents’ six Green Footprints

A total of 1167 new panels have been fitted as the next step in Bents’ Garden & Home aims to be over 90% self-sufficient at all times in the coming years. Read more - members only

BHETA webinar to update suppliers on plastic packaging tax implications

The British Home Enhancement Trade Association (BHETA) is hosting a webinar for all UK housewares, DIY, garden and small electricals suppliers on the implications and preparations required ahead of the forthcoming plastic packaging tax legislation which comes into force in April 2022.  Read more - open to all

From compost bags to Plaswood® furniture

A trial scheme for the collection of used compost packaging will see the material turned into recycled plastic furniture from Plaswood®, a Berry Global product. Read more - open to all

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