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 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

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

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

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 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

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

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

Garden centres, suppliers, growers, and gardeners are being called on to play a part in supporting the RHS Planet Friendly Gardening Campaign. Read more - members only

The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) are calling on members of the public to go green this Halloween by sharing the 8 spookiest houseplants that could be used instead of plastic decorations. Read more - open to all

DLF Seeds, the worlds-leading grass seed breeder is to invest £3.5m in new state-of-the-art mixing and distribution facilities at its main seed processing site at Inkberrow in Worcestershire. Read more - members only

Following successful large-scale trials, Veolia has demonstrated a new way of treating the 25% of green waste that ends up being sent for disposal or re-composting. Read more - open to all

Non-profit wildflower company, Seedball says increased demand and a poor harvest last autumn, has contributed to a nationwide shortage of wildflower seed. Read more - open to all

A recent survey of GIMA has members revealed the challenges faced by companies preparing for new packaging legislation over the next two years. Read more - open to all

A new £1 million fund to increase and diversify our domestic tree production has been announced by the Forestry Commission today (21 July), in partnership with Defra. Read more - open to all

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

An invasive stink bug that spoils fruit and vegetables and can overwinter in homes has been found at RHS Garden Wisley in Surrey as part of a pheromone trapping project designed to monitor its spread. Read more - open to all

Government has announced plans to treble tree planting rates in England by the end of this Parliament.  But the scheme will fail without help for UK growers says The HTA. Read more - members only

At the Chelsea launch of the Responsible Sourcing Scheme, Tom Heap challenges the industry solution to eliminating peat as greenwash and asks why not ban peat tomorrow. Read more - members only

St Peter’s, Planters at Bretby, Monkton Elm and Old Railway Line are the first regional Garden Centres of the Year to be revealed by the GCA.  Read more - members only

The HTA has responded to proposals by Six water companies in south east England to ban, during a drought, watering outdoor plants on commercial premises and watering newly bought plants. Read more - members only

HMRC has published draft secondary legislation clarifying the scope of the plastic tax.  Storage boxes for home use and reusable food and drinks containers will not now be included in these regulations, says BHETA.  Read more - members only

Dobbies tells Environment Minister Rebecca Pow that the business is set to create around 1000 jobs over the next five years as it signs up for ‘Plant for our Planet’. Read more - members only