Proof that greening front gardens reduces stress
New scientific proof that greening front gardens reduces stress will change the way we design and build our living spaces, says the RHS. Read more - members only
Proof that greening front gardens reduces stress
New scientific proof that greening front gardens reduces stress will change the way we design and build our living spaces, says the RHS. Read more - members only
Ivy is the most effective plant cover for cooling buildings
A new study by The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) and University of Reading has found that ivy is the most effective plant cover for cooling buildings and reducing humidity. Read more - open to all
Government refuses compensation for UK Growers
The Government has rejected calls by The HTA and NFU to pay financial compensation to UK Growers following the Covid-19 shutdown. Read more - open to all
Tougher Xylella regulations come into force today
Tougher Xylella regulations have come into force, which are said to effectively ban the import of olives, lavender and rosemary. However, the HTA warns of more plant imports without Government aid for Coronavirus. Read more - open to all
Wettest February on record and 5th wettest Winter
February 2020 has been the wettest February on record for most of the country. The weather looks likely to remain rather wet and windy into the middle of March… Read more - members only
Fears that Coronavirus will impact supplies from China
On Tuesday the Spring Fair seemed to be buzzing. But underneath there was uncertainty and concern about how the Coronavirus would impact imports of goods manufactured in China. Read more - members only
Great opportunity for UK Growers
UK growers at the HTA Contact conference are told the government needs UK horticulture for it to deliver its 25 year environment strategy. Read more - members only
HTA calls for 'no penalty period' for Plant Passporting
The HTA has asked Defra to introduce a 12 month grace period for plant passports as growers and retailers don't want to get it wrong. Read more - members only
HTA comments on General Election
James Clark, Director of Policy and Communications at the HTA comments on the announcement that a General Election is to be held on Thursday 12 December. Read more - open to all
A new product category emerged at Glee
Alternative to Chemicals, goes a step beyond replacing one chemical with another that's more environmentally friendly. Hozelock and Westland see ATC as an important step preparing consumers for a 'free-from' future. Read more - members only
London to give away 10,000 planting kits
The Mayor of London will give away 10,000 planting kids on Saturday to celebrate London becoming the world's first National Park City. #GiveItAGrow Read more - members only
Peat use must be banned to hit zero-carbon targets says Veolia
It’s time to stop excavating our precious peatlands says the UK’s largest peat-free composter Veolia, claiming 'The damaging practice has continued to grow despite national targets to phase it out'.
Read more - members onlyGlee looks to a plastic-free future
Green gardening is not a fashion or a passing fad – Glee takes a look at how exhibitors at Glee are planning to reduce dependency on single-use plastics. Read more - members only
Retailers and suppliers meet to discuss responsible knife retailing
Top retailer and supplier brands attended BHETA’s workshop, to discuss its responsible knife retailing campaign. The first actions in the responsible retailing campaign will be announced within weeks. Read more - members only
The plastic pot debate
The HTA’s sustainability matters conference discussed pots. Why Taupe? Is it better to recycle, reuse or are biodegradable pots a way forward? Should there be an industry agreed policy? Read more - members only
The UK's first Plant Health Week
As part of International Year of Plant Health, Defra is hosting the UK’s first Plant Health Week. It will run from 21– 27 September and will raise awareness of plant health threats. Read more - open to all
Further lockdown easing in England
From Saturday Coronavirus restrictions will be relaxed for activities such as bowling alleys, skating rinks and soft play centres. But travellers returning from France and Holland must self-isolate. Read more - open to all
Gardeners called to help save water as temperatures set to soar
The RHS has joined Water UK to encourage gardeners to adopt a ‘water-wise’ approach to their gardens ahead of this week’s forecasted heatwave. Read more - members only
New suppliers at the Garden Press Event
The quest to be environmentally responsible has brought new suppliers of compost and soil improvers to the Garden Press Event and a new approach for some existing suppliers. Read more - members only
HTA welcomes a Defra Secretary of State who knows the industry
HTA sees the appointment of George Eustice as Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs as a positive move given his knowledge of this industry. Read more - members only
‘Enhanced’ Environment Bill goes before the Commons
The Government re-introduced the Environment Bill to Parliament yesterday. It follows the loss of the original Bill because of the general election in December. Read more - members only
Review of 2019
Here is a summary of the news stories published on Gardenforum during 2019: Wyevale disintegration and the expansion of other groups, the environment, supplier consolidation and people in the news. This review is open to all. Read more - open to all
Dobbies adopts a lifestyle theme for 2020 furniture
Dobbies held a London launch to unveil the themes for its 2020 garden furniture ranges. The mood is informality and fun. Read more - members only
HTA warns Government after Queen’s speech
Although encouraged by the Government commitments in the Queen’s Speech, the HTA calls for continued access to European workers and pots to be included in a household recycling plans. Read more - members only
Germany likely to ban Glyphosate
The German Environment Ministry says it will phase out use of glyphosate by 2023. Ireland, however, says it will follow suit but be guided by the scientific consensus. Read more - members only
The HTA needs to get onto the front foot
HTA chairman, James Barnes calls for the backing of members, especially growers, to hear him present plans to re-invigorate the HTA and to promote sustainability at the Cultivating Retail conference. Read more - members only
Squire’s includes nature in new play area
Squire’s has opened an environmentally friendly children’s play area at Milford garden centre as part of a major upgrade that completes next spring. Read more - members only
RHS turns to citizen science to prepare for Xylella
The spittlelbug, native to the UK, is the chief carrier of Xylella in Southern Europe. The RHS is asking gardeners and nature lovers to report spittle sightings to understand how Xylella might enter and spread here. Read more - members only
New Wisley plant centre to have biggest range of unusual plants
The new Welcome building that opens next month at the RHS Wisley garden will sell more unusual and rare plants from one place than anywhere else in the UK. Read more - members only
Do the right thing and it will be right for your business
Consumers don’t trust business when it comes to the environment. The HTA sustainability Matters debate heard examples of garden companies ‘Doing the right thing’ but heard warnings of Green-wash and Green-mush. Read more - members only