It has this evening been confirmed by the Minister for Housing, Communities & Local Government that Rates relief at 100% for the retail and leisure sectors will be applied to all Garden Centres. Read more - open to all

Here’s a summary of announcements made in the last 24 hours about the impact of Covid-19 on the garden sector. It includes progress from the HTA and BALI and the impact on French garden centres. Read more - open to all

In light of the current Coronavirus situation GIMA has decided to postpone the AGM & Day Conference that was due to take place this Thursday 19^th March.   There is a plan to reschedule the event for later in the year Read more - members only

SmartPlant has added Dobbies to its growing list of partners, while the ambitious and well funded Candide exhibited at the Garden Press Event and has unveiled its plans for Chelsea. Read more - members only

Growers say it is difficult to see how their business could continue under the proposed immigration changes. The HTA says it stands ready to support Government targets on tree planting, import substitution, biosecurity… but the Government needs to support the industry. Read more - members only

MSP’s have voted to keep the Uniform Business Rate in Scotland after lobbying from The HTA and other sector trade associations. Read more - members only

The launch of the Young People in Horticulture Association has caught the imagination of the industry. New members are joining by the day and it has received ‘wonderful offers of help from all corners of the industry’. Read more - members only

Later this month the Scottish Parliament is to vote on scrapping the Uniform Business Rate in Scotland, allowing local authorities to set their own rates. Read more - members only

Sales over the Christmas period showed modest increases, but some Christmas categories and houseplants sold well. Some garden centres are +10% for the year. Read more - members only

Figures just released by the GCA show sales grew 9% in November, with houseplants, clothing and Christmas growing fastest. Read more - members only

BHETA is to provide officially sanctioned Challenge 25 artwork for suppliers, retailers and delivery companies involved in the supply of age-restricted bladed items such as kitchen knives and DIY and garden tools. Read more - members only

September sales were 1% down on last year according to the latest figures published by the Garden Centre Association.   Read more - members only

August weather was hotter and wetter than average. As a result both garden furniture and gardening sales prospered according to the GCA Barometer of Trade. Read more - members only

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

GCA figures for July show garden centres increased sales by +11%, while the BRC reports that high street footfall dropped by -2.7% and footfall in shopping centres fell by +3.1%. Read more - members only

This update is open to all readers. It includes news from Dobbies and Blue Diamond, with advice and opportunities for the current crisis. Read more - open to all

All RHS Shows, Garden events and school visits will be cancelled with immediate effect until 30 June 2020.  RHS Gardens remain open, with a number of increased precautionary measures in place. Read more - members only

HTA’s director of policy, James Clark has welcomed parts of the budget but says support for nurseries is critical to deliver the Government’s ambition to plant 30,000 trees and create a greener Britain. Read more - members only

Garden centre sales in January rose by +7.7%. Houseplants continue to be the star performer, the category is now bigger than seeds & bulbs for the month, according to the GCA. Read more - members only

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

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

Christmas sales fell in December, but overall turnover was marginally up according to the GCA.  Annually sales grew by 4.5% with catering the fastest growing category. Read more - members only

Increased costs from the 6.2% increase in the National Living Wage will lead to price rises and put pressure on profits say garden centres. Read more - members only

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

Following the Tory election win, ‘Brexit will get done’ and the pound is rising. Is this good for the Garden industry? Or could there be turbulent times ahead? Read more - members only

Separate reports from the GCA and the HTA show contrasting outcomes for garden centre sales during October. The GCA reports a fall for a second consecutive month, while the HTA reports a rise. Read more - members only

Gardenforum looks at some of the resources available to help companies keep up to date with advice on Brexit and especially a no deal Brexit. Read more - members only

As demand for UK grown plants increases, growers in the Green Heart of Glee reveal that prices will rise and there could be shortages. Read more - members only

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

The HTA’s Director of Policy and Communications tells the new PM that the ornamental sector, which supports 568,000 jobs, is essential for the Government’s environment plans. Read more - members only