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

The big winners at last night’s Garden Industry Manufacturer’s Awards were the rapidly growing Smart Garden and industry newcomer, Primeur, with its recycled rubber, self watering planters. Read more - members only

The first May bank holiday in 2020 will be put back 4 days to Friday 8^th May to celebrate VE Day in Europe. Read more - members only

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 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

As expected after last year’s Beast from the East, The GCA Barometer of Trade shows massive increases in garden centre sales in March, but sales barely matched March 2017. Read more - members only

The recent demise of so many retailers shows the disruption to existing channels by online retailing. But Steve Collinge told the GIMA conference that the disruption to come will be bigger and nastier and include the rise of new breed of retailer. Read more - members only

Garden centre sales were up 20% in February.  By the end of March they will have a significant lead over 2018, which was hampered by ‘The Beast…’. The question is whether 2019 will be a vintage year? Read more - members only

George Eustice, Minister for Agriculture since 2015, has resigned over Brexit.  HTA chairman James Barnes said, “Clearly such events are frustrating but you always have to respect these decisions in the political arena.” Read more - members only

Following a single tweet about a Brexit Vegetable Growing Survival Kit, Franchi Seeds has had journalists queueing up for interviews. TV appearances have included a spot on the One Show. Read more - members only

Choice, the buying and marketing group of 42 independent garden centres, has recruited a former MD of Blacks Leisure Group as non-executive chairman. 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

2019 has the makings of a strong year for garden centres. Latest figures from the GCA indicate that garden centres are still +6% ahead of last year despite losing ground in June. Read more - members only

May sales, while down -7%, were stronger than garden centres could have hoped for. At the end of the month they are still +9% year-to-date ahead of last year. Read more - members only

A 5m high Giants Chair dominates a sculpture display at RHS Wisley Gardens that coincides with next week’s opening of its new garden centre, restaurant and Welcome building. Read more - members only

The GCA Barometer of Trade shows garden centre sales were +19% up for the year at the end of April with outdoor plants and furniture being the stand-out performers. Read more - members only

Cold weather may have held back plant sales over the weekend, but restaurants prospered. Garden centres are optimistic. “This is what makes running a garden centre so unpredictable and so much fun.” Read more - members only

It seems that the hot weather and the late timing combined to produce the best ever Easter trading for garden centres.  Further updates added from Wyevale, Hillier, and Klondyke. Read more - members only

Pot and bedding plant breeding members of Fleuroselect have launched a campaign against the illegal reproduction of protected plant varieties with random visits, a tip-off line for whistle blowers and fines. Read more - members only

The National Minimum Wage goes up by 4.8% in April. Horticultural workers employed after 1^st Oct 2013 are included. Read more - members only

The GCA Barometer shows an 8% rise in sales for January 2019, with plants and catering building on last year’s figures. Read more - members only

Recent figures published on Gardenforum Results pages show a fall in profits for most garden centres, while many suppliers have increased theirs.  Read more - members only

Over 50 suppliers promoted their wares at a meet-the-buyer event held by Choice Marketing at the Spring Fair. Read more - members only