There was relief for Hillier Nurseries as they continued their record breaking run with a 65th gold medal at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Other gold winners included John Woods Nurseries, Taylors’ Walkers Bulbs, Raymond J Evison, Peter Beales Roses, Jacques Amand International and David Austin Roses. See more… Read more - members only

The cold weather has disrupted Hillier’s preparations for the Chelsea Flower Show and the nursery’s attempt to extend its unbroken run of 64 gold medals. Follow the Hillier progress day by day on their blog at www.hilliernurseries.blogspot.com. Click on the link below... Read more - members only

What would Brits most like to add to their garden? A survey for B&Q shows it could be a hot spa, vegetable plot or greenhouse, but not a barbecue unless they are under 25. See more... Read more - members only

Ken Mayhew told GIMA delegates that a hung parliament should not harm business. However the recovery is very fragile and there is a risk that the pound could fall further. See more... Read more - members only

Are we heading for a drought this year? If so, the industry should draw some comfort from assurances won from the Government by HTA lobbying before the Flood and Water Management Bill was passed. See more... Read more - members only

Easter sales have done nothing to improve a slow start to the year. Is it entirely due to the weather? What are the prospects for the rest of the year? Will suppliers cope if there is a late spring rush? Gardenforum has talked to garden centres across the country. See more... Read more - members only

When it comes to shopping for the garden, independent garden centres are best says a survey of 6000 Which? Gardening members. They were better than the multiples and the DIY sheds. Coolings and the RHS head the 53 companies listed. See more… Read more - members only

The GCA Barometer of Trade shows that the East was hit much harder by the cold weather than the West. See more… Read more - members only

Defra has given the go-ahead for controlled release of a psyllid the scientists believe will provide a natural control for Japanese knotweed. See more... Read more - members only

The HTA is strongly resisting proposals that would force many garden centres and small growers to pay a levy to the HDC for the first time. See more... Read more - members only

At last week’s GCA Conference a succession of high-profile speakers showed how the environment, the economy and new technology might impact garden centres. For a summary of their collective wisdom, see more... Read more - members only

January sales appear to be better than expected with such bad weather. Garden centres have adapted to conditions by selling plastic trays when they had run out of toboggans, grit when they had run out of salt and... See more... Read more - members only

With trade strong, attention turned to the battle between the increased number of trade shows in 2010. Many garden centres won planning permission to extend. Corporate activity continued among suppliers. See more... (This article is open to all) Read more - open to all

At midnight on 31st December the standard rate of VAT reverts to 17.5%. Does this mean garden centre staff will cancel their New Year's Eve parties in order to re-price their stock? Or will garden centres accept a 5.5% reduction in gross profit? Gardenforum has been talking to retailers. See more... Read more - members only

Some garden centres are winning free publicity by creating newsworthy events and passing the news to their local press. Read some of the stories published in the last week. Many cover unusual ways to launch Christmas. See more... Read more - members only

Gardenforum’s company results show Mr Fothergill’s, Hozelock, Allensmore Nurseries and Klondyke Group increased sales and profits in their recently released results for 2008/9. Others including Spear & Jackson Products, Adrian Hall, Haddonstone, Monro Horticulture and Marshalls had mixed fortunes. See more... (This article is open to all readers)... Read more - open to all

With Caroline Spelman replacing Hilary Benn as Environment Secretary, what can the horticulture industry expect from the new Government? See more...
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April proves to be a bumper month for growers who report record trading weeks. See more... Read more - members only

BBC Television is looking for couples who want to make a life-changing decision and take up a career in farming and there’s just days left to apply to take part in the programme. Read more - open to all

According to the GCA, sales at independent garden centres for the first three months of this year were 9% lower than the same period in 2009. But with the good weather garden centres are now "VERY busy". See more... Read more - members only

After a late start to spring, leading garden centres, members of the HTA retail committee, have expressed caution about the impact of the weather and the election on sales. They remain optimistic, but the weather needs to be good for Easter. See more... Read more - members only

Early evidence from The GCA suggests that the season has finally started, boosted by a good Mother’s Day weekend for garden centres. Cold weather, however is still delaying plants purchases. See more… Read more - members only

Leading continental plant importers Europlants and Classiflora held very successful open days recently against a background of falling imports. And Plant Fairs go from strength to strength. See more... Read more - members only

Defra and the Scottish Government today called on Britain’s gardeners to help stop the spread of invasive aquatic plants that damage the natural environment and cost the economy millions with a new campaign to highlight the plight of Britain’s waterways. See more... Read more - members only

Evidence of citrus longhorn beetle damage has had a devastating effect on the growers in Boskoop, Holland. See more… Read more - members only

Slugs and snails were the number one problem on the 2009 Top 10 garden pests list, according to the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS). Read more - members only

The HTA has opened the decade with research on how consumers are responding to a challenging economic climate and concerns about the environment. What are the opportunities for the garden industry? See more... Read more - members only

There was a nervous feel to the start of 2009.  The Banking crisis was in full swing.  No one knew whether consumer demand would come to an abrupt halt after Christmas and garden suppliers were anxiously waiting for confirmation of Wyevale’s financial restructuring.   This review is open to all. See more... Read more - open to all

Garden retailers across the country including almost 1000 members of the HTA, will be supporting the BBC’s attempt to coordinate the world record planting of 650,000 trees in one hour on 5th December. Read more - members only

In his monthly nursery column Peter Dawson has been speaking to Andrew Richardson of Johnsons and Whixley about problems facing growers supplying the amenity sector. Read more - members only