Garden Centre Association’s GROW e-learning platform has launched its 100th course, helping garden centre teams build knowledge on trees, horticulture and customer support.

See the dates and venues for GCA regional award meetings where members find out who has come top in their area annual inspections (May 2026). Read more - members only

Chestnut Nursery, the charitable garden centre in Poole, Dorset, is celebrating a double win at the prestigious Poole Local Business Awards 2026. Read more - open to all

Horticultural Trades Association showcased UK environmental horticulture at the first Flowers and Plants of Europe event at Europe House.

The HTA has confirmed the first keynote speakers for Horticulture, The Conference, which returns to London this September, with a strong focus on economics, politics and future planning for the UK garden industry. Read more - members only

The  Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) is supporting UK growers with R&D into two areas where pressure continues to mount: the move away from peat and the shrinking toolbox of plant protection products (PPPs). Read more - members only

March 2025 was the 3^rd sunniest on record, so Garden Centres should be pleased that last month’s sales nearly matched.  However, additional cost pressures mean double digit growth is needed, says HTA. Read more - members only

The Garden Centre Association (GCA) has launched a new cyber security course on its GROW e‑learning platform.  It is the 99th course to be added to the online training portfolio. Read more - open to all

The Chartered Institute of Horticulture joins a major collaboration to promote STEM careers at New Scientist Live 2026, tackling skills shortages and reshaping perceptions.

Garden centres face a business rates revaluation from 1 April 2026; Malcolm Scott urges businesses who have not done so, to take advice now. Read more - members only

Strong early international demand sees over 200 delegates from 15 countries registered for IGCA 2026 in Munich. Read more - open to all

GIMA has confirmed an expanded speaker line-up for its 2026 Day Conference, where industry leaders will discuss supply chain challenges and future trends shaping the garden products sector.

Garden Centre Association will host a free member webinar featuring Lee Connelly and industry experts, sharing practical, family-friendly event ideas for garden centres.

The newly formed cross-sector working group HORTISTRY has announced the launch of a pilot series of Propagation Masterclasses, aimed exclusively at professional horticulturists. Read more - open to all

Dobbies Garden Centres will headline GIMA’s April Buyer Connect event, giving suppliers one-to-one access to buyers to explore innovation and future ranging opportunities.

A collaboration between the HTA and the BOA will enable growers in environmental horticulture to benefit from the release of more than £334,000 of grants over the next three years. Read more - members only

The RHS and APHA will join forces on a new £3million National Centre for Environmental Horticulture Plant Health that will research and help mitigate existing and emerging threats to our green spaces. Read more - members only

GIMA Buyer Connect at Dobbies Garden Centres brought 40+ suppliers together for product discussions and future ranging opportunities. Read more - open to all

Garden centre operators were briefed on the forthcoming 2026 business rates revaluation during a GCA webinar led by Stephen Hornby, partner at Newmark a long‑standing adviser to the sector. Read more - members only

A new Voices of Retail report from Spring & Autumn Fair and wholesale platform Faire suggests that Britain’s high street is evolving rather than declining. Read more - members only

The Garden Centre Association (GCA) is hosting a free members’ webinar next week (April 24, 2026) examining the latest changes to business rates and the industry’s ongoing engagement with the Government.

The Colegrave Seabrook Foundation reveals the recipients of its 2026 scholarship awards, recognising outstanding students studying horticulture and related subjects across the United Kingdom. Read more - open to all

The YPHA has completed its first-ever Management Development Programme, with a nine-day residential supporting and inspiring the next generation of leaders in horticulture. Read more - open to all

Kingfisher has announced a multi‑year partnership with Google Cloud to introduce agentic AI‑powered shopping across its e‑commerce platforms, including B&Q in the UK. Read more - members only

Horticultural Trades Association reports February garden centre sales rose 4%, driven by strong plant sales and footfall, despite ongoing cost pressures and cautious outlook for the 2026 season.

GIMA has announced the appointment of Martin Ward as its new Director, succeeding Vicky Nuttall, beginning a new chapter for the trade association representing garden and horticultural suppliers. Read more - members only

Horticultural Trades Association will sponsor Young People in Horticulture Association at a STEM careers showcase to promote environmental horticulture opportunities to students at New Scientist Live.

Landscape and garden design organisations take first steps towards a collaboration aimed at raising standards, strengthening professionalism and increasing client confidence in the quality of domestic landscaping. Read more - members only

The Prosper Buying Group appoints Simon Bourne (Retail Director, Perrywood Garden Centres) as its new Chairman, succeeding Terry Head. Read more - members only

The Garden Centre Association has relaunched its Rising Star Academy for hospitality staff, offering specialist training to develop talent in garden centre cafés and restaurants.