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.

The newly launched Nursery Exhibitors Organisation (NEO) has been established to support and promote the UK’s specialist nursery sector, amid concerns over a significant long‑term decline. Read more - open to all

Edoardo Bortolato outlined how garden centres might improve margins and security at a very low cost by using AI.  Here’s a summary. Read more - members only

Gardenforum contacted garden centres across the UK after Christmas to understand the real impact of shoplifting and how businesses and the police are responding. Read more - members only

GIMA has confirmed full details of its 2026 Day Conference and Annual General Meeting, taking place on Thursday 26th March at Stratford Manor Hotel, bringing the garden industry together to examine The Future of the Supply Chain for Garden Products. Read more - open to all

Ruxley Manor, Old Railway Line, Brimsmore garden centres and Woodlodge take top GCA awards. 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.

Garden, home and leisure PR agency, Hornby George PR, has announced a significant wave of new client partnerships, marking a period of rapid growth and strategic expansion for the specialist communications agency. Read more - open to all

The British Ornamentals Association has issued an urgent call for more growers to support Horticultural Crop Protection Ltd and has changed the contributions process. Read more - open to all

The Federation of Garden and Leisure Manufacturers Limited — the long‑standing organisation behind Gardenex, PetQuip and the CHA — has  announced that it has ceased trading with immediate effect. Read more - members only

New cross-sector initiative HORTISTRY has launched peer-led Masterclasses to preserve vital horticultural skills, address sector-wide shortages and create clearer career pathways for professional growers and horticulturists. Read more - open to all

Garden centres finished 2025 in a stronger position, with a 9% growth in total sales value compared to 2024 according to the Horticultural Trades Association Market Update. Read more - members only