LOFA warns that container issues at UK ports are escalating

LOFA warns that increased congestion at ports, especially Felixstowe, could impact the supplies of garden related products after Christmas. Read more - members only

Latest Plant import / export guidance from Defra

With 50 days until the end of the transition period, the government is urging the horticulture industry to check online guidance around importing and exporting plants and plant products. Read more - open to all

Gardenex advice on our transition from the EU

Brexit -  What are the concerns if there is a free trade deal?... What are the concerns if we revert to World Trade rules?... The key messages for UK exporters are explained by Gardenex. Read more - open to all

Prepare for Brexit with the GIMA Transition Hub

GIMA has launched UK Brexit Transition Hub for members and non-members.  At the same time it has joined a CBI call for Government to reach a deal with the EU. Read more - open to all

Growers call for ballot on AHDB levy

107 horticulture growers have called for a ballot on the continuation of the statutory AHDB levy that funds R&D into crop protection, innovation and other research. Read more - members only

Gardenex and PetQuip produce updated A-Z Guide to Exporting, exclusively for members

The Gardenex and PetQuip associations have published the latest edition of their invaluable A-Z Guide to Exporting, which is now available exclusively for members. Read more - open to all

HTA calls for support for UK growers as imports grow

“We need the Westminster… Government to support our industry, as the Dutch Government has done for theirs,” says HTA chairman as UK plant production falls and imports rise. Read more - open to all

British bedding on show at Squire's

HTA releases first reports of May sales

The HTA’s Market update for June gives the first report of May sales. Plants and garden categories in May almost matched the full months sales in 2019. While non-gardening categories remained significantly down. Read more - members only

HTA Market Update June 2020

Garden sales fall -86% in April

The full impact of Covid-19 is shown by the GCA Barometer for April, where lost sales averaged £500,000 per garden centre in April. Read more - members only

Online gardening sales were down -22% prior Coronavirus

Online gardening sales were down -22% prior Coronavirus. Now IMRG expects online sales to grow, especially for  products that can help self-isolated customers such as home and garden categories. Read more - members only

HTA to introduce E-learning app - The HUB

This spring the Horticultural Trades Association is launching the HUB, its new E-learning app. Read more - members only

‘Enhanced’ Environment Bill goes before the Commons

The Government re-introduced the Environment Bill to Parliament yesterday. It follows the loss of the original Bill because of the general election in December. Read more - members only

BHETA provides Challenge 25 collateral for bladed goods

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

GCA seeks an additional inspector

An expanding membership has prompted the GCA to start the search for an additional inspector to join the current team of 3. Read more - members only

Iain Wylie

Choice Marketing names its top suppliers

History and Heraldry, Allensmore and Woodlodge were the Suppliers of the Year in their categories for the Choice Marketing Group of independent garden centres. Read more - members only

Beyond Transition: the steps UK exporters should take now!

With the end of the Brexit Transition period looming, Gardenex will be hosting a special webinar to hear all the the steps that exporters need to take in preparation for 1 January 2021 and beyond. Read more - open to all

LOFA warns of disruption at UKs 3 main container ports

Congestion is causing severe disruptions at the UKs three main container ports, says LOFA.  The lack of availability of containers will lead to delays and price rises.  Read more - members only

PR Week Award for the HTA for lockdown campaign

Everyone saw this campaign! The stark reality of wasted plants and flowers hit the front pages and appealed to our hearts and minds. Read more - members only

James Clark

GCA cancels January conference

The GCA has cancelled its January 2021 conference due to COVID-19.  The restrictions, however, have led to new methods of working. Read more - members only

Iain Wylie

Early opening of garden centres saved the industry

So said James Barnes as he announced HTA plans to double grower membership. New industry growth plans are to be developed with Government. Read more - members only

Brett Avery

HTA launches ‘Keep Britain Growing’ Campaign

The HTA has launched its ‘Keep Britain Growing’ campaign to encourage new gardeners, enthused during lockdown, to keep enjoying the benefits of gardening. Read more - members only

Garden furniture sales up 24% in May, says GCA

Despite the frenetic trading days after May 18th when garden centres reopened, total sales in May were down -22%, including restaurant comparatives, according to the latest statistics from the GCA. Read more - members only

Queues outside Blue Diamond, Redfields

Is there an appetite for Glee 2020?

It’s 15 weeks till the start of Glee. Invoices have arrived with exhibitors for final payments to participate in the exhibition. But will the show be going ahead? Read more - members only

DIY & Garden sales are forecast to fall -10.5% in 2020

BHETA’s latest forecast for DIY & Garden sales has improved slightly but still shows a drop of -10.5% in 2020. Read more - members only

GIMA Day Conference & AGM Postponed

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

YPHA doubles membership in a week

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

Natalie Porter

Review of 2019

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

Mike Lind on the GCA, independence and the minimum wage

Monkton Elm’s Mike Lind gets ready to hand over the chairmanship of the GCA and warns that the proposed increase in minimum wage could be a significant threat for the garden centre sector. Read more - members only

Mike Lind

Facebook is best for Garden centres

Garden centres should focus on Facebook first…  The HTA marketing conference delivered advice and some great links to free resources. Read more - members only

HTA reports on size of UK garden market

The HTA Market Update analyses the retail sales of plants, garden care products, pots and garden leisure. It also evaluates greenhouses and sheds and looks at garden services. Read more - members only

To see earlier stories - Look in the News Archive