Malcolm Scott says the current planning climate is the most favourable for development it has been for many years.  But it is unlikely to last so garden centres should act quickly. See more... Read more - members only

The GCA executive committee has pledged its continued support for GLEE and hopes to see members there next year. See more... Read more - members only

The sales uplift enjoyed by garden centres in August was enough to lift morale even if it won’t improve the annual total significantly. See more... Read more - members only

The 2011 results from the HTA are soon to be circulated and they will show a significant loss. This is the background to some major changes that are being proposed to members at October’s AGM. One surprise proposal is that Caroline Owen should return as president for another year. See more... Read more - members only

Even the anticipation of the Olympics could not lift garden centre sales. July figures from the GCA show that sales were 5% down on 2011. Plant sales were particularly weak. See more... Read more - members only

The HTA is seeking to raise awareness of Ash Dieback (Chalara fraxinea), after the discovery of the disease at a number of UK sites over recent weeks. See more... Read more - members only

Here is a list of plants and garden products to be featured in tonight’s Love Your Garden on ITV 1. Alan Titchmarsh and David Domoney create a garden for a young soldier injured in Afghanistan and his family. See more... Read more - members only

The slight recovery in June sales was not enough to make up for losses earlier in the season. Plants and catering grew, says the GCA, but there was no improvement for garden furniture. See more... Read more - members only

The HTA has released the first figures from its pilot with gift cards that are sold on the high street but redeemed within participating garden centres. See more... Read more - members only

Members credit The Tillington Group with protecting their independence while giving them the buying and marketing clout of a large group. Sales are now almost £200m. See more... Read more - members only

Bucknalls Restaurants have opened their first garden centre restaurant at Canterbury Garden Centre in Kent. See more... Read more - members only

Maximum daytime temperatures were up to 3C lower than average last month and it was the wettest June on record for many. According to Wiseweather July promises more of the same, although with slightly less rain. See more... Read more - members only

Christmas tree prices, exporting plants to Holland and the identity of the next director general of the HTA were among the topics discussed in the aisles of the HTA National Plant Show. And, orders taken for immediate delivery were up. See more... Read more - members only

Which? Gardening launches a campaign for ‘Better Plants by Post’ saying too many people had experienced problems buying plants online or by mail order. David Austin Roses topped the best retailer list, but only 17% bought roses. See more... Read more - members only

GCA figures for May show that garden centre sales for the first 5 months of the year are almost 12% down on 2011. Outdoor plants and garden furniture have seen the biggest impact but furniture saw a slight recovery. See more... Read more - members only

There are a few places left at HTA Garden Futures conference next week. The line-up of speakers will be a great help to anyone planning their strategy for 2013. See more... Read more - members only

Neil Gow, the director of GIMA, reports that orders have been received from a company purporting to come from Dubai, which could lead to a massive fraud. See more… Read more - members only

Glee was a great show say garden centre buyers. The only problem, say suppliers, was that there were not enough buyers there. Leading exhibitors say there needs to be discussion about the future shape of Glee. See more... Read more - members only

In 2 weeks Glee will be in full swing. There is a new formula for 2012 as it seeks to secure its future as the Garden Retail Show. See more... Read more - members only

The recession and the rising costs of food are leading to more community gardening. In some places it takes the form of guerrilla gardening, in another groups are being supported by retailers such as B&Q. See more... Read more - members only

The HTA Ornamental Committee, led by Geoff Caesar, has outlined a new strategy as the latest season and the strengthening pound show just how vulnerable UK growers can be. See more... Read more - members only

Sales down 20%, more competition from the Internet and new EU legislation for imported wood introduced a mood of change at Solex, which moves to a larger venue next year. See more... Read more - members only

The garden retail industry put the spring behind it as 350 guests celebrated Scotts Miracle-Gro and Solus winning the top GIMA Awards and Garden Re-Leaf raising over £50,000 for Greenfingers. See more... Read more - members only

Woking Nurseries has a new website that provides customers, new and existing, with a single plant enquiry form that is sent to any of the 17 member nurseries that can fulfil the order. See more... Read more - members only

The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) is delighted to see the four remaining hosepipe bans lifted following the latest deluge of heavy rain. Read more - members only

Take advantage of export opportunities to offset British summer blues, says Gardenex. There are still stands available in the British pavilion at spoga+gafa and there are cash grants on offer. See more... Read more - members only

Gardenforum previews the plants and products to appear in tomorrow’s Love Your Garden. The programme with Alan Titchmarsh and David Domoney was watched by 3.6m last week. See more... Read more - open to all

The National Trust has opened a secret plant propagation facility to ensure the survival of threatened plants at NT properties. It will also assist private plant collections. See more... Read more - members only

The judges will be kept busy at next week’s HTA National Plant Show, with 107 introductions to choose between for the Best New Plant Award. See more... Read more - members only

3 water companies in the SE will end their hosepipe bans tomorrow. But four companies will continue with the ban on domestic use of a hosepipe. See more... Read more - members only