London Tree Officers have written an open letter to Boris Johnson, pleading with him to champion the cause of urban forest. They are finding it hard to protect the city’s trees from ash dieback and other new diseases, while facing cutbacks. See more.... Read more - members only

The GCA’s e-learning project looks set for a full roll-out in the next few weeks. Trials have proved so popular that staff have been choosing to do the modules at home. See more... Read more - members only

Cost cutting will return the HTA to profit this year as the new DG examines more ways to increase the association’s relevance to members. See more... Read more - members only

A free workshop designed to help UK exporters of garden and leisure products reach the massive US market is being organised by the Gardenex export federation on Thursday 15 November 2012. See more... Read more - members only

Carol Paris ended the most successful HTA conference in recent years by saying that there was much that every business could do to adapt and grow in the current economic climate. She is backed by a new, stronger board. See more… Read more - members only

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

There is no lack of finance to buy garden centres say Gilbert Evans. But it may come from different sources. Hence the introduction of corporate finance specialist Paul Herrington to the team. See more... Read more - members only

There is still no clarity about the spread of Chalara fraxinae, the ash dieback disease. There are still no plans, other than a ban on all tree movements, to prevent it destroying 90% of ash trees in the UK. Now the politicians are playing the blame game, while UK nurseries face huge losses. See more... Read more - members only

The Garden Centre Association has announced the 11 regional winners of the Ruxley Rose, the competition that recognises excellence in the quality and range of plants. See more... Read more - members only

Clearly UK consumers have not lost the gardening habit and this augurs well for next year says the HTA. But there is a big difference between HTA and GCA figures for September. See more... Read more - members only

The major associations within the garden industry are to meet next week to talk about the future of trade shows and specifically Glee. 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