Garden companies can qualify for IIP through Lantra

Investors in People (IIP) is the kitemark recognising good employers and well-run companies. Lantra, the Sector Skills Council covering nurseries, landscapers and garden centres has been appointed an administrator of the IIP programme. See more... Read more - members only

The HTA puts its weight behind Glee

The HTA and Glee have patched up their differences. This September, the HTA will be the principle sponsor of Hall 4 and Hall 5 and will drive the seminar programme. See more... Read more - members only

Warm and dry weather forecast for April

April is likely to be dominated by areas of high pressure close to or over the UK. These will bring some pleasant and warm sunny days but nights could be rather misty and at times chilly. See more… Read more - members only

Spring TV campaign for HTA gift vouchers

National Garden Gift Vouchers are to be advertised on TV, starting with a £10,000 competition this week on ITV’s Daybreak and Lorraine programmes. See more... Read more - members only

Plant sales 82% up in February

GCA figures for February suggest that it was a good month for garden centres. Sales were up by 34% with hardy plants selling best. See more... Read more - members only

Choice Marketing adds 5 more garden centres

Another successful year for members of Choice Marketing means they will share a rebate of £1.2 million from their key suppliers. Five more garden centres have been added to the group. See more... Read more - members only

It’s all about cup cakes

Garden centre catering is all about baking. Why have you chosen counter rather than waiter service? Make it in-house - you can always taste the difference. These are just some of the points from the recent HTA Catering conference. See more... Read more - members only

Seabrook to address GIMA at Squire’s

The next GIMA AGM will be held at Squire’s rebuilt garden at Shepperton. Attendees will be treated to a preview, the afternoon before its official opening and will enjoy some high profile speakers. See more... Read more - members only

Golden Acres calls time on GAN

Yesterday’s GAN Trade Show will be the last says Golden Acres. With four garden centres, the nursery needs the space for growing. See more... Read more - members only

New 'Plant Selector' Launched

The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has just launched its new ‘Plant Selector’, www.rhs.org.uk/plantselector. This web-based service is an invaluable tool for gardeners trying to decide which plants are best for their garden. Read more - members only

No return to freezing conditions in February

February should be slightly duller, warmer and drier than average according to the latest long range forecast from Wiseweather. See more... Read more - members only

Garden Centre sales increased 1% in 2010

The Garden Centre Association has finalised its figures for 2010 sales. Overall sales increased by 1% with the biggest gains contributed by smaller garden centres in the North. See more... Read more - members only

Strong results from the private garden centre groups

2009/10 was a good time for the privately owned garden centre groups as DJ Squire, Haskins, Poplar Nursery and Barton Grange all report a significant lift in profits. Among the suppliers, J Parker Dutch Bulbs, Thompson & Morgan and Woodlodge also published strong results. See more... (This article is open to all readers)... Read more - open to all

GIMA seeks answers to some difficult questions

The first quarterly Business Meeting of GIMA, will look from a different angle at how others see "your products" and hear from a leading retailer on what is required to get a position on its shelves. See more... Read more - members only

Directors’ pay fell in 2010 in the garden industry

The HTA’s 2010 salary survey shows that pay rates for senior posts within garden centres and nurseries fell despite a general rise across the gardening sector of 2.1%. See more... Read more - members only

Online horticultural classroom opens for learning at home

My-garden-school.com claims to be the world’s first on-line horticultural classroom. It went live last weekend to deliver courses from leading garden experts for anyone from hobbyist gardener to the professional. See more... Read more - members only

Opportunity to place product on new Titchmarsh TV series

Alan Titchmarsh’s new TV programme presents a great opportunity for garden manufacturers to place product, says the HTA. See more... Read more - members only

Planning changes could be good for Garden Centres

Last week’s Budget gives some hope to garden centres that are frustrated by the planners. The Chancellor promised changes to legislation so that the default answer to development should be “yes”. See more... Read more - members only

Success for PATS number 1

In their 3rd year PATS can claim to have become the leading trade shows for the pet industry. Visitor numbers at Sandown increased by 20% and the show was always busy. See more... Read more - members only

The colour is blue and Iris is the plant for Chelsea 2011

With designs approved for the gardens and stands at this year’s Chelsea Flower Show, the trends are emerging. Blue is the colour, the ‘In’ plant will be the Iris and themes include plant hunting. There is also to be an award for the best new product. See more… Read more - members only

Opportunity for exports to Belgium, Denmark and the US

UK garden manufacturers have the opportunity to meet export buyers from Belgium’s largest garden centre chain, plus distributors from Denmark and the US at the next Gardenex "Meet the Buyer" event. See more... Read more - members only

Learn how localism and planning changes could affect property values

How can the planning system be used to enhance garden centre values and increase turnover?  Legislation changes and the implications of The Coalition’s strategy for localism will mean some owners may need to react quickly, says Malcolm Scott.  See more... Read more - members only

High pressure will dominate March

March will be a month dominated by areas of high pressure close to or over the UK. This will bring some pleasant sunny days for many after any overnight mist or fog clears but will give rather cold nights especially inland. See more… Read more - members only

Retailers must tag trolleys now to avoid spring chaos

Retailers must tag trolleys now to avoid spring chaos, says the HTA. Following the introduction of the RFID tagging of CC trolleys on 10 January, growers are reporting that up to 25% of garden centres that they are delivering to do not have sufficient numbers of tagged trolleys to exchange. Read more - members only

New Planteria concept to attract growers back to Glee

Glee has detailed a plan to win nurseries back to the show with bench displays that make it cheaper and easier to exhibit. Plus there is a new Glee website. See more... Read more - members only

RHS seeks to collaborate with the garden industry

Following a review, the new RHS leadership recognises the need to work more closely with its partners and colleagues in the garden trade. See more... Read more - members only

Cheque guarantee scheme closes in June

The cheque guarantee scheme closes in June. While businesses can continue to accept cheques after that, payment will no longer be guaranteed. See more... Read more - members only

Depleted reservoirs could mean hosepipe bans next summer

According to a national newspaper, hosepipe bans are possible next summer as low rainfall and burst pipes deplete reservoirs. See more... Read more - members only

2010 – The highlights

Here are the highlights of stories that appeared on the Gardenforum Noticeboard in 2010. If there are any you missed, they are all still available. See more... (Open to All) Read more - open to all

PATS adds halls as exhibitor numbers increase

PATS are expanding in time and space showing that they have become established in the pet trade calendar after only 2 years. See more... Read more - members only

To see earlier stories - Look in the News Archive