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

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

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 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

R A Meredith and Dobbies’ e-commerce improve their logistics and trim costs as they prepare for expansion next season. See more… Read more - members only

New research from Which? Gardening has found that when it comes to turning your garden into a glittering grotto, solar-powered festive lights are a waste of money. See more... Read more - members only

The HTA is to continue its successful one-day conferences with a repeat of its most popular topic, Excellence in Garden Centre Catering. See more... Read more - members only

Westland Horticulture has announced a series of educational days across the UK for garden retail staff. See more... Read more - members only

The RHS is hosting the first-ever international conference dedicated to ornamental plant trials. In association with the International Society for Horticultural Science, the International Trials Conference 2011 (July 4-7) will be a global consultation on the assessment of ornamental plants. See more...
Read more - members only

Westland is offering 25 places at the GCA Conference to rising stars who they hope will be the next generation of garden centre managers. See more... Read more - members only

Wiseweather predicts that a succession of low pressures will keep the weather unsettled for most of November, with respite from a couple of short lived highs. Temperatures should be above average, rainfall and sunshine near average for the month. See more... Read more - members only

When judging September’s 4% fall in garden centre sales, as shown in the GCA Barometer of Trade, allowance must be made for last year’s 13% increase. See more... Read more - members only

Such is the threat of the fuchsia gall mite, the RHS is opening its free diagnostic service to non members and has warned gardeners about sharing cuttings. See more… Read more - members only

The boom in TV home shopping, how to succeed with agents, an update from Dobbies, an invitation to the Edible Garden Show and a vote on Glee were topics that filled a fast moving GIMA meeting last week. See more... Read more - members only

It was an encouraging start for Aqua 2010 at Telford. Over 700 visitors attended the first day. See more... Read more - members only

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

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

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

Wiseweather predicts that the wintry weather will continue through December with temperatures and rainfall both being below average. See more... Read more - members only

Glee has revised the Hall layout for 2011, moving Pet Index, and introduces a new image and display concept for Glee Nursery. Bookings are well ahead of 2010. See more... Read more - members only

Following a commitment to employ the CC trolley scanning system by leading nurseries, garden centres and logistics companies, The HTA is predicting trolley gridlock next spring if the estimated one million unregistered trolleys remain untagged. See more... Read more - members only

Sales of Christmas goods were 14% up during October according to latest figures from the GCA. But there is a big discrepancy between reports from the HTA and the GCA over whether garden centre sales are ahead of or behind last year. See more... Read more - members only

The HTA is to form a new sub-group to represent Cash & Carry nurseries. The group will encourage comparative benchmarking and develop best practice. See more... Read more - members only

In the current challenging economic environment and with tuition fees set to increase, students are feeling the pinch more than most. This academic year the David Colegrave Foundation has four scholarships to invest in the horticulturalists of the future. See more... Read more - members only

The HTA is exploring the possibility of a central hub for distributing plants throughout the UK managed by DHL, a leading logistics company. See more... Read more - members only

Restructuring at the RHS sees the departure of 3 directors as the new director general, Sue Biggs, streamlines the RHS and seeks to elevate its public profile. See more... Read more - members only

The first details have been announced for the 2011 GCA Conference to be held at the end of January near Chipping Norton. Speakers include the One Show’s Christine Walkden, who fears that garden centres are embarrassed to sell plants. See more... Read more - members only

“I’ve never been to a garden centre where someone educated me,” said Mary Queen of Shops at the HTA conference. There is a new world order in retailing, said Mary Portas and the changes are a big plus for garden centres. See more... Read more - members only

Bedding Focus 2010 - 28th October at Ball Colegrave - seems to be a must attend event for any grower or retailer looking at the future shape of their business. See more... Read more - members only

In the light of falling viewing figures for Gardeners’ World, the HTA and the BBC have discussed new garden programming to appeal to the younger gardener. See more... Read more - members only