The HTA’s annual salary survey for 2009, reveals that over 40% of businesses in the sector have decided to freeze current wage levels. The salary of Sales Managers showed a marked decrease, while salary paid to Nursery Managers increased. See more... Read more - members only

Former Lebanese hostage, John McCarthy, leads a list of high-profile speakers at this year’s one-day HTA conference that will look at how the consumer and the marketplace is changing. However, there will be space for only 150 delegates. See more... Read more - members only

It is over 10 months before the first HTA National Plant Show and already a third of the space is booked. Interest in the parallel Garden Expo has also been strong enough for the organisers to have extended the floor plan. See more... Read more - members only

Expect gales in West and Northwest in the middle of the month as there is little sign of settled weather till the end of the month. See more... Read more - members only

The RHS is coordinating its first Dig Together Day, this September; bringing together thousands of gardening clubs across the UK, to celebrate the knowledge they hold and to inspire new generations to keep the traditions of gardening alive. See more... Read more - members only

The grow your own campaign gets further impetus as the National Trust launches ‘Window Food’ campaign to turn 600 acres of urban window ledges into vertical vegetable gardens. There will be over 300 events across the country and some great display ideas for garden centres. See more... Read more - members only

The GCA has disbanded GRO, the buying group it established in conjunction with AIS. In its place at AIS will launch a new group, ‘Insideout’. See more... Read more - members only

The HTA’s retail group has backed a survey to counter rising theft from garden centres. It also supports Garden Expo, which is being proposed as a rival to Glee in 2010. See more... Read more - members only

From being a one-year wonder, GYO is set to expand according to speakers at last weeks GIMA business meeting who presented thought-provoking ideas to develop the concept. See more... Read more - members only

Martin Stewart is to become GCA chairman for a second time, in January. His aim is to strengthen links with suppliers. GRO will continue but he said there was no logic in it for core gardening. See more... Read more - members only

Speakers announced for the GIMA Business Meeting on the 11th June include the gardening buyer for leading TV shopping channel QVC, Chris Gardener. Plus Paul Peacock, “Mr Dig-it”. See more... Read more - open to all

Extra seating capacity is being arranged for the GIMA Awards Dinner on the 16th June at the Cotswold Water Park Hotel. The original capacity for 300 guests has been filled. The awards will be presented by Philippa Forrester, with entertainment from Mark Watson. See more... Read more - members only

Northwich-based Acton Bridge Nursery and Shrub Centre has been awarded a £50,000 loan as part of the North West Regional Development Agency’s ‘Small Loans for Business’ programme. See more... Read more - members only

Two months of good weather have reversed the fortunes of garden centres. GCA Barometer of Trade figures suggest that, by the end of April, annual sales were 10% ahead. However, it will be the end of June before reliable comparisons can be made. See more... Read more - members only

Devon County Council is to provide £500,000 for a new learning centre at RHS Rosemoor. More than 6000 primary school pupils will benefit from the new facilities. See more... Read more - members only

The sales growth made during the good spring weather by garden centres is being eroded. Only giftware and restaurants continued to improve. See more... Read more - members only

Dobbies' plans to add 20 allotments to its garden centre in Southport looks set for approval by the planners tonight. See more… Read more - members only

Eastgro, held for the first time this year at John Wood’s Nursery in Suffolk, basked in sunshine while further west the country received yet another soaking. See more... Read more - members only

Read what was said last weekend in the Press. Heinz targets garden centres with BBQ sauces, Dobbies to offer allotments and shoppers flinch at Smith & Hawken closing down sale. See more... Read more - members only

British garden and leisure product suppliers have three more opportunities to access overseas markets following the latest trade show exhibition announcements made by Gardenex. The shows, to be held in the USA, Spain and Italy, attract buyers from worldwide markets. See more... Read more - members only

There is an important new qualification that garden centre managers and supervisers can work towards. It has been developed by Kingston Maurward College, validated by Bournemouth University and backed by the HTA and GCA. See more... Read more - members only

Wiseweather predicts that July will start cooler with temperatures increasing near the end of the month Read more - members only

Gardenex has increased the grants available for exporters wishing to exhibit at Gardex / Ifex 2009 in Tokyo, Asia’s largest flower and garden trade show. There is also an offer from British Airways of free business class seats on their flights. See more... Read more - members only

Last year it was at the Stock Exchange, this year the HTA Conference will be at the Kensington Roof Gardens. Celebrity speakers led by ex-BBC political editor John Sergeant will be joined by key figures from the trade. See more... Read more - members only

Clarion Events has joined forces with the HTA and Gardenex to launch Garden Expo 2010, a plant and gardening show to rival Glee and Solex. See more... Read more - members only

After a cool, showery spell in the second week, Wiseweather expects a warm end to June especially in the North. See more... Read more - members only

At the end of next week the Garden Trade News and Garden Radio judges start visiting all of the garden centre teams that have been nominated by members of the trade as "The Greatest" in their individual sales speciality. See more... Read more - open to all

It appears that some garden manufacturers are in danger of missing the earlier, May 29th, deadline for entering new products for the GIMA awards. See more... Read more - members only

The latest reports from the GTN Bestsellers show sales volumes fell 18% last week compared to 2008. See more… Read more - members only

New research for the HTA, which shows that younger people are showing an interest in gardening more, has spawned a series of initiatives to maintain sales momentum during the recession. See more... Read more - members only