The joint BRC-KPMG sales monitor showed an increase of 1.1% in like-for-like retail sales in January. This is the best performance since May, when the sun started to shine. But this doesn’t mean consumer confidence has returned says KPMG. See more… Read more - members only

Over 130 Buyers braved the elements to make the first of this year's MRG plant fairs a success. They represented multiples, buying groups, DIY chains and independent garden centres. See more... Read more - members only

The HTA is urging garden companies throughout the supply chain to sign up for the Prompt Payment Code and eradicate poor payment practices such as changing agreed terms unilaterally. See more... Read more - members only

What are the prospects for 2009 and how do we survive? This was the foremost question for delegates at the recent Garden Centre Association conference and GIMA meeting. Gardenforum distils the advice from both events. See more... Read more - open to all

As the doors closed on the 2009 Totally Shows: Totally Tools, DIY and Secure, it was announced that organisers, Brintex, had struck a deal earlier in the afternoon with EMAP to combine the show next year with the Spring Fair. See more... Read more - members only

Sales of National Garden Gift Vouchers defied the recession by showing growth this Christmas. But the HTA is disappointed that some retailers missed out by being too cautious. See more... Read more - members only

January temperatures and rainfall are predicted to be below average and it is likely to stay quite cold, becoming unsettled, until the end of the second week. See more... Read more - members only

Trees-for-rent: Forget where to buy your Christmas tree this year and start thinking about where to rent because the next big thing in the 'environmental' market place is Christmas tree rental. Read more - members only

UK retail sales values fell 2.6% on a like-for-like basis, from November 2007, when they had risen 1.2%. Total sales were lower than a year ago, as in October. This was the first time since the survey began in January 1995 that sales declined for two consecutive months. See more... Read more - open to all

Organisers of SPOGA Cologne have changed the dates for 2009 to 6th - 8th September. See more... Read more - members only

The HTA has introduced online ordering for National Garden Gift Vouchers to coincide with a range of high profile advertising campaigns in the run-up to Christmas. See more... Read more - members only

News comes from PATS 2009, the new pet and aquatic shows, that almost three quarters of stand space is booked. See more... Read more - members only

“Poised to Ride the Recession”. This is the theme for the 2009 Garden Centre Association conference in January where winners of the new style Ruxley Rose competition will be announced. For the finalists and conference details, See more… Read more - members only

GIMA has warned members that they need GRO like they need ‘A hole in the head’. In reply the new buying group says the view of the manufacturers misunderstands the concept of GRO. See more... Read more - members only

The latest Mintel report sees signs of a new generation of gardeners with different needs. Garden centre consolidation is slowing, but the long-term survival of the traditional garden centre is questioned. See more... Read more - members only

Cautious about the impact of the recession, EMAP has reduced the scale of Glee and Petindex to fit into four halls. The shows can be expanded again if a good season boosts industry confidence and therefore, bookings. The HTA has given strong support for these moves. See more... Read more - members only

The first British Plant Fair of 2009 will go ahead as planned, undaunted by the weather. It takes place at Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire on Thursday. See more... Read more - members only

The February long range weather forecast from Wiseweather expects it to be colder and drier than average, becoming less cold and more unsettled towards the end. See more... Read more - members only

The decision by the RHS to schedule its annual press conference to coincide with the Garden Press Event has increased the number of broadcasters and writers likely to attend. A few stand spaces remain available. See more... Read more - members only

EMAP has postponed its controversial decision to impose car park charges on visitors to the Spring Fair. See more... Read more - members only

Gardenforum reported on 18 garden centres changing hands last year. There was also the demise of wholesaler Spread, and a difficult year for Sir Tom Hunter’s investments in Dobbies, Flying Brands and Wyevale. For a review of 2008 and what to watch in 2009, see 'more'... (This article open to non-subscribers to see what you missed!) Read more - open to all

Expect a full house at the first GIMA Business meeting of 2009. Speakers who will be predicting the trends in a most unpredictable year include the Leisure Category Director from Tesco, a leading independent garden centre owner and the joint MD of cash and carry chain, Stax. See more... Read more - open to all

Garden Organic has called for a joined up approach from leading garden organisations to encourage food security and bio-diversity by promoting growing at home. See more... Read more - members only

57 members attended last week's AGM of the Horticultural Trades Association held at Melbicks garden centre. Inevitably, the focus was on the economic downturn. See more... Read more - members only

There’s a new website and a new venue for the British Plant Fairs, which should deliver a boost to UK growers in 2009 with the rise in the Euro in relation to the pound. See more... Read more - members only

Wiseweather predicts that December will see a generally unsettled north westerly pattern predominate. Brief incursions of milder air will occur but polar maritime air will be dominant. See more... Read more - members only

All-In-One Garden Centre of Middleton Rochdale has become the latest member of the Future Marketing Group. See more... Read more - members only

GIMA survey reveals that GLEE exhibitors are happy with visitor quality, but not the numbers. Over half the members said they would definitely exhibit again in 2009. But, a worrying 21% said they would not. See more… Read more - members only

Wiseweather predicts another frosty spell in mid November, with prospect of wintriness! See more... Read more - members only

After 44 years, the Torquay gift fair will take a new identity and move to Exeter. See more... Read more - members only