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

HTA members who attended this week's business leaders’ conference heard that we are facing the toughest time ever for business directors. Innovation is the key to survival, but this does not come naturally to companies with over 20 staff. Creativity needs to be worked at. See more... Read more - members only

Despite the current turbulent economic climate, research by the Voucher Association shows that one in seven of all paper vouchers sold to consumers in the UK is an HTA National Garden Gift Voucher (NGGV). See more... Read more - open to all

Top names from across the garden industry have signed up to attend the HTA’s Garden Leaders’ Conference which takes place at the London Stock Exchange on 21-22nd October. See more... Read more - open to all

According to Wiseweather, October sees the return of generally cool wet weather for most with gales and heavy rain at times. See more... Read more - members only

With the future looking more uncertain than ever GIMA has asked two retailers to look ahead. The next business meeting will hear from Wilkinson and Frosts as well as experts in logistics and web-based research. 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

Phase one of a stunning £25 million Butterfly World Project will open next June with Future Gardens, a series of show gardens launched by Sir David Attenborough and David Bellamy. When completed, the 25-acre site near St Albans will have display gardens in the shape of a caterpillar, a tropical biome and 10,000 tropical butterflies. See more... Read more - members only

Comments attached to the latest BRC-KPMG sales figures, which show another drop, say UK retail is not in freefall, the consumer is still spending. See more… Read more - members only

The IGCA (International Garden Centre Association) Congress is to return to the UK after 12 years. In 1997 the event was hosted by London, the Southeast and Scotland. In September 2009 it will be the turn of the North West. See more... Read more - members only

GRO has appointed a buyer for garden dry goods. He has started to contact suppliers who have indicated their willingness to talk to the new, GCA backed, garden centre buying group. See more... Read more - members only

As Glee 2008 closed its doors last night questions were being asked about the format of the UK's largest garden trade exhibition. Show director, Dan Thurlow, dispels many of the rumours but confirms that it will be a more compact show next year. See more... Read more - members only