Perennial helped over 1,200 people last year battling illness, financial hardship, bereavement and disability. Read some of their stories. Read more

The Commercial Horticulture Association is bringing together the best brains in horticulture, many of whom have their own strategic success stories, to provide all growers with help in overcoming at least some of the problems they face in the day to day running of their businesses at Growquip in October. Read more

Leading buyers, including a relieved Dobbies team, made an early start at the HTA National Plants show at Stoneleigh. New services were launched and some were concerned about exchange rates after the referendum vote. Read more

Taylors Bulbs presented Royal Celebration to Her Majesty the Queen. There was Gold for the new Hillier regime.  Guy Hands is pleased with progress of new management team. Minister inspects industry’s Sun Flower Square collaboration. Read more

Having consulted its members and got a mixed response, the HTA has decided to remain neutral in the debate over the future of the UK in Europe. Read more

‘If a consumer can’t buy from you at 10pm, they’ll go to Amazon.’ Are iBeacons the gadget to watch? Retailers say the surprise benefits of EPOS include finding out how often their gut feelings are wrong. Read more

“It seems that the power-base for the production and market for ornamentals is changing,” says Tim Briercliffe, Secretary General of the AIPH. Read more

The long range weather forecast from Wiseweather suggests a more average February with a possible polar arctic shock at the end of the month or the beginning of March. Read more

Malcolm Scott says, “The danger is that garden centres are getting bigger and bigger, but blander and blander.” His colleague, Chris Primett explains how the new Garsons restaurant is different. Read more

Three recent reports show the growing importance of other channels for garden products. Read more

2015 was an eventful year in the garden sector. Here is a round-up of some of the most important stories on Gardenforum throughout the year. This article is open to non-members. Read more

Bonnington Plastics offers to share with other manufacturers the tactics it used to beat the substitute sellers who were costing the company £50,000 a year. Read more

Wiseweather predicts a cooler spell at the end of next week in an otherwise mild month. Read more

The CPA reminds retailers they have one month to comply with the Sustainable Use Directive (SUD) regulations. To comply, staff should be certificated using a simple online training course. Read more

Introducing the Garden Futures Conference, new president, Adam Wigglesworth said “The entrepreneur spirit is as alive as ever. The HTA is giving change a great big bear hug.” Read more

Longacres has bought Bybrook Barn Garden Centre in Ashford, Kent. This will be the third centre in the emerging group. Read more

Ian Boardman, Andy Campbell and newly appointed Alyson Haywood are standing down from their roles as GCA inspectors this year (2016). Only Roger Crookes will continue as the GCA begins the search for replacements. Read more

Old stock donated by Scotts, Wyevale Nurseries and Wyevale Garden Centres has raised £2,300 at auction for Greenfingers. The charity is asking any company with unwanted stock to donate it to Turn Old into Gold. Read more

Kingfisher figures for February to April show B&Q sales up 3.6% excluding impact of 10 more store closures. However seasonal sales were sharply lower. Read more

Malcolm Scott Consultants has completed a deal to join Harris Lamb that will secure the long term future of the business and extend the services it can offer garden centres. Read more

Thrive will use its expertise to deliver training as part of a £1.3 million project to transform care home gardens to support people with dementia. Read more

Hayloft Plants has beaten bigger rivals to run The Telegraph online Garden Shop and is looking to add product. Read more

Watch a live debate with leading influencers on Garden Tags, a new blog site for gardening writers and gardeners, on the eve of the Garden Press Event. Read more

“We need to dispel the myth that garden centres are the place for experts,” said David Domoney. He is calling on every garden centre to nominate their ambassador and so build a network of mentors to help people and communities who would like to start growing. Read more

Carol Paris says, “We are entering a golden age for the horticulture industry” as Minister, George Eustace promises to do what he can to help the industry implement its new Ornamental Horticulture Action Plan. Read more

Wiseweather predicts that for much of January a succession of Atlantic lows will continue to push fronts across the UK with rain and at times strong winds. Read more

Latest figures from the GCA Barometer of trade show how revenue from gifts and Christmas lines doubled in October. Outdoor plant sales were also good. Read more

A company can be held responsible for an employee’s behaviour on social media and travel from home to the first meeting should be paid for. GIMA members hear about many recent changes in legislation. Read more

The HTA is looking for three new Council members to be the regional voice of the membership. “It is a great opportunity to see what is going on and influence it,” says President, Adam Wigglesworth. Read more

Figures updated this month in Company Results show big sales increases for Boningale, Stewarts Plastics and Weber-Stephen Products (UK). Blue Diamond UK and Haskins also grew. Profits recovered at The Scotts Company UK. Read more