Conferences
Mary Portas to speak at 2026 GCA Conference
Business guru, broadcaster, author and activist Mary Portas OBE will be speaking at the Garden Centre Association’s (GCA) annual conference in January 2026.
Plants
Buddleja shine at Plantarium|Groen-Direkt
Known as Europe’s green marketplace, the trade fair Plantarium|Groen-Direkt facilitates the trade of garden plants for retail and wholesale, connecting growers with buyers.
Business
Stiga appoints James Gordon as UK Managing Director
The manufacturer of garden machinery, Stiga, announced the appointment of James Gordon as its new UK Managing Director, effective September 15, 2025.
Media
Britons put their faith in local news
Poll reveals people trust local journalism as the integration of AI on tech platforms advances rapidly, highlighting the importance of independent local media for the provision of information.
Plants
Lily Pad Heavyweights: Winner of the 2025 Waterlily Weigh-Off announced
Organised by the Denver Botanic Gardens, the wonderful Waterlily Weigh-Off’, challenges botanical gardens and zoos around the world to see how much weight their Victoria waterlily leaves can hold.
Wildlife
Light pollution extends birds’ daily activity by nearly an hour, study finds
New research shows that light pollution is causing birds in urban locations to sleep 50 minutes later than their rural counterparts.
Plants
Eden Project launches Wildflower Photographer of the Year competition
In partnership with the Canary Wharf Group, the Eden Project is organising a national photo competition in celebration of the 25th anniversary of its National Wildflower Centre.
Book Releases
Business
Jo Whitfield CBE to succeed Andy Higginson as BRC Chairman
Jo Whitfield CBE has been appointed to succeed Andy Higginson as British Retail Consortium Chair, when his tenure comes to an end on 2 October 2025.
Business
Shop thefts in Scotland soar by 17%
The latest Recorded Crime in Scotland statistics show a 17% rise in shop thefts over the past year, to over 47,000 incidents.
Gardens
Resilient Beauty: Plant Fairs Roadshow heads to West Dean
Hosting the Autumn Plant Fair, the Plant Fairs Roadshow heads to West Dean, where the experimental Dry Meadow and newly established Sunken Garden will provide much needed inspiration.
Business
Gateway to US Market: UK Walmart Seller Summit
UK businesses have an opportunity to meet Walmart, the prominent US retailer, at their new London offices to explore commercial prospects of their online marketplace and gain insights into accessing the US market.
Gardens
Behind the Gates: A private tour of Knoll Gardens with Neil Lucas
Otherwise closed to the public, owner Neil Lucas will provide a unique tour of Knoll Gardens to raise funds for the National Garden Scheme.
Charity
Growing hope: Urgent appeal by the Herefordshire Growing Point
The charity that helps people living with physical and mental challenges to enjoy the benefits of gardening is seeking urgent funding or donations to continue their work.
Shows
Soil to Canopy: 2025 Agroforestry Show
Taking place at Woodoaks Farm, the Agroforestry Show celebrates the powerful combination of trees, food and farming.
Exhibitions
A Floral Finale: Downton Abbey at Kew Gardens
For the first time, Kew Gardens will host the Fleurs de Villes Downton Abbey exhibition in celebration of the release of the new film ‘Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale’ in September.
Economy
Price of staples is rising
Fuelled by food price rises, shop price inflation hits highest rate since March 2024 adding pressure to disposable incomes across the country.
People
Fiona Packe appointed Head Gardener Elizabeth II park memorial
The Royal Parks charity has appointed horticulturalist, Fiona Packe as Head Gardener for The Regent’s Park Queen Elizabeth II garden, set to open in spring 2026.
Events
Beautiful & Useful Craft Fair at the Garden Museum
Craft fair returns for the festive season, with a curated collection of bold, bohemian and beautiful handmade ceramics, textiles, art prints, jewellery, and homewares.
