Gardens
Omved: New centre for permaculture, biodiversity & community
The greenscape and learning hub, Omved gardens reopens in May, coinciding with the opening of a new centre for permaculture, biodiversity and community.
Worth a read
A plea for the protection of our surroundings
In a thought provoking article for Scribehound Gardening, Alan Titchmarsh asks why if we are justifiably entitled to public services such as energy is the beauty of our surroundings not part of that birthright?
Environment
The Carbon Garden at Kew
In July, Kew Gardens will unveil the Carbon Garden showcasing the vital role plants and fungi play in climate change and highlights the urgency of the climate crisis.
Regulation
BNG could unlock support for developments
Survey by biodiversity tech start-up, Joe’s Blooms suggests that Biodiversity Net Gain rules could be key to unlocking NIMBY support for housebuilding.
RHS
Concessions for growers transitioning to 100% peat free at RHS Shows
With no ban in place, the Royal Horticultural Society will introduce concessions at its flower show to support growers their final stages of transitioning to 100% Peat Free up to 2028.
Business
Back to bare roots: Perennial plants
To address the issue of plastic, the industry has introduced recycled, recyclable plant pots, wool or coir but some, such as Peter Nyssen, have switched to selling field grown, bare root perennials – we asked them for details.
Environment
Zoological Society of London leads project to restore Greater Thames Estuary habitats
The Thames, the life source of London and far beyond, will be restored, providing vital habitats for wildlife and healthier environments for people.
Business
Hillier nurseries now 100% peat-free
Hillier has announced a major milestone by transitioning all its nurseries to 100% peat-free operations.
Environment
10% reduction pesticide usage stipulated in the National Action Plan
Setting out its direction for the sustainable future of pesticide use in the UK, the government has published the National Action Plan, promising a pesticide reduction target of 10% by 2030.
Environment
WWF Prescription for Nature campaign
Approaching Earth Day in April, the World Wide Fund for Nature campaign focusses on the connection between nature and mental wellbeing, highlighting local heroes driving positive change.
Events
Fashion & Farming: Sewing the Seeds
Interesting event, uniting fashion and farming to explore what we farm and wear, reconnecting the farm-to-food-and-fabric cycle.
RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2025
Championing invertebrates: The Ugly Bug Ball Garden
Showcasing invertebrates, Sparsholt College and the Royal Entomological Society design the ‘Ugly Bug Ball’ garden for RHS Chelsea
Design
Industry launches sustainable design tool, elemental
Launching today, the free-to-use web-based app, elemental enables garden and landscape designers to assess and minimise environmental impacts, transforming sustainable design in the industry.
Wildlife
Fewer slugs expected this spring, says the RHS
After a bumper year for slugs in 2024, the Royal Horticultural Society entomology team are anticipating far fewer slugs in gardens this spring.
Regulation
Simpler Recycling legislation
On Global Recycling Day, the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) celebrates the industry’s progress towards greater recyclability but stresses the importance of implementation of the Simpler Recycling scheme.
Environment
Drone seeding trials could revolutionise temperate rainforest expansion
Conducted in the South West by the Woodland Trust, a drone tree-seeding trial using native tree seeds could triple the area of temperate rainforest in Devon and Cornwall.
Environment
Dartington Forest Garden at risk
The Agroforestry Research Trust have issued an appeal for support to protest the intentions of the Dartington Hall Trust to end their lease, putting the 31 year old forest food project at risk.
Environment
Woodland Trust launches Nature Emergency Scorecard for councils
The Woodland Trust is urging local authorities to declare a nature emergency and take urgent steps to restore community wildlife and green spaces.
Environment
Concerns regarding the Nature Restoration Fund
The UK government unveiled its planning and infrastructure bill which it says will remove barriers and boost housebuilding but has raised ‘growth-washing’ concerns.
Research
Why do people install artificial lawns?
New survey funded by Northumbria University, in collaboration with Newcastle University and the RHS aims to find the reasons behind choosing an artificial lawn and if expectations are met.
