Business
Strong November sales for garden centres
The Horticultural Trades Association has reported strong November performance for garden centres, showing a 6% increase compared to 2023, even when excluding café and restaurant sales.
Business
Suttons granted Royal Warrant of Appointment to be Seedsmen to His Majesty The King
Supplier of seeds, plants and bulbs, Suttons, has been officially granted the Royal Warrant of Appointment by King Charles III.
Regulation
National Planning Policy Framework to boost building
The government has released the final version of the National Planning Policy Framework, confirming the re-introduction of mandatory housing targets and new ‘golden rules’ for building on the Green Belt.
Business
Houseplants: seasonal saviours for the last-minute shopper
Around one in seven of all houseplants sold in the UK’s garden centres are purchased in December.
Charity
The gift of grasses
Working with its charity the Knoll Gardens Foundation, Knoll Gardens gift ornamental grasses to local community groups to create attractive spaces for benefit of the community and promoting wellbeing.
Gardens
Harris Bugg Studio appointed to revitalise Barbican Conservatory
Landscape designers Harris Bugg Studio have been appointed to revitalise the planting of the remarkable, eco-brutalist design of the iconic Barbican Conservatory
Business
Seismic impact of the Autumn Budget on horticulture
New survey data from the Horticultural Trades Association highlights the severity of the risks posed to the horticulture sector by the Autumn Budget.
People
George Plumptre to retire as Chief Executive of the National Garden Scheme
After 15 years at the helm of the National Garden Scheme, George Plumptre EMH, has announced that he will retire from his role as Chief Executive of the National Garden Scheme at the end of the summer 2025.
Events
Monty Don in conversation with Sophie Raworth
In February 2025, the National Garden Scheme will host a new fundraising event, featuring Monty Don, at the Royal Geographical Society in London.
Design
William Andrews Nesfield archives acquired by the Garden Museum
The Garden Museum has acquired the archives of the eminent landscape architect William Andrews Nesfield (1793–1881).
People
Dr. Olivia Chapple receives her OBE
Dr Olivia Chapple, founder and Chair of Trustees at Horatio’s Garden receives her OBE for exceptional services to charity, from His Majesty The King.
Regulation
New EU General Product Safety Regulations
The new EU General Product Safety Regulations come into effect this week, affecting all businesses associated with the supply or sale of products on the EU market.
Charity
HTA presents Greenfingers with cheque for £14,537.79
The Horticultural Trades Association presented the charity, Greenfingers with a £14,537.79 cheque, raised through the National Garden Gift Card scheme and fundraising activities.
Charity
Botanical gardens amongst the £16.7 million grant recipients of the Julia Rausing Trust
Charitable fund, the Julia Rausing Trust has awarded £16.7 million in heritage grants to UK cathedrals, botanic gardens, and museums and galleries
Charity
Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum granted £190,000 for community project
The Julia Rausing Trust has awarded the Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum a £190,000 grant to invest in a community-led tree planting project
Business
STIGA Autonomous robot mower on show at ‘L’Italia dei Brevetti’
As an example of innovation in green maintenance, the STIGA Autonomous Robot Lawn Mower is on display at ‘L’Italia dei Brevetti: Invenzioni e Innovazioni di Successo’ organised by the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy.
Design
Finalists for Society of Garden Designers 2025 Student Awards announced
The Society of Garden Designers has announced the finalists for the 2025 SGD Student Awards.
Business
Melcourt Industries appoints Nikki Burton as Managing Director
The supplier of mulches and peat-free growing media, Melcourt Industries has appointed, Operations Director Nikki Burton as Managing Director.
Media
Kimberley Hornby George appointed Garden Media Guild Co-Chair
Kimberley Hornby George has been appointed Co-Chair of the Garden Media Guild, sharing the role with Alexandra Campbell
Gardens
Fifteen new gardens become RHS Partner Gardens
With gardens across the UK, France and Italy, fifteen unique gardens become Royal Horticultural Society Partner Gardens in 2025.