People
James Barnes to step down as HTA Chairman
Marking the end of his tenure, James Barnes will step down from his position as Chairman of the Horticultural Trades Association in September.
HTA
Plants in Parliament
Organised by the Horticultural Trades Association, the “Plants in Parliament” event was attended by around 100 MPs, Peers and their teams, highlighting key industry issues.
Regulation
WaterUK calls for higher water charges for large gardens
Trade body, WaterUK is calling for compulsory water metering which would result in higher charges for high consumers of water, such as homes with larger gardens.
Business
Businesses struggling to keep head above water, says S&P
S&P Global Market Intelligence suggests private sector confidence collapse and significant output decline in April, with firms reporting “more of a struggle” to survive after Chancellor’s tax rises kicked in
Gardens
Lawns overlooked in new builds
According to the Turfgrass Growers Association, developers are squeezing budgets to such a degree that lawns in new build developments are ever shrinking.
Business
US shipment suspensions amid tariff regime
Triggered by new customs rules, DHL announced a suspension of shipments, valued more than $800, bound for the US.
Business
British Garden Centres acquires Hayes Garden World
Family run, British Garden Centres, has announced the acquisition of Hayes Garden World in the Lake District.
Media
Eden Project hosts BBC Live Lesson on Earth Day
The Rainforest Biome at the Eden Project will be the setting for a BBC Live Lesson airing on Earth Day.
Charity
Dobbies gardening workshops in support of Alzheimer’s Research UK
In support of Alzheimer’s Research UK, Dobbies Garden Centres are hosting a Grow How event in stores across the UK this May to mark Dementia Action Week (19th-25th May).
Business
Rising costs lead to Shrewsbury Flower Show cancellation
Running since 1875, the Shrewsbury Flower Show announced that this year’s show has been cancelled due to escalating costs.
Business
Sunshine and sales: Strong March performance for garden centres
With favourable weather, overall garden centre sales, excluding catering, were up +23% compared to March 2024, and +43% compared to March 2023.
Regulation
Trade bodies call for urgent action to safeguard horticulture and fresh produce industry
The Horticultural Trades Association, the Fresh Produce Consortium, and British Potato Trade Association urgently call on the Cabinet Office, Treasury and Defra to secure UK’s horticulture and fresh produce industries.
Design
Garden Museum Archive of Garden Design Catalogue is live
The Garden Museum’s Archive of Garden Design, which includes documents by Russell Page, Penelope Hobhouse, Joy Larkom and ecologist Marney Hall, is now live.
Awards
Finalists of the 2025 RHS Chelsea Sustainable Excellence Awards
The RHS Sustainable Excellence Awards are awarded for sustainability and ethical commerce within the horticultural industry.
Regulation
Artificial Intelligence and Intellectual Property: Friend, foe or don’t we know?
AI is the future, yet its reliance on the human-created data produced by the creative industries produce, raises questions about proper controls for fair usage. We asked, Laura Newbold, CEO of ACID to explain.
Laura Newbold Breen
RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2025
Frank P Matthews to debut at 2025 RHS Chelsea Flower Show, showcasing Malus
Demonstrating the beauty of blossom, Frank P Matthews Trees, will be exhibiting for the first time at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
Business
Westland Horticulture acquires Bulldog Products
The company behind Jack’s Magic, Big Tom, Boost, Resolva, Peckish, Unwins and Kent & Stowe, Westland Horticulture has acquired wild bird food manufacturer, Bulldog Products.
Business
British Garden Centres acquired Northampton Garden Centre reopened
Former Dobbies location in Wootton, acquired by British Garden Centres was reopened last weekend by TV presenter, Nikki Chapman.
Business
Haskins partners with First Editions
Haskins Garden Centres has announced a partnership with US-based shrub brand First Editions to launch a new range of shrubs.
Lifestyle
Project of the Year 2026: House & Garden and Savills
In collaboration with House & Garden, real estate advisors Savills launch a search for an extraordinary house to win Project of the Year 2026.
