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.
HTA
HTA highlights the GB-NI trade challenges to Parliamentary Committee
The Horticultural Trades Association delivered evidence to the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee as part of its inquiry into the operation of the Windsor Framework.
Charity
Greenfingers Charity: Garden build updates
An update from the Greenfingers Charity regarding the continuing work at four of its current hospice garden projects: Acorns Children Hospice, Hope House, Chestnut Tree and Bluebell Wood.
Regulation
The Gardens Trust could be stripped of statutory consultee role in planning system
Aimed to speed up the planning system, the government announced a reduction in statutory consultees and that the scope of other statutory consultees will be narrowed.
People
Lee Connelly named Ambassador National Children’s Gardening Week 2025
The Horticultural Trades Association has announced that Lee Connelly has been named the official ambassador for National Children’s Gardening Week 2025 which runs from 24 May – 1 June 2025.
Regulation
The Green Spaces Bill heard in Parliament
The second reading of MP Caroline Voaden’s Private Members’ Bill took place on the 7th of March, seeking to establish a Government Office for Urban Green Spaces.
Collaboration
Lily Planter: Tom Faulkner & Them Outdoors
British furniture brand Tom Faulkner is collaborating with Them Outdoors on a distinct set of Lily Planters, made in corten steel, satin polished stainless steel or coloured steel.
Gardens
Exbury Gardens celebrates 70 years of public opening
Exbury Gardens is celebrating the 70th anniversary of public opening in 2025 by restoring a forgotten corner of the famous Hampshire woodland garden.
Business
Blue Diamond acquires Dobbies Harlestone Heath and Huntingdon Garden Centres
Blue Diamond has announced the acquisition of two Dobbies Garden Centres, Harlestone Heath and Huntingdon – a move that will push the company’s turnover to over £400 million.
Gardens
Entry to all RHS Gardens for just £1
Thanks to the 2025 National Lottery Open Week, entry to Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Gardens will cost £1 between the 15th – 23rd of March.
Charity
Schools, charities and local groups invited to apply for Dobbies Community Gardens initiative
Dobbies Garden Centres is welcoming applications for their community gardens initiative, offering local schools, charities and community groups across the country, support for their green spaces.
Media
Floret Farm: The Beautiful Pursuit
Floret Farm releases new series on flower farm highlighting what it really takes to be a flower farmer and the challenges involved in bringing local flowers to market.
Environment
Woodland Heritage Open woods & workshops
Woodland Heritage has launched a new initiative, the Open Woods & Workshops to champion homegrown timber and sustainable productive woodlands for present and future generations.
Business
New dawn for funeral flowers
One compostable arrangement at a time, the co-founder of The Farewell Flowers Directory Gill Hodgson, explains how they are on a mission to change the world of funeral flowers.
Gill Hodgson
People
Kazuyuki Ishihara wins Gold and RHS Choice Award at the Philadelphia Flower Show 2025
Garden designer Kazuyuki Ishihara wins four awards, plus the inaugural RHS Choice Award at the 2025 Pennsylvania Horticultural Society’s Philadelphia Flower Show.
Regulation
New Bill to champion green spaces and environmental horticulture
MP Caroline Voaden’s Private Members’ Bill, seeks to establish a Government Office for Urban Green Spaces.
Awards
Double win for HTA at 2025 Trade Association Forum awards
The Horticultural Trades Association celebrated a double win at the Trade Association Awards, run by the Trade Association Forum.
Plants
HTA New Plant Awards 2025: Call for entries
Exhibitors of the upcoming HTA National Plant Show are invited to enter the HTA New Plant Awards 2025, which is sponsored by the RHS.
Media
Matt Collins writes gardening column for Toast Magazine
The Garden Museum’s Head Gardener, Matt Collins, writes new monthly gardening column for TOAST Magazine.
Conferences
GIMA Day Conference: AI, Marketing & Intellectual Property
Taking place in March, the GIMA Day Conference for industry professionals will explore key business challenges and opportunities, with a special focus on Artificial Intelligence, marketing, and intellectual property.
