Business
Households confident in their finances for 2025, says KPMG
Latest KPMG survey findings suggests, that even though people think the health of the economy is worsening, households are entering the new year feeling financially secure
Local Heroes
Over £30,000 raised for Greenfingers by gruelling 365-day running challenge
Greenfingers Charity supporter, Kate Ebbens has completed her incredible 2024, daily running challenge to raise much needed funds for the children’s hospice garden charity.
People
Horticultural champions recognised in HM The King’s New Year Honours list
More than 1,200 recipients received honours this year across all sectors, including horticulture.
People
Monty Don confirms new Gardeners’ World contract
Gardener and broadcaster, Monty Don has confirmed to be the host of Gardeners’ World until the end of 2026.
Worth a read
New era of garden visits
When it comes to visiting gardens, we seem to be on the fringes of a new era of more relaxed, exclusive and quirky garden tours.
Media
Monty Don’s British Gardens
For his new series, Monty Don travels across some of the country’s most stunning landscapes, heading across the north of England to Northern Ireland.
Business
Pantone’s Colour of the Year 2025
For 2025, the Pantone Colour Institute selected PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse, a brown hue imbued with richness, suggesting of the delectable qualities of chocolate and coffee.
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
First UK garden centre certified B corp
Thetford Garden Centre has achieved Certified B Corporation (B Corp) status, joining the global movement of like-minded businesses pushing for change.
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.
