Business
Garden centres up their coffee game…
Haskins Snowhill Garden Centre’s coffee aficionado Adam Kelly has recently won the regional heats of Costa Coffee UK’s Barista of the Year competition, progress to the UK and Ireland final.
Regulation
Common User Charge Rates announced
Defra has announced the Common User Charge (CUC) rates and how the charge will apply to imports entering Great Britain through Dover and Eurotunnel from 30 April 2024.
RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2024
Plant nursery co-operative returns to RHS Chelsea
The Plant Fairs Roadshow (PFR) will return to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show Pavilion in 2024 with new nurseries joining the co-operative for the first time.
People
Ben Harrison: Garden Centre Association (GCA) new Chairman Elect
Ben Harrison, Operations Director of Haskins Garden Centres will become Chairman at the GCA’s annual conference in January 2026.
Media
Hornby George PR launch online press office
Created by Hornby George PR, the new platform called PressDonkey enabling direct brand and trade press communication.
By the bye
A few favourite April Fooleries
Embracing the playful spirit of April Fools’ Day, we salute those individuals and businesses in the horticulture industry keen for a laugh…
Business
Good news for RHS online plant sales
The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has reported pre-Easter online plant sales increased by 78% compared to last year (11-17th of March).
Awards
2024 UK Florist of the Year competition
Organised by the British Florist Association to highlight and celebrate the creative talents of the floral industry.
Business
Royal FloraHolland heads towards 100% sustainability
As of the 1st of January 2026, Royal FloraHolland trading partners will be certified according to the Floriculture Sustainability Initiative (FSI) with the aim to full FSI compliance by 2027.
Events
Gaze Burvill RHS Chelsea Preview in aid of Woodland Heritage & Horatio’s Garden
Luxury outdoor furniture brand Gaze Burvill will be hosting their 7th annual RHS Chelsea Preview event featuring leading garden designers presenting their show gardens.
Education
RHS school competition to create mini ‘No Adults Allowed’ garden
The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has launched a nationwide competition aimed at UK primary schools, in celebration of the 2024 RHS Chelsea ‘No Adults Allowed Garden’.
Charity
National Garden Scheme provides £247,502 community garden funding
The National Garden Scheme (NGS) announced the distribution of the funding to 95 community garden projects across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Charity
Furzey gardening team seek support for RHS Hampton Court Garden Festival show garden
A talented group of gardeners want to show that people with learning disabilities are creative, committed and challenge the prejudices they face every day.
Business
Gaze Burvill certifies as a B Corp company
Luxury garden furniture maker, Gaze Burvill is now a certified B Corp, joining a global movement of like-minded businesses pushing for change.
Marketing
‘Misleading’ EasiGrass advert banned
The Advertising Standards Authority banned Easigrass advert on the grounds the marketing materials misled consumers over supposed green credentials of plastic grass
Awards
Sprint team BNG research short-listed for Vice Chancellor’s Research Engagement Award
The Sprint team established themselves as a centre of excellence for Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) research and building a strong network of stakeholders.
Charity
British Garden Centres raises over £15,000 for Garden Re-Leaf Day
In support of Garden Re-Leaf Day, the annual event that raises funds for Greenfingers Charity, British Garden Centres managed to raise over £15,000.
Awards
Rosie Atkins, Charles Dowding, Chris Lane & Neil Lucas amongst those celebrated at the RHS People Awards
RHS People Award winners were celebrated for their outstanding contributions to horticulture and gardening at the awards ceremony in the Lindley Hall, London.
Regulation
Horticulture industry calls for urgent clarity ahead of ‘cliff-edge’ border changes
The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) and its members are pleading with the government to act swiftly and responsibly to secure the future of environmental horticulture.
People
Dobbies Garden Centres appoints Jonathan Wass as their new CFO
The UK garden centre retailer, Dobbies announces an update in their senior leadership team with the appointment of Jonathan Wass as Chief Financial Officer (CFO).
