Business
ShopKind retail campaign in Scotland
An annual event, the ShopKind campaign supports the promotion of courteous and respectful behaviour in shops and to raise awareness of the growing problem of abuse and violence towards shop workers.
Awards
Gill Hodgson receives her MBE
Gill Hodgson, founder of Flowers From the Farm received her Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to Floristry.
Media
Zoe Ball & Jo Whiley launch new podcast
Broadcasters Zoe Ball and Jo Whiley aim to lift the curtain on the “messy and beautiful reality of living well” with their new Persephonica produced, podcast.
Gardens
Inspired by the Eden Project, China unveils ‘Oriental Eden’
Modelled on Cornwall’s Eden Project, the Eden Project Qingdao in China has officially opened.
Business
Hydroponic, urban ‘farm to plate’ experience
Opened April this year, the Orangery restaurant boasts the largest on-site hydroponic farm in London, offering hyper-local, farm-to-table dining.
Economy
New UK Trade Strategy to boost exports
The Government has launched its new trade strategy which aims to boost UK services exports and strengthen anti-dumping defences to protect the country from the global tariff wars.
Business
Blue Diamond to acquire Barton Grange Garden Centre
The garden centre retail group is currently in discussion regarding the potential acquisition of Barton Grange Garden Centre and associated Garden Centre Plants nursery.
Business
British Garden Centres to exhibit at RHS Hampton and Wentworth
The garden centre group has announced that it will be exhibiting for the first time at RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival and the inaugural RHS Flower Show Wentworth Woodhouse.
Business
UK and EU horticulture and floriculture outline support for SPS negotiation
Horticultural Trades Association and Union Fleurs to attend joint meetings of Domestic Advisory Groups (DAG) and Civil Society Forums (CSF) to ensure the needs of the horticulture and floriculture sectors are addressed in SPS negotiations.
Business
Glee 2025: An update
With 360 exhibitors confirmed to date, the trade show announces growth in terms of visitor registrations, new and existing exhibitors.
Business
Standout spring sales for UK garden centres
Latest data from the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) Market Update for May 2025 revealed continued strong performance for gardener centres with consumer opting to spend on their gardens.
Business
August GIMA Buyer Connect: Wickes
GIMA announced that the home improvement retailer, Wickes will be joining their 2025 Buyer Connect programme.
Awards
Frank P Matthews wins HTA New Plants Award
At the 2025 HTA National Plant Show, the tree nursery won the HTA New Plants Award and was also awarded the Visitor Vote.
Events
Detail personified: The Artisan Plant Market at Landgoed De Wiersse
Inspired by the late Bingerden’s Nursery Days and the Great Dixter plant fairs, the Artisan Plant Market at De Wiersse Estate in the Netherlands, has become a notable diary entry for plant lovers.
Charity
Dobbies’ fundraising walk raises £4k for Alzheimer’s Research UK
Staff from Dobbies Central Support Office completed a 25-mile fundraising raising £4,150 for national charity partner, Alzheimer’s Research UK.
Marketing
Flower Council of Holland rebrands to become Plants & Flowers Foundation Holland
Representing growers and traders, the renamed, Plants & Flowers Foundation Holland promotes the Dutch horticulture sector to attract attention to flowers and plants from European consumers.
Business
WCG Worcestershire Employer & Stakeholder Conference
Tailored to the needs of businesses across Worcestershire, the conference brings together industry leaders, educators and policymakers to tackle workforce challenges and access to skilled talent.
People
Dobbies appoints two new Directors
Dobbies Garden Centre announces the appointment of George Hutchinson as Retail Director and Richard Herbert as Restaurant Director.
Awards
Rachel Bailey wins Best Show Garden at BBC Gardeners’ World Live
Scottish garden designer, Rachel Bailey, won Best Show Garden and a Platinum award at the 2025 BBC Gardeners’ World Live.
Charity
National Garden Scheme & Horatio’s Garden celebrate 10 years of partnership
Dame Mary Berry, President Emeritus of the National Garden Scheme and guests celebrate 10 years of support and partnership between the National Garden Scheme and Horatio’s Garden.
