Regulation
Defra announces £15m investment in protected landscapes
Government pledges to champion the environment in the run up to the COP28 Climate Summit in Dubai.
Worth a read
Suburbanising the countryside
Rural landscapes deserve much more consideration and respect than currently granted.
Regulation
Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) become ‘National Landscapes’
A new name to reflect the contribution made protecting the nation from climate change, nature depletion and the wellbeing crisis.
Awards
Tom Howard wins BSME award for The Garden
Britain’s best editors, art directors and columnists were crowned at the 2023 annual British Society of Magazine Awards (BSME).
Business
Plants for Europe & Downderry Nursery
Even though Dr. Simon Charlesworth is retiring, he will continue to be part of the industry and is working on future launches of new lavender varieties.
Business
Crocus now ‘Plant Healthy’ certified
The online gardening brand are now Plant Healthy certified which is awarded to businesses who promote the highest levels of plant health and biosecurity.
Environment
Sustainable heating for David Austin
The UK’s most respected rose breeder uses a biomass boiler to heat their greenhouses sustainably during the colder months.
Plants
Dark Hedges
Known as Dark Hedges, Bregagh Road in Armoy, County Antrim saw the felling of at least six of the ancient beeches deemed a public safety risk.
Charity
Andy Sturgeon planting Horatio’s Garden Northern Ireland
Nine-time RHS Chelsea Flower Show gold medal winning designer Andy Sturgeon is on site planting the new garden for the charity at Musgrave Park Hospital.
Regulation
Horticultural Trades Association reaction to Autumn Budget
Fran Barnes, Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) Chief Executive responds to the Autumn Budget Statement.
Plants
Sarah Raven’s curated colour palettes for 2024
Gardening expert Sarah Raven reveals her new colour palettes for herbaceous borders, displays, and floral arrangements.
Business
Greenwood Plants 100% peat free
The nursery announced reaching the milestone, across all six of their UK sites, ahead of their target of the end of 2023.
Business
Modest growth in October garden centre trading
The November Market Update by the The Horticultural Trades Association’s (HTA’s) shows, despite a stormy month, that the UK garden centre retail saw positive trends in October.
Environment
A Climate for Change: National Trust
New report sets out the actions the National Trust is taking to tackle the climate and nature crises.
Education
WorldSkills UK 2023 winners
Winners of the Association of Professional Landscapers (APL) and Horticulture Foundation Skills, WorldSkills UK National finals announced.
Business
National Tree Week
National Tree Week is the UK’s largest annual tree celebration, launching the start of the winter tree planting season.
Worth a read
Possible reprieve for Kew Keepers
Uncovered documents in the Kew archives reveal that Sir William Hooker stipulated the collection must stay within the gardens.
Local Heroes
Garden centre composting campaign
Team leader at Snowhill garden centre is inspiring change in the industry to encourage increased hot bin composting.
Regulation
More protection for historic parks and gardens
The new Levelling Up and Regeneration Act received Royal Assent in October and is now an Act of Parliament (law).
People
Honorary degree for Monty Don
Gardening expert and broadcaster Monty Don OBE will receive an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Stirling.
