Worth a read
Fig tree forests from Sheffield’s love of fig biscuits
Intriguing story in the Guardian about the exotic fig trees that thrive in and around the waterways of Sheffield, which originated from the residents’ love of fig biscuits.
Business
Steady July garden centre sales but broader economic environment remains difficult confirms HTA
The August 2024 Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) Market Update revealed steady garden centre sales boosted by the warmer end of July.
Marketing
Dutch campaign encourages reducing paving for greener gardens
Running from June until October, a Dutch campaign was launched to encourage residents with gardens dominated by paving to switch to greener, more permeable gardens.
Business
For sale: Farm Soap Co.
Dorset based, botanical skincare and wellbeing product business the Farm Soap Co. with retail, wholesale and online presence is for sale.
Innovation
Precision robot weeding
In collaboration with Delft University of Technology, Wageningen University and Kubota, Odd.Bot launched the Maverick, a pioneering and sustainable form of autonomous weed recovery.
Business
Challenges and concerns of grower’s peat-free journey shared with Minister
At a tour of McClaren’s Nurseries in Scotland, Agriculture Minister, Jim Fairlie MSP was updated on the complexities and consequences of the use of peat in horticulture for the industry’s present and future outlook.
Business
Encouraging July trading for garden centres
The Garden Centre Association’s July Barometer of Trade figures reveal positive results for July trading.
Environment
Canine wildflower seed dispersal: Wolf-seeding
The Railway Land Wildlife Trust in Lewes has launched an intriguing rewilding project where local dogs spread wildflower seed by means of special seed-filled backpacks.
Environment
Urban ecosystem services: Medellín’s cooling green corridors
To reduce the city’s significant urban heat island effect and improve urban biodiversity, Medellín in Columbia created thirty interconnected green corridors which run throughout the city.
Events
Endellion Lycett Green: Queen of colour, form and imagination
The story of an artist, capturing the wonderment of nature on canvas in a series of beautifully complex, layered compositions for a special solo exhibition.
Plants
Knoll Gardens launches new Pennisetum ‘Black Arrow’
Renowned ornamental grass specialist Knoll Gardens has launched a new Fountain Grass, called Pennisetum Black Arrow.
Gardens
David Austin Roses donates 180 roses to Anglesey Abbey
Visitors to the National Trust Anglesey Abbey will now enjoy newly donated English roses in full bloom in its extended Rose Garden.
Job
Dobbies is recruiting for Santas and elves
Reportedly one of the biggest employers of Santas and elves, the garden centre chain, Dobbies starts their festive recruitment drive in preparation for Christmas.
Careers
The Royal Parks: Senior Digital Marketing Officer
The Royal Parks are looking for a Senior Digital Marketing Officer to join the team on a full-time basis for an 8-month fixed term contract.
Environment
Survey reveals poor understanding of air temperature regulation by urban trees
New national survey shows that the vast majority of UK adults (88%) underestimate or do not know the maximum cooling effect of urban trees.
Events
Landscaping skills battle at BBC Gardeners’ World Autumn Fair
Two landscaping companies are set to pit their skills at the BBC Gardeners’ World Autumn Fair in the Association of Professional Landscapers’ Skills Competition
Business
Blue Diamond Group acquired Frosts Garden Centre
The garden centre retail group, Blue Diamond have acquired their 45th garden centre, Frosts Garden Centre located in Woburn Sands, Buckinghamshire.
Job
Restore: Commercial and Natural Capital Director
The nature restoration service provider, Restore is looking to recruit a Commercial and Natural Capital Director to help the company grow and scale over the next 10+ years.
Job
Marian Boswall Landscape Architects: Landscape Architect
Marian Boswall Landscape Architects design practice is looking to recruit a landscape architect to join the team.
Plants
World record sized Titan Arum in Meise Botanic Garden
Belgium’s Meise Botanic Garden is celebrating the world’s largest titan arum in bloom.