Local Heroes
Margaret Cooper recognised for her work protecting toads
For 25 years, Margaret Cooper has campaigned for the annual closure of a Nottinghamshire road to allow for the safe crossing of toads during breeding season.
Wildlife
2024: The worst year for bumblebees recorded
The 2025 BeeWalk Annual Report revealed that 2024 was the worst year for bumblebees since records began, with numbers declining by 22.5% compared to the 2010-2023 average.
Product Launch
The English Soap Company extends Kew range
The English Soap Company launches four new fragrances within the Kew Gardens Collection.
Worth a listen
Houseplants on Hort-Talk
Comprehensive podcast about the houseplant market, customer base, drivers & benefits, featuring Jonathan Miller from Hortihouse, Alex and Mike Opperman from Opperman Plants, and Dr. Tijana Blanusa from RHS & Reading University.
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).
Awards
‘Drawn to the Garden’ nominated for British Book Award
Caroline Quentin’s ‘Drawn to the Garden book’ has been shortlisted for the Book of the Year in the Non-Fiction: Lifestyle & Illustrated category at the British Book Awards.
Education
Great Bradfords School renovated garden opened by Jamie Oliver
Chef and author Jamie Oliver, opened the newly renovated garden at Great Bradfords Junior School in Braintree, Essex.
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
Record National Garden Scheme donation to nursing and health charities
A mammoth £3,403,960 has been generated by the scheme through the incredible achievement of garden owners and volunteers hosting open days at 3,389 gardens in 2023.
People
AMES appoints Patrick Thick as Sales Director
AMES Companies has confirmed the appointment of Patrick Thick as their new Sales Director, responsible for driving the garden centre channel.
Awards
Mayfield Park wins coveted Green Flag Award
The Green Flag Award has been granted to Mayfield Park in Manchester with the judges declaring that they had ‘never seen such an outstanding urban park in 20+ years of judging’.
Awards
New date for the GIMA Awards
The Garden Industry Manufacturer’s Association (GIMA) representing garden manufacturers and suppliers has confirmed November the 7th 2024 for its annual awards ceremony.
Business
Meet the Hillier buying team at GIMA Buyer Connect
GIMA has confirmed that Hillier will be the featured retailer at their next Buyer Connect event, taking place on the 17th of June 2025.
Plants
Hillier new plant introductions for 2025
Hillier Nurseries introduces three new plant varieties this spring, selected for their beauty, fragrance, and climate resilience.
On Instagram
A must follow @botanical_tales
Dried flower artist & nature loving creator of sustainable ethereal floral installations and art.
People
Gardening activist, Sara Venn has died
Community gardener, activist and founder of Edible Bristol, Sara Venn has died after a long battle with cancer.
Environment
Two men charged for iconic Sycamore Gap tree felling
Daniel Graham and Adam Carruthers have been charged with criminal damage for cutting down the 200 year old Sycamore Gap tree last September.
Gardens
Exbury Gardens celebrates 70 years of public opening
Exbury Gardens is celebrating the 70th anniversary of public opening in 2025 by restoring a forgotten corner of the famous Hampshire woodland garden.
Business
Houseplants: saviours of the last-minute Christmas shopper
Around one in seven of all houseplants sold in UK garden centres are purchased in December.
Media
‘Gardens of the World’ tv series hosted by Paul Hervey-Brookes
New television series ‘Gardens of the World’, hosted by garden designer, Paul Hervey-Brookes explores some of the most beautiful and culturally significant gardens across the globe.
