Business
Dobbies Bury St Edmunds completes refurbishment
Dobbies Garden Centre in Bury St Edmunds has become the fifth store to complete its upgrade as part of the retailer’s refurbishment programme.
Awards
Patrick Kielty to host 2025 GIMA Awards
The comedian and broadcaster, Patrick Kielty has been confirmed as host of the 2025 GIMA Awards.
Trees & Shrubs
Branching into the future: Farming in harmony with trees
Recognition that trees can offer farm resilience and business opportunities in the face of extreme weather, grows as 1000+ join the Agroforestry Show.
Charity
National Garden Scheme and Army Benevolent Fund celebrate 15 years of support
2025 marks 15 years of support and over £800,000 in donations from the National Garden Scheme to the Army Benevolent Fund, the Army’s national charity.
Business
Le Manoir to close for 18-month refurbishment with Raymond Blanc stepping down
Synonymous with garden gastronomy, two Michelin Star, Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons established by Raymond Blanc is to close for a year-and-a-half for redevelopment with the chef patron taking on a new role.
Business
BRC warn new tax band could push 400 large stores to the brink
New analysis by the British Retail Consortium shows that 400 large-format stores are at risk, if forced into the government’s proposed higher business rates tax band.
Awards
Stiga wins Innovation Award at GroundsFest 2025
Introducing their new Pro Range, Stiga’s new Large Format Robot was awarded the Innovation Award for Best Grass Cutting Equipment at GroundsFest 2025.
Environment
UK is miles away from meeting 2030 nature protection goals
New report from Wildlife and Countryside Link revealed that only 6% of UK land is properly protected for nature, far short of the government’s 30% 2030 target.
New Business
Healing through horticulture: Therapeutic Garden Tours
Therapeutic Gardening Tours (TGT) connects healthcare professionals with leading experts and gardens worldwide, showcasing how horticultural therapy enhances health, well-being, and professional practice.
New Business
David Hurrion launches the Norman & Vera Garden Emporium
Author, gardener and BBC Gardeners’ World events presenter, David Hurrion, launched the Norman & Vera Garden Emporium, offering sustainable gardening and lifestyle products inspired by his uncle and aunt.
People
Dan Lawton joins GCA Executive Committee as Area Co-Chair for the North
The Garden Centre Association has appointed Dan Lawton from Moss & Moor as Area Co-Chair of the North on the Executive Committee.
Plants
Rosemary collection at Great Comp Garden granted National Collection Status
Plant Heritage has awarded National Plant Collection® status to a collection of over 100 rosemary plants at Great Comp Garden in Kent.
Charity
Fiona Bruce to host National Garden Scheme ‘Ask the Experts’ event
BBC TV presenter, gardener and National Garden Scheme Ambassador, Fiona Bruce will host the fundraising event taking place at the Royal Geographical Society in London.
Collaboration
Collaborative research on the impacts of floriculture on health & wellbeing
Plants & Flowers Foundation Holland has joined forces with the Wageningen University & Research to investigate the effects of flowers and plants on health and wellbeing.
Business
David Austin Roses Pocket Handbook for design & trade professionals
Inspired by the Pantone colour guide, David Austin introduces the Pocket Handbook for garden designers, landscapers, and trade professionals.
People
Plant Heritage appoints Sir Roderick Newton as Chairman
Sir Roderick Newton will assume the role of Chairman of Plant Heritage, succeeding Cecilia Bufton, who is stepping down after eight years of service.
Regulation
Emma Reynolds appointed as the new Environment Secretary
Emma Reynolds has been appointed as the new Defra Secretary of State following the Cabinet reshuffle, with the former Defra Secretary, Steve Reed appointed as Housing Secretary.
Lifestyle
Cotswold Curated Craft Fair
Curated by Daylesford founder Carole Bamford and writer, gallerist Helen Chislett, the new craft fair promises three days of heritage, contemporary craft and curation.
