Regulation
Industry calls on government to pause Plant Health fees hike
The British Potato Trade Association, the Fresh Produce Consortium and the Horticultural Trades Association urge the government to review the ill-timed fee hikes.
Wildlife
Fewer slugs expected this spring, says the RHS
After a bumper year for slugs in 2024, the Royal Horticultural Society entomology team are anticipating far fewer slugs in gardens this spring.
Awards
Henchman Topiary Awards 2025 open for submissions
Following the success of the 2025 inaugural awards, the Henchman Topiary Awards competition is set to return this spring.
Business
Blue Diamond appointed plant supplier to Alan Titchmarsh’s new gardening channel
Garden centre chain, Blue Diamond are the plant suppliers for the new Alan Titchmarsh YouTube Channel, which is set to launch in April 2025.
Regulation
The Gardens Trust campaigns to oppose removal statutory consultee status
Following the Government’s announcement that the Gardens’ Trust will no longer be a statutory consultee within the English planning system, the Trust is fighting back.
Regulation
Simpler Recycling legislation
On Global Recycling Day, the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) celebrates the industry’s progress towards greater recyclability but stresses the importance of implementation of the Simpler Recycling scheme.
Economy
OECD cuts growth forecasts
Ahead of the Chancellor’s Spring Statement next week, the OECD has downgraded the UK’s growth prospects.
Business
Spring Forecast: HTA calls for decisive government action
Ahead of the Chancellor’s Spring Forecast, the Horticultural Trades Association calls for decisive action to support the environmental horticulture sector.
Careers
Additional sponsorship support for the YPHA
The Young People in Horticulture Association has announced the support of five additional sponsors for 2025-2026 period.
Environment
Drone seeding trials could revolutionise temperate rainforest expansion
Conducted in the South West by the Woodland Trust, a drone tree-seeding trial using native tree seeds could triple the area of temperate rainforest in Devon and Cornwall.
Tourism
First Scottish Gardens Tourism Conference
Hosted by Discover Scottish Gardens, the inaugural Scottish Gardens Tourism Conference takes place this week, aimed to encourage collaboration across the industry.
Environment
Dartington Forest Garden at risk
The Agroforestry Research Trust have issued an appeal for support to protest the intentions of the Dartington Hall Trust to end their lease, putting the 31 year old forest food project at risk.
Media
New Podcast Series: Gardening on the Mind
Launching in May 2025, Gardening on the Mind, a new podcast series aims to explore how gardening serves as a powerful tool for positive change.
Products
Alitex launches ‘The Potting Shed’
Glasshouse manufacturer, Alitex are now offering a selection of gardening and greenhouse accessories through their website.
Events
National Amateur Gardening Show 2025
The first show since its relaunch, the National Amateur Gardening Show will take place in July at the South of England Showground in Sussex.
Environment
Woodland Trust launches Nature Emergency Scorecard for councils
The Woodland Trust is urging local authorities to declare a nature emergency and take urgent steps to restore community wildlife and green spaces.
Gardens
The gardens at Serge Hill open for visitors
The gardens around Serge Hill will be open for visitors from April to July, to raise funds for the Serge Hill Project.
Events
Great Dixter Spring Plant Fair 2025
The plant fair for plant lovers near and far.
