People
Cate Blanchett named as first ever Ambassador of Wakehurst
Cate Blanchett will highlight the global impact of the vital works by Wakehurst, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew’s wild botanic garden and home to the Millennium Seed Bank.
Wildlife
Further insect declines highlighted in 2023 Bugs Matter citizen science survey
The Bugs Matter Survey report reveals that the abundance of flying insects sampled on vehicle number plates has fallen by a staggering 78% since 2004.
Environment
Forestry Commission on reducing plastic tree guards usage
The Forestry Commission outlines their move towards more sustainable forestry with plastic usage reduction and recycling programmes.
Events
Marie-Thérèse King exhibition at Barnsdale Gardens
Inspired by the Barnsdale gardens, the wildlife artist Marie-Thérèse, who specialises in the ancient art of Batik will be exhibiting her works in studio at the gardens.
Plants
Native plant consumption in the US
Fuelled by consumer demand and mandated by legislation, native plant consumption in the US is growing but it’s a protracted process.
Marketing
Westland introduces their new seasonal newspaper
Westland Horticulture, the company behind Jack’s Magic, Big Tom, Boost, Resolva, Peckish, Unwins and Kent & Stowe has launched The Westland Garden, a free newspaper for garden centre customers.
People
Malcolm Catlin appointed Project Director of Plant Healthy Certification Scheme
As the new Project Director, Malcolm Catlin MCIHort will oversee the development of the Plant Healthy scheme and standard to minimise the risks of pests and diseases.
Charity
Horatio’s Garden Prize Draw is live
To raise vital funds for the charity, Horatio’s Garden new prize draw is now live, until the 7th of May.
People
Robert B. Cook appointed Dobbies Board Advisor
The garden centre retailer appoints Robert B. Cook as board advisor to support the strategic development of their restaurant business.
Research
Urban trees reduce heat-related mortality rates
Study found that London’s urban forest helped avoid 153 heat attributable deaths, representing around 16% of Urban Heat Island related mortality.
Gardens
Horatio’s Garden launches private tours of their gardens
The spinal injury charity Horatio’s Garden, has launched a new series of tours offering the public the chance to visit their award-winning, fully accessible gardens.
Wildlife
Dutch National Bee Count
Similar to our equivalent Big Butterfly Count, the people of the Netherlands are counting bees to help assess the health and prevalence of wild bee populations in the country.
RHS Malvern Spring Festival 2024
The Cottage Garden Society returns to RHS Malvern Spring Festival
After a four year absence, the Cottage Garden Society team will be exhibiting at the RHS Malvern Spring Festival highlighting the benefits the society brings to gardening.
Events
Great Dixter Summer Plant Fair
Great Dixter announces rescheduled plant fair to take place in July.
Health
Dr Michael Mosley on the benefits of gardening
On his BBC Radio 4 podcast ‘Just One Thing’, Dr. Michael Mosley explains that gardening is not only good for physical fitness but benefits the brain, mood and gut microbiome.
Marketing
In support of the pelargonium
The Pelargonium for Europe (PfE) marketing initiative aims to improve the image of geraniums and thereby promote their sale.
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.
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
Often misunderstood, bats are essential for the environment
Despite their maligned reputation, bats carry out important work and contribute to the health of our ecosystem.
Health
Policymakers urged to provide sustained funding for therapeutic horticulture initiatives
Members of the Scottish Gardening and Horticulture Cross-Party Group (CPG) have written to Ministers advocating for the health benefits of horticulture and gardening in healthcare.
