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.
Health
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.
Shows
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.
Media
Knepp ‘Wilding’ film in cinemas June 2024
Based on Isabella Tree’s best-selling book by the same title, the new documentary feature film about the story of rewilding Knepp releases in June.
Business
Strong March for garden centre trading
The monthly Garden Centre Association Barometer of Trade (BoT) figures show a ‘very strong’ March 2024.
Product Launch
FELCO expands product line with long reach tools
Pruning tools manufacturer, FELCO have expanded their product ranges with long reach pruning solutions for professional and amateur gardeners.
Business
Mycelium celebration
To celebrate Earth Month and the launch of their new Mycelium packaging, eyewear brand MONC partnered the talented Caley Brothers to create an innovative, living fungi window display.
Products
Mad About Land launch new garden clothing range at the RHS Urban Show
With a display built from compostable cardboard boxes, host to mini wildflower meadows the new clothing brand celebrates the egalitarian pursuit of gardening.
Events
RHS Family Gardening Festival
Celebrating budding gardens, all five RHS gardens will be hosting a range of activities for families to get involved in gardening during the upcoming garden festival.
Business
Early Easter boosts garden centre trade in March
Despite the wet and rainy weather, garden centre sales surged by +22% last month compared to March 2023.
Business
Creepers Nursery launch new retail plant site at Lavershot Barns
Long-established plant nursery Creepers have recently announced the launch of their new retail site at the luxury shopping estate, Lavershot Barns in Windlesham, Surrey.
