HTA
Will Armitage appointed as new HTA President
The Horticultural Trades Association announced the appointment of Will Armitage as its new President, taking over from Alan Down.
People
Mike Burks awarded the Pearson Memorial Medal 2024
The Horticultural Trades Association awarded Mike Burks, Managing Director of The Gardens Group, the Pearson Memorial Medal for his environmental work, outstanding contributions and leadership in the sector.
Natural Capital
The provision of gardens needs to be central to UK housebuilding targets, says the RHS
The Royal Horticultural Society is calling for a review of the Biodiversity Net Gain 4.0 metric, updated planning guidelines to require cultivated landscapes, and garden masterplans for urban areas.
Events
Glee 2024 review
Attendee numbers for Glee 2024 were up year-on-year, with an increased presence of owner, buyers and retailers says the organiser.
People
Broadcaster, Marian Foster awarded 2024 Northern Branch Commendation
The Chartered Institute of Horticulture’s Northern Branch Commendation for 2024 has been awarded to the broadcaster Marian Foster.
Regulation
International, EU & UK horticultural and floricultural association plant health cooperation
Union Fleurs, the Dutch Association of Wholesalers in Flowers and Plants (VGB) and HTA participated in the EU Domestic Advisory Group UK – EU, and Civil Society Forum meeting.
Charity
Golden success: NGS Impact report RHS Chelsea Show Garden
The National Garden Scheme Impact Report states that their 2024 RHS Chelsea Flower Show garden, designed by Tom Stuart-Smith significantly raised the charity’s profile and interest in their work.
Plants
David Austin Roses Launches Bring Me Sunshine® as Climbing English Rose
Named after the Morecambe & Wise Song, David Austin Roses launches Bring Me Sunshine® (Ausernie) as a climbing rose, for the 2025 season.
Plants
Knoll Gardens launch Miscanthus Sunset
Adorned with autumnal, sunset hues, the ornamental grass specialist Knoll Gardens launches their new Miscanthus called ‘Sunset’.
People
Meet Neil Frame and his fern….
Asthall Manor gardener and long time fern aficionado, Neil Frame has made botanical history by his discovery of a special Polypodium cambricum, aptly named, ‘Neil Frame’…
Gardens
Plans submitted for Birmingham Botanical Gardens renovation project
Architecture practice Howells has submitted proposals for the restoration of the Grade II* listed Birmingham Botanical Gardens, home to more than 10,000 botanic species.
Events
RHS Glow for the festive season
The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) will be celebrating the festive season with RHS Glow, festively illuminating its five iconic gardens.
Regulation
HTA calls for urgent resolve of plant consignments held at Sevington Border Control
In response to multiple plant consignments held at Sevington BCP, the HTA has released a statement as they continue to help those affected and engage directly with Defra and APHA.
Wildlife
Alarm bells ring as the Big Butterfly Count 2024 reveals lowest numbers on record
Wildlife charity Butterfly Conservation has declared a national ‘Butterfly Emergency’, with results of the 2024 Big Butterfly Count showing a marked and hugely concerning decline in numbers.
Business
Improved weather encourages 8% garden centre sales uplift
The latest Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) Market Update for September 2024 reveals garden centre sales were +8% (vs. Aug 23), and garden category sales were +7% (vs. Aug 23).
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.
Worth a read
Ukraine’s Botanical Gardens at risk
Times are very difficult for Ukraine’s Botanical Gardens, where in addition to the atrocious conditions of war, the gardens are at the mercy of the country’s destroyed energy infrastructure.
Job
Arne Maynard: Senior Landscape Architect or Garden Designer
Arne Maynard Garden Design studio are seeking an experienced Senior Landscape Architect or Garden Designer to join the studio in the historic city of Bath, Somerset.
Regulation
Estimated Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) fees revealed
Defra has published the indicative basic fees for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), which is due to be implemented for packaging in 2025.
People
Kersten Catella new Sales & Marketing Director Wyevale Nurseries
Horticultural industry professional Kersten Catella has joined Hereford-based Wyevale Nurseries as its Sales and Marketing Director.