Education
Growing interest in green careers
The Royal Horticultural Society reports a 21% increase in applications across its School of Horticulture programmes for 2024, reflecting growing interest in green careers.
People
George Plumptre to retire as Chief Executive of the National Garden Scheme
After 15 years at the helm of the National Garden Scheme, George Plumptre EMH, has announced that he will retire from his role as Chief Executive of the National Garden Scheme at the end of the summer 2025.
Events
Monty Don in conversation with Sophie Raworth
In February 2025, the National Garden Scheme will host a new fundraising event, featuring Monty Don, at the Royal Geographical Society in London.
Design
William Andrews Nesfield archives acquired by the Garden Museum
The Garden Museum has acquired the archives of the eminent landscape architect William Andrews Nesfield (1793–1881).
People
Dr. Olivia Chapple receives her OBE
Dr Olivia Chapple, founder and Chair of Trustees at Horatio’s Garden receives her OBE for exceptional services to charity, from His Majesty The King.
Media
Kimberley Hornby George appointed Garden Media Guild Co-Chair
Kimberley Hornby George has been appointed Co-Chair of the Garden Media Guild, sharing the role with Alexandra Campbell
People
Tom Stuart-Smith awarded ‘Royal Designer for Industry’ title
The Royal Society of Arts has awarded landscape architect, Tom Stuart-Smith the title of Royal Designer for Industry for sustained design excellence, work of aesthetic value and significant benefit to society.
Charity
New additions to the YPHA operations team
The Young People in Horticulture Association has formed a new operations team to work alongside the committee to streamline communications, boost event planning, and enhance member wellbeing.
Awards
Stephanie Mahon wins BSME 2024 Editor of the Year in Homes, Gardens & Country category
Gardens Illustrated editor wins award at the British Society of Magazine Editors Awards, celebrating Britain’s editors, art directors and columnists.
Charity
YPHA 2025-2026 sponsorship positions
The Young People in Horticulture Association would like to invite any businesses and industry leaders interested in becoming sponsors for 2025-2026.
Careers
Autumn Budget likely to dampen hiring, says KPMG
The October KPMG and REC, UK Report on Jobs signalled declines in permanent and temporary placements, with experts warning further dampening due to the Autumn Budget
Charity
Goodwood Art Foundation landscape to be designed by Dan Pearson
The Goodwood Art Foundation, a new destination for contemporary art in the UK, set in the natural landscape of the Goodwood Estate in Sussex will open next May.
Events
Nick Bailey to design the headline BBC Gardeners’ World Live 2025 show garden
BBC Gardeners’ World launches its 2025 events calendar with news that Nick Bailey will be designing the headline Show Garden at BBC Gardeners’ World Live 2025.
People
Ian Barrett is the New Chief Executive of Earth Trust
The Oxfordshire based environmental charity, announced the appointment of Ian Barrett as their new Chief Executive.
People
Sue Stuart-Smith becomes Patron to Bridewell Gardens
The psychiatrist, psychotherapist and author of The Well Gardened Mind, Dr Sue-Stuart Smith has become the new Patron of Bridewell Gardens
Charity
Greenfingers Charity: Boyd Douglas-Davies becomes Chairman, taking over from Sue Allen
Sue Allen, the driving force behind the charity during her tenure as Chairman, stepped down from the role to hand the reigns to Boyd Douglas-Davies.
Regulation
Ruth Davis appointed as the first UK’s Special Representative for Nature
The UK government has appointed Ruth Davis OBE as the first Special Representative for Nature, a joint FCDO and Defra role reporting into the Environment Secretary and the Foreign Secretary.
People
Arit Anderson becomes new member of National Blue Plaques Panel
Along with four new members and a young advisor, Arit Anderson has joined the national Blue Plaques Panel.
Regulation
Ten-Minute Rule Motion to prohibit the sale of peat
On the 6th of November 2024, Sarah Dyke, Liberal Democrat MP of Glastonbury and Somerton will conduct the first reading of a Ten-Minute Rule bill to end the sale of peat.
RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2025
Monty Don to design RHS Chelsea dog-friendly garden
The RHS and Radio 2 Dog Garden, designed by Monty Don celebrates the country’s love of gardens and dogs.
