Plants
Voting is open for the 2024 Tree of the Year competition
For 2024, the Woodland Trust’s Tree of the Year competition celebrates magnificent oaks across the UK.
Worth a read
Golf courses can help boost bees and butterflies
Golf courses across Sussex are trialling a rewilding initiative to help protect rare chalk grassland and encourage the growth of wildflowers.
Events
Working with Earth, Architecture & Landscape Symposium hosted by Tom Stuart Smith Studio
Inaugural Symposium hosted by the Tom Stuart Smith Studio in the Apple House at Serge Hill in Hertfordshire.
Gardens
Lawns unfairly targeted in environmental debates, says David Hedges-Gower
Despite the UK’s 20 million lawns, they are sidelined at garden shows and retail events on account of the lack of support for sustainable lawn care, says Lawn Association Chairman, David Hedges-Gower.
Worth a read
Fig tree forests from Sheffield’s love of fig biscuits
Intriguing story in the Guardian about the exotic fig trees that thrive in and around the waterways of Sheffield, which originated from the residents’ love of fig biscuits.
Marketing
Dutch campaign encourages reducing paving for greener gardens
Running from June until October, a Dutch campaign was launched to encourage residents with gardens dominated by paving to switch to greener, more permeable gardens.
Environment
Canine wildflower seed dispersal: Wolf-seeding
The Railway Land Wildlife Trust in Lewes has launched an intriguing rewilding project where local dogs spread wildflower seed by means of special seed-filled backpacks.
Environment
Urban ecosystem services: Medellín’s cooling green corridors
To reduce the city’s significant urban heat island effect and improve urban biodiversity, Medellín in Columbia created thirty interconnected green corridors which run throughout the city.
Plants
Knoll Gardens launches new Pennisetum ‘Black Arrow’
Renowned ornamental grass specialist Knoll Gardens has launched a new Fountain Grass, called Pennisetum Black Arrow.
Gardens
David Austin Roses donates 180 roses to Anglesey Abbey
Visitors to the National Trust Anglesey Abbey will now enjoy newly donated English roses in full bloom in its extended Rose Garden.
Events
Landscaping skills battle at BBC Gardeners’ World Autumn Fair
Two landscaping companies are set to pit their skills at the BBC Gardeners’ World Autumn Fair in the Association of Professional Landscapers’ Skills Competition
Plants
World record sized Titan Arum in Meise Botanic Garden
Belgium’s Meise Botanic Garden is celebrating the world’s largest titan arum in bloom.
Careers
Youth Takeover Day: RHS Nature & Nurture Festival
To celebrate International YouthDay, the RHS is hosting a Youth Takeover Day with the aim for the next generation to explore horticulture career paths.
Design
Designed by Andy Sturgeon, the Mediterranean garden at Beningbrough Hall officially opened
The new, future-proofed for changing climate, Mediterranean garden at the National Trust’s Beningbrough Hall in Yorkshire has officially opened.
Education
The Botanical University Challenge 2024 final
The annual competition sees teams from universities and institutions across the UK and Ireland compete against each other in a series of rounds to test their botanical knowledge.
Gardens
Royal Pavilion garden plans approved
The planning application to restore the Royal Pavilion Garden to Regency glory has been approved by Brighton & Hove City Council.
Design
Emerging garden design trends reveal sustainability shift
Survey conducted by Creepers Nursery at the SGD Spring Conference on latest trends in garden design, reflects strong shift towards sustainability, nature-centric layouts, and climate change resilience.
Gardens
Planning permission granted for Queen Elizabeth II commemorative garden
Planning permission has been granted for the new garden in Regent’s Park to commemorate the life of Queen Elizabeth II.
Gardens
National Allotments Week 2024
This year’s National Allotments Week celebrates the role allotments play in promoting biodiversity, affirming them as vital green spaces that support wildlife, improve air quality, promote health and mitigate carbon emissions.
People
Liz Nicholson elected as member of the RHS Council
Along with Nick Dunn and Ruth Willmott, Liz Nicholson has been duly elected as Ordinary Member of the RHS Council until the end of the RHS AGM in 2029.
