Business
Houseplants: seasonal saviours for the last-minute shopper
Around one in seven of all houseplants sold in the UK’s garden centres are purchased in December.
Research
Phytophthora ramorum sniffer dogs
Innovative project by Forest Research, successfully trains detection dogs to specifically identify the tree pathogen, Phytophthora ramorum
Plants
National Trust announces recipients of Trees of Hope
Marking National Tree Week, the National Trust announced the recipients of the much-loved Sycamore Gap tree saplings grown from its seed.
Plants
Trials show peat-free growing media outperform peat equivalents
RHS trials show peat-free growing media retains water better than peat equivalents, producing better quality or similar plants
Plants
National Tree Week 2024
Taking place from the 23rd of November until the 1st of December, National Tree Week promotes the benefits of trees, encourages the planting of trees, and celebrates the valuable role they play in the environment.
Plants
Six weeks to save houseplants, says RHS
The RHS is urging gardeners to check in on the health of their houseplants this week as it prepares for a sharp increase in reported problems in January.
Environment
Biodiversity eDNA study across forests in the UK
A comprehensive biodiversity study is being conducted by means of innovative eDNA Technology across 250,000 hectares of the UK’s forests to ascertain the condition of nature and the variety of wildlife in our forests.
Research
Arctic microalgae can photosynthesise in the dark
Scientists have discovered that microalgae, located 50 metres down in the deep depths of the Arctic Ocean can photosynthesise – in near darkness.
Plants
Three tree collections accredited as National Plant Collections
Three tree collections have been accredited as National Plant Collections ahead of National Tree Week 2024.
Plants
Scotland’s Skipinnish Oak crowned UK Tree of the Year 2024
Based on the Achnacarry Estate in Lochaber, Scotland’s majestic Skipinnish Oak won this year’s Tree of the Year competition.
Plants
Local fruit heritage celebrations: Apple Days
To mark today’s National Apple Day, we pay homage to the magical Apple Days held throughout the country to celebrate local fruit heritage, all things apples and traditional orchards.
Awards
Green Estate CIC wins national award for green innovation
Best known for Pictorial Meadows, the Green Estate CIC has been awarded the British Chambers of Commerce Green Innovation Business of the Year Award for creating sustainable, resilient urban spaces that support both nature and people.
Plants
Fancy some dahlia mash, fried daylily with a splash of bergamot jus?
The Royal Horticultural Society reveals list of untapped food sources, ‘Edimentals’ flourishing unknowingly in gardens across the country.
Environment
Petition to save Darwin’s Oak delivered to Downing Street
Campaigners working to save the 550-year-old tree delivered their petition to Downing Street this week.
Plants
Collections of oriental poppies and Colocasia accredited by Plant Heritage
Plants previously listed as ‘Missing Collections’ are now accredited by Plant Heritage with National Plant Collection status
Events
UK Fungus Day 2024
UK Fungus Day brings together fungus experts, enthusiasts and beginners to explore and enjoy the wonders of the Fungal Kingdom
Plants
Rare Sorbus torminalis protected for the future
In aid of biodiversity, the rare Sorbus torminalis, aka, the ‘sweets and beer’ tree is being cultivated to ensure future plant populations.
Plants
Apply for a Sycamore Gap ‘Tree of Hope’ sapling
In partnership with the Northumberland National Park Authority and Historic England, the National Trust is offering communities the opportunity to request one of the Sycamore Gap saplings.
Plants
Downderry’s National Plant Collection of Rosemary reinstated at Great Comp Garden
Salvia expert and Curator of Great Comp Garden, William Dyson is the new custodian of the National Plant Collection of Salvia rosmarinus created by Dr Simon Charlesworth and his wife Dawn .
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.