Features

As we approach warmer weather, greenhouse growers are renovating and replacing their screen systems, ensuring better regulation of light and heat ahead of the peak growing months. According to the Met Office, Summer 2025 was the warmest on record for the UK, with a mean temperature of 16.10°C, 1.51°C higher than the long-term average. The season surpassed the 2018 record, with June and July experiencing four significant heatwaves. In light of the Met Office predicting more of the same in 2026, specialist supplier and installer of horticultural structures, Bridge Greenhouses, reports that…

As demand for outdoor entertaining continues to rise, HOTMAX gives garden centres a versatile, eco-friendly product to complement firepit and patio heating displays.  Garden centres looking to enhance their outdoor living ranges this season are being encouraged to consider HOTMAX, a 100% natural, British-made fuel log that combines strong trade margins with outstanding eco credentials. Sold exclusively direct to the trade, HOTMAX provides garden centres with a simple supply route and a profitable, environmentally responsible product to offer customers. Flexible Packaging for Every Customer…

Plant-based is no longer a niche trend — it’s reshaping retail. Increasingly, it’s also influencing how pet owners choose to treat their dogs. Today’s customers are reading labels, seeking ingredient transparency and looking for healthier alternatives — not just for themselves, but for their pets. For garden centres, trusted destinations rooted in quality, sustainability and lifestyle retail, this presents a clear commercial opportunity. Maks’ Patch, from UK supplier Miro & Makauri, brings plant-based innovation to the dog treat category — combining flavour creativity, clean-label…

Glee, the UK’s leading garden and outdoor living trade show, has announced the return of its Glee Roadshow this spring, bringing industry conversation and collaboration to the East of England for the first time.   Taking place on Wednesday 18th March at Gates Garden Centre, Oakham, the one-day event will attract garden retailers from both the immediate region and neighbouring counties, to explore the issues, opportunities and trends shaping garden retail right now, both regionally and nationally.   Designed as a forum for open discussion, shared learning and practical problem-solving, the…

The Greenfingers Charity brought fundraising energy to this year’s Garden Press Event with a special Kilimanjaro Grand Raffle Draw, helping to drive momentum behind its upcoming Kilimanjaro challenge and the creation of a brand-new children’s hospice garden.   Sponsored by Blue Diamond Garden Centres, the charity raffle saw attendees come together to support the cause, with all winners receiving Blue Diamond gift vouchers. Greenfingers supporters and Kilimanjaro trekkers Kate Ebbens, Heidi Baylis Towse and Tara Adams were on hand throughout the event selling raffle tickets, while Greenfingers…

Turning the Ordinary into the Extraordinary Through Tea, Craft and Garden Sanctuary  To mark its 140th anniversary, British heritage brand Whittard of Chelsea will unveil a specially commissioned garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026, celebrating the brand’s heritage of curiosity, craft and transformation; qualities that have quietly defined Whittard of Chelsea for over a century.    Designed by award-winning landscape designer Ollie Pike, the garden reimagines tea - an everyday ritual - as something extraordinary. Portrayed as a private Chelsea Townhouse courtyard garden, the space…

GIMA has confirmed full details of its 2026 Day Conference and Annual General Meeting, taking place on Thursday 26th March at Stratford Manor Hotel, bringing the garden industry together to examine The Future of the Supply Chain for Garden Products.   Set against a backdrop of changing buying patterns, increasing commercial pressure and evolving routes to market, this year’s conference will unite GIMA members, industry leaders and supply chain specialists for a focused day of insight, discussion and shared learning. Voices from across the sector, including wholesalers, distributors, agents,…

The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) and GIMA are excited to announce the full speaker programme for the Garden Press Event, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year.   The must-attend event for garden press and media professionals is held at the Business Design Centre in Islington on 17 February 2026. This year, more than 90 exhibitors will showcase their wide range of gardening products to visitors, making the event SOLD OUT.   Hundreds of members of the press and media have already pre-registered to attend the event, giving them the unique opportunity to meet and connect with…

With just a few weeks to go, anticipation is building as Glee prepares to return to Spring Fair this February, marking its first appearance at the event in six years. Hosted at the NEC Birmingham, Glee @ Spring Fair 2026 signals the launch of a refreshed spring edition – designed to support garden retailers earlier in the buying cycle while positioning garden products firmly within the wider retail landscape.   A curated mix of brands for early season buying Timed to coincide with early season trading, the new spring edition brings together a carefully curated group of garden and outdoor…

Spring Fair, the UK’s most influential retail marketplace, continues to build momentum around its reimagined fashion offer, revealing a strong and diverse line-up of brands set to power its Fashion destination at NEC Birmingham from 1–4 February 2026.   Designed to meet the needs of today’s fashion buyers, Fashion at Spring Fair brings together proven commercial performers and emerging discovery brands, offering retailers a destination that balances creativity with confidence, and inspiration with sell-through. From jewellery and accessories to gifting-led fashion and lifestyle pieces, the…

Spring Fair and Autumn Fair have announced a series of senior leadership appointments, reinforcing their commitment to long-term growth, strategic focus and delivering exceptional experiences for exhibitors and visitors alike. These appointments come at a time of sustained commercial and community momentum across both events, with strong growth already secured for upcoming editions and well into 2026.   At a time when retailers are navigating continued economic pressure, evolving consumer behaviour and rapid innovation, Spring Fair, Autumn Fair and Glee play a vital role in supporting the UK…

CLIMATE scientist Professor Tamsin Edwards will be speaking at the Garden Centre Association’s (GCA) 2026 Annual Conference at Carden Park Chester on the Tuesday January 27, 2026.   Prof Edwards, who regularly appears on TV and radio, specialises in quantifying the uncertainties of climate model predictions, particularly for the ice sheet and glacier contributions to sea level rise. GCA Chairman Elect and Operations Director of Haskins Garden Centres, Ben Harrison explains: “The changes in the climate are a reoccurring discussion point for our members, as the weather has such an impact on…

While some birds are bold, brash, and easy to spot, others are much more elusive. Simon Smethurst, who is head of sales at Honeyfield’s, reveals how they can be welcomed into gardens with some clever tactics. “The nature of the more secretive species makes them challenging to see,” said Simon. “But with a little extra effort you will soon know all the tricks about how to attract them and your garden will be adorned with numerous of the lesser known, but equally beautiful garden birds.” Wrens, Dunnocks, Treecreepers, Blackcaps, Chiffchaffs, and other Summer Warblers  Blackcaps and…

As the calendar turns, the arrival of a new year is always a very exciting time for the team at Enesco, as invariably it brings with it a surge of energy, renewed purpose, and most importantly, fresh and exciting opportunities. 2026 is no exception. Demand for unique, thoughtful and high-quality gifts is always evergreen. Birthdays will still be celebrated, babies will still be born, spontaneous acts of appreciation and “just because” will always be in the fore front of gift givers minds 365 days a year. Looking for a gift supplier with an extensive  breadth of product to offer whilst…

The UK’s leading garden retail showcase makes a welcome return to Spring Fair, creating an essential early-season touchpoint for garden buyers and retailers   Glee is set to return to Spring Fair in February 2026 for the first time in six years, taking advantage of Spring Fair’s unparalleled scale, cross-category audience and influential position in the early retail calendar. Hosted within the UK’s most comprehensive sourcing event, the Glee at Spring Fair concession show will strengthen Spring Fair’s garden and outdoor offering bringing the very best in garden, outdoor living, decorative…

Q&A “Felix et Compagnie”, 13.11.2025 What is Felco KIDS? Felco KIDS is a new educational and intergenerational initiative from FELCO, designed to introduce children aged 4 to 12 to the joys of gardening. It consists of two complementary elements: an illustrated book and a specially designed range of ergonomic tools and accessories for children. Both are inspired by FELCO’s founder, Félix Flisch, and reflect the company’s longstanding commitment to transmission, craftsmanship, and closeness to nature. Through storytelling and hands-on practice, Felco KIDS helps children take their first…