Features

Garden birds have established territories and rely heavily on a regular supply of available food and water on ‘their patch’ during the winter months, when natural foods are scarce. Honeyfield’s resident wild bird expert Simon Smethurst, who is head of sales at Honeyfield’s, has produced some tips to help your garden bird loving customers attract and support the many species of bird spending winter in the UK.   “During winter it’s vital to provide a regular food supply for your feathered garden friends,” says Simon. Higher fat feeds, will keep energy levels up to help them through the long…

The countdown to Christmas has officially begun and this year, Glee’s Event Director, Matthew Mein, will be donning his most festive knitwear to take on the 2025 Most Jumperful Challenge in support of the Greenfingers Charity.   Following in the jingly footsteps of last year’s jumper champions, Kimberley Hornby George and Chris Moncrieff, Matthew will be wearing his Christmas jumpers every single day in December, all to help raise vital funds for Greenfingers, the charity that creates magical gardens for children’s hospices across the UK.   Since its launch, The Most Jumperful – founded by…

A member of the leadership team at Google’s Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) HQ in Dublin will be speaking at the Garden Centre Association’s (GCA) Conference at Carden Park Chester (January 26, 2026).   Edoardo Bortolato, who heads Google’s Large Customer Sales Team for Italy, Spain and Portugal, is speaking at the GCA’s 60th anniversary year event in a personal capacity about AI.   GCA Chairman Elect and Operations Director of Haskins Garden Centres, Ben Harrison explains: “We’re delighted that Edoardo has taken time out of his busy schedule to be able to join us on Monday, January 26…

450 guests will attend the event of the season at Celtic Manor next month.   The 2025 GIMA Awards have now officially SOLD OUT! Tickets for the sumptuous event, which will take place on the evening of 6 November at the five-star Celtic Manor resort in South Wales, have been snapped up by 450 guests from all corners of the gardening industry. 17 different awards are up for grabs on what promises to be a sensational night of celebrating the very best our industry has to offer, from the most innovative products and ingenious marketing campaigns to the most exceptional teams and suppliers. This…

On Thursday, 16th October, the Greenfingers Charity proudly celebrated the opening of The Centred Garden at Acorns Children’s Hospice in Walsall. This joyful, inclusive outdoor space was thoughtfully designed to offer comfort, connection, and inspiration to the children and families who spend time at the hospice.    Created by Vanessa and Rachel of VaRa Garden Design and brought to life by Paul Taylor Landscapes, The Centred Garden was envisioned as a safe, accessible, and stimulating environment for children of all ages and abilities. With sensory planting, interactive zones and tranquil…

GARDEN centre and horticultural industry staff are invited to sign-up for a fundraising event being held at the Garden Centre Association’s (GCA) annual conference at Carden Park Chester in January (2026).   Teams will compete for the Greenfingers’ Charity Shield on January 25 to help raise money for Greenfingers, which is dedicated to creating enchanting and inspiring gardens in children’s hospices nationwide.   GCA CEO, Peter Burks says: “We’re so thrilled that the Greenfingers’ Charity Shield is back for 2026, which is our special 60thanniversary year, and we’re looking forward to a great…

Let your senses wander through an enchanted forest of fragrance this autumn with the new spellbinding Yankee Candle® Fantastical Fall collection from Enesco This captivating range is designed to stir the imagination and bring warmth, comfort and a touch of whimsy to your customers homes this season. Crafted to capture the essence of autumn’s most magical moments, from the crunch of leaves underfoot, to the sweetness of spiced treats, Fantastical Fall is a celebration of cosy cottages, woodland wonder and fireside memories. Wrap yourself in the warm, familiar glow of Golden Pumpkin - a…

THE Garden Centre Association (GCA) has secured Evergreen Garden Care as its first headline sponsor for its 60th anniversary year annual conference taking place in January (January 25-28, 2026). Evergreen Garden Care has also pledged to sponsor one of the main keynote speakers for the event – retail guru, businesswoman, broadcaster, author and activist Mary Portas OBE. GCA Chief Executive Peter Burks says: “Evergreen Garden Care is a major and well-respected supplier to many of our member garden centres and is trusted by our industry to deliver products that work for gardeners, so we’re…

WRITER, broadcaster, former MP and Government Whip Gyles Brandreth has been revealed as a keynote speaker at the Garden Centre Association’s (GCA) Annual Conference at Carden Park Chester next year (January 25-28, 2026).   Gyles, who is now a Chancellor of the University of Chester, is well-known for sporting jolly jumpers, being an expert on royalty and a regular on television and radio shows.   Ben Harrison, GCA Chairman Elect and Operations Director of Haskins Garden Centres, says: “Gyles is a ‘national treasure’ who is a regular guest on ITV’s ‘This Morning’ and Radio 4’s ‘Just a Minute…

Clover Grow has made a bold move in the horticulture sector by simultaneously acquiring a complementary business and launching a new peat-free product range whilst rebranding at the same time. The acquisition of Flower Grow strengthens its supply chain and market reach, while the new eco-conscious line reflects growing demand for sustainable gardening solutions. Designed for both amateur and professional growers, the peat-free range offers high performance without compromising environmental responsibility. Clover Grow’s MD Garry McGrath, called the dual milestone “a pivotal moment” for the…

Award-winning comedian and broadcaster Patrick Kielty has been confirmed as host of the 2025 GIMA Awards.   Taking to the stage on Thursday 6th November 2025 at the five-star Celtic Manor Resort in Newport, South Wales, Patrick will guide guests through a night celebrating the innovation, dedication and passion of the garden product manufacturers driving the future of garden retail.   Patrick first made his name on the stand-up circuit before becoming a familiar face on TV, with hit series including Patrick Kielty Almost Live for the BBC and numerous appearances on Channel 4 and ITV. He is…

Henry Bell merchandising experts have revamped and refreshed the wild bird care category at Haskins Garden Centres with their innovative shop-in-shop displays, premium bird feeds and high-quality hardware. The new store layouts, designed to simplify the shopping journey for consumers, maximise sales opportunities and introduce wild bird care to a wider audience, have been rolled out across four Haskins centres – Ferndown (Dorset), Snowhill (West Sussex), Forest Lodge (Farnham, Surrey) and Roundstone (West Sussex) – with work at the fifth and final one, West End (Southampton), set for October…

With colder weather approaching, there’s a big migration journey in store for many wild birds and they will all appreciate some extra support to help fuel up for their trip to warmer climes. Honeyfield’s resident wild bird expert Simon Smethurst, who is head of sales at Honeyfield’s, has produced some tips to help wild bird-loving customers to attract and support all the ‘birds without borders’ as they pass through, as well as those who stay in the UK all year round. Many of Northen Europe and Scandinavia’s summer breeders will spend their winters in Africa but can be tempted to visit UK…

Bridge Greenhouses, specialists in constructing and equipping commercial greenhouses, have announced they will once again be exhibiting at the Four Oaks Trade Show. The UK's leading international exhibition on commercial horticulture, Four Oaks Trade Show, is hosting its 53rd event on the 2nd and 3rd September.  As an exhibitor, Bridge Greenhouses will be showcasing their cutting-edge solutions in greenhouse growing, renewable energy and vertical farming, along with a range of products from their partner, including Vermako polyhouses. “We are excited to be back at the Four Oaks Trade Show!…

Glee returns to the NEC Birmingham from 16-18 September 2025, and if food and catering are part of your garden centre’s offering, the Food @ Glee sector is your must-visit destination. From emerging food and drink brands to innovative catering solutions, Food @ Glee is designed to help garden centre cafés, restaurants and farm shops thrive.Sample new tastes, explore quality suppliers, and spark fresh inspiration with: •    Fire, Grill & Chill – live cooking demos and tastings for real-world menu ideas •    A handpicked showcase of artisan producers and gourmet innovation •    New and…

Glee, the UK’s leading garden and outdoor living trade show, is delighted to confirm that The Underground Podcast will return as its official podcast partner for the second consecutive year.   Following a successful debut collaboration in 2024, the partnership will once again bring the vibrant stories, voices and insights of the garden retail sector to life. With exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes access and expert commentary, The Underground Podcast will deliver must-listen content across all three days of the 2025 show.   Matthew Mein, Event Director at Glee, said: "We’re thrilled to…