Hossein Arshadi is a divisional director at Hillier Nurseries. Here, he discusses why existing biosecurity initiatives will not work in practice and what is still needed from the government, the media and the public to prevent a very costly breakdown in biosecurity.

Whether beginners or professionals, customers often turn to gardening books for horticultural advice and inspiration. Make sure you stock a good variety of gardening books for different needs and market the relevant products alongside them to maximise sales. Here's our pick of the latest gardening books on the market…  

The Inspired Houseplant, by Jean Stearns (Sasquatch, RRP £22.99) 

Jen Stearns is the owner of Urban Sprouts, a speciality house plant store. Jen has a background in urban agriculture and small business operations and has spent the last four years helping her customers learn to pick and care for indoor plants in the Pacific Northwest. She lives in Renton, Washington.

The horticultural heart of the exhibition, Glee Plants, showcases an extensive range of plants, trees and shrubs from UK and international suppliers. To date a host of brands – of all sizes – have confirmed their presence at the September show (10th – 12th September, NEC Birmingham), bringing with them the best new plant varieties for the season ahead.

Look out for key suppliers such as Laurica Plants, Javado, Florna Plants, Strawson Woodland, H.S Hommes & Sons, Key Essentials, Leybaert BVBA, and The Christmas Cabin. Together these brands – along with a host of yet to be confirmed names -will be showcasing an exciting mix of nursery stock, bedding plants, house plants, cut flowers, trees and shrubs, herbs and florist sundries.

Eggshells, matches, and human hair are amongst some of the most surprising household items green-fingered Brits can use to help their plants grow. 

The outdoor experts at GardenBuildingsDirect.co.uk have researched into the unlikely products and items that British gardeners could use as natural fertilisers this summer. 

Brighten up your home with a Christmas houseplant this year.

Mike Lind, Chairman of the Garden Centre Association, which represents nearly 200 garden centres nationwide, says: “At this time of year, the houseplant makes a great present and buying some for your friends as well as yourself is always cheering. 

ONE OF THE UK’s leading commercial nurseries has this month (November, 2018) unveiled its new amenity crop range for 2020. Eight new plants have been carefully selected by the team at Wyevale Nurseries based on their habit, colour and functionality.