The gift that keeps on giving When it comes to Christmas gift-giving, houseplants are often overlooked in favour of more traditional presents. Yet they bring colour, beauty and lasting enjoyment to the home throughout the festive season and beyond. Whether given as a thank you, a celebration gift or simply as a thoughtful gesture, a…
How to make valuable leaf mould November brings a spectacular display of autumn colour, but once the leaves have fallen, many gardeners see them as a chore. In fact, fallen leaves are one of the most valuable free resources your garden can offer. With a little patience, they can be transformed into nutrient-rich leaf mould,…
October gardening jobs As the days grow shorter and temperatures begin to drop, October is one of the busiest and most rewarding months in the garden. It is a time to prepare for winter while setting the stage for a colourful and productive garden next spring. Fallen leaves One of the most important tasks is…
September’s BoT shows gardening categories up Our members recorded an overall sales increase of +7.05% last month when compared to September 2025, according to our latest Barometer of Trade (BoT) released today (Monday, October 19, 2026). Following the end of the summer heat, customers returned to their gardens, helping plants and gardening categories drive growth…
Christmas Tour for the North offers members festive retail inspiration North-based members are invited to join our Christmas Tour for the region on Tuesday, November 3 to explore some of the UK’s leading retail destinations. Attendees will meet at Klondyke High Legh Garden Centre and visit Bents Home & Garden, GCA Destination Garden Centre of…
Our London Christmas Retail Tour to raise funds for Greenfingers Members are invited to join our special London Christmas Retail Tour on November 4, 2026, with proceeds from ticket sales for the event being donated to Greenfingers. The tour will showcase outstanding Christmas retail displays and merchandising throughout London while raising funds for the charity,…
How native hedging can help boost biodiversity in gardens and communities Hedgerows are far more than garden boundaries. They provide essential habitats for birds, offering nesting opportunities, shelter from the elements and valuable food sources throughout the year. Native hedges also act as wildlife corridors, helping species move safely between habitats across both urban and…
August’s GCA BoT shows a positive year-to-date Our members recorded an overall sales increase of +1.64% during August when compared to August 2025 according to our latest Barometer of Trade (BoT) released today (September 21, 2026). Despite the continued hot weather, no rainfall and widespread restrictions on watering at home using hoses affecting gardening activity…
Vote for your Associate Member of the Year 2026 We’re inviting our garden centre members to nominate their Associate Member of the Year with the winner crowned at our Annual Conference in January 2027 (September 2026). The award recognises companies or individuals that have contributed to the success of the sector and are highly regarded…
What to plant in September September marks the transition from summer to autumn, but don’t be fooled into thinking the gardening season is winding down. In fact, it’s one of the best months of the year for planting. The soil remains warm after the summer months while cooler air temperatures reduce stress on young plants,…