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,…
September gardening jobs: make the most of the autumn season September is one of the busiest and most rewarding months in the garden – especially with the milder weather still around. The soil is still warm from summer, rainfall is increasing and plants have plenty of time to establish before winter arrives. Whether you’re growing…
Full programme revealed for our Annual Conference 2027 The full programme has now been unveiled for our 2027 conference – showcasing a diverse line-up of speakers and sessions designed to inform, inspire and support members. Taking place on Monday, January 25 and Tuesday, January 26 at the Crowne Plaza, Stratford-upon-Avon, the two-day event will bring together…
Back by popular demand: ‘big picture’ economic insights from two HSBC experts HSBC Bank’s Chris Hare and James Sawley are returning by popular demand to speak at our conference in January 2027 following the success of their 2026 session. The duo will deliver a ‘big picture’ view of the macroeconomic landscape to delegates on January…
Garden centres: Growing communities, reducing loneliness & creating connections Garden centres have long been places where people come to find inspiration for their homes and gardens, seek expert advice and purchase plants and products to enhance their outdoor spaces. Increasingly, however, they are becoming something much more significant: vital community hubs that bring people together,…
Entries for Worrall Cup open earlier than normal Garden centre members are being asked to submit their marketing campaigns for our annual Worrall Cup competition earlier than in previous years to help give them more time (August 2026). Entries open September 1 and close October 31. The member judged as having the best initiative will…
Our members enjoyed a strong trading performance during July with overall sales increasing by +10.66% compared to July 2025 according to our latest Barometer of Trade (BoT) released today (August 17, 2026). Despite intense heat and water restrictions for gardeners in nearly all areas, garden centres nationwide delivered strong trading figures and exceeded expectations, and…
Former LEON CEO joins speaker roll call for our 2027 Conference Entrepreneur and former LEON Restaurants CEO John Vincent MBE has been booked to address delegates at our annual conference in January 2027. John will take to the stage on Tuesday, January 26 at the Crowne Plaza, Stratford-upon-Avon, to impart insights into navigating financial headwinds,…