Paul Mason was a booking that many didn’t expect for our 2020 conference. As part of our series of blogs looking back at the conference, we wanted to remind you of some of the highlights from Paul’s talk. Paul was Channel 4’s Culture and Digital Editor, examining the social, cultural and business impact of the…
Our members will still be able to get together for their regional meetings in a virtual capacity this year (2021). The meetings will kick off for the South Thames area on Wednesday, January 27, followed by a joint meeting for the Midlands and Wales & West areas on Thursday, January 28. We’re thrilled to announce…
We want to help those who took up gardening during the 2020 lockdowns continue with their new hobby this year. With us all currently being at home again for the foreseeable, now is the time to plan what projects you can do in the garden. It’s a great way to keep your mind occupied and…
Our 2021 conference has been postponed due to the coronavirus restrictions and lockdown, so we’re looking back at some of the best bits of our 2020 conference. One of the stand-out key speakers was Buddhist monk, Gelong Thubten. In 1993, in his early twenties, Thubten suffered with stress and decided to go to a monastery…
Our e-learning Garden Retail Online Workshops (GROW) modules on social distancing helped prepare member centres for re-opening after lockdown. The Social Distancing and Social Distancing for Catering courses were launched in early May and July, in record time, immediately after the announcements permitting centres and then restaurants to reopen. Antony Snow, our Instructional Designer for…
Looking to revamp your garden for 2021? Balconies, garden furniture and wildlife-friendly plants are set to dominate next year, according to Instagrammers. Wild gardens – let the plants and flowers grow wild and welcome in the birds, bees and butterflies. Start by opting for a single-flowering variety of plant with open flowers. Add long wild grass…
Nothing can beat the scent of a real Christmas tree in your home for the festive season. Here are some of the options available to you: Norway spruce – is the more traditional Christmas tree and it provides a distinctive festive scent to any home. The Noble and Fraser Firs – there are the ultimate…
Customers at garden centres across the country boosted their spirits by buying houseplants during October (2020) according to our Barometer of Trade report. Compared with the same month in 2019, sales were up 48.2%. Our mental health and wellbeing has become an even bigger topic this year and it’s become incredibly clear that gardening and…
A classic flora symbol of Christmas would have to be the poinsettia. Here are some top tips on how to care for yours: When selecting your plant, chose one with a minimum of five heads as they will have a longer lasting display Make sure the poinsettia is sleeved before taking it outside or back…
It’s that perfect time of year to start planting new trees into the ground. They are best planted in the late autumn, especially bare-root varieties. Newly planted trees are at their greatest when exposed to moderate temperatures and rainfall. They need time to root and acclimatise before the onset of the summer heat. Container grown…