Our members got together recently at a virtual forum to discuss their plans and share their concerns for the festive period. Matthew Bent from Bents Garden and Home, Louise Burks from The Gardens Group, Guy Topping from Barton Grange Garden Centre and Justin Williams from Fron Goch Garden Centre were panellists for the forum. It…
GCA and The Garden Industry Manufacturer’s Association (GIMA) members concluded during a recent webinar that garden centres will need to work in partnership with suppliers to minimise future supply chain disruption. During the joint virtual forum, members of both associations discussed measures put in place to ensure a smooth continuity of stock availability during the…
Once the first frosts have come, many gardeners will empty their tubs, baskets and containers and store them in a shed or garage over the winter months. This is a tremendous waste of valuable gardening resources. With just a little forethought, these containers can be replanted to provide interest through the long, potential dull winter…
It’s officially autumn now, so you might have noticed your garden is already beginning to change. Mornings have become dewier and crisper, and you might have even noticed the days beginning to get shorter too. As summer comes to a close, now is the time to start thinking about what you should be planting for…
As we approach autumn, now is the perfect time for a clean-up and clear out. It’s time to chop back and deadhead, as the work done now will pay off in the spring when oodles of lush, new growth appears. Follow this handy three step programme for jobs to do in your garden now: Cut…
Sales of houseplants at garden centres across the country bloomed in July (2020) according to our Barometer of Trade report. Compared with the same month in 2019, sales were up 81.82%. After the blistering heatwave in June, July was a much cooler month, with more rainfall, which goes some way to explain the increase in…
Our members recently took part in a virtual forum to discuss the challenges they faced with the re-opening of restaurants and cafés. The forum was facilitated by Chris Brown of Turpin Smale Catering Consultants and attendees included principals, managers and catering managers, who were able to share ideas, information and best practice. One of the…
A new joint initiative between us and The Garden Industry Manufacturer’s Association (GIMA) has launched to enable debate and communication between retailers and suppliers (July 2020). A programme of joint virtual forums between members of both associations has been created to aid healthy debate to enable a stronger, more resilient, and dynamic supply chain going…
There’s something special about spending time in our outdoor spaces in the evening. It’s the relaxing antidote we need to a busy working week, so why not create a backyard, patio, balcony or garden that shines at night. Here’s how: Let there be light Highlight your garden’s best feature using lights. There are lots to…
Houseplants are back in fashion. They can complement the colour themes of your home and they aren’t difficult to look after either. An indoor plant is in fact a home accessory, bought to emphasise a look or to make a statement, and they help purify the air in addition to adding freshness and life to…