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…
Furniture and barbecues were the biggest sellers when garden centres re-opened in May (2020) according to our Barometer of Trade report. Sales were up 24.19% compared to the same month in 2019. It was devastating to see our beloved garden centres across the country forced to close due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Not only did…
As summer is officially upon us, you might be spending more time in your outdoor dining area enjoying picnics and barbecues, depending on the great British weather of course. It’s a good idea to think carefully about the different plants you place around your outdoor dining area. You’ll want ones that stimulate all the senses…
Houseplants not only look beautiful, but research shows that they greatly improve your health and wellbeing too! For centuries the Chinese have used houseplants to create ‘living energy’ in their homes and workplaces. Scientific studies have proven that houseplants are good for you – physically, emotionally and psychologically as they: Remove harmful chemicals from the…