Clive Humby OBE to speak at our Conference Data science pioneer Clive Humby OBE who co-founded the global consumer insights company behind the Tesco Clubcard will be speaking at our annual conference in January 2027. Clive will present on January 26 at the Crowne Plaza, Stratford-upon-Avon, sharing his expertise on data strategy, consumer behaviour and…
Richard Coles to speak at our Conference & tickets go on sale today BROADCASTER, former popstar and Church of England priest Reverend Richard Coles is speaking at our annual conference in January 2027…and tickets go on sale today (June 22, 2026). Richard will take to the podium on Tuesday, January 26 at the Crowne Plaza,…
May BoT shows strong performance for furniture & BBQs Members had an ‘encouraging’ May according to the body’s Barometer of Trade (BoT) out today – with furniture & BBQs sales up significantly on the same month last year (June 15, 2026). With highly variable weather conditions moving from cooler periods into intense heat, the industry…
Why biosecurity is everyone’s responsibility Biosecurity is no longer a background consideration for British horticulture. It is central to protecting our gardens, landscapes and the wider environment. As one of the UK’s leading wholesale nurseries supplying garden centres nationwide, our Associate Member Wyevale Nurseries places biosecurity at the heart of its operations. Julia Giermaniuk, Plant…
Summer regional award meetings dates & venues announced We’ve revealed the dates and venues for our summer regional award meetings when members find out who has come top in our area annual inspections. Garden centres are encouraged to attend their area event happening at four locations nationwide and to bring their teams along too. Explore…
Tips for growing tomatoes Tomatoes are one of the most rewarding crops to grow and from May onwards conditions are usually just right for them. Whether you’re growing them in a greenhouse, polytunnel, or outdoors, success comes down to warmth, light and consistent care. Young tomato plants can be planted out once the risk of…
May in the garden: growing & caring tips May is one of the most exciting gardening months. With longer days, warmer soil and the risk of frost fading, it’s a time of rapid growth. Jobs to do in the garden now May is ideal for planting summer bedding such as petunias, begonias and geraniums. Harden…
Our Barometer of Trade (BoT) February figures released today show a ‘very encouraging month’ despite the ‘poor weather’ (March 20, 2026). More than two thirds of the categories recorded by our garden centre members, were up when compared to the same month in 2025 with clothing recording +10.48% %, followed by food hall/farm shop in…
Garden centres are the retail genre of the moment Mary Portas OBE, business strategist, broadcaster, author, and activist, brought her retail insight to the 2026 Garden Centre Association (GCA) annual conference, says Petra Hoyer Millar in The Dirt. Credited with transforming Harvey Nichols into a leading fashion destination, Mary Portas is a recognised authority on retail and…
Free member webinar on garden centre events featuring celebrity gardener Lee Connelly We’re inviting members to a free webinar entitled ‘Engaging Events for Your Garden Centre’ next Tuesday, March 10 at 3pm. The session will be hosted by our CEO, Peter, and will showcase a trio of inspiring speakers who will share practical and creative…