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Flagging that thousands of plant nurseries could go out of business after garden centres were closed down by the UK Government to help prevent the spread of coronavirus, the survey asked: should garden centres be opened? Source: Garden1

Malcolm Scott Consultants have offered reassurance to clients that local authorities are aiming to operate on a ‘business as usual’ basis as far as possible to ensure that garden centre applications are processed as efficiently as possible. Source: Garden1

B&Q, QVC, Farplants and many more growers and retailers are finding ways to sell plants to the public after the coronavirus crisis caused garden centres to close on 23 March. Source: Garden1

Some suppliers have struggled to cope with a huge surge in online horticultural sales demand leading to poor product and customer service in some cases. Source: Garden1

Fire started at Boston Aquatics & Pets, which is based in Johnsons Garden Centre in Boston, Lincolnshire during the late morning of Sunday, April 5. Source: Garden1

WSGA has updated its coronavirus guidance and policy. Source: Garden1

The 70-member Leisure and Outdoor Furniture Association specialises in garden furniture, barbecues and accessories for the outdoor leisure industry. Source: Garden1

Gardening supports mental and physical health and is one of the few outdoor activities many people can do during the coronavirus lockdown – engaging in the activity could indirectly help under-pressure NHS staff who are tacking the disease on the frontline – so we have named these horticultural heroes who are going a step further to campaign in trying times. Source: Garden1

Tony Joyner, who runs Plants Galore in Exeter, is ignoring a prohibition order issued Exeter City Council on 27 March after falling foul of new Government public health restrictions aimed at stemming the pandemic. Source: Garden1

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak has launched a revamped loan fund for businesses hit by the coronavirus lockdown. Source: Garden1

As temperatures reach 20C for the first time this year, garden centres and DIYs remain shut and growers have huge stocks left in glasshouses with no-where to sell them. Source: Garden1

The British Home Enhancement Trade Association (BHETA) has stepped in to defend DIY, housewares and garden suppliers after multiple retailers sought to impose extended trading terms. Source: Garden1

Tony Joyner, who runs Plants Galore in Exeter, is ignoring a prohibition order issued Exeter City Council after falling foul of new Government public health restrictions aimed at stemming the pandemic. Source: Garden1

Mr Fothergill’s has seen a 10-fold increase in sales over the last three weeks as demand for grow your own seeds and plants spikes after garden centres and many multiples were forced to close. Source: Garden1

The British Protected Ornamentals Association says members are beside themselves with worry about rotting stock they can’t sell and are imploring Defra to bail out the industry. Source: Garden1

Online plant and seed sales have risen 10-fold in some cases after garden centres were forced to close because of the coronavirus crisis and the NFU has established that Defra will continue to operate a “pragmatic” approach to compliance. Source: Garden1

BBC Midlands has filmed a news report on how the coronavirus crisis is hitting growers and garden centres. Source: Garden1

Source: Garden1

Source: Garden1

Two petitions, from change.org and 38 Degrees supporting the reopening of garden centres have won widespread support. Source: Garden1