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Evergreen Garden Care sees the garden as a place to switch off from coronavirus news. Source: Garden1

Answering a written question in the House of Lords on 25 March, Lord Gardiner says Defra is still considering implementing further measures to end peat use. Source: Garden1

Latest figures show online gardening sales are spiking as garden centres are forced to close because of coronavirus. Source: Garden1

Growers have millions of pounds worth of unsold stock and are desperately seeking Government support as garden retail lockdown strikes at the height of the season. Source: Garden1

After the Government effectively closed most garden centres as non-essential retail, Cherry Lane Garden Centres remain open for essential items. Source: Garden1

Home deliveries have been suspended at one garden centre company because it has been overloaded with orders. Source: Garden1

In the Republic of Ireland, gardening has been classed as essential, unlike new UK rules, where garden centres, Homebase and B&Q have been forced to shut. Source: Garden1

Online ordering and click and collect pick up is now being offered by B&Q, but garden plants are not available at B&Q or Homebase, which has also closed its doors. Source: Garden1

On 23 March the government stepped up measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus restricting movement and which retailers can open. Source: Garden1

Dobbies was open on 24 March on the basis that 70% of its products are essential goods such as hardware, home and pet, but after updated advice from Government, has now (25 March) shut. Source: Garden1

“We’ve never seen mail order volumes like it,” say seed and plant suppliers after coronavirus forced the closure of garden centres. Source: Garden1

Home retail has been removed from the list of essential retailers that the Government has allowed to stay trading, leading to Dobbies and Homebase closing. Source: Garden1

Garden centre closures are “devastating” British growers who were at peak production ready for the gardening season when the Government closed ‘non-essential’ retail, including garden centres. Source: Garden1

Most garden centres are closed but one large group – as well as Homebase- remains open. Source: Garden1

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said only supermarkets and pharmacies and a limited number of other exceptions, as well as online retail, can trade. Source: Garden1

As growers begin to lay off sales staff and garden centres close of their own accord, a young plant nursery has written to trade bodies seeking information on what is happening in the sector. Source: Garden1

Many garden centres are announcing this morning they are closing today or tomorrow, with Squires and Klondyke aimong the big names shutting their doors just as the season starts. Source: Garden1

The Government is threatening greater restrictions on movement, and ‘non-essential’ retail may be forced to close. Source: Garden1

Kingfisher has closed its French and Italian stores but B&Q in the UK and Ireland remains open and is trading well, with additional coronavirus protection measures coming in. Source: Garden1

Hillier Retail and Wholesale Director Chris Francis says sales are strong but he fears for the future, particularly without Government support. Source: Garden1