Blog
Energy support limited by new Chancellor: reaction from grower and business groups
New Chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s emergency statement has reversed tax cuts and the cap on energy prices charged, which are now only guaranteed until April next year, but will then be reviewed. Source: Garden1
Energy support limited by new Chancellor: reaction from grower and business groups UPDATED
New Chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s emergency statement has reversed tax cuts and the cap on energy prices charged, which are now only guaranteed until April next year, but will then be reviewed. Source: Garden1
Garden centre pioneer Brian Evans dies aged 78
Brian Evans died in his sleep on Wednesday 12 October aged 78. He had been unwell for a couple of years. Source: Garden1
Upsurge in peat-free enquiries as Defra threatens growers with exemption-only future
Defra’s peat ban plan is accelerating grower’s moving into peat-frees. Source: Garden1
Garden centre plantarea trading picks up and Christmas previews give reasons to be cheerful
Autumn plant sales and Christmas preview returns being 1/3 up are giving garden centres positive vibes. Source: Garden1
Dutch have no plans to be peat-free until at least after 2050
As England looks at banning commercial and retail use of peat at dates from 2024. most European nations including the Netherlands have no plans to end peat use. Source: Garden1
National Drought Group forecasts drought may remain beyond spring 2023
Projections suggest average rainfall over winter will not be enough to prevent drought conditions in some areas next year Source: Garden1
National Drought Group forecasts drought may remain beyond spring 2023 UPDATED
Projections suggest average rainfall over winter will not be enough to prevent drought conditions in some areas next year. Source: Garden1
Dobbies trials click-and-collect with John Lewis Partnership to add to Waitrose offer
John Lewis click & collect orders can now be picked up from three Dobbies garden centres, as part of a new trial.? Source: Garden1
Careers officers say horticulture is 'for idiots' says Parliamentarian – but Defra replies that it has a plan for growth
Baroness Fookes has led a Lords debate on what plans the Government has to support careers in the horticultural sector, and the role of that sector in protecting the environment., with Defra minister Lord Benyon laying out Government action on peat, automation, careers and strategy. Source: Garden1
Most read 10 horticulture stories this week
A Defra mission to Holland, closing businesses, a successful online company, the peat ban and a fire are among most read stories this week. Source: Garden1
LOFA and Thrive partner to save lives through gardening
Thrive, the charity that helps people with their mental and physical health through gardening has teamed up with the Leisure & Outdoor Furniture Association, (LOFA) to help more people access “life changing” gardening sessions. Source: Garden1
Nursery set to bounce back after "massive" fire
A fire hit Cedar Croft Nurseries Christmas and Storage warehouse in St Tudy, Cornwall on Sunday 9 October and burned into the night. Source: Garden1
Brian Knight memorial service date announced
Garden centre pioneer Brian Knight has died aged 93. Source: Garden1
Garden centre Christmas grotto cancelled because of new Covid fear
Garden centres are thinking twice about Christmas grottoes because of concerns about Covid outbreaks this winter. Source: Garden1
Dobbies donates 300 Needlefresh Nordmann fir Christmas trees to charitable causes
Dobbies Garden Centres is looking to “spread the spirit of Christmas” with its festive Not Your Average Community campaign, in partnership with Needlefresh. Source: Garden1
Retail sales flatten with gardening down
Home Improvements & DIY sales (including gardening) were down -6.4% in September 2022 compared to September 2021, according to Barclaycard. Source: Garden1
Garden centre's solar panels set to halve electricity costs
Highfield Garden World in Gloucestershire will be generating almost half of its electricity from the sun. Source: Garden1
