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Consumers’ Christmas spending was up according to Barclaycard. Source: Garden1

Last year saw WoodBlocX increase its domestic sales while growing its commercial division, supplying its landscaping solution to developments across the UK. Source: Garden1

Only ‘a bit of photosynthesis’ in new biology GCSE. Source: Garden1

Garden centre directors have reported strong December 2015 sales. “Last year (2014) October and November were 20 per cent up on Christmas – a trend I think felt industry wide – consumer optimism had returned and helped those months last year,” said Blue Diamond managing director Alan Roper. Source: Garden1

The Plant Yard partner Matt Graham has said smaller suppliers have an increasingly important role to play despite the rapid consolidation of the supply and retail sides of the horticulture industry. “We are often seen to be operating within the wake of big hitters,” he said. Source: Garden1

PlantSnapp is changing its business model to encourage more users to take up recommendations to buy plants sent by the online plant identification app company. Source: Garden1

Garden Centres should take note of John Lewis’ Christmas results, says retail consultant Andy Newman. Source: Garden1

Gardman is featuring artificial Christmas trees in its new festive catalogue. Source: Garden1

December temperatures were four degrees centigrade above average and January weather has followed suit, which has led to garden sales at “spring-like levels”. Source: Garden1

Tildenet, the supplier of products to the gardening industry, professional markets and industrial users, has announced the acquisition of Bosmere Products, the supplier to the garden and hardware markets. Source: Garden1

Sainsbury’s has said it made an offer for Argos and Homebase owner Home Retail Group in November, but that the offer was rejected. Source: Garden1

The Greenfingers charity is planning to complete two new hospice gardens in the first quarter of 2016 and, subject to sufficient funds being raised throughout the year, plan for a further three Greenfingers gardens to become a reality. Source: Garden1

Source: Garden1

The 2015 garden retail year was generally “strong” for gardening though it ended with weather issues impacting sales. Garden Centre Association figures show year to date figures were 7.5 per cent up by the end of October. Source: Garden1

The former Garden Centre Group chief said on My-Retail Media “grandees of the high street”…”still think (or hope) online sales will never replace a visit to their stores”. Source: Garden1

Garden centre directors have reported strong December sales with Christmas up for some by as much as 40 per cent. Source: Garden1

Suffolk seedsman Mr Fothergill’s has announced the appointment of Alison Mulvaney as its technical manager; she replaces about-to-retire Tracy Collacott. Source: Garden1

Hillier Garden Centres director Chris Francis has appointed Louise Hamer-Brown as head of marketing at Hillier from the 4 January. Source: Garden1

Hillier Garden Centres director Chris Francis has appointed Louise Hamer-Brown as head of marketing at Hillier from the 4 January. Source: Garden1

The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) and Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) are holding a parliamentary reception in January to launch the Ornamental Horticulture Action Plan to politicians. Source: Garden1