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Articles by Andy Whelan
Recent movers within the sector
Hornby George PR Hornby George PR has appointed leading horticultural voice Ross Dyke as its new in-house horticultural expert, a strategic move that significantly strengthens the agency’s specialist offer to clients across the garden and horticulture sectors. Mark Wootton Formerly Commercial Director of Notcutts, Mark Wootton has since led a number of businesses to profitable growth and helped other transition to multi-platform businesses.
Selecta-One UK Ltd strengthens team to support UK & Irish growers
In addition, Selecta-One UK is delighted to welcome Paul Hamby, who joins as Technical Sales Representative covering the UK. Paul brings over 30 years of horticultural experience to the role. Over the years, Paul has gained hands-on experience across all aspects of nursery operations, developing a deep passion for plants, making him a valuable addition to the team.
Newey invests in the future of UK tree production
Newey Ltd, one of the UK’s largest plant producers, has secured approval for a new 2.5-acre Intermediate Tree Site in Chichester. This site will support the recently launched Butterlees Tree Park. This facility will boost capacity and reinforce Newey’s commitment to quality, biosecurity, and sustainable horticulture.
Downtown Garden Centre to close briefly” for refurbishment”
Social media posts have raised questions about the future of Downtown Garden Centre, near Grantham, after rumours suggested it closed on Thursday (January 22) for a refit. The destination garden centre, owned by Oldrid and Co Ltd, sits on a large out of town complex incorporating several retailers, including an Oldrid’s department store. The Oldrid group have previously sought planning permission to develop the site as an out-of-town Outlet Village.
Ayrshire garden centre devastated in overnight fire
Hayes Garden Land, at Bogend near Symington, this morning posted news of the blaze on social media, The company stated: "We regret to inform you that we will be CLOSED for the foreseeable future - the Garden Centre & Cafe have burned down." A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said they were alerted to reports of a fire in the building at 02:16. “Operations Control mobilised four appliances to the town's Tarbolton Road, where firefighters worked to extinguish the fire.
Blue Diamond new build planned for Yorkshire
Blue Diamond at Bicester Avenue Alan Roper, managing director of Blue Diamond garden centres, has confirmed that his company is behind the proposed new garden centre at the Thorp Arch retail park near Tadcaster. It will be the first foray into Yorkshire by Blue Diamond. The Group has agreed to operate the garden centre, subject to getting planning permission. The site has been unused for the last 6 years.
The Old Railway Line Garden Centre’s new Christmas video
The Old Railway Line Garden Centre is once again spreading Christmas cheer with the release of its 2025 Christmas video, “A Christmas Star”, continuing its tradition of creating magical festive videos. This year’s story has already captured the hearts of viewers across social media, drawing thousands of views within days of its release. The film tells a heartfelt story of a father and son rediscovering the magic of Christmas.
More UK trees needed to hit climate targets
Strategic support needed In 2023/24, Britain planted over 20,000 hectares of new woodland, the highest in 35 years, yet meeting future planting targets will require strategic support for domestic tree production, which is “the backbone of reaching targets to increase tree cover” according to the report Recommendations include an action plan for British tree production, increased support for British tree growers and more diversity in trees being produced within the UK.
More UK trees needed to hit climate targets
Strategic support needed In 2023/24, Britain planted over 20,000 hectares of new woodland, the highest in 35 years, yet meeting future planting targets will require strategic support for domestic tree production, which is “the backbone of reaching targets to increase tree cover” according to the report Recommendations include an action plan for British tree production, increased support for British tree growers and more diversity in trees being produced within the UK.
Gardening Club acquires Studley Green
He added, “2025 has gone well with strong sales in the spring and with less of a drop in the hot and dry summer months than anticipated. Capital Gardens is pursuing new a new venture in London and hopes to announce what this is before Christmas. “ Capital Gardens Studley Green Facebook page has been promoting an “end of lease” sale, since June 10th. The sale is due to end this Sunday, September 21st. All staff at the current site are expected to be taken on by the new owners.
Whitehall concludes the sale of Woodborough garden centre
"We would like to thank all our dedicated and hard-working staff who have been part of the Whitehall team for many years, and we wish them all the best with the new direction of the store and the future. We would also like to thank all our loyal customers who have visited the centre over the years and supported us as a business and family.” When Three become One The Self Family have now sold 2 of their 3 centres, including the store at Whitchurch, Bristol.
Dobbies announce their annual accounts to 23 February 2025
Dobbies Garden Centres Group Limited has filed its historic Annual Report and Financial Statements for the Group and its subsidiaries. These accounts cover 2 financial years (FY), with both 2024 and 2025 being filed following the successful completion of a Restructuring Plan. For FY24, whilst turnover was in line with FY23, Dobbies continued to experience difficult trading conditions because of adverse weather conditions during the peak spring/summer 2023 trading season.
White Logistics nears completion of third warehouse
White Logistics is close to completing its third warehouse at the company’s HQ in Pershore, Worcestershire — boosting overall capacity to 23,000 pallet spaces and enhancing its offer as a complete logistics partner. The new facility, opening September 2025, will add 8,000 additional pallet spaces. Like White’s existing warehousing, it will be BRCGS-accredited and fully managed via ProSKU, the company’s advanced warehouse management system.
Otter Garden Centres add number 8
Southwest based garden centre chain, Otter Nurseries and Garden Centres have confirmed the purchase of their 8th site, the former Whitehall Garden Centre (and fellow Tillington member) at Whitchurch, Bristol.
Birdworld’s multi-million-pound redevelopment gains planning approval
Birdworld, owned by Haskins and on the same site as Forest Lodge Garden Centre, near Farnham, Surrey has been granted planning permission. The plans submitted in 2023 were for the joint development of Birdworld and the garden centre, with extensive improvement for road access and customer accessibility. There is no news yet of any further development of the garden centre. The New Birdworld A favourite among families, the 26-acre Park will be transformed into a year-round destination.
5 growing media companies form new Council
The group is initially fully focussed on safeguarding the future for growers by creating a clear new set of standards in professional growing media.
Huge fire at Old Well Garden Centre
Planning to open A later update by owner Rob Lamyman says: “The 1st November fire and the stark reality of the aftermath here at The Old Well continues to be devastating for my family and our dedicated team of staff and suppliers. “The swift response and heroic actions by multiple Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue personnel throughout the night of the fire and following day means a considerable area of our much-loved Garden Centre has been saved….
BHETA lobbies government on plans for 887% tax rise under EPR
BHETA is urging members to help lobby Government on the upcoming Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme, that will be imposed on all producers of packaging materials from next year. The EPR scheme is an additional tax, which targets branded product suppliers and retailers of own label goods. It shifts financial responsibility for the treatment of household waste and packaging, moving it 100% to suppliers and retailers.
Spoga+Gafa reacts to customer demands
Spoga+Gafa, the biggest garden and BBQ trade fair in the world, is reacting to the industry's wishes and is changing its schedule. From the next event onwards, the trade fair will begin on a Tuesday and end on a Thursday. This change will allow the exhibition to better cater to the needs of exhibitors and visitors. Most visitors, exhibitors and trade associations that were asked requested the change.
Introducing National Garden Gift Cards
Refreshing the Brand The HTA note that the Gifting market is now dominated by Gift Cards and to reflect this, and avoid consumer confusion, the National Garden Gift Voucher scheme is being rebranded as National Garden Gift Card to keep the programme competitive within the gift card market.
Yorkshire Garden Centres joining the Tillington Group
Yorkshire Garden Centres have announced that they are to join the Tillington Group. The 30-year-old buying and marketing group comprises 11 family-owned Garden Centre businesses in the UK, currently representing 41 centres.
Whetman Plants changes hands
Whetman Plants International in Exeter UK. has agreed to a takeover by the German company, Selecta One. The company operates worldwide. Whetman Plants International (WPI) is a UK company with strong local roots and an international presence. For the last 30 years it has specialised in the breeding, cultivation, and sale of perennial dianthus.
GCA Sustainability Webinar
In a popular and well attended webinar on June 26th, on one of the hottest days of the year so far, 37 GCA members and Associate members heard how to tackle issues surrounding sustainable practices in their businesses.
All change at Whitehall Garden Centres
After a lifetime spent working in and around the business, Peter Self has announced that he is stepping back from the day-to-day running of the Whitehall Garden Centres group. Peter says that he is planning to “enjoy part time retirement”. As part of this restructuring, Whitehall have decided to sell their site at Whitchurch, Bristol as a going concern.
Chat from the HTA National Plant Show
David Salisbury, general manager of Far Plants, underlined how garden centres will always buy new introductions. The group won second prize with spirea Plum Carpet, with its Scentifull rose another introduction. Rising labour costs are driving up Christmas Tree prices. Suppliers that held their prices last year are predicting an uplift of between 5% and 10% for 2024. This is likely to stick as there will not be an over supply of trees this year, although there are unlikely to be shortages.
Planning Permission sought for new Blue Diamond Centre
Plans to build the ‘premier garden centre in the Northeast’ on the outskirts of Alnwick have been submitted by Northumberland Estates, following extensive local consultation. The store represents an investment of around £13m from the Duke of Northumberland’s development company; would create over 150 new full and part-time jobs and will be operated by the Blue Diamond Group. The centre will have a total internal floor area of 7,800 sq. m, with an additional 3,700 sq.
Dutch plant lorry drivers to boycott the UK?
The TLN has raised concerns about the delays and poor conditions greeting drivers at these posts and called for the UK government and port authorities to provide “good and decent facilities for drivers”. It described the facilities that drivers were forced to wait in as “leaving a lot to be desired” and said most border facilities only offered water, with nowhere for drivers to get food or drink.
Blue Diamond Garden Centres launch their Community Garden Competition
Inspiring Outdoor Spaces Around 1 in 3 people in the UK today do not have access to nature-rich outdoor spaces near their homes, and in some deprived areas, there is no access to green spaces at all. Blue Diamond Garden Centres aim to inspire others to create biodiverse outdoor spaces that enables nature and wildlife to thrive and provides a place for people to connect with the beauty of the natural world.
Waterside Garden Centre has a “Bonkers” opening
But one thing remained certain for the team - they were determined to reopen. The site was emptied of damaged stock, filling 90 skips - and structural damage meant that walls, carpets and electrics had to be replaced. Andy told us “Everything had to be replaced. We’ve had a great response from most of our suppliers.” One of the challenges was sourcing new equipment for the kitchen and to replace completely all of the IT and data connections throughout the site.
Guy Topping represents England at World Curling Championships
Guy Topping, of Barton Grange Garden Centre, and his team are pitted against Belgium, England, Estonia, Latvia, Switzerland and United States in the early rounds of the competition. The Flower Bowl Entertainment Centre’s Facebook page carries this message today: “Can we all wish “Team Topping” the best of luck.
HNS Growers Cautiously Optimistic for the Spring
Bransford Webbs are “ahead of last year” but point out that colder growing conditions in 2023 had held growth back, so couldn’t really compare this year with last. At time of writing, Storm Kathleen – the 11th named storm since October – is raging outside. Frank Matthews said, “The wet weather has undoubtedly affected additional sales so there have been fewer top-ups to orders which we would normally see running up to Easter.” Farplants notes that “weather is fully in control” of sales.
St John’s Garden Centre is sold to former employees
Over the years the store has expanded and now features a large open plan shopping area, plant and tree displays, indoor and covered outdoor plant areas, the café conservatory and Jungleland, which has always proved popular with children and families. There is an additional off-site nursery, where many of the plants are grown and nurtured, plus a long established and renowned landscaping department. New co-owner Mark Toon said.
Garden centres making news locally
Grosvenor Garden Centre near Chester has begun work on a new 441.9 sq. m store after the previous building was destroyed by fire almost two years ago. The incident, which took place in the early hours of June 14, 2022, saw a large-scale emergency response with five fire crews and an aerial appliance from Chester.
Permission for Applegreen in Mullinavat refused
A planning application for a 24-hour Applegreen in Mullinavat has been refused. The proposed development was to include two food outlets, one with a drive-thru. There also would have been a coffee area, a seating area, an off-license, 20 electric vehicle charging points, and fuel pumps for cars and HGVs. Had it been approved, the service station would have been situated just off Junction 11 on the M9 with a footpath into the village of Mullinavat to allow safe access for pedestrians.
Former RTÉ journalist from Wexford dies aged 32
Former RTÉ journalist and Wexford native Nick Sheridan has died aged 32. The journalist was a presenter on RTÉ's flagship children's news programme news2day and had worked for BBC Scotland for the last number of years. Scotland's former first minister Nicola Sturgeon said Sheridan was a 'young, talented, vivacious, and full of potential'. In recent years, Sheridan released two children's books.
Ballygunner and O’Loughlin Gaels well represented in this year's AIB GAA Club Players Awards
The players selected for this year’s AIB GAA Club Players Awards have been announced with All-Ireland champions Glen and St Thomas’ leading the way on the football and hurling teams of the year. However, there's strong South East representation also.
Kilkenny TY students' create product for passionate young hurlers
Students' from Presentation Secondary School Kilkenny have created a hurling training aid as part of their TY Mini Company module. Orla Walsh and Olivia Dunphy created 'PerfectPuc' to help young hurlers hit the centre of the hurl, mostly known as the sweet spot. The product is 100% sustainable and aims to help buyers develop a cleaner strike. Orla and Olivia say the main focus of their business is to inspire a love of hurling in young children all over the country.
Anthony Joshua insists upcoming Francis Ngannou fight is ‘not a gimmick’
Anthony Joshua has dismissed suggestions that his fight against Francis Ngannou in Saudi Arabia on Friday should not be taken seriously and says his opponent fully deserves his shot. Joshua takes on the MMA star in his first ring appearance since his five-round triumph over Otto Wallin in December as he looks to move closer to linking up a heavyweight title clash with Tyson Fury.
World Indoor Athletics Championships: Wexford's Sophie Becker among team to set national record
Sport Sophie Becker, Phil Healy, Roisin Harrison and Sharlene Mawdsley ran a new national record of 3:28:45 to finish fourth in their heat, at the World Indoor Athletics Championships. The race was won by the Netherlands, followed by the USA and Great Britain, with Belgium in fourth. Mawdsley had the second-fastest leg in the race with a time of 50.47. Elsewhere, Sarah Lavin finished fifth in the final of the 60m hurdles.
Sunday sport: Lavin wins heat to book semi-final spot; Premier League brings Manchester derby
Here's the latest from the day's sporting action... A personal best of 7.90 seconds saw Sarah Lavin win her heat in the 60m Hurdles at the World Indoor Championships on Sunday morning. The Limerick woman will be back in semi-final action at 7.40 pm. Meanwhile, Ireland's Women's 4x400m Relay team has come fourth in their heat, posting a national record of 3 minutes 28.45 seconds.
Man (60s) dies from injuries sustained in last week's assault in Tipperary
Tipperary News An Garda Siochana, © PA Archive/PA Images A man has died from injuries he sustained in an assault which happened last week in County Tipperary. The assault occurred on Thursday 29th February at a premises in Dundrum, Tipperary. The man aged in his 60s, was taken to Tipperary University Hospital to be treated for his injuries but has since died. A post-mortem will be carried out today (Sunday) by the State Pathologist Dr. Margot Bolster.
Man (20s) arrested after €720,000 of cannabis discovered in his baggage at Dublin Airport
A man has been arrested after €720,000 worth of cannabis was discovered in his baggage at Dublin Airport. The seizure was made by Revenue officers on Saturday, with around 36kg of herbal cannabis discovered in the baggage of the passenger who had disembarked a flight. The man, aged in his 20s, was arrested and has been detained under section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act 1996. He was subsequently charged and is due to appear in court on Monday.
Woman seriously injured by tractor following hit-and-run in South Tipperary
A pedestrian has been seriously injured following a hit-and-run incident involving a tractor in South Tipperary. The pedestrian was struck by a tractor at Sean Kelly Square, Carrick-on-Suir, Co. Tipperary on Saturday afternoon. The woman, aged in her 80s, was taken by ambulance to University Hospital Waterford, where she is being treated for serious injuries.
Off-duty Garda who failed roadside breathalyser test convicted of careless driving
A serving Garda in Co Clare who failed a roadside breath test for alcohol has been convicted of careless driving arising from a late-night "very low-impact" collision with a taxi on his way home from the pub. At Ennis District Court on Wednesday, Judge Alec Gabbett imposed a fine of €500 on David Kenneally (41), of Tulla Rd, Ennis after he changed his plea to guilty regarding one of the charges he faced.
Three arrested in Cork in investigation targeting human trafficking
Three men have been arrested in Co Cork in connection with an investigation into human trafficking and labour exploitation. The men, aged in their 30s and 40s, were arrested on Saturday morning, while searches at five locations in Cork and two locations in Roscommon were also carried out. Gardaí said items of evidential value were seized during the searches. The three men are currently detained under section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act 2007 at Garda stations in Cork.
Dami Hope remembers his father Babajide at funeral in New Ross
News Love Island star, Dami Hope, has paid tribute to his beloved father today. The funeral of Babajide Mayowa Adegbesan took place in The Church of the Assumption, Rosbercon at noon on Friday 1st March. The reality TV star announced the sad news of his father's passing on Tuesday saying: "There’s pain in my heart as I write this. Took me a while to actually say it out loud to the point at times I didn’t even know what to say.
Hamilton confident Mercedes can challenge at front with Verstappen
Lewis Hamilton believes Mercedes have delivered a car capable of putting him in the fight at the front – despite qualifying only ninth for Saturday’s opening round of the season in Bahrain. Max Verstappen saw off Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc by two tenths to capture pole position, with Hamilton’s team-mate George Russell next up, a third of a second back. Hamilton raised hope that he might take the challenge to Verstappen when he finished fastest in practice here on Thursday.
Waterford Basketball legend Jillian Hayes to be inducted to Basketball Ireland Hall of Fame
Jillian Hayes is one of the most renowned names in Irish Basketball. To confirm that, the Waterford legend is set to be added to the Basketball Ireland Hall of Fame. In the opinion of many, Jillian Hayes was the outstanding Irish player during the 1990s. Hayes represented her country 67 times on the court and was a major part of the Waterford Wildcats' success during the '90s.
Investigation underway into 'abhorrent' violent incident at youth boxing event in Roscommon
Violent scenes which broke out at a boxing tournament in Co Roscommon on Friday evening during which a man was seriously injured have been condemned as "abhorrent". The incident took place on the first day of the 2024 National Boy/Girl 4 Championships which was being held at The Hub in Castlerea.
Kilkenny woman (88) settles action against council over footpath fall for €160,000
An 88-year-old woman who claimed she suffered injuries after she allegedly tripped and fell on a footpath in Kilkenny City has settled her High Court action for €160,000. Sarah Mahoney, of Pearse Street, Kilkenny, had sued Kilkenny County Council over the alleged fall four years ago. She claimed she was caused to lose her footing when she encountered an alleged defective and hazardous broken section of the footpath.
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