The Hort Report: 11th April 2025
A nature-focused game, smart propagation, and more!
Here’s your weekly Hort Report - the round-up of industry news, retail insights, home gardener gossip, influencer spotlights, social media news, and so much more.
Grab a hot drink, and catch up on the latest below…
SURVEY
Take the most loved/hated plants survey
I want to find out which plants the UK really love and hate! If you want to have your say, click here to fill in the form (no personal details needed, and it takes less than 30 seconds)!
I’ll put the findings in next week’s Hort Report!
NEWS FLASH
Luke Llewellyn launches BioBattlers: a new app blending tech, nature and insect battles
Luke Llewellyn has launched BioBattlers, an app that combines the fun of collecting and battling creatures with real-world insect discovery. Inspired by Pokémon and his love of nature, the app lets users scan and identify insects using AI, turning them into battle-ready cards that can be trained, hatched, and used in digital battles.
But BioBattlers isn’t just for fun — it also encourages outdoor exploration and teaches players about biodiversity, insect behaviour and conservation. Designed for all ages, it’s a playful way to reconnect with nature and reduce screentime spent indoors.
More info and campaign support at biobattlers.co.uk
INFLUENCER SPOTLIGHT
Fraser Cook
With a Botany & Plant Conservation PhD, Fraser uses his Instagram to educate followers on the importance of conservation and the issues facing plants today, such as plant hunting.
Visit @botanicalotter on Instagram.
SOCIAL NEWS
The Springdale Florist team put their plant knowledge to the test
Could you identify a plant just by feeling its stem? The team at Springdale Florist test their plant knowledge by doing just that! With bouquet faves like Hypericum and Larkspur to pin down, this isn’t a challenge for the uninitiated!
Watch the video above to find out who’s got the edge!
PRODUCT NEWS
Ellepot
Ellepot is an innovative propagation system used by nurseries and growers in over 130 countries to produce healthier plants more efficiently and sustainably.
At its core, the Ellepot system replaces traditional plastic pots with degradable paper pots. The system includes patented machinery, propagation trays and specially developed paper - all tailored to each customer’s production needs. Ellepot also provides installation, training and ongoing global support.
Find out more here.
HOME GARDENER PLANT OF THE WEEK
Venus fly trap
Native to North Carolina, these plants are threatened in their natural habitat, but you can likely pick one up from a supermarket, DIY store or garden centre quite easily! This video above shows a fly trap being rescued and revived after being sold for half price in a shop. The end result is beautiful!
BOOK
Martha Stewart's Gardening Handbook: The Essential Guide to Designing, Planting, and Growing
This is Martha Stewart’s first comprehensive gardening guide in over 30 years, offering practical advice for creating a thriving, beautiful garden. Aimed at beginners and experienced gardeners alike, the book covers essential topics such as soil testing, drainage, watering, hardiness zones, and plant selection for different climates. It also includes guidance on growing everything from annuals and perennials to succulents, vegetables, herbs, trees, and shrubs.
Buy it here.
WHAT TO DO NOW
Bury St Edmunds plant swap
Chris Wiley, AKA Sow Successful, is hosting a Plant Swap event which will take place in Bury St Edmunds on 19th April (Easter weekend), following the success of a previous Seed Swap. Held at the Quaker Meeting House on St John’s Street, it’s a chance for people to exchange spare seedlings and young plants. The event coincides with Earth Day, is sponsored by Havebury, and will raise money for Bury in Bloom.
Find out more here.
QVC PRODUCT PICK
Thompson & Morgan Azalea Cascading Pink
Say hey to Azalea, a trailing pink gem from Thompson & Morgan. This elegant shrub bursts into bloom in late spring, producing a profusion of pink flowers with wavy edges and warm yellow-orange centres that last into midsummer. Even when not in flower, it remains a lovely addition to the garden. Ideal for containers and smaller spaces, this compact, easy-care evergreen also helps support pollinators in your outdoor space.
Buy it here.