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 cool drink, and catch up on the latest below…
NEWS FLASH
The Delphinium garden thought to be the largest of its kind in the UK
Aged 70, Colin Parton is said to have the UK’s largest Delphinium garden, all grown in memory of his late wife, Julie. The garden includes more than 100 cultivars, and Colin works to preserve many types that are now on the verge of disappearing. Last year, he was even awarded National Plant Collection status by the horticultural conservation charity Plant Heritage!
Read more here.
INFLUENCER SPOTLIGHT
Anjee
Editor of The Garden Folk Magazine, Anjee shares her allotment journey over on @plot26a on Instagram. Recently, she travelled to the RHS Wentworth Show and picked out 8 trends to apply to your own plot at home.
Watch the Reel here.
SOCIAL NEWS
Using bottlecaps to deter slugs
Slugs got at your hostas - or other plants? Here’s a hack you might not have tried - sticking bottlecaps on your pots! I saw this on @der_kleine_deko_garten’s Reel, where she used a glue gun to fix the caps to her pots. Useful and a great way to recycle!
Watch it here.
PRODUCT
The Strawberry Lovers Growbar, £12.95
The Strawberry Growbar is an eco-friendly, letterbox-sized gift that makes it easy to grow your own sweet miniature strawberries at home. Containing seeds for two varieties – Mignonette and Alexandria – this coconut compost bar produces delicate, flavourful fruit throughout summer until the first frosts. Just add water, watch the seedlings grow, and enjoy a long season of garden-fresh berries.
Buy it here.
BOOK
The Garden Almanac 2026 by The RHS
The RHS Garden Almanac 2026 is a beautifully illustrated month-by-month guide to help gardeners make the most of their year. Created by the Royal Horticultural Society and featuring expert advice from the likes of Chief Horticulturist Guy Barter, it offers practical tips on what to grow, how to support wildlife, and sustainable gardening solutions. With insights from top garden designers, seasonal task lists, decorative projects, recipes, and guidance on pests and planting challenges, this almanac is an inspiring and essential companion for gardeners of all levels.
Pre-order here.
PLANT OF THE WEEK
Erythrina vespertilio
Erythrina vespertilio, commonly known as Bat's Wing Coral Tree, Gray Corkwood or Bean Tree, is a small, thorny tree with deeply furrowed, corky grey bark and striking scarlet to orange-red pea-like flowers.
Thriving in full sun and well-drained soil, it requires watering every two weeks, with care taken to avoid waterlogging. Regular pruning encourages healthier blooms and strong structure by removing dead wood, improving airflow, and shaping the canopy. Or, it also works great as a houseplant!
WHAT TO DO NOW
The Great Garden Trail 2025: Glemham Hall
As part of The Great Garden Trail 2025, visitors are invited to explore the historic gardens of Glemham Hall, set in 300 acres of parkland. Blending Elizabethan roots with Georgian refinement and Humphry Repton’s 1791 vision, highlights include a formal rose garden, colourful borders, and the peaceful Britten Garden, all framed by topiary, yews and ancient oaks. Restored and open to all, the site also offers plant sales, refreshments, and limited parking. Dogs on leads are welcome, and partial wheelchair access is available.
Find out more here.
QVC PRODUCT PICK
Hayloft Plants Globe Agapanthus 2 Litre Pots x 2
Experience Hayloft Globe Agapanthus, presented in 2 litre pots, perfect for adding a bit of Mediterranean magic to your garden. These bold, spherical blooms rise above sleek green foliage, flowering through the summer and providing height and rhythm to borders and pots. Choose from Twister, Blue Baby or Strawberry Ice varieties to suit your style. Drought-tolerant and sun-loving, these plants thrive with minimal care, rewarding you with striking structure and vibrant hues.
Buy them here.
HORTICULTURAL TRADE ASSOCIATION
Highest number of entries EVER achieved at the HTA Grower of the Year Awards
This year has seen a record number of entries to the HTA Grower of the Year Awards. Winners will be revealed at the dinner ceremony during Horticulture, The Conference - a celebration of excellence in UK nursery production, recognising outstanding quality, service, innovation and sustainability.
To book your place at the ceremony, click here.