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 tea or coffee and catch up on the latest below…
HOME GARDENER NEWS
World Naked Gardening Day
On the first Saturday in May each year, World Naked Gardening Day takes place - a time for gardeners to shed their garms and tend to their plants, just like nature intended! If you’re looking to muster up the courage to go nude, head to the #WNGD hashtag on Instagram to see some inspiration! You can also read some thoughts from gardening influencers taking part in the event here.
READ NOW
The Westland Garden paper
Westland Horticulture have just launched their own newspaper, and you can pick up a copy for free in garden centres! Across 32 pages, you’ll find tips, advice, inspiration, news and more - including a section written by me! Head to your local garden centre to see if it’s stocked.
INFLUENCER SPOTLIGHT
Maria Failla
Maria is a previous plant killer turned ‘Happy Plant Lady’! Maria hosts a podcast called Growing Joy with Plants, where she learns alongside listeners as she interviews plant experts. She also has a book and an app (busy bee!), and her Instagram page is as joyful as she sounds!
SOCIAL MEDIA NEWS
Chelsea Flower Show
The main event may not be happening for another couple of weeks, but there’s lots going on if you click on the #rhschelseaflowershow hashtag! Recap on the garden design progress, see who’s exhibiting at the show, and get the lowdown on which events to attend!
NEW PRODUCT NEWS
HydrPure
Let’s get technical about water! We all know that the clear stuff is hydrating, and we need it to live. But there’s actually a way to optimise your water intake. HydrPure uses innovative engineering to enrich the amount of hydrogen within your water, which then allows it to perform its benefits as an antioxidant. Read up on the tech and get your bottle here.
TRADE NEWS
Dutch Spring Trials
The Dutch Spring Trials took place this week in north Holland, with eight breeders showing their new assortment developments to growers, retailers and industry colleagues. As the latter, I was able to get a close look at the offerings - and they didn’t disappoint! You can take a look at my coverage of Syngenta Flowers and Hem Genetics’ new products to get ahead of the masses!
BOOK PROMO
A Short History of Flowers by Advolly Richmond
There are interesting stories behind almost every plant, but Advolly Richmond picks out the most unique and surprising in her book, A Short History of Flowers. These aren’t just any plants, either! They’re ones that you know and love, and that may even be growing in your own garden…
Get your copy here.
WHAT TO DO NOW
Grow Urban Festival
Taking place from 8th to 16th June the Grow Urban Festival encompasses workshops, garden trails, tours and more. Locations across London will be involved, including the Natural History Museum, Morden Hall Park, and Wimbledon Centre Court Rooftop! Learn about permaculture, taste urban-grown foods, and discover small caches hidden around gardens - there’s so much to do, you’ll be busy all week!
PLANT OF THE WEEK
Papaver Red Rumble
This crimson-coloured poppy erupts into bloom with flowers 15cm in diameter! Standing tall on strong, thick stems, these poppies like a sunny, sheltered position in fertile, well-draining soil. Find out how this incredible poppy was developed, right here.
SUBSTACK RECOMMENDATION
Home & Hort by JP Clarke
JP loves bringing the outside in, and vice versa. With a Substack that ranges from articles on making a library ladder and rail, to creating a fragrant edible winter planter, there’s something for all homebodies here.
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Another great hort report love it
Looking forward to seeing #wngd