The Hort Report: 3rd October 2025
Rice grown in the UK, an underground orchid, 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 warm drink, and catch up on the latest below…
NEWS FLASH
Scientists strive to save orchid that grows underground
The Western Australian underground orchid (Rhizanthella gardneri) is one of the world’s rarest plants, surviving only in tiny, fluctuating numbers and now critically endangered due to habitat loss and climate change. Unique for completing its entire life cycle underground and thought to be pollinated by termites, it relies on a complex three-way partnership with a fungus and the Melaleuca uncinata bush, which provides essential nutrients. Scientists, including Professor Kingsley Dixon, are working to save the species, highlighting the vial role fungi play in orchid survival, as orchid seeds depend on fungal associations to germinate and thrive.
Read the full story here.
INFLUENCER SPOTLIGHT
Have you heard of the tradition of planting irises in thatched roofs?
Thanks to the Insta account, @opinionsonus, I learned about the tradition of planting irises in thatched roofs. Apparently, it’s common practice in Normandy, and also in Japan - though the practice will likely have developed independently! The reason for planting irises is that the roots and rhizomes bind the thatching together, while also absorbing excess water - fascinating! Someone in the comments of the post mentioned that beavers also utilise irises in their dams - wow!
Watch the video here.
SOCIAL NEWS
UK’s first rice paddy trial explores future of farming in a changing climate
In Cambridgeshire, the UK’s first rice paddies are being trialled as part of a project led by the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology to explore how farming might adapt to climate change. Ecologist Nadine Mitschunas has successfully grown nine rice varieties, including basmati and risotto types, in flooded fields on Craig and Sarah Taylor’s farm. The trial aims to test whether rice could become a viable crop in Britain’s warming climate while also helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from draining peat soils. Although still experimental, the project could offer farmers new crop options, protect soil health, and provide a model for balancing food production with environmental sustainability.
Read the full article here.
PRODUCT
Bulbious
Bulbious is a modern brand offering innovative bulb concepts, including the Pollinator Paving Garden - a simple way to turn paved or stony outdoor areas into colourful, biodiverse spaces. Featuring specially chosen flower bulbs that attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, it brings life, beauty, and environmental benefits to your garden.
Buy it here.
BOOK
The Modern Professional Planting Designer by Andrew Fisher Tomlin
The Modern Professional Planting Designer explores how to create beautiful, sustainable, and resilient gardens that support biodiversity, tackle climate challenges, and enhance wellbeing. Written by award-winning designer and educator Andrew Fisher Tomlin, the book offers a step-by-step framework, practical tips, and case studies from leading international designers, showing how to apply contemporary planting techniques at any scale. With hundreds of images and real-world examples, it serves as both a key reference for professionals and students of garden design and a valuable resource for gardeners.
Buy it here.
PLANT OF THE WEEK
Peppers from Heaven by Prudac
Chili plants… but make them sky-high cool. Peppers from Heaven literally cascade from hanging baskets, loaded with fiery little fruits. They’re a total garden showpiece and pack a punch in the kitchen, too. Honestly, have you ever seen chilis grown like this? Gorgeous, tasty, and absolutely unique. No wonder gardeners are hooked.
Find out more about them here.
WHAT TO DO NOW
UK Landscape & Garden Expo
Taking place on Wednesday, 18th February 2026, the UK Landscape & Garden Expo brings together some of the industries’ finest garden and landscaping tools and supplies, all under one roof! Location TBC.
Find out more here.
QVC PICK
Thompson & Morgan Tulip Doubles Collection 30 Bulbs
The Tulip Doubles Collection from Thompson & Morgan includes 30 hardy perennial bulbs that produce striking double-flowered tulips in April and May. Ideal for borders or containers, these vibrant blooms thrive in full sun and moist, well-drained soil, reaching up to 60cm tall. Easy to grow and returning year after year, they offer a joyful burst of spring colour with minimal effort.
Buy it here.
HORTICULTURAL TRADE ASSOCIATION
HTA Retail Committee launches Your Garden Year
The HTA Retail Committee has launched Your Garden Year, a collaborative campaign providing a simple, seasonal schedule to keep gardeners inspired and engaged all year round. The Garden Year Planner outlines weekly themes and activities – from spring planting to autumn lawn care – helping retailers and the wider industry prompt customers at the right time. With shared messages, social media toolkits, and easy-to-use resources, the initiative aims to drive repeat visits, build loyalty, and grow sales while keeping gardening front of mind throughout the seasons.
Find out more here.