The Hort Report: 8th August 2025
Unusual Poinsettias, win tickets to Kew, 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 cool drink, and catch up on the latest below…
NEWS FLASH
The grapefruit tree with a legacy
In Battersea, a rare outdoor grapefruit tree - believed to be the only one of its kind in the UK outside Kew - has become the focus of a community campaign. Planted by Marline Anderson in the 1980s, it now stands as a tribute to her Grenadian roots. Following her recent passing, neighbours are fighting to protect the tree’s future as the council awaits the outcome of a preservation assessment.
Read more here.
NEWS FLASH
Five years of Scotland Grows
Scotland Grows magazine turns five, and the bumper birthday issue is packed with themed features: five blooming perennials, vertical gardening tips, fast crops to sow now, and more. From show-growing advice to community projects and garden-to-glass cocktails, it’s a fab celebration of Scottish gardening culture.
Subscribe to get your copy here.
SOCIAL NEWS
Rude veg - spotted on Instagram!
Ugly veg was all the rage just a few years ago, but while all that was going on, I was keeping an eye out for rude veg - and there was lots of it, if you knew where to look! So it was to my delight when I stumbled across this recent post from @bearded.growers. Looks like the rude veg online community is still alive and well!
PRODUCT
Trained Gardener champions fair pay
Tired of underpaid expertise, designer Nick Cutsumpas (@nick_in_the_garden) launched Trained Gardener, a platform connecting skilled UK gardeners with clients who value their craft. The site promotes fair pay (suggested £40/hr) and is free for gardeners to join via DM or email.
Find out more here.
BOOK
The Flower School by Joseph Massie
RHS Chelsea gold medallist Joseph Massie shares his flower-arranging secrets in his new book, The Flower School. With 25 projects and a focus on sustainability, it’s a practical guide for anyone wanting to create elegant floral arrangements with British-grown blooms.
Buy it here.
PLANT OF THE WEEK
Hymenidium davidii
Lisa Wesley of Growild Nursery shares her latest showstopper: Hymenidium davidii, a striking white-bracted umbellifer grown from Sichuan seed. With its dramatic structure and rarity, it’s one to watch for perennial lovers!
WHAT TO DO NOW
In Conversation at Kew
A new series of open-air events lands at Kew Gardens this September. In Conversation at Kew features top names like Richard Osman and Mary Beard for lively talks in a beautiful setting. Think big ideas, great company and picnic rugs at the ready.
Get 10% off your tickets with code INCONVO - this gives you 10% off Adult/Over 65s Premium and Standard tickets only. Not valid on Kew Member or Group rate tickets, or with any other offer. £3.95 transaction fee applies. Expires 31/08/2025. Details correct at time of print. Book tickets here.
Enter now to win a pair of tickets to In Conversation at Kew
Want to get in on the action? You can win a pair of tickets to your preferred event by entering my giveaway using the button below.
T&Cs: Giveaway closes 11th August 2025 at 9am BST. The organisers will not be issuing paper tickets. Winners will be emailed a link to register online and will receive tickets by email. Tickets are non-refundable, non-exchangeable and non-transferable, and do not include travel, accommodation or expenses. There is no cash alternative. Details of giveaway and prize correct at time of print. Ticket terms and conditions apply https://www.immediatelive.com/ticket-terms-and-conditions/
OPPORTUNITY
Final call for future leaders
The Young People in Horticulture Association (YPHA)’s subsidised leadership course closes this Sunday. Aimed at members already in management roles, this 9-day programme is a golden opportunity to develop leadership skills tailored to the horticulture industry.
Find out more here.
HORTICULTURAL TRADE ASSOCIATION
Early bird alert: HTA National Plant Show 2026
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.
Find out more.