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
Plant-based and sustainable fashion at Paris Fashion Week
At Paris Fashion Week, sustainability took centre stage as Stella McCartney introduced plant-based ethical feathers - developed by UK start-up Fevvers - in her SS26 collection, demonstrating that high fashion need not harm people, animals or the planet. Meanwhile, Swedish designer Ellen Hodakova Larsson (@hoda_kova) presented a collection made entirely from repurposed materials such as umbrella boning, leather belts and table linens, along with her first shoe line made from surplus leather. Together, both designers proved that sustainability and style can coexist without compromise.
INFLUENCER SPOTLIGHT
Rob Gardens and Grows
Gardening, but make it silly. Rob records daily life revolving around his home and garden, from baking a frangipane to making friends with garden birds. Known for his forehead POV, Rob’s videos are perfect for entertaining you as we enter the cooler seasons.
Follow @robgardensandgrows on Insta.
SOCIAL NEWS
A Guinness World Record-breaking teasel
Milli Proust, a floral designer and flower farm co-owner at Alma Proust, shared that she’s been awarded a Guinness World Record for a very tall teasel! Usually a plant which grows to between 1 to 2.5m in height, this one grew to 3.99m! And you can try and beat the record by purchasing some of the seeds from the plant that won the record…
Seeds available soon, here.
PRODUCT
AmiRose
AmiRose is redefining summer bedding plants with its perennial, low-maintenance charm and long-lasting performance. Unlike short-lived Petunias, AmiRose returns year after year, flowering for up to five months and thriving even through dry spells. Its blooms shift through peach, apricot and raspberry tones while releasing a sweet raspberry fragrance - proof that modern breeding hasn’t forgotten scent. Hardy, drought-tolerant and perfect for landscaping, AmiRose offers both beauty and resilience, making it the ultimate “rose that thinks it’s a bedding plant.”
Read my full article about AmiRose on Thursd. here.
BOOK
Win a copy of Hortus Curious
To celebrate the third anniversary of my book, I’m hosting a giveaway where one lucky winner can win 1 of 5 signed copies of Hortus Curious.
It’s the book that tells you all you need to know about the wackiest, weirdest, rudest and most extraordinary plants of the world.
HOW TO WIN: All you need to do is follow me on Insta and tag a friend in the comments of the giveaway post (and share to stories, if you’re feeling that way inclined…)
T&Cs: Open worldwide. Giveaway closes at 12pm BST on Sunday 19th October 2025. No cash alternative. Giveaway is one of five copies of Hortus Curious by Michael Perry. This giveaway is in no way affiliated with Meta. Winner will be contacted within 48 hours and must provide a full name and postal address to claim their copy.
Enter here.
PLANT OF THE WEEK
Pink tomato by Prudac
Here’s an introduction to look forward to in autumn 2026 - I know, it’s a long wait! It’s a brand new pink tomato from Prudac, innovative edible plants specialists based in the Netherlands. There’s little info available about this tomato right now, but rest assured that I’ll keep you posted!
In my latest edition of Plants You Must Grow (my weekly roundup of exciting and new plants), I cover six more incredible edibles from Prudac, including a very snackable melon, a sweet chilli plant, and vibrant purple broccoli! You can take a look here.
WHAT TO DO NOW
Look out for ladybirds
Have you spotted an abundance of ladybirds in your garden or home? Due to the warm weather this summer, we’ve seen a boom in aphids, followed by a boom in ladybirds. And this week, as it’s been warm and dry, they’ve taken the chance to find a cosy spot as they hibernate for winter. If you find some in your home - don’t harm them! Instead, carefully move them to an outbuilding or your garden.
QVC PICK
Flourish Solar Ground Stake Light (Set of 4) with Remote
Transform your evenings outdoors with the Flourish Solar Ground Stake Light set, where each light brings a captivating glow to your garden. With the handy remote control, you can effortlessly choose from a range of colours or switch between dynamic lighting modes, making every moment outside feel a little more magical, whether it’s a lively gathering or a peaceful night in.
Buy them here.
HORTICULTURAL TRADE ASSOCIATION
APL Awards 2026: Finalists announced
The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) has announced a record 123 finalists for the 2026 Association of Professional Landscapers (APL) Awards, which recognise outstanding skill and creativity among the UK’s landscapers and garden designers. Judged over three intensive days by a panel led by Bob Sweet of BBC Gardeners’ World Live, the awards have introduced two new categories - Outdoor Living and Waterfalls and Pond Features - bringing the total to 22. Winners will be revealed at a ceremony on 13 March 2026 at The Brewery in London.
Find out more here.