Hundreds of horticulture journalists, writers, bloggers, and influencers have gathered in London to experience the breadth of the UK's garden sector. Dozens of horticulture businesses will exhibit at the Garden Press Event, which will also see the winners of the New Product Awards announced.
Now in its 18th year, the Garden Press Event – jointly organised by the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) and the Garden Industry Manufacturer's Association (GIMA) – gives horticulture businesses and entrepreneurs the chance to network in person with members of the garden press, as well as with other businesses in the sector.
Over 400 members of the garden press are expected to attend the event at London's Business Design Centre, with a total of 89 horticulture businesses represented, including 13 first-time exhibitors.
A series of talks will be held throughout the day, covering topics such as uses of CBD, drought-proofing your garden, and using Instagram Reels to target gardeners. Speakers include representatives from the HTA, Dobbies, Blue Diamond, GARDENA, and the National Trust.
Fran Barnes, CEO of the HTA, said: "We're excited to be back hosting the Garden Press Event, which is a fantastic opportunity for businesses in our sector to showcase new product offerings and innovations, and has been a launchpad for many products and companies over the years. It also brings garden media and businesses together, providing a platform for fruitful conversations that often lead to collaborations and invaluable knowledge transfer."
The event will culminate in the announcement of the winners of two awards: Best Stand Display and Best New Product, voted on throughout the day by the visiting press. Exhibitors can enter the New Product Award category for a minimum donation of £50 to the event's charity partner Greenfingers, which creates therapeutic garden spaces for children in hospices and their families around the UK.
Vicky Nuttall, Director of GIMA, said: "We are so pleased to be able to host such a unique event, bringing the industry and the media together and creating a catalyst for collaboration. The positive response from the media demonstrates the excitement, enthusiasm, and quality that exists throughout our sector. Today's New Product Awards are a highlight, and we look forward to celebrating with the winners."
The UK's environmental horticulture sector employs 420,000 people and supports contributions of £28.8 billion in GDP to the national economy. As well as providing direct physical and mental health benefits, the sector's work underpins half of the aims in the UK's 25-year Environment Plan.
For more information: 
Horticultural Trades Association
www.the-hta.org.uk