A huge recent HTA campaign success has been the agreement that starting in March 2026, all non-black, recyclable PET or PP plastic plant pots, larger than 40mm x 40mm, will be accepted in household kerbside recycling in England. Defra confirmed this move following a successful long-term advocacy campaign from the HTA, which will help reduce plastic waste and promote environmental sustainability. What a thrill it will be for us gardeners to tidy up that pot area without the resultant petrol guzzling follow up trip to the nearest pot recycling outlet!
The research and fact-finding abilities of the HTA is botanically brilliant, and you’ll no-doubt impress your New Year dinner guests when you casually drop into conversation that “Natural greenery has been shown to boost office productivity by 15%” or that “up to 200 calories are burned by undertaking 30 minutes of gardening” (If ever there was an excuse to get outside this month after a wheel of Wensleydale and a tonne of turkey, then this is it!).
Getting the plant-lovers’ message heard is important and in November, the organisation presented a ‘Plants in Parliament’ event. Around 60 MPs, Peers and staff attended to hear from industry representatives about the impact of key policies on their horticultural businesses. It also gave members a chance to showcase the fantastic products that they are delivering, ensuring our elected politicians are aware of just how heavenly horticulture is.
On the note of heavenly horticulture, who doesn’t love a gift voucher to spend at their local garden centre?! Well, meet the National Garden Gift Card, run by the HTA and the longest-standing garden consumer promotion, which drives around 2 million annual visits to garden centres. I put mine towards our Nordmann fir Christmas tree which is still holding on to its glossy needles, still scented with the festive fragrance of candle and cracker smoke! (NB If you’re reading this after the 6th, my tree will be reacclimatizing to life outdoors as the Twelfth Night de-decoration deadline is always observed in the Bassett-Smith household).
So, what to expect from the HTA in 2025? In addition to outstanding ongoing industry support, The Garden Press Event in February showcases the best in garden innovation and has been the launch pad for many a company/product. Meanwhile May brings us National Children’s Gardening Week to inspire children’s curiosity, involving them in seed sowing, planting and a plethora of other gardening activities. Our youngsters are of course the green fingered gurus of the future!
According to Fran Barnes “environmental horticulture has the potential to deliver over £40 billion to the UK by 2030” so let’s all join together in celebration as we welcome a new year full of all that is green and good!
Join Camilla on ITV’s ‘Love Your Weekend’ with Alan Titchmarsh on Sunday 5th January.
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ENTERTAINMENT THROUGH THE GARDEN GAT E
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