Oliver Rackham OBE to Speak at UK Plant Biosecurity Conference

Oliver will present his thoughts on the importance of trees within the environment, their current health status and why protecting this matters so much at our UK Plant Biosecurity Conference which takes place on 30 May. A Life Fellow of Corpus Christi College, Cambridge and an acknowledged authority on the British countryside, especially trees, woodlands and wood pasture, Rackham has written a number of well-known books, including The History of the Countryside and one on Hatfield Forest.

Read more: Oliver Rackham OBE to Speak at UK Plant Biosecurity Conference

GIY Profile of Paddy Gleeson

Paddy Gleeson is the Woodie’s DIY resident Horticultural consultant. Formerly of Teagasc, Paddy is also a judge on the popular RTE Gardening Series "Super Garden".
Paddy qualified in Horticulture from the National Botanic Gardens over 40 years ago, Glasnevin and has a degree from UCD. He was the Teagasc national nursery stock advisor for over 25 years, during which time he lead the development of the modern Irish nursery stock industry.

Read more: GIY Profile of Paddy Gleeson

The Battle of the Sexes - John Stanley

A Garden Centre, a place where you can take the family and enjoy selecting plants at your leisure, a truly family experience. This may be the image many people still have of their local garden centre, but the garden retailer of today may have other ideas.

Read more: The Battle of the Sexes - John Stanley

The Sodshow – Your Garden Radio Show

The SodShow, Dublin's only garden radio show. Live every Friday @ 3pm – or after tea-time in podcast.

Read more: The Sodshow – Your Garden Radio Show

Announcing ‘Low Cost, High Impact’ Gardens at RHS Hampton Court Show

After the fantastic response to the category last year the RHS and the APL are delighted to announce the entries selected for this year's 'Low Cost, High Impact' gardens at the RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show (9-14 July 2013). The 'Low Cost, High Impact' category, introduced for the first time last year, allows APL members to demonstrate their skills. The category aims to provide visitors with ideas for achievable and believable gardens with a wow factor, based on a fixed budget for hard landscaping, plant material and labour.

Read more: Announcing ‘Low Cost, High Impact’ Gardens at RHS Hampton Court Show

New IFG level 2 and 3 City and Guilds Floristry Qualifications

The Irish Florist Guild are delighted to announce that in conjunction with the South West Dungannon Exam Centre we are now able to offer both level 2 and 3 City and Guilds Floristry Qualification. Please see below for details on cost and course curriculum . Please note that as this is newly available it is required that all student begin at level 2. Costs are based on each course lasting 1 year to take into account time away from the course for busy industry times.

Read more: New IFG level 2 and 3 City and Guilds Floristry Qualifications

Events Across the US to Promote Ireland as A Location for Green Investment

President of Ireland's International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) John Bruton has announced a series of events across the US, targeting asset managers, private equity and venture capitalists, and promoting Ireland as a key location for green investment. Making the announcement in New York City, Bruton revealed the US roadshow will hit Chicago, Boston and New York in June.

Read more: Events Across the US to Promote Ireland as A Location for Green Investment

HortiTrends Weekly Comment and News Digest - April 8th

As an on-line business trade fairs are our lifeblood and events like Meet 30 Nurseries @ Trolley Fairs on Tuesday, April 9th and last Saturdays GLDA Seminar give us the opportunity to meet with the professionals who are at the coalface of Horticulture. Whether its meeting with advertisers or sourcing news from attendees or visitors, its that face to face contact that is all important.

The nurseries exhibiting at tomorrows fair are in a conundrum of sorts. If its a good day they will be busy at the actual nurseries and will have itchy feet to get back to base. Also if the sun shines the attendance will be lower as Garden Centres and Landscapers will be wary of taking time of off to attend.

Read more: HortiTrends Weekly Comment and News Digest - April 8th

Rare & Special Plant Fair – Russborough House, Sunday 12th May

This Sunday Russborough House will host the annual Rare & Special Plant Fair from 10:00am to 5:00pm. For details on who will be participating, please visit Rare and Special Plant Fair.

Source: ISNA - Rare & Special Plant Fair – Russborough House, Sunday 12th May

HortiTrends Weekly Comment and News Digest - May 6th

The recent Glasshouse Conference Signals Quantum Leap in Engineering and Plant Science Technology will have been an inspiration for those currently involved in the sector and more importantly those considering entering it.

In The Battle of the Sexes - John Stanley gives more fascinating insights into the habits of your potential customers.

Read more: HortiTrends Weekly Comment and News Digest - May 6th

HortiTrends Weekly Comment and News Digest - April 26th

Negative because if ever the sector needs ongoing investment to even stand still competitively against imports from Europe, it is now. 
Horticulture in the Dail: Will There be a Continuation of the Grant Scheme for Horticulture?

Positive as it re-enforces a message that we harp on about often, which is, don't miss a sale from a customer who walks through your door just because you are connecting with your customers or pretend friends on facebook.
Looking After the Bird in the Hand - Liam Kelly

Read more: HortiTrends Weekly Comment and News Digest - April 26th