The Horticultural Trades Association’s (HTA) National Plant Show is back at
the NAEC Stoneleigh this month, on Tuesday 20 and Wednesday 21 June 2023.
With a huge concentration of British growers and suppliers under one roof,
it’s a key event in the horticultural calendar showcasing the best of British
gardening from growing through to retail and design to landscaping and
everything in between.
Visitors can beat the queues and register for free at nationalplantshow.co.uk.
Elia Johnston, HTA Director of Marketing said “This year’s show is set to
provide an unrivalled opportunity to visit over 140 exhibitors displaying the
very best plants from UK nurseries, along with everything the trade needs to
sell plants under one roof. Visitors can meet a full spectrum of suppliers with
a wealth of innovation and expertise, from seeds, bulbs, houseplants and a wide
range of garden plants to labelling and product information, growing media,
display benching, and machinery.”
A favourite with visitors and exhibitors alike, the New Plant Awards
will take centre stage at the show, providing the perfect burst of colour and
interest. Annually attracting over 100 entries, this is the place to see what
is new and available to the market for the following season. Categories for
2023 are Herbaceous Perennials, Annuals, Houseplants and Trees, Shrubs &
Climbers (including Conifers). The award categories will be judged and
announced on Tuesday 20 June.
This year’s judging panel includes Emma Allen (RHS), Andy Bunker (Alton
Garden Centre), Cath Quinney (Bennybeg Garden Centre) Michael Perry (Mr Plant
Geek) and Chris Young (RHS), with HTA’s Consulting Horticulture Manager Pippa
Greenwood and Horticultural Support Manager Martin Simmons overseeing. The RHS
is sponsoring the New Plant Awards, and Joy of Plants validates all the
entries.
The Visitor Vote Awards are a popular part of the National
Plant Show which gives visitors a chance to have their say, and the winner will
be announced on the second day of the show.
The Seminar theatre, sponsored by Sinclair, will host a
number of free interactive and informative sessions throughout the two-day
show, including the first-ever Hort-Talk LIVE! Podcast, which will focus on the
importance of apprenticeships and education within the horticultural industry.
There is increasing pressure on the industry to recruit and retain staff, and
this session will look at the support available.
Planet Mark will host a seminar with Hillier Nurseries to discuss the
successes and challenges that Hillier Nurseries have experienced through their
company-wide sustainability plan and how they are adapting and refurbishing
their stores to align with their net-zero ambitions. Plus, there will be plenty
of insightful, expert-led discussions to help visitors keep up with the latest
market trends and political updates affecting the industry.
The HTA Village is the hub of all things HTA and provides
an opportunity to find out about the latest initiatives and meet the HTA team.
It showcases everything the HTA has to offer, including Membership, the latest
updates in Policy, Market Information, Sustainability as well as National
Garden Gift Vouchers.
Meet the Buyer was launched at The National Plant Show last
year and will be hosted again at this year’s show, allowing exhibitors to have
one-to-one time to pitch to a mix of retail buyers. This will take place in a
dedicated area at the show sponsored by Green Solutions Software
UK.
