July garden centre sales show retailers are up by 5% on 2012, but still behind 2011 and 2010.
A strong wave of retail sales in July has seen the garden centre sector increase by 5% compared to the same period last year. The figures, from the Garden Centre Association (GCA), are still flagging behind the 2011 and 2010 results.

GCA president Peter Burks said: "Sales have been very good, particularly in watering, with figures 300 to 500% up compared to last year. Furniture and barbecue sales are well up and we're still seeing good gardening sales in compost, pots and plants."

He said many members were 5% ahead year to date, after being 32% down in March, and added that people realised the sunny weather meant it was a good time to plant their gardens. Sales of outdoor plants were up nearly 23% this July.

Caroline Owen, Scotsdale managing director, said: "July was good - 15 per cent up. The only section that was down was catering, having been up all year. Garden furniture, gifts, garden care, hard landscaping and outdoor plants were all positive."