The latest HTA survey of growers indicates real optimism among suppliers to garden centres, with many reporting significant sales increases for the first three months of this year.

This is important going into the crucial Easter trading period, during which many gardeners begin their planting in earnest.

Among bedding plant growers there has been a tangible mood of positivity about what this summer has in store in terms of sales, and there is real hope that last summer’s hosepipe bans will not be repeated.

Upbeat weather forecasts are only adding to a feeling that this could be the best season for some time.

For retailers and growers, the delight at seeing large throngs of customers heading out to buy plants is juxtaposed by the frustration of having to turn them away on Easter Sunday, a trading restriction that is estimated to cost the industry £60 million in lost sales.

Despite that the sector will be hoping for some robust figures from the next week to give it the fillip it needs for a strong season.

Happy Easter from all of us at Commercial Grower!