Garden centre sales went up 25% in April, compared with the same month last year, as the garden industry capitalised on a late Easter, an extra Bank Holiday weekend and good weather.
According to new data from the HTA Garden Retail Monitor, while May has not continued at the same pace as the previous month, sales of plants and garden products have remained strong compared with other retail sectors, with year-to-date sales up 21%.

HTA director of marketing and communications Andrew Maxted said: "With the continuing pressure on consumer spending, the trend to retreat to the garden and grow your own, coupled with favourable early season weather, has lifted the industry this year.

"With Alan Titchmarsh's new ITV show Love Your Garden starting this week and high profile events such as Gardeners World Live and the Hampton Court Flower Show still to come, gardening is outperforming other retail sectors and we remain optimistic about the remainder of the season."