The Horticultural Trades Association’s (HTA) new two-part report, ‘From Nursery to Nature’ and ‘Delivering the Environmental Improvement Plan through the Value of Plants’ outlines the ‘significant value’ UK horticulture can contribute to growing a greener future. 

The new reports, launched at The Value of Plants at Horticulture, The Conference, provides insight into the value of UK horticulture relative to the economical, ecological, and sociological landscape, while setting out the evidence and industry asks to secure and maintain this value. 

Consumers spend nearly £3bn annually on plants and trees, the HTA estimates that should prices increase even 5% (relative to the rest of the economy), the volume of plants supplied could fall by over 10%, creating a knock on effect felt throughout the supply chain. 

The industry supports over 760,000 jobs and contributes almost £30bn to the UK GDP, with one-third of UK international tourism is inclusive of park and garden visits. 

With an area three times larger than Greater London, the UK’s domestic gardens in urban areas provide valuable habitats for pollinators and wildlife, vital to the nation’s ecosystems and help to bring down city temperatures. 

Data also shows well-maintained gardens can increase property value by up to 20%, and the planting of a hedging barrier around schools has been shown to reduce the concentration of particulate matter, nitrous oxide, ozone and other atmospheric toxins by up to 77%. 

“As well as the considerable benefits for our health and wellbeing, plants support a vast supply chain, from garden tools to parks and gardens that draw tourists from all corners of the globe”, says David Lydiat, HTA public affairs and policy manager. 

“Our sector works to maximise the value of UK plants and trees and supply them to gardens and communities.

“It is time that environmental horticulture is truly recognised and its potential realised.”