GCA Releases Milestone 100th Elearning Course

THE AWARD‑WINNING Garden Retail Online Workshops (GROW) e‑learning platform from the Garden Centre Association (GCA) has today launched its 100^th course – representing a key milestone in its growth (May 21, 2026).

The new release is entitled ‘Basic Trees’ and is accessible to GCA and Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) members to help garden centre staff assist gardeners with their selection and care.

Image: Visual for the 100^th Garden Retail Online Workshops (GROW) on Basic Trees

Antony Snow, GROW’s Instructional Designer, says: “Trees have always been a popular choice with garden centre customers because of their versatility and the important role that they play in the landscape of our gardens, so I’m sure that this course will be invaluable to our members and their teams. 

“As our learners will discover, choosing the right tree isn’t as simple as picking one that will look good in the garden, so this course will help them to understand how they grow and the care that they need to ensure that they remain healthy; essential information that they can pass on to their customers. 

“I’m delighted that this is the 100^th course to be produced for GROW and both myself and the GCA Executive Committee are incredibly proud of this achievement. The system went live in 2014 with just 10 courses, so to have reached this milestone is testament to how our members continue to value it. 

“Each course is written using the knowledge and expertise within our members’ centres, so I would like to thank everyone who has contributed over the years as we wouldn’t be here today without them.” 

GROW, which now supports more than 12,000 users nationwide, was first developed following a GCA Executive Committee strategy meeting to provide tailored education and training for those working in the garden centre industry.

It operates as a self‑funding, not‑for‑profit platform, with any surplus reinvested to support its continued development and enhancement. 

Peter Burks, GCA Chief Executive, says: “We’re thrilled to be launching our new Basic Trees course at such a timely moment, with the vital role trees play in helping tackle climate issues as well their reported abilities to boost human wellbeing and mental health making headlines almost daily. It’s a powerful reminder that every one of us can make a real difference. I’m delighted that we’re bringing this important topic into our catalogue of GROW courses. 

“If you’d like to explore GROW, learn more about this course, or browse any of our 99 others, please visit www.gca.org.uk/gca-grow-information or get in touch with Antony at grow@gca.org.uk.” 

GROW provides an extensive set of important courses on subject matter designed to help staff successfully assist customers and colleagues as needed. 

These include a wide range of topics that cover horticulture, customer service, food safety, regulated sales and health and safety.  

All the courses have been written by experts in their field and are designed to apply to a garden centre environment, with the content for the horticultural courses drawing on the vast experience of members within the GCA. 

The GCA represents more than 200 garden centres nationwide.

Through sharing information and its inspection programme, the GCA helps members to achieve high standards in customer service, plant quality and reliability. 

For further information, please visit www.gca.org.uk.

Source : GCA

Image : Visual for the 100^th Garden Retail Online Workshops (GROW) on Basic Trees

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