Highlights from GLAS 2026

This year’s GLAS gathered more than 100 exhibitors with diverse expertise across the horticultural trade

The one-day trade show returned with exhibits, latest innovations, and products from more than 100 of the industry’s leading suppliers

Horticulture

20 July 2026

The Garden Landscape and Amenity Sportsturf (GLAS) trade show made its much anticipated return on the 16th July at the National Basketball Arena in Dublin.

Proudly supported by Bord Bia, GLAS 2026 saw the coming together of a strong, dedicated horticulture sector in Ireland.

Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), Niall Collins, who attended the event, said: “I think it’s a fantastic event. It’s great to see all of the industry stakeholders coming from different perspectives. Meeting with them is important for me because it gives me the opportunity to engage with them and hear from them what we’re doing right and what we can do better.”

The one-day event featured the leading suppliers across the sector, the new Grower’s Paddock, New Product New Plant Awards, Bord Bia Thinking House, as well as plenty of Learning Theatre talks.

This year’s GLAS gathered more than 100 exhibitors with diverse expertise across the horticultural trade, who had the chance to showcase their latest innovations, products, and services.

Photo by Justin Farrelly

Learning Theatre

The Bord Bia Learning Theatre was a big success with many visitors attending free talks from leading experts on some of the hottest topics in our industry.

Dr Owen Doyle (chairperson of the Horticulture Education Leadership Group) delivered a presentation on “The future of horticulture – what does a future-ready horticulture sector look like?” Discussion with Michael Gaffney (Teagasc), Pat Fitzgerald (Fitzgerald Nurseries), and Sinead Mulcahy (Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine) focused on embedding horticulture’s societal importance, new technologies, innovative products and modern sales concepts to position businesses sustainably and for the long term, and more.

The horticulture industry faces strict regulations around operator’s registration/authorisation, associated requirements for record keeping, your regulated pest obligations and trade requirements. Mary Canty from Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine discussed this issue during her webinar titled “Regulatory compliance : “Plant Health Rules – what you need to know”.

“Innovations in design and landscaping” presented by Kinta Oakes from the Garden Landscape Designers Association discussed a growing emphasis on designing landscapes that can withstand both extreme weather and temperature fluctuations.

Growtrade.ie’s annual Industry Sentiment Survey revealed careers and career development as the industry’s leading concern. John Mulhern from Teagasc delivered a presentation on training for the horticulture industry.

Andrew Wilson (ICL) explored next generation of fertiliser solutions. Attendees of his webinar had a chance to discover the latest trial results, innovations in biodegradable fertiliser technology ahead of upcoming European regulations, and learn how ICL is developing products that deliver outstanding plant quality whilst supporting a more sustainable future for growers.

“Beyond Peat – The Crisis Continues” was presented by Anna Kavanagh, horticultural expert and former head of technical, quality and research development with Bord Na Mon.

“Biochar at Work: Transforming Turf, Trees, Sports Pitches and Soils” The presentation from Cathal Fitzgerald, chairman of Arigna Group covered a review of the various biochar trials that Arigna has ongoing, the results to date, the lessons learned as well as Arigna’s view of the opportunities and challenges for biochar as an input in sports amenity, landscapes and horticulture sectors.

GLAS 2026 Awards

The New Plant New Product Awards including Best in Show Trade Supplier, Best in Show Horticulture and Supplier of the Year are a highlight of the GLAS trade show.

These awards recognise the best new plant and new product launched in the Irish market over the last 12 months by the organisations exhibiting at the event.

The contestants were judged, announced and presented at the show by Ciaran Burke (Johnstown Garden Centre), Paul McGill (Tirlán), and Patrick Gleeson.

Best New Plant Award

The Best New Plant Award went to Tully Nurseries for their Hebe ‘Rhubarb Crumble’.

Not only did they win at this year’s GLAS, but also at last month’s HTA National Plant Show in the UK receiving Gold Medal.

Hebe ‘Rhubarb Crumble’ is characterised by low-maintenance, evergreen structure featuring heavy purple and white summer flowers.

Bred as a sport of the award-winning ‘Rhubarb and Custard’ (PBR applied for), this collection modernises a high-volume garden staple under the new Hebe Dessert collection brand.

“We’ve trialled it in different locations and seeing it succeed both in the UK and here gives us real confidence. We’re particularly excited because it’s not just about the plant itself – it’s about the whole brand that goes with it,” Niamh Tully, sales and marketing director at Tully Nurseries, said.

She added: “as specialist hebe growers, we believe the branding and marketing are what set it apart. You can have a great product, but without good packaging, labelling and branding behind it, it won’t have the same impact,”

Best New Product Award

This year’s Best New Product Award was won by NaturaVolt for their eWeeding Roller.

This chemical-free innovation kills weeds by passing high voltage electricity through them. This causes a rapid temperature increase that destroys the cell structure of the weeds both above and below ground. Perfect for safe, sustainable, and highly efficient large-scale professional weed control.

“There isn’t anything else like it on the market. For organisations looking to move away from chemical weed killers, electricity is the only systemic alternative, and at the moment this is the only product in the world that uses high-voltage electricity to kill weeds on hard surfaces,” Benj Street, managing director at NaturaVolt, said.

He added: “this is our first time exhibiting at GLAS. We were encouraged to come by a contractor who told us it was the ideal place to launch a new product in the Irish market and connect with both industry professionals and the public. We did some research, the event has an excellent reputation, and we’re very happy to be here.”

Best in Show Horticulture Supplier Award

The winner of the Best in Show Horticulture Supplier at GLAS 2026 was Schram Plants.

The company combined vibrant coloured pots, simple display boxes and outstanding plant quality to create an eye-catching and compelling presentation at this year’s GLAS.

“I’m delighted to win the award. It’s great to receive recognition for all the work that’s gone into it, and it’s a real endorsement of the quality of our product and its presentation,” Tim Schram, managing director at Schram Plants, said.

He added: “I’d like to think what set our entry apart was the overall quality, the colour, and the presentation of the product as a whole, from the label to the pot.”

Best in Show Trade Supplier Award

Best in Show Trade Supplier Award at GLAS 2026 went to Carlton Greetings UK, who create greeting cards, gift dressings, partyware and balloons for big events, special occasions and those “saw-this-and-thought-of-you” moments of life.

Carlton Greetings UK earned this accolade for their beautifully merchandised stand.

“We weren’t expecting to win anything, so it’s really nice to be recognised by your peers and by people within the industry,” Robert Marsden, business development manager at UK Greetings, said.

He added: “as a company, the products we sell are all about display, presentation and visual appeal, so it was important for us to showcase that. We put a lot of thought into creating an attractive display, and it’s great to see that effort recognised.”

Supplier of the Year Award

The final award was voted for by the visitors of GLAS and subscribers of Growtrade.ie. The 2026 GLAS Supplier of the Year Award went to Young Nurseries, who managed to defend their last year’s title.

“We certainly weren’t expecting to win again this year, so we’re absolutely delighted,” Nuala Young, owner of Young Nurseries, said.

She added: “our staff put a huge amount of work into preparing the plants, getting them ready and ensuring they reach customers in the best possible condition. There’s a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes, so this award is a real credit to the whole team.”

Young attributes the achievement to Young Nurseries’ consistent quality throughout the year, efficient deliveries, and their passion for what they do.

Highlights from GLAS 2026

Learning Theatre