Hiya,
I happen to be visiting England for the next couple of weeks and thought I'd pose this question. I'm in Buckinghamshire and wondering if there are any *must see* garden centres in the area.
Favorite Garden Centres
My garden centre is my favourite.... i might be a litle biased though...
In bucks..... hang on ... i'll do a search to see who's there.
Mike
Hi Mike,
There is one (well, two) that I always visit when I'm here, but thought I'd see what DG members had to say. I'll hold off telling you my fave. >grin
Ok... are you there for a week or so? lol
http://www.thevouchergarden.co.uk/index.asp?m=1032&distance=10&postcode=&imageField.x=16&imageField.y=9&radiobutton=radiobutton1&county=Buckinghamshire&town=&search=search&offset=0
I know off these 3 (below). But basically the website above lists anyone who is a legitimate garden centre in the uk.
Small specialists are not covered like specialists in rare begonias or something, so will need more local knowledge.
These 3 are more likely to have coffee shops and kids play areas etc. That kind of place. A bit more main stream! There is a couple of Wyevale's there, they are the biggest chain in the Uk but they are poor, and having managment buy out problems recently.
The best Uk Garden centre by far (not just my opinion) its allso now the biggest is Webbs between bristol and birmingham at Wychbold. Worth a trip if you can.
World's End Garden Leisure Centre
Askett Nurseries
Frosts at Woburn Sands
Hope that helps
Mike
I'd love to know your fave. To see what you like about them. Some of them are so different. especially if they are family run. There are no rules to running one of these so you can create what you like!
Mike
Thanks, Mike! My favorite, though I admit to not visiting many, is Frosts. My in-laws live close by so I've been going there over the past 10 yrs or so, whenever I come to visit. I've also been to Wyevale's - was last there 2 yrs ago - but didn't care much for it. Frosts has a better selection of goods.
I had never heard of World's End Garden Leisure Centre nor Askett Nurseries before, so I'll try to visit. Unfortunately, I'm not visiting on 'pleasure' so garden centres are at the bottom of my 'to do' list this time round.
Will try to report back with a better answer to your question when I get the chance.
Cheers
Booo Wyevale! lol
Out of the 3 i gave you i think Frosts is probably the best. So looks like we have the same taste.
Here is my place if you get this far North
www.crowders.co.uk
Mike
Hi Mike,
I've been to Frosts a few times since I last wrote and unfortunately must report that it seems to have slipped a bit over the years. However, Frosts still beats our American nurseries by far. I wish I could get up North on this trip because I could do some damage at your shop, too.
Sorry to hear its gone down hill. I know over the past few years with increased overheads and prices not matching inflation, some garden centres have struggled. That may be why or it could just be poor management.
We try to look good at all times although we don't have the money of the big ones so it takes a while to pay for new facelifts.
Would be good to see you up at my place. (so i can help empty your bank account. lol)
Mike
Hello!
Does anybody out there run or own a garden center? I am starting up a new business (to do with the gardening industry) and would like some tips on how to approach them. Hope you can help.
Hey Mike,
Is that the Crowders at Horncastle?? I am looking for a new garden centre to haunt.............LOL
Do you work there?? If it is the one I may see you there....
Lauri