Garden Centres
Garden centres are becoming places to spend a leisurely day out, rather than just a place to pick up a couple of plants. Some of the larger garden centres offer children's play areas, restaurants, demonstrations by staff and aquatic and pet displays.
If you're stuck for somewhere to go in the school holidays or at the weekend, why not meet up with friends for half a day at your local garden centre - there's something to do for everyone. The beauty of the garden centre is most are open seven days a week.
More than just Plants
As well as plants, bulbs and seeds garden centres offer a wide range of things to complement their offering. For example;
- Gifts - books, pictures, ceramics, toys and games are just a few options if you're stuck for gift ideas.
- Furniture - the larger garden centres offer a range of garden furniture to suit all budgets, from plastic, wooden and metal tables and chairs to rattan sofas and occasional furniture for the conservatory.
- Clothing - wellies, coats, sweatshirts and trousers, the garden centre is the place to find all your gardening attire so you can work comfortably in all weathers.
- Machinery - some garden centres sell garden machinery, from ride on tractors to chain saws and rotavators, and will give better discounts than specialist machinery shops as they have larger marketing budgets.
- Pots and garden ornaments - from simple terracotta pots to gnomes, bird baths and elaborate statues; the garden centre is the place to search for the perfect garden decoration.
- Cut flowers - as well as selling bouquets of fresh flowers some garden centres offer a delivery service, taking the hassle out of gift-giving.
- Sheds and buildings - the garden centre is the place to go if you want to purchase a shed or storage building. And if you're thinking of adding a room to your home many also offer a conservatory selection and fitting service.
- Vouchers - stuck for a present for someone? Just give them a garden centre gift voucher and they can choose what they want at their leisure.
Ideas for the Garden
The garden centre can be a great place for inspiration and ideas for your own garden. Whether you're planning a new garden or just adding and improving your established garden, spend an hour or so wandering around the garden centre taking notes and collecting ideas and you're sure to come up with some unique ideas. Make the most of garden centre staff and ask them for help and advice on what will work well in certain locations.
Many garden centres offer leaflets with hints and tips for gardeners - start a collection of these and you'll soon become an expert gardener. Most larger garden centres have websites and offer members a regular newsletter and special discounts and promotions, so make sure you join.
A trip to the garden centre on a warm spring or summer day can be a great motivator to get gardening!
