We have a Blue Diamond GC a few miles away that is not too bad, certainly the plants were better value and condition than Wyevale. We visited their flagship store at Trentham Gardens last year which was absolutely massive, and dare l say, a little bit soulless.
For me, who owns them is not the issue. I just want them run as proper garden centres. I think @Lizzie27 is the only person who has stuck up for her store. I think most of us will be welcoming the new owners in the hope they'll improve things. Am I being too optimistic?
I'm not in the UK anymore but my parents live Near Brambridge GC. It used to be good, now it is mediocre with a large (nice) cafe and a lot of expensive tat.
Where I live it's very different. I live near a town of 12000 people, it has 4 garden centers one is part of a small chain the other three are independent. Two sell some tat, party things candles etc, those two also sell fresh vegetables, like an old fashioned greengrocer. one only sells plants, it has a big range and lots of trees and shrubs(does hedging too).
The final one sells pet supplies Whisky and is they type of place where you can get good knowledge, mustard seeds for an acre and weedkiller comes with application per hectare data.
I'm not in the UK anymore but my parents live Near Brambridge GC. It used to be good, now it is mediocre with a large (nice) cafe and a lot of expensive tat.
Where I live it's very different. I live near a town of 12000 people, it has 4 garden centers one is part of a small chain the other three are independent. Two sell some tat, party things candles etc, those two also sell fresh vegetables, like an old fashioned greengrocer. one only sells plants, it has a big range and lots of trees and shrubs(does hedging too).
The final one sells pet supplies Whisky and is they type of place where you can get good knowledge, mustard seeds for an acre and weedkiller comes with application per hectare data.
I like the sound of that mix. Am I the only person who never has, and has no intention of , having tea or coffee in a garden centre? I've got a kettle and tea bags at home once I return with my plants.
Come on @Hostafan1, get with the programme. Why do you think Mary Berry is an RHS ambassador? It's not for her horticultural expertise, is it? It's all about the cake.
Oops, sorry. Thought I was in Curmudgeons' Corner. I'll go away again ....
Gardening on the edge of Exmoor, in Devon
“It's still magic even if you know how it's done.”
Me neither. I keep forgetting about it. Maybe they should put a cup holder on the trolley handle next to the thing that holds the self scanner wizziwig doobrey. Then I might get round to it
Gardening on the edge of Exmoor, in Devon
“It's still magic even if you know how it's done.”
I've just remembered that I was given a Wyevale gift card for last year's birthday. I still have several pounds on it - I must hasten to spend it while I can. (I bought some over-priced tulip bulbs last year - I'll probably do the same, even though it goes against the grain!)
I have managed to find some of the GC names for the new Blue Diamond/Wyevale centres.
"As we count down to take over day, we can confirm that Friday 17th
August 2018 will be the first day of Blue Diamond trading our 8 new
garden centre acquisitions at the following former Wyevale Garden
Centres:
I have never had refreshments at their cafe/restaurants either, but the plants and other items are usually reasonably priced and good quality. Like most large shops these days they do a huge range in animal/bird products, Christmas items and clothing too. I am not saying I agree with this but the selection is good and the shop is always very busy.
Posts
I think @Lizzie27 is the only person who has stuck up for her store. I think most of us will be welcoming the new owners in the hope they'll improve things.
Am I being too optimistic?
Am I the only person who never has, and has no intention of , having tea or coffee in a garden centre?
I've got a kettle and tea bags at home once I return with my plants.
Oops, sorry. Thought I was in Curmudgeons' Corner. I'll go away again ....
“It's still magic even if you know how it's done.”
“It's still magic even if you know how it's done.”
It's simple supply/demand econmics
"As we count down to take over day, we can confirm that Friday 17th August 2018 will be the first day of Blue Diamond trading our 8 new garden centre acquisitions at the following former Wyevale Garden Centres:
Bicester, Oxfordshire
I have never had refreshments at their cafe/restaurants either, but the plants and other items are usually reasonably priced and good quality. Like most large shops these days they do a huge range in animal/bird products, Christmas items and clothing too. I am not saying I agree with this but the selection is good and the shop is always very busy.Endsleigh, Devon
Sanders, Burnham-on-sea
Cadbury, Bristol
Cardiff, Wales
Percy Thrower, Shrewsbury
Melbicks, Birmingham
Weybridge, Surrey"