I'd love to but there are so few in my location, and the few that do exist generally aren't very good. We had one which used to do superb hanging baskets, but I went there this year and the quality was poor with prices through the roof. I'm happy to spend with local companies if the quality is there, the price is secondary as long as the differential isn't huge.
A different sector, but I paid considerably more for my new camera buying from a local independent than I would have paid on t'interweb from a UK supplier. The independent does still have the odd bits & pieces I need on occasion and that availability is worth supporting.
I did wonder if they were about to go bust. The recent sell-off sale where most plants were 50-70% off and they were open to offers as well, made me think this can't last. I bought a pot bound apple tree of the variety I wanted for £10, reduced from £39.99.........must be below cost.
Based in Sussex, I garden to encourage as many birds to my garden as possible.
You mentioned Huntingdon brian so I know where you are talking about and I remember it before it was Wyevale. Can't say I saw much difference there when it got taken over to be honest BUT since you might be in this area, try this place for fantastic organic veg and bedding plants http://www.delfland.co.uk/ and for shrubs, perennials etc, just down the road is https://www.facebook.com/megaplants/
The only way Wyevale will change is if we don't shop there so ... don't shop there (sadly this won't make a difference because I actually go there to buy smelly candles [I like Yankee Candles, sorry!]). Isn't it sad though that I buy candles from a garden centre and go elsewhere for plants!
If we keep shopping locally then our local places will survive. I feel like I should say something like "Keep the Faith" at this point ha ha
Praps we should start a thread that promotes independent nurseries to let others know about hidden gems?
Thanks for the pointers Cloggie. We'll check out those nurseries you linked.
I wonder if there's anything we can do to get one of the GW gardeners to speak out on the matter? I can't imagine the likes of Monty Don, Carole Klein, Joe Swift or Rachel de Thame have much time for them!
Interesting point about Wyevale possibly having financial difficulties. I must stress that I haven't heard anything to indicate that, but I've never seen the plant areas so empty. As has been said, almost nothing apart from winter bedding around.
The upside was their recent sale. I got a Hozelock drip watering system down from £74 to £20. Lord knows how long it had been kicking around in the back of the warehouse as the box was very faded. It still had the security strap around it and everything in there when I got home. Went back a couple of days later and the few remaining ones had been reduced to a fiver. I had no use for any more and couldn't think of anybody who might want one. Shortly after that I saw a very happy gent will the last 4 piled on his trolley.
Like them or loathe them, they would be missed if they did close as they do at least have decent stock levels of bedding etc in the Spring, and as I mentioned before, we have very few other plant suppliers in the area.
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Disgustingly over priced and a terrible quality of plants. The only 'chain' I use is Longacres other than that it's all local nurseries.
I'd love to but there are so few in my location, and the few that do exist generally aren't very good. We had one which used to do superb hanging baskets, but I went there this year and the quality was poor with prices through the roof. I'm happy to spend with local companies if the quality is there, the price is secondary as long as the differential isn't huge.
A different sector, but I paid considerably more for my new camera buying from a local independent than I would have paid on t'interweb from a UK supplier. The independent does still have the odd bits & pieces I need on occasion and that availability is worth supporting.
I did wonder if they were about to go bust. The recent sell-off sale where most plants were 50-70% off and they were open to offers as well, made me think this can't last. I bought a pot bound apple tree of the variety I wanted for £10, reduced from £39.99.........must be below cost.
Agree with all the above ....I thought the one I visited recently was about to close down there were so many empty stands
You mentioned Huntingdon brian so I know where you are talking about and I remember it before it was Wyevale. Can't say I saw much difference there when it got taken over to be honest BUT since you might be in this area, try this place for fantastic organic veg and bedding plants http://www.delfland.co.uk/ and for shrubs, perennials etc, just down the road is https://www.facebook.com/megaplants/
The only way Wyevale will change is if we don't shop there so ... don't shop there (sadly this won't make a difference because I actually go there to buy smelly candles [I like Yankee Candles, sorry!]). Isn't it sad though that I buy candles from a garden centre and go elsewhere for plants!
If we keep shopping locally then our local places will survive. I feel like I should say something like "Keep the Faith" at this point ha ha
Praps we should start a thread that promotes independent nurseries to let others know about hidden gems?
Thanks for the pointers Cloggie. We'll check out those nurseries you linked.
I wonder if there's anything we can do to get one of the GW gardeners to speak out on the matter? I can't imagine the likes of Monty Don, Carole Klein, Joe Swift or Rachel de Thame have much time for them!
Here in NI we have one Dobbies and nothing else but small independents. I go to them for my bread and butter...for jam I have to go online.
I once went to Dobbies for coffee and a scone.
Didn't so much as see a plant.
Last edited: 07 September 2016 07:49:03
Interesting point about Wyevale possibly having financial difficulties. I must stress that I haven't heard anything to indicate that, but I've never seen the plant areas so empty. As has been said, almost nothing apart from winter bedding around.
The upside was their recent sale. I got a Hozelock drip watering system down from £74 to £20. Lord knows how long it had been kicking around in the back of the warehouse as the box was very faded. It still had the security strap around it and everything in there when I got home. Went back a couple of days later and the few remaining ones had been reduced to a fiver. I had no use for any more and couldn't think of anybody who might want one. Shortly after that I saw a very happy gent will the last 4 piled on his trolley.
Like them or loathe them, they would be missed if they did close as they do at least have decent stock levels of bedding etc in the Spring, and as I mentioned before, we have very few other plant suppliers in the area.