Latest news with #gardencentre
BBC News
22-07-2025
- General
- BBC News
Boost for Wenhaston garden centre after £24k raised
A specialist garden centre at risk of closure was "overwhelmed" with gratitude after residents rallied round and raised tens of thousands of of Wenhaston, in Halesworth, recently lost access to a nearby borehole that had long supplied the site, and its rare and historical collection of plants, with just half a tank of water left, the future of the facility was plunged into doubt, with owners Gillian and Jenny Stafford fearing its plants would not issuing a plea for support, the community helped the couple raise nearly £24,000 in a matter of days, money which will be used to drill and install a new borehole. "If we run dry, that's it, there is no other alternative, so it was either try to raise these funds or we will have to close the nursery," Mrs Stafford, 45, told the BBC."We knew we had good customers and some of them would support us, but we were completely overwhelmed – we are so grateful."It's just absolutely fantastic, and we are still a little bit bewildered; our heads are all over the place." The garden centre has long proved popular due to its Plant Heritage National Collection of Pelargoniums, rare Primula auriculas, and historical bearded was opened in 1991 by founder Michael Loftus before it was taken over by the Staffords in 2016, following his death four years that time, the couple have "poured everything into keeping Woottens alive", battling through the Covid-19 pandemic, serious illness and a cyber-attack. 'Given us a boost' "Running a small business can grind you down, and we don't just grow plants that are the most popular, we grow the ones that are difficult," added Mrs Stafford."But the [support from the community] has given us a boost to keep going."We are not completely out of the woods yet, but the rain in the last few days has helped." Follow Suffolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
Yahoo
20-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Why this family-run garden centre is a must-visit this summer
A family-run garden centre that has been trading for more than 30 years is the perfect spot to grab gardening tools and decorations this summer. The Beech Farm Garden Centre in Manchester Road in Westhoughton started out as working farm with a fruit and veg shop before the business expanded into the garden centre it is today. Beech Hall Farm on Manchester Road in Westhoughton. (Image: Leah Collins) Tucked just off of Manchester Road, the quaint garden centre is the perfect spot for green thumbs and those who are looking to upgrade their garden this summer. The space specialises in water features, garden ornaments, pots and planters. They also stock a large selection of landscaping materials, pond products, quality plants and outdoor living products. The garden centre has a beautiful array of plants and landscaping materials. (Image: Leah Collins) Beech Farm also grows and sells its own award-winning Christmas trees, which are now available for pre-order. Beech Hall Farm also has a great range of water features. (Image: Leah Collins) The garden centre stocks hundreds of plant breeds for the garden. From green shrubs, trees, climbing plants, tree ferns, perennials and seasonal bedding with stock rotating throughout the year. READ MORE: 5 of the best garden centres to visit in and around Bolton Heaton Fold Garden centre offers something for everyone Bradley Fold Garden Centre Butchers nominated for award The garden centre has been in the Beech family for generations and was initially acquired in 1983 as a farm shop. As well as garden décor, the garden centre also offers home decorations, including scented candles, fairy lights and mirrors. Beech Hall Farm also has a great range of garden décor and tools. (Image: Leah Collins) The water features were spectacular and the perfect addition to any garden this summer for an elevated vibe. Perhaps my personal favourite was the garden centre's ginormous collection of ornaments and garden statues ranging from characters to animals, to mythical creatures to patio sets and benches. I really enjoyed the range of garden ornaments and statues. (Image: Leah Collins) My personal favourite from the "life-like" animal ornament section was a delightful pug statue, and I was very tempted to take him home with me. This pug was my personal favourite ornament. (Image: Leah Collins) The ornaments are made from a variety of materials including concrete, resin, granite, cast iron and bronze. There were lots of people milling around the garden centre when I visited on one particularly sunny afternoon and it had a relaxed and inviting vibe. A spokesperson for the business said: 'We sell a little bit of everything here, I would say that are logs and water features are very popular with customers. The garden centre has a great family friendly atmosphere. (Image: Leah Collins) 'All year round we're working on selling our Christmas trees, which we grow up in Scotland. "They can reach up to 20 feet high and we're already accepting pre-orders for these because of how popular they are. 'We have a family-friendly atmosphere here. "Staff are always welcoming and are happy to help with any questions that people may have. 'We rotate our stock and also have seasonal options, such as kiln and dried wood and pumpkins in October, so it's always good to see people revisiting to see the various bits that we have stocked.' Overall, the garden centre offers more than just plants and pots, it's a welcoming haven filled with character and true passion for gardening.
Yahoo
19-07-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Wet July bad news for landscaping, good news for garden centres
The wetter, cloudier and gloomier July brings a mix of good and bad news for the city's landscaping and garden centres. Friday night's rainstorm has been only one of many heavy rainy nights the city has experienced during a month usually known for its sunny days and arid climate. For garden centres, it means a dip in summer work of watering the outdoor trees and ensuring a full staff to take on plant care. However for landscaping businesses, the rainy climate means project delays and multiple stops in work, reducing just how much can get done during the industry's busiest season and how much can be earned. 'Historically, Calgary and the area has been through a prolonged drought that has lasted years,' Tricia Katelnikoff, owner of Cobblestone Garden Centre. 'So this is a big catch-up on our precipitation and we badly need it.' No shortage of rain On average, the city receives around 65.7 mm of rainfall in July but this year's precipitation has already exceeded averages with monthly rainfall totals adding up to 99.4 mm. Katelnikoff described the higher precipitation as welcome relief for the environment. 'It's going to help replenish the water table, all the reservoirs and wetlands,' she said. As the owner of a garden centre, it has also meant easier business. As an eco business, the garden centre collects its own water into a pond designed to hold several million litres. 'So this rain actually helps to fill the pond up, ' she said. 'And the point is at a level that I haven't seen for several years.' The fresh water has also improved pond quality, she added. It has also meant 'less work watering the tree lot, because nature is just doing it for us,' she said. 'And in regards to customer impact, I think the overall impression by staff and customers alike is that we are happy for this rain. We're really happy for it.' Brad Hitchings, store manager for Greengate Garden Centre, echoed the same. 'It's been great for the plant material,' he said. 'We sell outdoor trees and shrubs in our tree lot so those have to be hand watered, so when you get good douses, then the tree lot is good for a couple of days? It saved on labour and water and everything else.' Landscapers hit hard However, Nam Vu, owner of Day 1 Landscaping, said the constant rain has been a deterrent to his ability to complete projects for clients and has meant delays and income loss. 'For landscaping, this is seasonal,' he said. 'So if you lose two weeks in the summer, that's a lot.' He said he and his staff regularly check the Weather app, but there's little they can do on a rainy day. 'You can't do anything about it,' he said. Related How is July rain affecting business at large? Compared to last year, Vu said he has only been able to do half the usual amount of work this year. Satwinder Singh, who owns Great North Landscaping & Construction Ltd., said that almost every day this month has been 'off from work.' Customers usually book in advance two months ahead, but the weather has meant a lot of uncertainty around scheduling and following through. 'If the wet weather were to continue, it would mean no business, zero income,' Singh said. ddesai@
BBC News
07-07-2025
- General
- BBC News
Green-fingered York postmaster celebrates 30 years in job
A green-fingered sub-postmaster who runs a garden centre which doubles as a post office has celebrated serving his local community for three Small, who operates Hopgrove post office from inside the greenhouse of his family business on the outskirts of York, has been presented with a Post Office 30 Years' Long Service Small said offering postal services alongside growing perennials, bedding plants and other greenery worked well for his customers and for himself."I don't get huge amounts of post office customers. If I had a big queue of people, it might be a bit more difficult to try and balance the two together," he explained. "I've got lots of gardening advice - hopefully that's appreciated by people."It has not been the first time Hopgrove's post office has been located in a glass building, either: until her retirement, the former postmistress ran the service in a Small said that while regulars were unfazed by the backdrop of plants at Orchard Nurseries, people using the local collection service could occasionally be taken by surprise."It's quite fun all these different people saying, 'oh I didn't realise it was in here' because I am sort of hidden," he said. While the post office is only open two days a week, the nursery is open daily, and Mr Small has been known to let customers collect parcels outside of branch Oglesby, Post Office area manager, said "Hopgrove post office is definitely the most unusual location I support, but it's located where it can serve two parishes as well as commuters. "I want to sincerely thank Chris for his long and loyal service to this York neighbourhood for three decades."Customer and Hopgrove resident Karen Nash said she was certainly grateful Mr Small could offer postal services "on the doorstep"."We are quite isolated in the village here and, with a lot of the local post offices and local shops closing, you do have to go into the city centre," she said."That's a day-trip these days for a lot of people who haven't always got the time."I'm so pleased he's been recognised for his hard work, because sub-postmasters in the local community are so important." Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
ABC News
08-06-2025
- General
- ABC News
Paul & Paula's Patch
Jerry visits a bush block in Brisbane's south-west has been transformed into a grand cottage garden. Owners: Paula and Paul Herbert Location: Mount Crosby, Qld, on Yuggera Country Climate Zone: Subtropical Garden Established: More than 15 years ago Style: Grand cottage garden Key Features Jerry first notices the lovely balance of light and shade in the garden. All the elements of design are used here: repetition, colour, texture, unity and space. There are many nectar-producing plants, which bring in lots of birds. Grass trees were planted as tiny seedlings about 15 years ago and are now about 1.5m tall. Other strappy plants include a variegated lomandra, miscanthus, carex and gymea lilies. Paula has loved gardening since she was a little child and now has Paul hooked, too – this is the third garden they've created together. Paula has the ideas and Paul puts them into action! The garden is a showpiece for Paula's creativity too; she is a painter and clay artist. Paula has a particular passion for Casuarina 'Green Wave' and surprises Paul by admitting there are 90 of them in the garden. While she has no horticultural training, she got on so well with the staff at the local garden centre that she was offered a job. The open spaces and borders are defined by hedges, but few are in straight lines. Being at a slight elevation and away from the coastal humidity, they are able to grow Manchurian pears and other deciduous trees. A downside of their location is the strong south-easterly summer wind, however the hedging helps reduce its impact. Some of the hedges are planted with mock orange, which is a serious weed in the area, as birds carry the seed into the bush, but the Herberts are diligent in trimming off any seed heads that form. An old kids' cubby house has been transformed into a chook shed, complete with a bird 'chandelier'. GRASS TREE Xanthorrhoea sp. VARIEGATED MAT-RUSH Lomandra cv. CHINESE SILVER GRASS Miscanthus sinensis 'Flamingo' * JAPANESE SEDGE Carex 'Feather Falls' GYMEA LILY Doryanthes excelsa SWAMP SHE-OAK Casuarina glauca 'Green Wave' * MOCK ORANGE Murraya paniculata * ROSEMARY Salvia rosmarinus cv. * Check before planting: this may be an environmental weed in your area
