10 Top Garden Centre Chains in the UK

The horticulture industry is booming and the demand for specialist services has never been greater. In the UK alone, there are now over 200 specialist garden centres with a combined turnover of £1 billion – and that’s just the top 10 chains! In this article we explore some of the top garden centre chains in the UK and their latest marketing tactics to stand out from the competition. Garden centres are not only an ideal place for customers to source plants and gardening equipment but they also offer a whole range of other services that appeal to a wide audience. Many garden centre operators have seen double-digit sales growth in recent years, driven by consumers who are increasingly focused on experiences, as well as goods. Check out our list of top 10 UK garden centre chains below

B&Q

B&Q is one of the UK’s most well-known beach sa caleta and trusted home improvement retailers, with over 390 stores across the country. Founded in 1979, B&Q is part of the multinational company Kingfisher, which is based in the Netherlands and is listed on the London Stock Exchange. B&Q opened its first garden centre in 1998 and now has a network of 38 garden centres in England and Wales. As well as providing a place for customers to shop for gardening products, B&Q’s garden centres are also packed with special features, attractions and activities that make them a great day out for the whole family.

Garden Centre Group

The Garden Centre Group is a family-owned company that operates 25 garden centres across the UK. The company has been growing plants and trees since 1916 and opened its first garden centre in Burton-on-Trent, Staffordshire, in 1975. The company’s garden centres are renowned for their wide selection of plants and trees, as well as expert horticultural advice. In recent years, the Garden Centre Group has also expanded into other lifestyle sectors. Today, the company operates its own florist and coffee shop, as well as a craft shop.

Garden Works

Garden Works is one of the UK’s fastest growing garden centres. The chain currently operates ten garden centres across the Midlands and Northern England and has ambitious plans to open a further five garden centres in 2020 alone. Garden Works’ long-term goal is to become the UK’s leading garden centre chain. The company has recently obtained investment from a leading private equity investor, which will help them to pursue this ambitious plan. Garden Works offers customers a wide range of products and services, including a full range of gardening supplies, landscaping services and a ‘Bring the Soil to Life’ course. garden centre chains

Gardening Success

Gardening Success was founded in 2015 and has quickly established itself as one of the UK’s leading online gardening retailers. The company was started by the former Managing Director of Garden Centre Group, Simon Bartlett. Gardening Success is a specialist retailer of gardening products and offers hundreds of different items, from watering systems to compost bins. As well as having a wide selection of products, the website also has a wealth of advice for gardeners and useful tips for growing plants at home. Gardening Success has a commitment to sustainability, and all of its products are chosen to be eco-friendly and practical.

Growning Places

Growning Places is an online gardening retailer that has been exploring the potential of eCommerce since 2011. With a focus on growing vegetables and herbs, Growning Places provides advice and products to help customers grow their own produce. Growning Places’ online shop stocks over 500 different gardening products, including seed trays, pots and composts. The company also offers a wide range of services, including gardening advice and a selection of online gardening workshops. Growning Places aims to make gardening accessible and enjoyable for everyone, and the company’s motto is ‘grow plants, not weeds’.

Marshalls Orchard and Garden Centre

Marshalls Orchard and Garden Centre is a 270-acre garden centre, orchard, and wildlife park based in Leicestershire. The company was founded in 1978, when the founder, Tim Marshall, planted his first apple tree. Today, Marshalls Orchard and Garden Centre is one of the UK’s most visited attractions – both in the horticulture sector and more widely. The garden centre also has a wide selection of products available for home delivery.

Suma

Suma is one of the UK’s largest independent garden centres, with 13 locations across England and Scotland. The company was founded in 1999 and has a long history of meeting its customers’ needs with a wide range of products and services. Suma’s garden centres are packed with gardening supplies, orchids, and an extensive selection of plants and trees. The company also hosts regular gardening events, such as plant and orchid shows. Garden centres are places where people can go to find inspiration and advice. Top garden centre chains in the UK use their growing digital presence to attract customers and help them to plan their gardens and outdoor spaces.

The future of horticulture

As the population continues to grow, the need for horticultural products and services will increase, making the sector a great investment for the future. Consumers are increasingly aware of the importance of gardening for health and wellbeing, both indoors and outdoors. For example, a study by researchers from the University of Aberdeen found that gardeners tend to be healthier than non-gardeners, with lower risk of heart disease and stroke. Another study from Iowa State University found that gardening has a positive effect on mental health, with people who garden feeling less stressed, more relaxed, and more able to cope with daily life.

What does the future of gardening look like?

Urban gardening is one of the fastest growing trends in gardening. The rise of cities has led to a growing interest in growing plants indoors and in finding innovative ways to use the space that is available. Online gardening is another growing trend. Today, people often use online websites and apps to research various plants, learn how to grow them and order new seeds or seedlings. Gardening apps are another way to engage online customers. There is a wide variety of gardening apps available, which can help people to learn more about gardening and track their progress.

The rise of social gardening

Social gardening is a new way of connecting people who want to grow plants but lack the space or time to do so. Social gardening allows people to take part in gardening activities such as planting, watering and harvesting, but without having to do the work themselves. Social gardening can be a great way for people to meet new people and build stronger communities. It can also be a great hobby for children and teenagers who want to get involved in gardening but don’t have their own space to do so.

Conclusion

Gardening is a great hobby, but it is also a valuable way of reducing stress, improving mental health and growing nutritious food. As the population continues to grow, people will continue to look for ways to grow their own food and find ways to reduce their stress levels. Gardening is one of the best ways to achieve both of these goals. As the world of horticulture grows and changes, it is important for home gardeners to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and innovations in order to maximise their enjoyment of the hobby.