A trip out to the garden centre can be a wholesome and fun activity. There is something so grounding about being surrounded by nature, and mapping out what plants to pot in your garden to create your own ‘natural nirvana’ at home.
It may not be ideal gardening weather right now, however spring is peeking around the corner, just a few months away.
According to Fantastic Gardeners, flowers you can start planting in January include begonias, geraniums, lobelia and sweet peas.
In addition to doubling up as quaint shopping centres, many garden centres also have on-site cafés.
These are wonderful areas where you can hunker down after an afternoon of shopping, mulling over life as you sip hot chocolate, against the backdrop of a busy café.
Here is our round-up of lovely garden centres to visit ahead of spring.
If you have recommendations we would absolutely love to hear from you. Please email [email protected] and we’ll take a look.
1. Meynell Tea Rooms & Gardens, Lodge Lane, Ashbourne DE6 4NT
Rated 4.7/5 from 552 Google Reviews, one customer said: "Lovely garden centre with a cafe - had a nice latte and cake, indoor and outdoor seating available." Go for the food and cosy vibes, but don't miss the 135-year-old peach tree too. | Meynell Facebook Page
2. Hudsons Plant Centre, Wirksworth Road, Duffield, Belper DE56 4AQ
This centre has 4.7.5 rating from 817 Google reviews. One visitor said: "This is currently my favourite garden centre. I love the free plant of the week and the numerous member discounts. The range of plants is good and they sell some lovely pots and accessories." | Submitted
3. Forest Garden Centre, Fairways Garden Centre, Oddford Lane, Two Dales, Matlock DE4 2EX
This centre has a 4.5/5 rating based on 566 Google reviews. One visitor said: "Nice garden centre, they have a lot of rare plants I have never seen." | Google
4. Dunston Hall Garden Centre, Dunston Hall Estate, Dunston Road, Chesterfield S41 9RL
Garnering 4.4/5 rating across 1,232 reviewers, one visitor said: "Absolutely gorgeous place with a fantastic, garden centre, Farm Shop and Restaurant. The garden centre plants are very good value, all looking healthy, look out for the rescue section where you can grab a bargain." | Brian Eyre