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.
5. Markeaton Garden Centre, Markeaton Lane, Derby DE22 4NH
This centre has a 4.4/5 rating from 374 Google reviews. A recent visitor said: "The cafe tucked in the corner of the garden centre makes it beautiful to look over at all the plants. The staff are professional and efficient. Good free parking when you are using the facilities too." | Google
6. Swarkestone Nursery, Lowes Lane, Swarkestone, Derby DE73 7GQ
This garden centre has garnered a 4.4/5 rating from 800 Google reviews. A visitor said: "This is a good nursery with a good variety of plants available. The garden furniture was on sale so keenly priced at present. The plants looked in good condition. The restaurant served typical garden centre food which was tasty and hot. The restaurant was very light and airy. The car park was very busy but I found a space." | Google
7. Chatsworth Garden Centre, Calton Lees, Beeley, Derbyshire DE4 2NX
Garnering a 4.3/5 rating across 2,088 reviews, a recent visitor said: "Wider variety of plants than usual and so although more expensive than others for me it was well worth a visit. Sometimes you just have to treat yourself! I will be back." | Submitted
8. Tansley Barn Garden Centre, Butterley Lane, Tansley, Matlock DE4 5GF
This centre has 4.3/5 rating across 566 reviews. A recent visitor said: "Fantastic selection of well priced plants at the garden centre. Stopped for a coffee, but decided to also have the Sunday roast, after seeing the large portions. We'll definitely be calling again." | Google