Notcutts Garden Centre

I love garden centres and Notcutts is one I visit regularly. My nearest branch is just off the M42, junction 4, south of Solihull. This is the only Notcutts I have ever used although they do have a further 12 around the midlands and south east. This branch has a large car park which is shared with Tesco, so at busy times it can take a while to find a space.

On walking into the garden centre you first go through the cut flowers section. This always smells lovely. Their flowers are not the cheapest but the quality looks excellent. If I wanted to buy flowers as a gift I would choose them from here. Further on there are indoor plants. These appear healthy and there is a good selection of both foliage plants and flowering plants such as orchids. Whether you need houseplant food, bonsai equipment or a pot for your precious pelargonium you will find something here.

Outdoors the range of plants is also very good. While the prices for some things are a little high, I have also had great bargains. Often there are special offers, or a rack of plants that is slightly past its best but containing things that with some care and attention can be revived to their full glory. A few years ago I bought geranium Rozanne for only a couple of pounds, as it had finished flowering and been chopped back. But the following year and every year since it has made a large pool of blue in my border.

Another real favourite in my garden is a variegated hardy fuschia which I also bought at Notcutts. It was over £6 which seemed a lot at the time. However I have taken many cuttings from it and grown further plants for myself or to give to friends. Many of the perennials I have purchased from Notcutts have already been large enough to divide up into 3 or 4 plants before putting them into the ground. So, although the price you initially pay might seem higher than elsewhere in fact you are getting good value for your money. Their range of roses is very good, as is the choice of shrubs, pond plants, roses, climbers, alpines, herbs and small trees. Plants come with a 2 year guarantee which shows that the company has confidence in the quality of their plants. Everything I have ever bought from here has been well-established and free from pests.

As you would expect there are many other gardening sundries apart from plants. Compost, slabs, tools, seeds, patio furniture. The list would be too long for me to mention it all! And like most garden centres nowadays they have a nice range of gifts, household items, books, pictures and toiletries including Crabtree and Evelyn.

The pet centre is popular and staff have been trained in animal care. They have rabbits, guinea pigs and smaller pets. These seem to be well looked after and staff are on hand to advise. They stock a variety of pet foods and have a tropical fish area which I find fascinating.

The cafe at this branch of Notcutts is large, airy and pleasant. I have always found it to be clean and the staff are polite. You can have a hot meal for around £5, or slightly cheaper options such as toasted sandwiches or a cake.

Notcutts have various events throughout the year such as talks and demonstrations. At Christmas their display of decorations is second to none.

For wheelchair users this garden centre would be very accessible as it is all flat and there are appropriate toilet facilities.

Further details of the branches, opening times and any special events can be found via the Notcutts website at

http://www.notcutts.co.uk/index.htm

If you want to have someone else design your garden for you, Notcutts also have a design service, details are again available through the website.