There are still some very good plant centres they have resisted the seductive glitter of Christmas and stayed true to the old garden centre traditions but they are under attack from all sides, supermarkets, online sales, Diy and high street stores.

It is getting harder for them to survive, they need your support if you have a favourite let us know for our good Independent garden centre list

• Friendly staff, with good local knowledge.
• Plants are their thing, kept mostly undercover, they take pride in keeping them in good condition.
• They love unusual and novelty plants.
• Local suppliers keep the stock fresh and you often find bargain prices.
• Good range of stock kept throughout the year.
• Some have very good catering & farm shops.

• It’s hard work keeping a small garden centre going, standards and stock can be compromised.
• It’s very seasonal and they can be at the mercy of the weather.
• They can struggle to price match the big retailers
• You might need to dress up warmly to browse the stock they look after the plants, not the customer.