LAYLOCKS GARDEN CENTRE

GOOGLE MAP: Click here for a Google map showing the location of Laylocks Garden Centre.

EMAIL: info@laylocks.co.uk

The name of Laylocks Garden Centre comes from Laylocks Cottage where they first started in 1973 as a small nursery which quickly established a large number of satisfied customers. Expansion plans in 1981 resulted in the business buying the current new site which allowed for a larger plants area, an interior sales area and a very popular cafe.

When the business first moved, they grew more plants than they could sell on site so they sold the excess to other nearby garden centres.

At the current time the retail side of the business has expanded to such a degree that the vast majority of their home-grown plants are sold to their day to day customers (approximately 60% are grown on the premises).

The plants area its not just laid out in straight rows of plants, much thought has been given to the design to make it an interesting and inspiring planteria for their customers. Much of this is due to the use of island beds which avoid the boring layout of some garden centres. The surface is paved all the way around with a level surface and there is a reasonably large covered area. Because many of the plants are home-grown the staff are able to offer lots of helpful advice on plant cultivation.

In season their bedding plant displays will tempt even the reluctant gardener. At the same time their hardy shrubs, roses, herbaceous plants, fruit and ornamental trees are excellent value and offer a wide choice of varieties. The area is easy to get round with lots of paved paths.

Inside they stock the usual essential gardening accessories and tools. They also stock a wide range of garden furniture which is attractively displayed. Their bird food and accessories section is well stocked as is their choice of barbecues. Other products include clothes, gifts, cards, books and more. The houseplants section is attractively displayed and good value.

At Christmas Laylocks make great efforts to enter into the festive spirit with Christmas trees, decorations, seasonal gifts and even regular visits from Father Christmas.

The car park is on a solid tarmac surface near to the main entrance with more than enough spaces to cope with peak demand.

This garden centre has a Loyalty Bonus Scheme but no details are given about the benefits or discounts on their website.

THE CAFE AT LAYLOCKS GARDEN CENTRE

The cafe (the Ladybird Coffee Shop and Restaurant) is attractively designed with real wood tables and chairs in a cottage style. There is both indoor and outdoor seating areas. The indoor seating area is light and airy with large windows on one side to let in the light. There is a kids play area for no cost and it's in view of much of the seating area.

Food ranges from main meals to coffee / tea and cakes, they are licensed to sell alcohol as well so a glass of wine might go down well. Their quiches and pizzas are a delicious speciality. Most of the food is cooked on site from fresh ingredients. Main meals are around £7.00, sandwiches £3.95, baguettes £4.50, they also do excellent cooked breakfasts in the morning.

The Ladybird restaurant gained the top five star rating for food hygiene from the Malvern Hills District Council in June 2013.