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Longacres Garden Centres

 

LONGACRES GARDEN CENTRE, BAGSHOT

   

 

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Description

Cafe

Contact

Opening Hours

Video

REVIEW SUMMARY

FOR
Competitive prices.
Huge range of plants.
Vast interior sales area.
Massive floristry and cut flowers department.

AVERAGE
None

AGAINST
No cover outside at all.
No hardy plant guarantee.

 

REVIEW RESULTS - LONGACRES GARDEN CENTRE

Based in Bagshot, Surrey, Longacres Garden Centre has the highest turnover of any garden centre in the UK and the sheer size of it is impressive, very impressive. Unlike some of the other larger garden centres, Longacres places plants at the heart of its business. Yes the indoor sales area is massive, but equally so is the outdoor plants area.

It's interesting to see how Longacres maintain their plants area in late winter. It's well stocked with a huge variety of plants and lots of seasonal plants, even in February.

Compare this to many others of the large centres who, when we visit, apologise for the lack of choice and ask us to visit in the March to May period. One garden centre manager we visited only two days ago proclaimed that his "was a very horticultural garden centre, we have a very, very strong gardening business. But at the moment, out there (he was referring to the outdoor plants area) doesn't do us justice".

Well, "out there" at Longacres Garden centre definitely does do it justice at any time of year and they can be proud of that.

THE OUTSIDE AREA
The massive outdoors area stocks a huge selection of plants and this is where clear, large signs are important. At Longacres the signs are exceptionally good and the plants within each group are normally arranged in alphabetic order.

The paths are some of the widest we have seen allowing easy access around the whole area. They are clear of obstructions and the surface is hard, well-drained and easy to walk on.

The outside area is arranged in a pleasant fashion with some straight paths and others off at angles. Dotted around the area are displays and larger plants which further adds to the interest. There is a well maintained information centre with lots of literature in it to help select the correct plants.

To the left and at the far end of the main plants area there are sections for composts (a huge range of all types), fencing, statues, water features, bird baths, stones, paving. We'll stop the list there because they have everything imaginable for small and large gardens.

Rainy days will be a problem at Longacres if you want to visit the outside area because there is no cover at all. There is a large tender plants area attached to the garden centre however which is under cover.

THE PLANTS
With such a large number of plants for sale it's difficult to identify specialist areas because almost everything is covered in detail. We would single out the large number of shade loving plants, clematis, trees and larger plant specimens as being particularly comprehensive. The grouping of shade loving plants (camellia, buxus, ferns, skimmia) together in such large numbers is extremely convenient.

If bay trees or salix are on your shopping list then give Longacres Garden Centre a visit and you will most certainly not be disappointed.

The individual plants are in absolutely tip top condition. Healthy looking, correct pot sizes, weed-free and well-watered. We wonder why they haven't provided a hardy plant guarantee in line with many of the other large garden centres.

As far as prices go for plants and gardening goods, Longacres provide excellent value for money. Example prices include Tomorite £3.99, Westland tomato feed £2.99, Arthur Boyers tomato feed is £2.99 or two for £5 (all 1 litre containers)    Miracle Gro £4.99, Longacres own brand multi-purpose compost is £4 for 60 litres or a commendable 3 bags for £10. Roses start at £5.49. Basic Yeoman spade and forks are both priced at £10.99 with the stainless steel versions at £19.99 each.  All lower than normal or average prices.

INSIDE LONGACRES GARDEN CENTRE
First mention must go to the floristry and cut-flower department, it's huge. Every imaginable cut flower is available on site and with deliveries in store every other day they are in superb condition. If you want a flower arrangement, that can be done on site or ordered in advance. It's a truly impressive operation and must be one of the best in the UK if not the best.

The remainder of the indoor sales area at Longacres Garden Centre is nearly as impressive. Rather than go for the overly up market layout of many large modern garden centres, Longacres have laid out their goods in a fairly simple fashion. It is the size of a department store but lacks the frills niceties of a department store. It certainly appealed to us

They stock everything you would expect from a garden centre of this size. Books, cards, gifts, food hall, clothes, an amazing range of wellington boots, garden furniture and lots, lots more. They also have a clothes department which is so large it has its own fitting room - the first time we have seen this at a garden centre.

DISABLED ACCESS
The paths in the exterior plants area are wide enough to drive cars around so no problems there for wheelchair access. All the main paths inside are wide with only a very few providing any challenge. Wheelchairs are available at the front door for free.

OTHER STUFF
Car park - massive, all on hard ground
Pet Centre - feeds and accessories, no live pets
Aquatics - no but there are fish foods and accessories
Water Features - yes, a very good range
Sheds and Greenhouses - yes
Toilets - a bit small for a garden centre of this size, reasonably clean, functional

CONCLUSION
It's the biggest (in turnover terms) in the UK and it's easy to see why. A massive range of plants and garden and non-gardening goods arranged in a simple accessible manner and priced very competitively. It has our top recommendation. Longacres is near to Legoland, Savil Gardens and Windsor Castle, it's well worth a visit.

AVERAGE USER RATING 5 star rating 5 REVIEWS LEFT SO FAR

5 star rating 9 April 2014 Comment From: Sheila
By far the best garden centre I have been to. You must visit. Very good prices for plants

5 star rating 25 May 2013 Comment From: ken and maureen
Longacres is the only place we use to purchase our plants, it is quiet simply, the best

5 star rating 08 May 2012 Comment From: Janice
Although not my local garden centre, it is the best within 25 miles. Despite the distance it is the only garden centre I choose to spend my money in with better choice, prices and customer care. Best of all they don't sell livestock.

4 star rating 25 July 2012 Comment From: Denis
The number of plants for sale is the best thing about this garden centre, always planty to choose from and the quality is top class. The food at the cafe has always been good for us as well.

5 star rating 01 January 2013 Comment From: Stuart
Cheapest and best for miles, always helpful staff on hand.. best food department for a garden centre I have seen..

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We hope you have enjoyed and benefited from this independent review of the Longacres Garden Centre. Remember that it is our opinion and may be the result of one visit only. If you are the owner of the Longacres Garden Centre and want to discuss this review with us then please contact us by going to our "contact us" page which can be found here.

Description

Cafe

Contact

Opening Hours

Video

 
LEAVE YOUR COMMENTS AND READ EXISTING COMMENTS.

Entrance to Longacres Garden Centre
Entrance

ENLARGE PICTURES BY CLICKING THEM

Good selection of bay trees and salix
Bay trees and salix

Covered plants area
Covered plants area

Lots of plant pots
Pots, lots of them!

Plants for shade
Shade Plants section

Stoneware pots and statues
Stoneware

Lots of topiary for sale
Topiary

Plenty of ornamental and fruit trees
Ornamental and fruit trees

Cut flowers and floristry department
Cut flowers

In-store food market
Food market

Gifts
Gifts

Large selection of houseplants for sale
Houseplants

 

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