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REVIEW RESULTS - LONGACRES GARDEN CENTREBased 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 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 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 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.
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CONCLUSION
WHY NOT LEAVE YOUR COMMENTS ABOUT THIS GARDEN
CENTRE? 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.
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