EMAIL: taunton@thegardencentregroup.co.uk

The Taunton Garden Centre began life as a nursery selling fruit and vegetables from a road side stall. The site was purpose built by Wyevale Garden Centres in 1986.

It is a medium sized garden centre - a smaller version of the larger garden centres in the Wyevale Group. That may be one of its problems because for the size it tries to do too many things rather than concentrate on specific areas which it is good at.

 

The layout of the plants area is uninspiring, little thought has been expended to make it interesting for customers. The paths are wide enough for easy access but when we visited some of the plants were blow over and there were three large hosepipes laid over the paths.

Thee interior sales area was large in comparison to the plants area. They sell a comprehensive range of gardening goods plus garden furniture, a large pet shop (no live pets), clothes, gifts cards etc. Houseplants were well laid out, looked healthy and there were plenty to chose from. There is a small deli section selling chutneys, cheeses, wines beers and other foods. The layout inside is nothing special, it is in effect a large greenhouse, the carpet was well past its sell by date.

Prices are definitely higher compared to similar garden centres with 56 litre Arthur Bowers multi-purpose compost at £4.99 / three bags for £12.99, clematis from £9.99, 1kg of miracle Gro was £5.79, 1 litre Tomorite was £4.49 and an economy yeoman for or spade was £13.99.

The cafe decor is nothing special however the food is relatively good being cooked on site. The cakes looked particularly tasty. There are indoor and outdoor seating areas with the outdoor seating looking onto the unappealing car park.

The cafe is set in the garden centre rather than being free-standing, the wooden tables and chairs gave it a homely experience. Main meal specials cost around £8, full breakfasts £7. They also serve lots of snack food, cakes and drinks.

There is plenty of flat surface car parking which is relatively near the main entrance. To one side of the car is a display of conservatories for sale.