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REVIEW SUMMARY
FOR
Good selection of plants.
Unusually large number of larger plants.
Larger than expected covered area outside.
Larger than expected range of non-gardening goods.
AVERAGE
Prices
AGAINST
The interior sales area carpet needs replacing |
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WHITACRE GARDEN CENTRE IS NOW PERMANENTLY CLOSED
REVIEW RESULTS - WHITACRE
GARDEN CENTRE
THE OUTSIDE AREA
About a quarter of the outside plants area is covered at Whitacre
Garden Centre which makes this a good choice for days when the
weather is not so good. The paths are solid and level around the
whole area, very wide to allow easy access.
The plants stalls are more attractive then normal being slightly
lower level and made form painted stone of different shapes. There
are no overhead signs at all to various plant types although the
area is relatively open plan which helps. The whole area is
pleasantly laid out and encourages you to wander round.
To one side of the plants is an area that has a very large display
of pots in addition to garden stones and grit.
THE PLANTS
The selection of plants was good for a garden centre of this size
with a particularly good range of larger plants including
evergreens, photinas and, unusually, bamboos. The condition of the
plants was excellent, well watered, weed free and in the correct pot
sizes. The one exception was the the clematis plants - they looked
healthy enough but they had more than their fair share of weeds in
the compost. Correct that and the plants would get top marks.
Price examples of common garden plants and goods include a 60 litre
bag of Westland compost at £5.99 or three bags for £12, roses
generally start from £9.99 (we saw one example only at £7.99),
clematis from £9.99, Yeoman economy spades at £12.99 and stainless
steel at £19.99, Tomorite 1 litre at £3.99 and finally Miracle Gro
at £4.99 for 1kg. Taken as a whole, the prices were about average.
INSIDE WHITACRE GARDEN CENTRE
The interior sales area stocks a good choice of gardening goods, the
average gardener will not be disappointed. There is a large area
given over to non-gardening goods.
Particularly large was the area for the Pownalls Food Shop which
stocked not only deli items but every day food items at very
reasonable prices. This is all top quality food and it's clear they
have tried to select local suppliers and know where their food is
sourced from.
The other surprise was the large aquatics department. Other
non-gardening goods include lots of indoor and outdoor furniture,
barbecues, gifts, cards, a large clothes shop and much more.
The layout is pleasant and easy to get round and provides a good
shopping experience. Our only criticism was that the carpet
definitely replacing being spoilt in several parts.
DISABLED ACCESS
Good all round with free wheelchairs available.
OTHER STUFF
Car park - Large enough, on a flat surface and near to the
entrance
Pet Centre - We saw none
Aquatics - Yes, a large one for a garden centre of this size
Water Features - A few
Sheds and Greenhouses - We saw none
CONCLUSION
For a medium sized garden centre, Whitacre has a lot going for it.
Good plants, a pleasant and welcoming plants area and lots of
non-gardening goods for sale inside.
One additional word about Whitacre Garden Centre. The display of
plants near to the entrance is very impressive. Lots of design work
has clearly gone into it and ongoing maintenance has not been
forgotten. Congratulations to the designer and maintainer of the
display. Very few garden centres go to this trouble and I feel sure
that we are not the only ones who appreciate it. See the pictures on
the right.
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CENTRE?
ENTER THEM BELOW WITH A STAR RATING. EMAIL ADDRESS IS OPTIONAL.
YOUR COMMENTS WILL BE ADDED ABOVE WITHIN A FEW HOURS.
We hope you have enjoyed and benefited from this independent review of
the Whitacre Garden Centre. Remember that it is our opinion and may be the result of one visit
only. If you are the owner of the Whitacre 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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