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The Newchurch area of the Isle of Wight appears to be a bit of a magnet for garden centres and plant nurseries with three of them being within a mile or two of each other as far as we are aware, there may be more. The one we are reviewing here is Ager Farm Nursery and although wise locals know of it, those from further afield may not be aware of the merits of this plants nursery. Many of the plants are grown on site by the enthusiastic owner, Christine Morey. That immediately marks it out from the larger nearby garden centres.

Entrance to the plants nursery, click to enlarge.

This is a true plants nursery which grows its own plants for sale. In peak times demand is so high that some of the plants are bought in from local growers but that is the price of success. Originally it was a dedicated fuchsia nursery but the current owner bought it in 2000 and over several years has expanded the range of plants considerably.

There are no cafes or gift sales areas at this nursery, just home-grown, value for money plants and an owner who really does want you to buy plants which are suitable for your needs. Specialist areas include fuchsias, shrubs, climbers, bedding plants and hanging baskets. Many local businesses decorate their premises with hanging baskets and planters from Ager Farm Nursery.

This plants nursery is no competition for the larger garden centres but it does what they never can, it draws you in. The layout is simply a row of large growing areas under cover. You enter the first and think, wow!, that's full of colour and interest. Wander round and you are tempted to enter the second and the impression is the same. Now you are hooked and you have to enter the remaining ones as well. You may have come for a specific shrub or a fuchsia but you will soon have an armful of plants before you know it. Locals already know this and come well prepared!

Quality and value alongside personal service are at the heart of this nursery, value for money being at the top of the list. Compare the prices to the larger garden centres and you will understand why we recommend this plants nursery so highly.

Themed display area, click to see more clearly

When you have exhausted the plants, there is one surprise waiting for you, a themed area for the Isle of Wight. Free to enter, this was featured in the Isle of Wight County Press as part of the Walk the Wight Day.

Nearby garden centres and plant nurseries include Springbank Nursery, Busy Bee Garden Centre, Dalverton Garden Centre,