EMAIL: info@davidsnurseries.co.uk

David's Nurseries date back to the early 1980s when they first began trading as an independent family concern. Their website proudly proclaims that they were voted Best Garden Centre in the UK in 2012 by the Sun Newspaper. Other awards include  The Greatest Garden Centre Team by The Garden Trade News for 4 consecutive years from 2009 to 2012 (they did not hold any awards for 2013). They are a medium to large sized garden centre.

They offer a full range of plants in their planteria with a larger than normal covered area (about a third of the entire area) to house seasonal plants and offer customers good cover from rain. this makes David's Nurseries an excellent choice for rainy as well as sunny days. Outside, the plants are arranged in simple rows which would benefit from some more imaginative design thought. Some of the plants are displayed at low level, others at a more manageable level. The site is wheelchair friendly throughout with solid paths, there is a slight slope throughout a large part of the area but not enough to worry anyone.

Covered plants area

The plants are well-kept and in tip top condition. The name of this plants nursery implies they grow their plants on site but we asked about this and it's clear that all the plants are now bought in from external suppliers. The majority of the plants however are sourced locally from selected growers in the Worcestershire area.

There are a couple of large garden centres in the nearby area and David's Nurseries distinguish themselves from the competition by being a centre for gardeners rather than a gift shop which sells plants. It's clear that they have a heritage well rooted in horticulture and have the staff to provide customers with expert advice. During our visit we noted several times that customers were asking the staff for advice and it was freely and expertly given, we were impressed.

There is a lack of large signs to help in locating plant groupings such as roses, climbers etc. But on the plus side many of the plants are arranged in alphabetic order.

The range of plants sold at Davids Nurseries surprised us, it is far larger than many of the garden centres in the area. They offer, in 1lt and 2lt pots, herbaceous perennials, alpines, trees, climbers, shrubs and roses plus seasonal bedding plants and with this stock changing every week. They stock all the favourite varieties and, at the same time, many which are not found elsewhere.

The interior sales area houses all the garden tools, plant feeds and other gardening accessories which the average and enthusiastic gardener might need. It also sells a fair range of garden and conservatory furniture alongside barbecues, seeds and other garden essentials.

A key feature of the indoor sales is Centre and its larger than you would expect. They have several display areas for the fish and supply all the feeds and equipment that the budding and experienced Koi enthusiast would ever want. If they don't have it then it probably doesn't exist.

The car park is flat and with solid tarmac and has lots of room for cars even in peak periods. A large stock of attractive garden statues greets you at the entrance. Wheelchair access from the car park to the interior sales area is fine.

NEARBY GARDEN CENTRES - Webbs of Wychbold near Droitwich, Barnett Hill in Stourbridge, Blooms in Worcester, St Peters Garden Centre in Worcester and Earls Crome Garden Centre in Worcester.

THE CAFE AT DAVIDS NURSERIES

The cafe, called the Olive  has recently been refurbished. They sell main meals at around £6 to £8 and we reckon that many of them are good value. Less substantial meals include omelettes, jacket potatoes, salads, sandwiches, toasties and baguettes all at good value prices. The Food Standards Agency awarded the cafe a maximum five star rating for food hygiene in May 2012.