JUST GARDEN CENTRES

REVIEW RESULTS - FOREST LODGE GARDEN CENTRE

 

Forest Lodge Garden Centre was first opened in 1981 on the site of Four Winds Nursery which had previously ceased trading.

The garden centre has been extended three times in 1984, 1988 and 1994 which has left it as a reasonably large garden centre.

Forest Lodge acquired the very nearby visitor attraction of Birdworld and they have a direct pathway which links the two sites together. Further down the road (just less than a mile) is the Garden Style Nursery which is also owned by Forest Lodge Garden Centre but operates as a separate business.

OUTSIDE PLANTS AREA DESIGN AND FEATURES

 

For a large garden centre the plants area wasn't as big as we expected. The paths are all solidly paved, wide and easy to get round. Signs are clear and the plants are arranged alphabetic order.

The plants area is rather unremarkable in truth, neither particularly well arranged nor badly arranged, about average with no outstanding features.

There is a small ornamental pond in the area but without any fish. There is a wide range of fencing, pergolas and paving stones for sale.

THE PLANTS AT FOREST LODGE GARDEN CENTRE
Plants were all in good condition and come with a five year hardy plant guarantee. The choice is good, especially for evergreens and ornamental trees.

Prices of plants are above average according to our limited checks. For a typical shrub such as a potentilla, the cheapest price we could find here was £9.99, roses starting from £7.99, 50 litres of Levingtons multi-purpose was £5.99 or £10 for two bags, Yeoman economy spades and forks £12.99, Miracle Gro 1kg was £4.99 and Tomorite £3.99.

INSIDE FOREST LODGE GARDEN CENTRE
The interior of the garden centre was also about average for a largish garden centre with no distinguishing features. They sell gifts, greeting cards and gift wrap, clothes, shoes, bird feeds, general garden accessories, lots of garden and conservatory furniture and a good selection of house plants. Barbecues stocked include a mainly pricey range of Weber and Swiss Grill barbecues.

The Food Hall is also about average selling deli items and a choice of expensive frozen meals. We also saw a display of bonsai trees in the inside area which should really ne kept outside if they are to remain healthy.

DISABLED ACCESS
Good all round with wheelchairs available at the main entrance.

OTHER FACILITIES
Car park - Good car park near the main entrance.
Pet Centre - We did not see any
Aquatics - we did not see any
Water Features - Yes and well displayed
Sheds and Greenhouses - We did not see any
Toilets - Yes, functional and clean, ladies gents and disabled facilities.

Other garden centres nearby include Badshot Lea Garden Centre and Seale Nurseries (rose specialists).

STAR RATINGS FOREST LODGE GARDEN CENTRE

We rate different aspects of each garden centre and then give an overall rating. We adjust the ratings for garden centre size and purpose. So for example a small nursery which is average compared to other small nurseries will be awarded two and half stars. A large garden centre which is average compared to other large garden centres will also be awarded two and a half stars.

Note that the price rating below is based on a limited range of sample prices.

FACILITY BEING RATED	RATING
Plant quality
Outside area layout
Interior sales
Cafe food quality
Cafe decor and atmosphere
Prices
Overall rating