EMAIL: See their email page here.

Smith's Nurseries first started up in business in 1931 and it has stayed in the same family right up to the present time. Originally it was ten acres of open ground growing a vast amount of wallflowers and and roses. Over the next 80 years the business has gradually been developed into a fully fledged garden centre but still growing many of the plants they sell to the public.

The plant sales area is very pleasantly laid out with small plant bays and lots of colour even out of season. The paths are solid concrete and easily wide enough for a wheelchair user. Very clear and large signs guide you to the plants you are interested in. The vast majority of the plants are not under cover although the shade loving plants do have their own covered area.

All the commoner plants are readily available at Smiths Nurseries and they have a couple of specialist areas.
A good selection of grasses, evergreens, topiary and roses as well as lots of larger plants and ornamental trees, especially Mediterranean type plants. The plants are in tip top condition with no weeds and being well watered.

To one side of the plants is a massive choice of plant pots, the selection is the best we have seen for a long time.

The main interior sales area is a basic set up for a medium to large sized garden centre. They sell a comprehensive range of gardening goods including tools, feeds, pesticides, compost etc. They also stock a good choice of garden and conservatory furniture. Other items include clothes, bird care, gifts and cards.

We checked a few of the the prices to have an idea if Smith's are expensive or cheap. Miracle Go 1kg was priced at £5.99, Tomorite 1 litre at £4.49, roses start at a bargain price of £4.99. Overall, the plants are definitely well priced although some of the gardening accessories are slightly higher than we would expect.

Bertram's Cafe at Smiths Nurseries is pleasantly set out with tablecloths on the tables and good decor. There is an indoor seating area and the outdoor seating area has good views over the garden centre. Service is from the the main counter and most of the food is in hot plates and on display.

The quality of the food can best be summed up as very good and most definitely home-cooked. We sampled a Cornish pasty and it had lots of tasty filling, correctly seasoned and with crusty home-made pastry - highly recommended by us!
Our overall impression is that this is not a "posh nosh" cafe, rather it serves honest, tasty, home cooked food in pleasant surroundings. The coffee was the best have tasted over many garden centre visits.

Prices in the cafe are slightly below average with main meal specials in the range of £7 to £8, baguettes £3.50 to £4.50, baked potatoes £4.50 to £5.75.

The car park is very near the main entrance and is on solid, flat and well drained ground.

CHRISTMAS AT SMITH'S NURSERIES

We will be visiting Smith's Nurseries nearer the Christmas season but we can confirm they sell a good range of Christmas trees, decorations and seasonal gifts.