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VAN HAGE PETERBOROUGH |
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REVIEW RESULTS - VAN HAGE, PETERBOROUGHThe Van Hage Garden Centre in Peterborough opened in February 2010, one of only three Van Hage's in the UK. It's a big gamble for one of the smaller players in the garden centre business. Having visited it a couple of times however, it clearly resembles many of the Dobbies garden centres which have proved enormously successful in Scotland and England. It's modern looks and department store interior should prove a winner with many customers. The Van Hage Garden Centre is part of a shopping complex known as Peterborough Garden Park. The advantage of this is that it is part of a major shopping destination and interestingly, many of the shops sell goods associated with a large garden centre. Some of the shops which appear on the shopping complex include Maidenhead Aquatics, Pets Corner, and Hobbycraft. The Van Hage garden centre doesn't compete directly with these shops although there is a degree of crossover in the goods offered.
THE OUTSIDE AREA The appearance of the plant area is very pleasing, no boring long lines of plants which some other modern garden centres display. The area is formatted into small rows set at different angles with a few major centre piece displays and lots of other minor ones. This doesn't happen by accident, much thought has gone into the layout and we like it. The paths are wide and made from solid paving stones. Access to all areas is easy, even for wheelchair users and the lack of clutter or hosepipes is commendable. Even in late winter the displays provide lots of colour. Immediately outside of the interior sales building the plants are under a large covered area, around 25% of the entire plants area. The major pathways are also under cover so all in all, protection from the rain is excellent. Because the plants area is so large Van Hage have provided copious amounts of very clear signs to clearly indicate where specific plants can be found. Without these it would be a nightmare for the hurried shopper to find the plants they require quickly. There is also an outdoor help centre with lots of horticultural information.
THE PLANTS Prices for other goods were slightly higher than average with, for example, a 60 litre bag of compost costing £5.99 or two for £10. All hardy plants come with a long five year guarantee. To one side of the outside area there is a display of garden buildings, sheds and greenhouse. Well laid out, the choice is large. There are also lots of plant pots, fencing and stoneware.
INSIDE VAN HAGE, PETERBOROUGH Prices are about average to slightly above average. For example a Bentley stainless steel fork or spade will cost you £26.99 at Van Hage with the more standard Yeoman for or spade costing £12.99. Tomorite is a competitive £2.99 for a litre bottle and a pack of Miracle Gro costs £4.99. The choice of houseplants was good but not as many as you would expect in a garden centre of this size. They were well kept and nicely presented.
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WHY NOT LEAVE YOUR COMMENTS ABOUT THIS GARDEN
CENTRE? We hope you have enjoyed and benefited from this independent review of the Van Hage Garden Centre in Peterborough. Remember that it is our opinion and may be the result of one visit only. If you are the owner of the 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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