Garden centres across England's North-East are calling for greater support following uncertainty around coronavirus, with one currently holding £80,000 worth of stock, much of which it expects to lose. Fiona Dean, from Ravensworth Nurseries, Richmond, believes this "potential total stock write off" is "unlike any other industry". Ravensworth Nurseries has started an online delivery service, but does not know what it will do with the 1.4 million plants set to grow over the next three months. Read more at The Northern Echo.
Five garden centres full of stock but no customers
The wallflowers are looking magnificent. The tulips and primulas are in full bloom. There are beds and tables full of magnificent plants in the best of health – thousands of them – and all waiting for a good home. Except there is no one there today, apart from Colin Campbell-Preston, a man who now finds himself with five garden centres (including this one in Buckinghamshire), 120 stay-at-home staff, £1million-worth of fresh plants and zero customers. "This time of year is, to our business, what Christmas is to other retailers," Colin told the Daily Mail.
"Everyone is growing stuff"
Owners of nurseries in Norfolk are reaping the benefit of people wanting to get out in the garden while in self-isolation. Although some nurseries and growers – many family businesses – face hardship because of the coronavirus close-down, others are determined not to be beaten, Eastern Daily Press reports.
"Cancellations came in from everywhere"
The closure of garden centres due to the pandemic comes at the worst possible moment for producers like Neil Alcock - the beginning of the peak March to July gardening season. He's the managing director of Seiont Nurseries in north Wales, which grows and supplies young plants to the retail supply chain. He told BBC Breakfast: "This should be our busiest time of year. Last week in fact, we should have had the busiest in our entire history - but that's when the coronavirus kicked in.
Provender Nurseries offer non-contact service
Having considered the official Government advice and to safeguard their customers and staff BALI Registered Affiliate member Provender Nurseries have decided to suspend sales on the Cash and Carry Site. However customers can still place orders via phone, email or through their website. They will continue to trade under restricted services. Read more about it here.