As the days grow longer and the light spreads wider, there is a renewed vigour to get outside and enjoy the wonders of nature. This year that feeling resonates more than ever, and there has never been a more apt time to experience the rejuvenation of Spring.
All over York are an abundance of outdoor spaces showcasing the flowers and foliage of the season, and equally you can create your own little beauty spot. In the garden, at the allotment, or even on your windowsill, the pleasures of growing your own are plentiful. And helping us do it are a selection of superb local garden centres and nurseries…
Dean’s Garden Centre – For over 50 years the Dean family have been growing their business as well as their plants at Stockton on the Forest. Passed from parents to children, the original site’s gradual expansion has always complemented their ethos of serving the local gardening community with their quality nursery grown produce.
Vertigrow – In the same direction you’ll also find Vertigrow, a pleasingly unique place that prides itself on specialist quality. Alongside their bright and fresh nursery of pots and plants are imported trees, shrubs and perennials, including a new outdoor bonsai collection!
Castle Howard Garden Centre – Continuing further out of York’s north east towards Malton, Castle Howard is a renowned stately home on magnificent grounds which also hosts its own garden centre. Here you can leave with plants and forestry which reflect the impressive and historic landscape from which it grew.
Langlands Garden Centre – Having branched out to Leeds and Sheffield, this Shiptonthorpe original has lost none of its heritage. Still a family business in its seventh decade, Langlands retains a personal touch and gardening expertise whilst expanding into food, furniture and fish. As its slogan rightly says: more than just a garden centre.
Brunswick Organic Nursery – This admirable organisation is a registered charity in Bishopthorpe which helps people with learning difficulties by providing stimulating activities such as growing plants, fruit and vegetables. You’ll want to visit here to support such wonderful work, but you’ll also want to return with some genuine quality organic produce.
Thirsk Garden Centre – In the market town of Thirsk, this friendly garden centre will help you with your kitchen garden, or your outdoor plants, or your wildlife care, or any of your nature loving needs. There’s a relaxed coffee shop too, to nourish yourself in whilst you’re here.
All over York and its surrounding towns are more great gardening stores, large and small, from chain retailer Dobbie’s through knowledgable nursery Orchard to delightful independent plant shop Botanic.
Whatever your experience, there’s the supplies and support here to get you going. Now is the time to dig in and sow that seed of gardening love.
Images: Brunswick Organic Nursery, Vertigrow
