Allow Garden Centres to open immediately

Garden Centres should be allowed to open immediately, and be able to offer safe distance shopping, deliveries and click and collect.

Why the contribution is important

This is so important as gardening is great for mental health and allows people some light exercise without leaving their homes, ideal for the elderly.
It is also crucial that the government sets out a level playing field. Gardening has become so popular over the years - down to all the hard work and investment garden centre owners have put into their businesses over the years. Gardening hasn't stopped during the lockdown and it is unfortunately B&Q and supermarkets who are reaping the benefits of garden centres' hard work because the industry itself has been closed down by the government,
This will have a catastrophic effect on the horticultural industry long term.

by MandyB on May 06, 2020 at 01:40PM

Current Rating

Average rating: 4.8
Based on: 29 votes

Comments

  • Posted by JCC May 06, 2020 at 15:41

    Why not, if B&Q can open I don't see what the problem would be with garden centres.

  • Posted by Amf May 06, 2020 at 15:47

    Great idea. Perhaps introduce click and collect

  • Posted by paulc May 06, 2020 at 16:17

    Gardens are very important to mental well-being. No reason why the same rules should not be applied as in supermarkets.

  • Posted by dianec May 07, 2020 at 07:58

    For health and wellbeing reasons

  • Posted by Alangray May 07, 2020 at 08:55

    Many garden centres by their very nature have wide open areas which are ideal for social distancing therefore are much better placed to observe the rules than supermarkets and retail shops. In addition there are many physical and mental health benefits to be gained by people being able to work in their gardens.

  • Posted by Kimmi May 07, 2020 at 14:36

    Garden centres aren't essential

  • Posted by cameronn1 May 07, 2020 at 15:05

    Yes good idea- their stock is perishable and could finish small and medium sized stores. Most garden centres have large outdoor spaces- just limit entry, have hand sanitiser etc. if people can be carrying on with diy and gardening in the summer months i think the chances of sticking to distancing rules will increase.

  • Posted by PineMarten May 07, 2020 at 15:37

    It is unreasonable that B&Q can open and sell garden related products but small local garden centres and nurseries cannot. As long as their trade is restricted to outdoor areas and items sold are only garden related this should be a lot safer than going to a supermarket (or B&Q). Many of these small businesses are struggling to survive.

  • Posted by waxwing May 09, 2020 at 09:46

    Absolutely agree. Social distancing should be easy to achieve at most garden centres.
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