Garden centres

If DIY shops are able to open why can't garden centres? Social distancing should be easier especially as customers are generally outside.

Why the contribution is important

The public have complied with the lockdown so far but we need to see some easing of restrictions. If other parts of the UK are beginning to relax it's time we saw some progress.

by FiNo on May 08, 2020 at 02:47PM

Current Rating

Average rating: 4.7
Based on: 17 votes

Comments

  • Posted by JBAKER May 08, 2020 at 15:06

    I agree wholeheartedly. When many people are working in their gardens to keep themselves busy it would be good to get a garden centre (with appropriate social distancing) and helps the economy as well.

  • Posted by reccecat May 08, 2020 at 15:07

    The benifits of gardening are huge to mental and physical well being.

  • Posted by Themenz May 08, 2020 at 15:08

    These should be allowed to open if DIY stores are. I have a small garden and just being allowed to have something to do as a hobby would be good for my mental health. They would have to ensure the same social distancing and rules as supermarkets do.

  • Posted by mmariem May 08, 2020 at 15:08

    Opening up garden centres seems reasonable. Most garden centres are outdoors and with strict control of the numbers of people permitted at any one time, along with social distancing seems ok.

  • Posted by eesupcarefully May 08, 2020 at 15:24

    click and collect is possible in smaller local garden centres, could be an interim step.

  • Posted by Aldo60 May 08, 2020 at 16:15

    I enjoy gardening, but I don't see benefits of opening either DIY shops or garden centres. To suggest that any of these could be regarded as essential services is absolutely ludicrous.

  • Posted by HelenMathieson May 08, 2020 at 16:54

    I agree with diy and garden centres being opened where a 2 metre social distancing is possible and buyer uses a card payment rather than cash. People have a bit of time for DIY - painting house /garden fence...although as construction is not permitted could be promoting activity which the government do not wish to encourage. Garden Centre encourage people to spend time out doors in fresh air and promote well being.

  • Posted by GJBB May 08, 2020 at 18:36

    Garden centres could be opened as safely as supermarkets and diy stores. If they are to survive, they need to be able to sell their seasonal spring stock.

  • Posted by Haggis59 May 08, 2020 at 19:07

    Some garden centres in Scotland are offering online gardening shopping and you can get it delivered or collect in garden centre and given time slot. Unfortunately so busy online I've not managed to get an order.

  • Posted by GTThistle May 08, 2020 at 19:57

    OPen them now!

  • Posted by KJB May 09, 2020 at 17:04

    I absolutely agree. I think if garden centres can safely accommodate buyers in a one way system or book a time slot to arrive , I cannot see why they can’t reopen. When you see shops like the range and B&Q open, why not garden centres. The stock in these stores are not perishable whereas these garden centres are losing plants and people desperately want To buy them . Goodness me, those of us lucky enough to have a garden are spending more time in them. I feel for our local GC as they are doing a delivery service but it’s a one man service ( due to worry of covid restrictions) and I worry for his health and well-being to be honest. Please, allow them to reopen ASAP, like England are about to announce.
Log in or register to add comments and rate ideas

Idea topics