Open Garden Centres

If garden centres were allowed to open, not only would this save their businesses, but it would also improve the mental health of many of us who spend more time in our gardens - however small - at this time of year. It could especially benefit older people including those shielding...

Why the contribution is important

The impact on mental well-being could be huge

by katiemoon on May 09, 2020 at 05:20PM

Current Rating

Average rating: 4.4
Based on: 19 votes

Comments

  • Posted by Ossie May 09, 2020 at 17:37

    Opening garden centres would bring joy, hope to people that are stuck at home. It would also stop potentially huge waste of plants etc.,

  • Posted by Indiagirl May 09, 2020 at 17:41

    Opening Graden Centres safely would be a chink of light for people.

  • Posted by AndrewAnderson May 09, 2020 at 17:42

    Entirely agree. I see it's about to happen in Wales.

  • Posted by Badhairdays May 09, 2020 at 17:53

    Am I missing something? My local garden centre seemed to have a client base average age 70+. So we are going to ask young people to stay at home while the elderly swan round garden centres infecting each other

  • Posted by junie2dogs May 09, 2020 at 19:10

    I was lucky enough to arrange for plants to be delivered so this is not an issue for me personally. I know of people who are finding it extremely frustrating that they are spending lots more time in their gardens and constantly say how they wish they could get plants etc from a garden centre so I fully support this. Social distancing must be adhered to

  • Posted by FlufflyClouds3 May 09, 2020 at 19:26

    Well said Badhairdays.
      Look I know folk enjoy garden centres. I've spent more time in my own garden than over the last couple months than I have in the last year. BUT, there's a reason why they were closed in the first place. Try not to be selfish here, the main danger of Covid-19 is that NO-ONE knows if they're a carrier. Remember, you can be one without even getting ill. Even if you're old. And even if you do eventually get ill, you're contagious and symptom free for a fortnight before. And you want to put the staff at these garden centres at risk just for your own gratification???

  • Posted by Scotswede May 09, 2020 at 19:33

    There are fundamental problems with opening garden centres, or at least opening them as normal+social distancing.

    Firstly, open only garden centres fully and there will be a rush on them (just like the drive thru Costa) - this will mean crowds, cars queuing and overwhelmed staff. Potentially dangerous.

    Most garden centres are open outdoors for plants, but the checkouts/shop/other areas are in small indoor areas. How do you reasonably manage numbers and queues here.

    Many garden centres are more than just plants - kids play areas/animals etc - open only garden centres and families will head to for a day out, not just for essential gardening items

    Many garden centres are in rural areas, there will inevitably be queues of cars in the first few days of opening - potentially v. dangerous

    Finally, garden centres are not staffed like supermarkets. Imagine the queues if there are just one or two checkouts, particularly if those queues are in small shop spaces.

    Gardening is important for people, having things to do in the garden can help people comply with the stay at home message. But blanket opening is not a sensible move - a reasonable, safe and measurable alternative is to allow limited opening on an appointment only and click and collect basis.

    Also - gardening isn't more essential or unique than other hobby stores or small businesses.

    Better to open a range of businesses on a limited appointment only basis in the first instance - allows more people to meet their needs, manages traffic, crowds and demand, allows test trading under social distancing rules and protects staff by ensuring they are not overwhelmed by demand.

  • Posted by Christie May 09, 2020 at 19:41

    I am not sure how B& Q , Homebase can be open and not garden centres ?

    It is not only 70 plus who enjoy gardens and plants

  • Posted by campbe May 09, 2020 at 19:52

    I would agree that garden centres should open again the elderly could have a priority time first thing in the morning as it makes us feel safer.

  • Posted by GrahamDane May 09, 2020 at 21:34

    Garden centres should be required to have a social distancing plan before opening. This could be like B&Q. Ie restrict entry by spaced queuing, payment by card only etc. Unrestricted opening is a No.
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