Plant nurseries should be allowed to open

I believe that nurseries should be allowed to reopen I don't understand why supermarkets, B&Q and The Range, to name a few, are allowed to retail all sorts of garden equipment and plants while nurseries have to remain closed.

Why the contribution is important

Gardening is an excellent pastime much loved by Scottish people. It promotes both physical and mental health and with the size of garden centres and nurseries it shouldn't be any more difficult to maintain social distancing there than it is in a supermarket.

by BorisandBruce on May 06, 2020 at 10:05PM

Current Rating

Average rating: 4.8
Based on: 48 votes

Comments

  • Posted by BarbaraAnnGrigor May 06, 2020 at 22:33

    100% agree.... if social distancing is the barrier as to whether or not a business is open or closed Garden Centres are no different to food and fuel supply.

  • Posted by Alimac35 May 06, 2020 at 22:44

    This could be done safely. Restrict number of people going in. Wear face masks. It would allow nurseries to sell their plants and keep their businesses going.

  • Posted by OldDeuteronomy May 06, 2020 at 23:18

    And most nurseries are at least partially outside... As above, excellent for mental and physical well-being and, too, for the economy.

  • Posted by BUTEMACS May 06, 2020 at 23:20

    lf plant nurseries strictly comply with the social distancing rules I don't see why they shouldn't be allowed to open, it's not fair the big diy companies & supermarkets are allowed & not nurseries.

  • Posted by jlml58 May 07, 2020 at 00:03

    Nurseries have already invested in producing their stock for this year and most of this will just go to waste if it cannot be sold soon. These businesses might also go to the wall, so there would be benefits for the economy as well as for gardeners.

  • Posted by Jaba May 07, 2020 at 00:04

    I agree. Surely all garden centres could reopen, with their cafes remaining closed.

  • Posted by AHunter May 07, 2020 at 00:50

    Garden centres should definitely be allowed to open, many are spacious and some open air, and there are usually ways to limit the amounts of people going in.

  • Posted by Colin87 May 07, 2020 at 05:47

    Agreed, very important for peoples mental wellbeing

  • Posted by Eallan May 07, 2020 at 07:22

    I'd love to see plant nurseries open but social distancing will be an issue in many nurseries (I'm a trained horticulturist and have worked in a plant nursery). If the OP also means garden centres, then I have to say keep garden centres closed, for now. Anyone who has been to a garden centre on a weekend, will know just how busy they can be.

  • Posted by Fairygodmother May 07, 2020 at 07:28

    Absolutely. Could operate in similar ways to how supermarkets and hardware stores are just now.

  • Posted by Tompickering May 07, 2020 at 08:02

    Very low risk with distancing

  • Posted by paulwilson49 May 07, 2020 at 08:10

    Reopen now, it seems a contadiction to encourage people to stay home and then deny those who have gardens the necessary supplies to work in them. Keep the cafes shut if you must.

  • Posted by DAC May 07, 2020 at 09:24

    Good for mental health. Veg growing is "green" . Apply social distancing as in supermarkets

  • Posted by eve3981 May 07, 2020 at 15:01

    Garden centers should be reopened as quickly as possible whilst implementing strict social distancing guidelines. All attached cafes & restaurants to remain closed. This will benefit not only those who enjoy gardening but also the economy. Nurseries have all their stock ready and starting to spoil and go to waste. Garden Centre are outlets for this stock. Re opening garden centres will help plant nurseries stay in business and provide income, jobs and support the economy.

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

    I agree that garden centres and plant nurseries should be able to open soon with suitable social distancing arrangements.

  • Posted by Mcsmith99 May 09, 2020 at 11:23

    While I agree with all the positive comments, remember that this encourages more people to go out in cars. Much as I love my garden and want to support growers, buying plants is NOT an ESSENTIAL journey.
Log in or register to add comments and rate ideas