Reopen garden centres

Garden centres could be reopened with the same social distancing measures as supermarkets. It’s not too late to plant fruit, veg and some nice plants to give people focus and something to pass their days.

Why the contribution is important

Gardens are currently a refuge for many, and mental health can be greatly improved if those gardens look nice and provide an interest for people. It may also introduce people to the benefits of growing fruit and veg, a legacy that may continue beyond lockdown.

by caza1471 on May 08, 2020 at 10:29AM

Current Rating

Average rating: 4.8
Based on: 32 votes

Comments

  • Posted by GJBB May 08, 2020 at 10:31

    It's now or never if garden centres and plant nursaries are going to survive.

  • Posted by Elkie May 08, 2020 at 10:35

    Without the tea rooms, please.

  • Posted by Sulphonamide May 08, 2020 at 10:48

    This seems exceptionally low risk (social distancing assumed) and we desperately need people to get back to work wherever the risks are low - I'd say these should be amongst the first to reopen.

  • Posted by Lindawalker May 08, 2020 at 11:00

    If large supermarkets are open - and some sell plants - garden centres should be allowed to open too. For many people their garden or allotment is a place of calm and sanity - really important in these strange times.

  • Posted by benmo May 08, 2020 at 11:01

    I totally agree. B&Q manage with long queues so in the interest of people’s mental health allowing the garden centres to open observing all safety rules would give people a boost.

  • Posted by MrsShort May 08, 2020 at 11:10

    Save businesses where Covid risks are low

  • Posted by Greensand May 08, 2020 at 12:09

    I support this, with the same restrictions placed upon shoppers in supermarkets. Given the amount of time people are spending at home and in the garden, it makes sense to support the industry which makes gardening easier.

  • Posted by deky1boy May 08, 2020 at 12:47

    All shops should reopen as long as strict social distancing measures are in place. Need to think about how to stop staff touching purchases at sale point as that is where transfer of infection could occur.

  • Posted by StephenB May 08, 2020 at 12:58

    Usually in open fresh air therefore safer than supermarkets. Lots of lockdown people desperate to do something with their gardens.

  • Posted by cathyaitken May 08, 2020 at 13:32

    The outside area of garden centres should be reopened as soon as possible, with social distancing practiced. Supermarkets are allowed to sell plants and even an enormous chain like B&Q is open again. If garden centres are not able to sell their current stock of plants, many will fail which will be a great loss.
    While we are locked at home, our gardens contribute to our mental health. Being outside also tops up our Vitamin D which it has been suggested it good against the virus! It is not too late to plant for the summer or to grow vegetables.

  • Posted by Balmediebum May 08, 2020 at 22:12

    Open garden centres. They are low risk, and people can socially distance easily.

  • Posted by waxwing May 09, 2020 at 09:45

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

  • Posted by Elano995 May 10, 2020 at 00:27

    Please reopen garden centres. With so many people on lockdown those who have gardens are desperate to work on their garden. it can be done safely, it would add to the exercise people need and it would help with maintaining good mental health.
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