.Somerset’s largest, independent, family-run garden centre – gardening with a traditional and friendly professional atmosphere.

GCU talks to Norma Moore, General Manager and Andrew Pitman, Plant Area Manager

Published: 21 January, 2011

Monkton Elm Garden & Pet Centre is the county’s largest, independent, family-run garden centre, tell us when and how the business started.

The Garden Centre opened in the early 1980s. It was originally an old tomato and chrysanthemum nursery. It started with a small centre selling locally sources plants, gardening accessories and own tomatoes.

How would you describe the garden centre?

The garden centre focuses on gardening with a traditional and friendly professional atmosphere.

Do you have an events programme at the garden centre?

Yes, focused around the gardening year, starting with Potato Week in February, Spring Open Week in March, Grow Your Own in April and Colour Your World in May.

I understand that the staff of Monkton Elm do a lot of work for charity. Would you like to tell us about your charity work?

We pride ourselves as being part of a local community, therefore we have chosen a very worthy cause, Children’s Hospice South West which provides hospice care for life-limited children and their families from across the South West of England.

Our owner has received lots of help from Parkinson’s UK, and we have therefore chosen to support them with several fundraising events including a charity dinner.

We also do lots of community work with schools, Taunton in Bloom and our 2011 sapling giveaway.

Do you belong to any gardening associations?

GCA, HTA, Taunton in Bloom and Taunton Flower Show.

Why do you think garden centres have become and still remain so successful even throughout a tough economic climate and despite the British weather?

We are a nation of plant lovers, we are destination centres. Gardening is still Britain’s number one hobby. We have had to become much more than just a garden centre; a restaurant, craft centre, pet centre, clothing, food, household furniture and garden furniture, so therefore we appeal to a diverse range of customers.

How do you compete with multiples?

We aim to be different and at the top of our game with excellent knowledge and expertise in all of our departments.

Easter is traditionally an extremely busy time for garden centres. What preparations are you making for this and the Royal Wedding weekend? Are you expecting two weekends of increased business?

Easter heralds the start of the gardening season. We will have lots of promos and impulse buys throughout the store. Our children’s Easter egg hunt is always a big draw. I think the Royal Wedding should be a party/celebration weekend at the garden centre.

What are your main concerns as a garden retailer in the current economic climate, how have you adapted your business strategy?

I think customers will be more cautious about spending. They will need extra incentives and enticements. Our marketing for 2011 is aimed to engage with the under 45s, highlighting that gardening is easy and fun for all the family.

We also feel in this uncertain time we need to constantly monitor and be prepared to change.

What do you think 2011 has in store for the garden centre industry

Let’s ask the weatherman – this has the biggest impact on us.

Monkton Elm Garden & Pet Centre, Monkton Heathfield, Taunton, Somerset TA2 8QN

Tel: 01823 412381