Barton Grange Garden Center is representative of the high-end, comprehensive garden centers that dot the country. The one we visited in Preston is one of three in the area under the umbrella of the Barton Grange Group (same owners of Garden Centre Plants, Ltd.) In many ways, this garden center was quite similar to those in the U.S.A. were one can find hanging baskets, annuals and potted perennials, topiaries, indor plants, etc. Prices of plants are relatively high, but the quality is uniformly good. These centers tend to emphasize the entire 'Country Life' experience selling not only plants, pots, media, fertilizers/pesticides, gardening tools, and garden ornaments, but also sell furniture and appliances (such as Barbecue Grills) appropriate for the genteel outdoor experience. The center is thoroughly labelled, extremely well-organized and easy to navigate. The nursery area was organized into raised beds, approximately 2 feet high, each laid in brick, with the plants at an easy height for customers to admire. The plant selection, as befits the English climate, is enormous and while we encountered many familiar species, we also saw many that are too tender for our harsh Ohio winters as well as a large range of unsual cultivars (for example, different variegated maples) of species we can grow in Ohio. In addition to the wonderful plants in stock, Barton Grange also sells, like many other garden centers, koi for water gardens, assorted water features, and supplies for some of the smaller house pets (hamsters, birds).
Susan and Jim write: This neat and tidy garden center reminded us of home in the 'states'.
