Should garden centres be open during lockdown?
I really feel garden centres should NOT be open. In my area, the garden centres sell more than bulbs and plants: they sell gifts, toys for the children, clothing, cards, even kitchenware and more. This is nothing to do with the garden! It's an excuse for people to get out of their homes and have a wander when they're meant to stay at home. It's also not fair on small retailers that have been closed. Julie Webb, by email
Gardening is one of the best things for mental health. I spent most of my time outside in my garden and still do, weather permitting. I’d have been lost without my local garden centre. When they were closed during the first lockdown, loads of plants went to waste and I was worried about getting compost and bedding plants. My local garden centre re-opened when allowed, with strict measures in place. It was absolutely fine and, being mostly outdoors, there was no problem. My garden was what helped me to deal with it, being good for both mental and physical health. People need to be occupied to stay at home during lockdowns! More people have got into gardening as a result than ever before. Jennifer Doherty, Facebook
Me, personally, as it’s winter now, I think garden centres should close. I do agree that buying plants is one of the things to keep us sane in this pandemic but with how bad the situation currently is, I think they should be closed and open again in March.
Janice Eckersley, by email
I think garden centres should remain open. I'm a keen gardener and it’s really important for people’s mental health. Especially people who live on their own. Nancy Ainge, by email
I think we all know that, rightly or wrongly, garden centres are allowed to open. However, it’s not generally realised that many police forces throughout the country regard car journeys to and from garden centres as ‘non-essential’, which could result in them issuing on the spot fines. So be warned. The message remains the same: stay at home and stay safe. Adrian Rhodes, by email
I disagree with Chris Bonnett; garden centres should remain open. I have an allotment and grow veg all year round. This is the time to get seeds and seed potatoes, etc. The allotment has kept me and other allotment holders fit and active during lockdowns. Teresa Ewen, by email
I’ve recently bought some essential tubs and compost from my local garden centre, fearing that future restrictions may close them again. Chris Bonnett's suggestion that they should stay open only for the purchase of pet food and fuel doesn’t seem sensible. If a customer buys pet food and fuel, what difference does it make if he or she buys a few plants or compost? The garden centres are either closed or they’re open. No half measures. Jane Toplis, Bude
I’m sorry to have to correct you but garden centres in Wales are not allowed to be open during the current lockdown. It caused havoc with our gardening season last spring and into summer because they were shut then; if they don’t open soon, the same thing is going to happen again. Our supply of compost, seeds and plants, etc, is severely limited as a result of the closures. Some pressure from GN to get them open would really be appreciated. J Sheppard, by email