Kentish Express Ashford & District
Big plans for garden centre
A popular garden centre is changing hands for the first time in almost 20 years and will be run by a brother and sister.
Tom and Jenny Ripley will take over Greenways garden centre in Bethersden on January 2, when it will become Ripleys.
The siblings have some exciting plans, including adding a hairdressing salon at the A28 Ashford Road premises just outside the village, not far from The
Pig & Sty.
A family business, the site has been owned by the Ripleys for about 40 years but Tom, 32, a former team manager at Waitrose Canterbury and his insurance broker sister Jenny, 34, have given up their day jobs to concentrate on the venture.
Tom will be putting in a £150k investment to upgrade the premises, which will still retain the independent business on the site, including A-Z Animal Care and The Antiques Barn, while The Garden Restaurant, which is run by his cousins Andrew and Brad will continue to trade as usual.
A new business, Olson Timber Buildings makers of bespoke garden studios, equestrian buildings and garages, among a range of custom-built structures, will be opening at Ripleys.
The site is also due to feature a hair salon, with the name of the business yet to be announced.
As well as stocking all the usual garden centre staples, Ripleys will be branching out by selling gifts, candles, cards and children’s toys.
It will also be dog-friendly, with a section of the cafe being made available for customers who want to bring their dogs with them.
The siblings went to Bethersden primary before going on to join Homewood School in Tenterden.
Tom plays cricket and football in the district and began his 16-year Waitrose career at the Tenterden branch.
Greenways, run by Alan Greenway for 19 years, will officially close on Christmas Eve.
It is running a massive gardening sale with up to 50% off from now until it shuts its doors for the final time.
Alan said: “We would like to thank our customers for their patronage for the last 19 years.”