Barters Plant Centre in Chapmanslade is opening its wholesale nursery to the public over the autumn in a series of ‘pick-your-own’ open days.
The open days will take place on Friday 30th September and Saturday 1st October, then again on Friday 7th and Saturday 8th October. Each day the nursery will open from 10am till 5pm.
Andrew Stone, who works in the trade nursery says, “This will be the third year of running open days and every time we do it, we never cease to be amazed by those who have no idea that there is a large wholesale nursery on the same site as the plant centre.
“Customers walk from the car park towards the welcome desk then take a few steps further and are confronted with thousands of plants in hundreds of varieties.
“Each time there is an open day, there are different batches of plants which are at their peak and so different plants prove to be best sellers on the day. Everything is heavily discounted so that visitors are paying virtually trade prices.
“In the past, some people have chosen plants to completely restock their gardens in one or two visits; others have bought large numbers of plants for a hedge. A few just buy the one plant that they’ve been particularly looking for.”
The production staff on the nursery have over 100 years of experience at Barters between them and have built up a great fund of knowledge.
Staff will be pleased to answer questions from customers at the open days, and to have feedback on the plants.
Andrew continued, “We sell mostly to garden centres, landscapers and designers so my colleagues rarely get to hear feedback from the final customer about our plant range and quality.
“The nursery is currently stocked with over 50,000 plants. These range from small herbaceous perennials to large specimen plants and also include climbers, hardy ferns, ornamental grasses and shrubs.
“The refreshments are always a very popular part of the open days. There’s always a wonderful selection of cakes which are especially popular with the staff!
“This time, the first set of open days tie in with the annual Macmillan Cancer Coffee morning. The second set will be in support of the Wessex Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre in Warminster. Over the years, thousands of pounds have been raised for good causes.
“So come clothed for the British weather and a good walk, as the nursery covers several acres; be prepared to get your feet muddy and for your children to love splashing in any puddles they can find.”
For more information about Barters Plant Centre and wholesale nursery, go to www.bartersfarmnurseries.co.uk
