Thanks to Helen Peacocke for this introduction.
‘Twenty five years ago the Eynsham Garden Centre was just a small farm shop selling eggs and standing alongside the A40, close to the Evenlode Hotel. Then it began to expand, first with a few plants, then more until Gerry Thomas the proprietor discovered he had transformed a nursery into the bustling garden centre we know today.
‘The main building has now been extended to accommodate Palm Café, a stylish extension seating 60, which offers a full English Breakfast from 9am. Baps, salads, baguettes, toasties, fresh salads and delicious home-made soups at very reasonable prices are available throughout the rest of the day, along with cream teas, cakes and pastries which are served during the afternoon.
‘Gerry said he didn’t realise the Garden Centre would expand as it has. He says that it just evolved, such that the original farm shop has grown into a thriving business catering for gardeners, handymen and families looking for somewhere to visit during the weekend.
‘He believes its popularity is due mainly to the fact it has become fashionable for nurseries to offer their customers more than just a few bedding plants these days. People are now looking for a shopping experience. They want to be able to brose, ask for advice about their gardens from shop staff who are happy to help. Visitors choose from a variety of items, including herbaceous plants, hardy perennials, herbs, ornamental trees, shrubs, alpines, composts and gifts. This is exactly what Gerry is offering, along with snacks and tasty meals that can be enjoyed at leisure in his stylish new café along with freshly brewed coffee or a nice cup of tea.
‘He has even established a pet-care section which includes a selection of live budgerigars and canaries. Later in the year he hopes to have chicken and pigs on site to amuse the children.
‘The selection of indoor and outdoor pots such as azaleas, indoor palms, bonsai trees and cactus plants is impressive and so are the many home grown bedding plants available at very reasonable prices - all of which Gerry propagates himself. These include pansies, geraniums, trailing and upright fuchsias.
‘The Eynsham Garden Centre opens 9.30am – 5.30pm Monday to Saturday and 10am to 4.30pm Sunday.’