DIYWEEK.net

Since being taken over by Capital Gardens just eight weeks ago, Studley Green Garden Centre has already undergone a significant makeover thanks to its new owners, with a strong focus on introducing a new extended product offering and improving customer service.

In keeping with Capital Gardens’ ethos for providing a wide range of quality plants, the plant area at Studley Green has been extended and now boasts a greater depth of plants and add-ons. Capital

Gardens has retained and extended the pot areas, adding in new ranges from Mega and Apta. The centre also now stocks a full range of aggregates, composts and spring flowering bulbs.

Other new brands include tools from Burgon and Ball, as well as birdcare and hardware ranges from Gardman and Tom Chambers. The gift and homeware offer has also been refreshed, with additional ranges from British brand Sophie Allport, including fine bone china and kitchen textiles.

Capital Gardens acquired Studley Green Garden Centre in High Wycombe from Hillview mid-September, taking its estate to four. Speaking to DIY Week shortly after, Capital Gardens managing director Colin Campbell-Preston detailed the changes he had in mind for the new centre. “We will be offering a comprehensive gardening offer with an eclectic range of gifts.

“We are second to none on our plants offer now and also on the service that we offer, with most of our employees now experts on plants. With that in mind, the plants side of the business [at Studley Green] will be revved up a lot. We will be bringing in more stock. We will also bring in garden machinery once we get security up and running. It will be a traditional but modern garden centre.”

All of the work has been done in time for Christmas, with a lot of focus put on the centre’s festive offer, which includes decorations, garlands, lights and Christmas trees – both real and artificial.

Studley Green Centre manager Phil Munn said: “My team and our suppliers have really pulled off some miraculous changes in a short space of time here at Studley. We feel that the improved offerings and fantastic seasonal and Christmas set-ups will really inspire customers both old and new. We’re excited to put the centre back on the map as a hub for the wonderful community.”

The main store, which was apparently “an empty space just weeks ago”, now boasts four themed Christmas areas and is set to play host to a number of special events over the festive season, including a ‘Wild Hedgerow Wreath-Making’ workshop and a special Christmas loyalty evening with discounts and refreshments for loyalty-cardholders. The café has also had some attention and now offers an extended menu

In addition, Capital Gardens has announced its search for an annual charity partner for the centre. The team has chosen three charities close to the community including: Four Paws Cat Rescue, Stokenchurch Community Bus and Medical Assistance Dogs, Winslow. Customers will be given counters upon purchasing products in store, and can vote for the charity closest to their heart. Capital Gardens will go on to partner with the winning charity, to work out how it can best support them.