Sales in traditional and non-traditional categories were up during May thanks to the Bank Holidays according to the Garden Centre Association's (GCA) Barometer of Trade results.
Furniture and barbecue sales were up 35.21% while more traditional outdoor plant sales were up 20.42%.

GCA chief executive Iain Wylie explained: "After a very wet and cold April, May was very much an improvement weather wise and the two Bank Holiday Weekends certainly led to a boost in sales.

"For many a traditional Bank Holiday activity is to pop to the local garden centre and it looks like lots of people did this as both traditional and non-traditional categories did well during the month.

"Houseplant sales were up 5.56%, clothing sales were up 19.45%, catering was up 7.62% and food hall and farm shop sales were up 11.34%. The only sales that were down were gifts at -0.92%."

Seed and bulb sales were up 16.52%, garden sundries were up 18.11%, pets and aquatics up 2.86% and hard landscaping was up 15.97%.

Sales showed a Year to Date increase of 7.5% and May's overall increase was 17.2%.

The Gardens Group managing director Mike Burks said: "It was a very strong start to May albeit comparing to two rather ordinary months in 2014 and 2015.

"The second weekend was very busy and perhaps even record breaking certainly against recent years. The mix of product such as plants, compost and pots by the trolley full felt like the old days."

The GCA BoT reports are compiled using actual sales figures and provide an up-to-date trading position statement. They are made available mid-month following the end of the prior month after all member garden centres have submitted their results.

Julian Winfield, chairman of the Garden Centre Association and Chief Executive of Haskins Garden Centres, said: "Like all garden centres we have been ready for some warm weather since the beginning of March and it was a relief when the sun came out.

"The good thing about great weather in May is that everything performs well and it did!"