Dobbies Garden Centre has reopened all stores in England and Wales, but stores in Scotland and Northern Ireland remain closed.
As part of the government's plan to begin easing lockdown restrictions, it was announced that garden centres would be allowed to reopen from Wednesday 13th May.
Dobbies will be limiting the number of customers in store at any one time. Customers need to keep a safe distance of two metres, in line with social distancing guidelines, and should wash hands regularly. Card payments are also preferred.
The in-store restaurants will remain closed, which also includes afternoon tea, soft play and events. However, Dobbies restaurants will offer a takeaway service from Friday 15th May.
'Our stores in England and Wales, when reopened, will offer a takeaway menu including including hot and cold drinks, soups, toasties, panini and selected bakery items. Club Plus members will also be able to redeem their hot drink credits and birthday treat vouchers,' the retailer explained.
There are now 68 Dobbies stores nationwide. Dobbies acquired a total of 37 garden centres from Wyevale in 2019 – more than doubling its national footprint and strengthening its position as the UK’s leading garden centre retailer.
Customers can still shop online at dobbies.com, but Dobbies say there is likely to be delays in delivery times 'as both our team and our suppliers adapt to new ways of working in order to stay safe'.
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The best outdoor plant pots for your garden or patio this spring
This two-tone terracotta pot, with its rough-edged floral design, makes an uplifting style statement. It’s not perfectly weatherproof, so you should expect some natural wear and tear over years of use — but it kind of adds to the charm.
Bushy shrubs and homegrown lavender would look especially suited in this little iron bowl. Its elegant curves are bringing plenty of modern appeal.
As Sarah Raven says, smaller flowers and plants are best displayed clustered together, as shown here to brilliant effect. Use this Auricula stand to add some charm to patio corners, or as a statement tablescaping centrepiece for garden parties. You can buy with or without the terracotta pots.
Small spaces don't have to be drab. This inexpensive set of over-railing planters will add some cheer to even the most bijou of balconies.
The wood in this reclaimed oak planter was used to mature whisky in a former life. Now, it’s been beautifully prepared to house your plants.
This wide-brimmed bowl, made from 100 per cent recycled materials, will bring a more Mediterranean sensibility to your space.
You've got your plants, you've found the right pots, so now you need somewhere to show off all your hard work. This 'plant theatre', as the brand calls it, will showcase your shrubs and it's ideal for a herb garden.
This simple wall hung planter will turn a drab fence or unloved bit of wall into a feature in its own right. Stock up on several to amplify the effect.
It may look like stone, but this elegant pot is in fact made from frostproof clay. We love the ornamental ‘lugs’ on the sides — it’s all in the detail.
Ideal for a container garden, this woven basket effect planter is lightweight yet durable, and with the right plants, is great for zoning spaces in your garden.
Sleek, modern and ultra cool, this bench has a built-in planter for some added flair. Just finish with some comfy outdoor cushions to complete the look.
Although you wouldn't think it, these striking outdoor plant pots are made from recycled oil drums, so they're both eco-friendly and stylish.
Striking latticed decoration adds depth and interest to this handmade terracotta pot. The frostproof finish should ensure years of use — perfect for perennial plants.
This recycled plastic pot comes with a detachable set of wheels, allowing for easier movement of heavy plants (and compost). We like the frieze detail.
Keep baby plants safe with this set of 10 classic terracotta pots. We think they'd look great displayed on an outdoor plant rack.
With a deep reservoir tray, these inexpensive plant pots ensure you won't have to worry about needy plants wilting without frequent watering.
Use this versatile trough for herbs, as a window box, or even as an ice box for beers and wine bottles in the summer.
Once you've got your bigger planters sorted, layer up with some smaller ones like this to make a pretty eclectic display on the edge of your patio or garden steps.
For a European-style vibe, this roomy terracotta-style plant pot is the ideal accompaniment for fruit trees as well as your larger shrubs.
This is a great price for a set of three roomy planters — and you can paint or stain them however you like.
Make efficient use of outdoor space by installing this chic wall-mounted planter. You’ll need to use your own wall fixings.
