Garden centres are neighbourhood ‘social hubs’ claims study

Garden centres are regarded as the heart of communities in modern Britain, claims a report by the British Retail Consortium (BRC).
The study, called Retail in Society: Serving our Communities, was launched at a Parliamentary reception last month. MPs heard how garden centres play a vital role in binding their local society, with retailers now closely involved in community activities.
The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA), which had its members featured in the report, said it had seen “mounting evidence” of how the garden industry was playing a pivotal role in local life.
A probe found that 68 per cent of garden retailers took part in local charity fund-raising, 75 per cent participate in or promote community events and 67 per cent support school gardening activities.
HTA policy manager Gary Scroby said: “We are delighted that the garden industry has been acknowledged in the BRC report.
“Gardening is a popular hobby for one third of the UK population and brings communities together through gardening clubs, allotments, parks and green spaces.
“Our members have some great success stories working with local schools, charities and communities – and are now seen as a social hub in their neighbourhood,” Gary added.