Shoppers should avoid big name stores when buying for the garden, according to new research from consumer champion Which? Gardening.

Britain’s largest garden centre chain Wyevale* was the worst rated specialist gardening retailer to feature in the survey, performing only slightly better than Homebase, Tesco and Focus – ranked bottom of the table.  All were criticised by Which? members who found it difficult to track down staff, whose knowledge then left a lot to be desired. 

Large, independent garden centres came out on top, with Coolings in Kent voted favourite gardening outlet by Which? members.  RHS Wisley (Surrey), Aylett Nurseries (Hertfordshire) and Chessington Garden Centre (Surrey) followed closely behind.  All five were praised for the range and quality of stock and helpful, knowledgeable staff.
However, it’s not all bad news for big name stores.  Morrisons and Marks and Spencer were rated much higher than their chain store rivals.  M&S were praised for the quality of plants and excellent after sales service, while those who had shopped at Morrisons appreciated the good quality seasonal bargains like bedding plants and seeds.

Ceri Thomas, editor of Which? Gardening, says:
“While it would be unfair to expect those working in a supermarket or DIY store to know much about plants, it’s shocking that Britain’s largest garden centre chain and its staff scored so badly in our survey.

“Supermarkets and DIY stores can provide value for money, but for the widest choice and staff who know about their products, head down to your local independent garden centre.”
* Wyevale’s parent company changed its name to The Garden Centre Group Trading Limited last year.
In May and June 2009, 6222 Which? online panel members completed a survey on garden centres and shops.  Which? Gardening asked them to rate retailers they’d bought plants and/or garden related products from in the last 12 months.
6222 people responded with information on how satisfied they were with up to three outlets and how likely they were to recommend each one.  Which? experts combined these ratings to give 53 retailers a Which? customer score.

For each retailer, customers were also asked to rate them in terms of quality, range and price of goods stocked; staff and store environment; how well retailers handled complaints; after sales services and café/restaurant facilities.

Outlet  Customer score
(Average score was 55%)
Coolings – Kent 89%   
RHS Wisley Plant Centre – Surrey        82%   
Aylett Nurseries – Hertforshire 79%   
Chessington Garden Centre – Surrey      79%   
Scotsdales – Cambridgeshire     78%   
Wyevale (The Garden Centre Group Trading ltd)   49%   
Tesco   47%   
Homebase        46%   
Focus   46%   

Reader offer: For a free copy of the Which? guide “Grow Your Own Vegetables” and free packets of Tuscan Salad seed and Basil seed please call 0800 389 88 55 and quote VEG75F.