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This is a totally independent GardenAction opinion of the
Riverside Garden Centre in
Bristol. The Riverside Garden Centre in Bristol was set up in
1987 as a co-operative garden centre. It is jointly run by the staff. As
far as we are aware there is only one other garden centre in the UK run
on this basis. The garden centre is run in a very professional manner
and it has the full commitment of the staff who ensure the plants are
first class and the environment is clean and tidy. This is the only
garden centre in the centre of Bristol. PLANTS
Riverside is a medium sized garden centre with the
outdoor plant area pleasantly designed with wide aisles.
At the far end of the plant area is a large awning which provides
shade for some of the plants in the summer.
The larger signs are acceptable for finding your way
round the plant area and the plants are often grouped by their best
position in the garden (shade, large, small, deciduous etc). The
smaller signs for individual plants are very helpful with lots of
information. Click the left hand picture to see clearly an example.
The range of plants is good for a garden centre of this size.
All the plants looked exceptionally well kept and in very good
condition. Most of the everyday plants were available plus a few
specialist areas such as a the wide range of acers shown in the
picture on the right. Dotted around were a few more unusual plants
such as large Ginger Lilies at �16.99 There was no hardy plant guarantee displayed which was a
bit disappointing. PRICES AT RIVERSIDE GARDEN CENTRE
The prices were average with the exception of the fruit trees
which were well above average.
Looking at the trees though (and after making enquiries), these
were 3 year old trees not the normal two year old trees which makes
the price about right.
Rose, 3 litre pot
�7.99 upwards
Common shrub (e.g. potentilla)
�6.99
Clematis
�7.99 upwards
Potted fruit tree (various rootstocks)
�27.99
Growmore, branded, 2.5kg
�3.99
Growmore, branded, 1.5kg
�2.60
Miracle Gro, soluble plant food, 1kg
�4.99
Evergreen Complete Lawn, 100 sq m
�10.99
Riverside Garden Centre, Bristol