Toomers Garden Centre

	Click the picture to enlarge it.
	Toomers is a small to medium sized garden centre in Lydiard Millicent near Swindon. Is it the type of garden centre which suits you? Read on to find out.

This is a totally independent GardenAction review of Toomers Garden Centre in the Swindon area. Click any picture to enlarge it.

PLANTS

For this size of garden centre there was a good range of plants on offer. The majority of your plant needs would be satisfied by a visit to Toomers Garden Centre.

There was a good range of ornamental tree (see picture on right) and a good range of roses at very competitive prices

The signs in the outdoor plant area were sufficient to locate the plants you wanted. The majority of plants also had a cultivation guide, this helps when choosing plants.

There was no help centre which is not surprising given the size of the garden centre. But the staff were very helpful and knowledgeable.

The paths in the outdoor area were wide and free from obstructions. The majority were laid with gravel which might make pushing a wheelchair slightly difficult. The gravel was not deep though.

As the picture on the right shows, some of the plants area was undercover, great if it's raining

There was a "reductions" corner which looked good value. All the plants on display looked healthy and well cared for.

On site was a good selection of second hand caravans with a shop for caravanning accessories.

PRICES
The shopping bag test prices below indicate that prices are about average.

Rose, 3 litre pot	�6.99 upwards
Common shrub (e.g. potentilla, hebe)	�4.99
Clematis	�6.99 upwards
Runner Bean seeds (4m)	�2.75 (Mr Fothergills)
Multipurpose 75l	�3.99 (3 for �10) J Arthur Bowers
Fish, Blood and Bone, branded, 3kg	�3.99 Gem
Tomorite 1.25 litre	�2.99
Economy spade	�12.99 Yeoman
Stainless steel fork	�19.99 Yeoman

Pet Centre

The pet centre stocks a small range of pets, some unusual ones as the picture on the left illustrates. At the time of our visit there were also some rabbits.
The range of pet accessories is far larger than normal. The pet feeds were available in bulk quantities for a large range of pets. There were lots of feeds and accessories for horses and ponies.

Aquatics
At the time we visited there was a full range of aquatic feeds and accessories. The owner told us that a specialist Koi section with live fishes was planned for the end of February 2008.

House Plants

Inside there was a small selection of good quality and well kept house plants. Although there were too few to group by growing conditions, each plant had full cultivation details attached to it.
There was a small range of garden furniture available and a card and gift section.

DISABLED FACILITIES
Al the indoor areas were accessible by wheelchair. The same can be said of the outdoor area although most of it had a rough gravel surface.

TOILETS
Not tested

CAR PARKING
The car parking was fine, with lots of room and a flat surface.

DIRECTIONS AND CONTACT
The address is:
Toomers Garden Centre
Stone Lane
Lydiard Millicent
Swindon SN5 9LD

A map can be found HERE

Tel: 01793 771766
Email: sales@toomers.co.uk
Website: http://www.toomers.co.uk/

SUMMARY
Toomers Garden Centre has been in the same family for over 150 years so you can be sure they know what they are doing! This is a garden centre for gardeners and not for a days shopping. Having said that, the pets section was comprehensive.

The plants are all in good condition and fairly priced. We liked this garden centre, it had character and friendliness which is missing from so many modern garden centres. The majority of your garden needs can be found at Toomers so we wholeheartedly recommend a visit if you are in the area.

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