UK garden centre collapses into administration – opened in 2018 | UK | News
Garden center open since 2018 (Image: Getty)
After eight years of operation, a garden center has gone into administration. Leaf Creative, based in Huntley, Gloucestershire, went into administration last Friday (February 27) and now has new owners.
The center was founded in 2018 by award-winning garden designer Peter Dowle. It sells a variety of plants, offers garden design and landscaping services, and has a café called The Fernery. The garden center also has an online shop, promoting local produce and focusing on the production of 100% peat-free compost.
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However, the company appointed Brett Lee Barton and David Meldrum of BK Plus Limited as joint administrators following the bankruptcy. Leaf Creative has been confirmed to be publicly traded and is currently owned by Blue Diamond Garden Centres.
Leaf Creative lists a range of services on its website, including plant shop, garden design, garden construction and tree activity hire. The Fernery, which is open from Monday to Saturday, sells hot and cold foods as well as a variety of beverages.
The garden center hosts events, lectures and workshops throughout the year. These include terrarium making, wreath making, monthly “Leaflings” kids clubs and gardening talks.
The Leaf Creative website says: “Leaf Creative is the place to find gorgeous, unusual plant specimens that can add structure, color and texture to your garden. We pride ourselves on stocking specialty plants rarely found in a traditional garden centre.”
“Leaf Creative at Hunley originated from our founding nursery in Howle Hill and has grown from there. We are still nurturing and growing the ‘big idea’. We source and grow incredible plants and create ever-changing new spaces for people to experience at their leisure.”
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Leaf Creative in Gloucestershire is under new ownership (Image: Google Maps Street View)
“We also provide a place to meet and discuss your garden projects directly with our designers. Leaf Creative has a real sense of personality, where horticultural and landscaping expertise combines with inspiring garden design.”
The garden center also has many positive reviews on Facebook. One person said it was “no ordinary garden centre” as it had a “fabulous atmosphere” and sold “fabulous plants”.
Another agreed: “Great plants, well presented in a beautiful setting. The cafe is really nice and realistically priced. The shop had great plant related products and garden accessories. Will definitely be back.”
Blue Diamond Garden Centers is one of the largest garden center groups in the UK. It currently operates 52 facilities and employs approximately 4,700 staff.
The company started as a fruit seller in the Channel Islands in 1904. It has since moved into retail horticulture but is still managed in Guernsey.
Blue Diamond Garden Centers has been approached for comment.
