Which Norfolk and Waveney garden centres are reopening?

Wymondham Garden Centre's car park has been spaced out using pallets for social distancing. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2020)

From Wednesday, May 13, people will be permitted to visit centres across the region, a welcome change in the eyes of the horticultural industry.

All garden centres initially closed on March 23 when a widespread lockdown was first announced by the prime minister amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Businesses have since lost millions of pounds of income, with customers unable to visit during the peak season.

Notcutts Garden Centre in Norwich is reopening. Picture: Archant (Image: Archant Norfolk 2016)

Despite relevant information being omitted from the new 50-page guidance document published on Monday, the government has clarified that people are now allowed to visit garden centres.

MORE: ‘It’s emotionally hard’ - Garden centre boss on surviving lockdown

Wymondham Garden Centre is among those reopening on Wednesday, with strict social distancing measures in place and a limit on the number of customers in the store at any one time.

Staff at the tills at the Wymondham Garden Centre are protected by screens. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2020)

On Tuesday they trialled a ‘soft’ opening to test the effectiveness of their new restrictions.

Gary Groucott, who owns the centre alongside his wife, Brenda, said: “It has been a very strange time, but we have managed to get through.

“We’ve kept thing going with a click and collect service but of course it is nowhere near the volume we are used to. We’ve had to adapt very quickly but we’ve always prided ourselves on being able to change.

Owner Gary Groucott with some of his staff at Wymondham Garden Centre. Gary has introduced changes to ensure social distancing as they open to the public. From left, Alice Cowdry, Fay Leveridge, and Steph Ramm. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2020)

“All the staff are a little bit nervous but the soft opening has eased us back into it.”

Cherry Lane is reopening all four of its centres in Norfolk and Waveney, and is working to ensure the two-metre distancing rules are followed.

Gemma Ellis, a supervisor at the store in Pulham Market, near Diss, added: “There are floor markings all over the centre and we will only be operating every other till.

Moulton Nurseries Plant Centre is reopening after the government eased its coronavirus lockdown restrictions. Picture: David Smith (Image: Archant)

“Our staff are feeling good about reopening and obviously keeping their distance from each other as well.

“It’s been a difficult time but hopefully, with another bank holiday at the end of the month, we are going to be busy.”

The full list of garden centres reopening (May 13 unless stated) in Norfolk and Waveney is as follows:

Gary LeGrys at the Wymondham Garden Centre's entrance as a one-way system is introduced and customers take a sanitised trolley around the centre to ensure social distancing. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2020)

• Wymondham Garden Centre

• Cherry Lane, Carlton Colville

• Cherry Lane, Long Melford

Wymondham Garden Centre Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2020)

• Cherry Lane, Pulham Market

• Cherry Lane, Fritton

• Diss Garden Centre

Moulton Nurseries Plant Centre is reopening after the government eased its coronavirus lockdown restrictions. Picture: David Smith (Image: Archant)

• Toftwood Garden Centre

• Green Pastures, Bergh Apton

• Thetford Garden Centre

Wymondham Garden Centre owner Gary Groucott, who has made changes to ensure social distancing, such as two metre markings as the centre is open to the public. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2020)

• Taverham - opening soon

• Sprowston Garden Centre

• Notcutts, Norwich

A large wide aisle has been created with two metre markings leading the customers to the tills at the Wymondham Garden Centre. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2020)

• Downham Garden Centre

• Holt Garden Centre - opening soon

• Mousehold Garden Centre

• Salhouse Garden Centre

• Highway Garden and Leisure, Framingham Pigot

• Garden Centre Overstrand - Saturday, May 16

• Didlington Nurseries

• North Walsham - Monday, May 18

• Homestead Nurseries, Norwich - Friday, May 15

• Woodgate Nursery, Aylsham - Tuesday, May 19

• Three Willows, Bungay

• Lound Garden Centre

• Urban Jungle, Costessey

• Urban Jungle, Beccles - Friday, May 15

• Bawdeswell Garden Centre

• Moulton Nurseries Plant Centre

• Peter Beales Roses, Attleborough

• Fakenham Garden Centre

• Corners Nursery Dereham, Hoe

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