A CELEBRITY horticulturalist has cut the ribbon on Rugby’s new garden centre.
TV presenter David Domoney officially reopened Rugby Garden Centre at the former Dobbies site on Saturday (March 15).
David, known for TV shows including ITV’s Love Your Garden and This Morning, also gave a standing-room-only talk on the ideal plants for spring and offered garden inspiration for visitors to try at home.
British Garden Centres bought the site – on the Straight Mile near the A45 – following Dobbies’ closure at the end of January. The company has retained existing staff and renovated the centre’s restaurant, adding a carvery.
Martin Mayes, Centre Manager at Rugby Garden Centre, said: “We were delighted to welcome so many familiar and new faces during our reopening weekend, and we invite you to discover the magic for yourself.
“Whether you’re seeking inspiration for your garden, a relaxing afternoon, or simply a friendly chat, we’re here to make your visit a memorable one this spring and inspire you with some great garden and home ideas.”
David Domoney is a Fellow of the London Colleges of Horticulture, a Chartered Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Horticulture, a Fellow of the Warwickshire Colleges of Horticulture and a Fellow of the Linnean Society.
He is the mastermind behind two national British gardening campaigns and competitions – Cultivation Street’s Community and School gardening campaigns, and Young Gardeners of the Year.
He has received a total of 34 Royal Horticultural Society medals, including RHS Chelsea Flower Show Gold medals and Best in Show Trophies, for his gardens, floral displays, and scientific exhibits, which have appeared everywhere from Hampton Court Palace to BBC Gardener’s World Live.
British Garden Centres was launched in 1987 with the opening of Woodthorpe Garden Centre by brothers Charles and Robert Stubbs. Since 2018 it has expanded its portfolio to 72 stores.
