Local garden centre proves to be a blooming success

Submitted by on Fri, 6.06.08

A garden nursery in Shotley Bridge, Co Durham has opened its doors to both trade and the public due to the support of Derwentside District Council’s Emerge Business Start-up Scheme. Thoburns Plant World opened to wholesale and retail customers earlier this year following the renovation of an existing site in the village and is proving to be a roaring success with customers.

Owner Lynsey Thoburn said, “The response from customers has been absolutely fantastic.  We are thrilled that the business has got off to a flying start.  I must pass on thanks to the council for their support as we could not have commenced trading without it.  A special mention should go to Gillian Khachikian, the Emerge Business Business Adviser who offered us advice and grant support”. 

Lynsey and partner Barry Brown bought an existing garden centre in Shotley Bridge that was in need of renovating and updating and spent the winter months improving the site.  After approaching Emerge for business advice they were offered a grant which allowed Lynsey to purchase the much needed heaters so that they could continue planting throughout the cold weather.  

Gillian Khachikian commented, “When Lynsey first approached Emerge for support I could see that her business had great growth potential. I am pleased that things are going well for the nursery and I wish the business every success for the future.”

Thoburns supplies plants and hanging baskets to trade markets but has also taken the opportunity to develop the business and open to the general public.  The site has 4 large poly tunnels and outdoor displays of exotic trees, plants, shrubs, hanging baskets and more, Lynsey added, “We hope to continue to develop the site with plans to add more tunnels and a glass house to the 5 acre nursery.  I would like to thank my father for the help and support he has given me in setting up this new business.  His experience and knowledge of the horticultural industry has been a valuable asset.”

The centre, which is open to the public, also has a large pond with seating area for visitors to enjoy refreshments.  Thoburns recently donated bedding plants to every child at Shotley Bridge Children’s Nursery to encourage the children to understand more about their environment.