Things are really growing at the popular Newgate Nurseries.
Having the community come back into the centre after a challenging couple of years has been great to see for Michael and Harriet Cookson. You can still buy a host of plants, seeds, ‘grow-your-own’ products and garden accessories with the push of a button – either for delivery to your door or click and collect at the nursery. “This is something born in lockdown that we will certainly continue,” says
Michael.
He’s also still posting video tutorials with detailed gardening advice relating to the relevant time of year on various subjects. His free expertise is worth watching. Michael is known for his encyclopaedic knowledge of plants – evident in the videos. Back in-centre, you will find new hanging basket workshops and wreath decorating events, which always prove popular.
Among garden lovers, Newgate stands out for its wide range of plants and expertise. It stocks many thousands of plants, shrubs and trees, most grown on the premises and suited to the local climate. Michael has a Myerscough College horticulture degree and a remarkable memory – hence his ability to advise. The third generation of the nursery’s family owners, he adds: “We offer great customer service. People bring in a leaf to ask what’s wrong with it – that personal touch makes us different.”
He also offers a free border design service. Give him a picture and basic details and he’ll design a border in front of your eyes, forming some of the nursery’s massive stock into a border to your measurements. Michael adds: “We have the widest range of plants in the area, nearly 10,000, and our prices are cheaper as we grow our own stock and pass savings on to the customer.”
Stock ranges from bedding plants, perennials and alpines to exotics and bamboos, climbing plants, fruit trees and vegetable products (they started in 1927 as a vegetable producer). They also have a huge range of pottery and new furniture arriving for summer 2023. Much of this again, available online. “People leave us happy. We have a loyal customer base, who return because we look after them,” said Michael.
