Forum Topic

Syon Park garden centre has reopened.

In case you didn’t know already, thought I’d pass on the news.

Julie Mitchell ● 2011d16 Comments

Oh that's good to know! I like it there. Is it still Wyevales?

Jill Merrett ● 2010d

www.hillier.co.uk

Philippa Bond ● 2010d

Thank you Julie, pleased to hear this, and thanks for sharing

Claudia Jachtmann ● 2010d

I think this deserves a front page article and I am surprised there isn't one.Good news none the less.All we need now is some decent rain.Apparently we have only had nine percent of average rainfall for the time of year. Not good, not good at all.

Adrian Irving ● 2010d

What excellent news for all gardeners in West London.  We are starved of anywhere decent to buy stuff.  Just the useless Osterley, which devotes more space to trashy trinkets than garden plants. I well remember the opening of Syon in the 80s, which brought a feature on BBCtv, fronted by Alan Titchmarsh.  There was an old guy with a shed in the middle of the rows of plants, there to offer advice to anyone.  Then Wyevale took over, and ruined it.  Once again, trashy ornaments, with gardening taking second place.  Now at last a decent gardening company has taken over.

David Darlow ● 2010d

Syon was indeed excellent once - I too remember  the plantsman though all the staff were pretty knowledgable back then. They would also source plants for you  if they didn't have them. A far cry from Wyevale which I too think barely qualifies as a garden centre. Does anyone have any experience of Hillier? I've not come across them before.

Bruce Hammal ● 2010d

From what I saw when I was there yesterday, they have a fabulous selection and the staff were all very friendly and helpful.

Julie Mitchell ● 2010d

Well that's some good news anyway - thanks for that.We were planning a visit to Squires or Adrian Hall soon but we'll probably give the new-look Syon a whirl.

Bruce Hammal ● 2010d

I'm going tomorrow and looking forward to a pleasant experience, especially after the positive reviews on here

Loraine Pemberton ● 2010d

My mother always used Longacre and Hilliers on the A30 near Bagshot and both had excellent plants.  Longacre are going down the trashy route but Hilliers have/had a good reputation particularly for trees and shrubs.I shall visit Syon this week.

Elizabeth Ross ● 2010d

Went yesterday and it was a good experience.  All the plants were in top condition and a good variety.  The bedding plants were excellent and an average price.  Lots of veggies and tomatoes ready for planting out.The fruit trees were really good but a limited number and they were still putting out new stock of perennials.  These were not cheap but for quality of large specimen plants of 5 to 7 feet and largely imported, to be expected.  A fantastic display of shaped bay trees from Italy, tip top condition but v. expensive.That also had a very good display of pots in various sizes and colours.The internal space was huge and stock still being unpacked.Coffee to be had in and outside courtyard but when they have finished the clock tower cafe/restaurant (still under construction) it will be a nice place for lunch.So nice to go to a civilised and spotless place with lots of space to browse.  Long may it last.

Elizabeth Ross ● 2009d

My wife, who does several local show-gardens, is off there today for a recce (many thanks Julie for the heads-up)..Syon has been sorely missed.  Wisley's fab but a bit far for weekly trips..(Wheelers is also wonderful and a great local asset)

Stuart Kerr ● 2009d

In my excitement to report on the return of Syon, Stewart’s response reminds me that the plant market on CHR is back this weekend and they were promising a big variety from the Columbia Road stall holders and many others. There is room for lots of initiatives like this and given the difficulties experienced by so many over the last 18 months our support is much needed and very welcome.As you won’t be using a car, I believe that those who buy more than they can carry will be assisted to get their purchasers home.  Perhaps Karen can confirm the details for us.

Elizabeth Ross ● 2009d

Oh dear, I see that I have opted for the wrong spelling of Stuart’s name.  mea culpa.

Elizabeth Ross ● 2009d

Hilliers have been nurserymen for about a century and have a very good reputation, especially for trees and shrubs.  I was at Syon yesterday and they had a good selection of plants, pots, etc. Prices about average for a proper garden centre as opposed to supermarket and several offers available for multiple buys. Coffee in the courtyard was good.  The garden shop had all the usual tools, seeds, etc. The other big area, which was full of 'gifty' stuff before, had what looked like a careful selection of things of better quality.  What was nice was that everything was spaced out, but that may change once the regulations allow. Definitely worth going to. Alas, the old man in the shed hasn't (yet) reappeared, but the staff were helpful and friendly. It's a much nicer environment than the one at Osterley. I wish Hillier's luck and hope they thrive there.

Liz Thornton ● 2009d

I also liked the fact that a lot of the plants appeared to be home grown, i.e. UK, and in peat-free compost. We need to avoid importing things we can grow in this country, to reduce the risk of importing pests and diseases.

Liz Thornton ● 2009d