Here’s why garden centres are closed during lockdown - and where you can buy compost, paint and other materials

On 23 March the government increased measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus, with certain businesses and venues instructed to close (Photo: Shutterstock)On 23 March the government increased measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus, with certain businesses and venues instructed to close (Photo: Shutterstock)
On 23 March the government increased measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus, with certain businesses and venues instructed to close (Photo: Shutterstock)

On 23 March the government increased measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus, with certain businesses and venues instructed to close. 

Those deemed as “non-essential” were required to close their doors until further notice - but does this include garden centres?

Here’s what you need to know.

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Are garden centres closed?

 The closure of “non-essential” businesses, including garden centres and nurseries, means that millions of plants, shrubs and trees could now be thrown out in the coming days and weeks. 

This could result in potential ruin for UK growers, with the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) asking the government for financial assistance of up to £250m in order to help the industry avoid collapse, reports the BBC.

The main assets of ornamental plant growers' are their inventory of plants - but according to the HTA, they are now facing a loss of almost their entire 2020 income.

Which businesses and venues remain open?

Supermarkets and other food shops

Medical services (such as dental surgeries, opticians and audiology clinics, physiotherapy clinics, chiropody and podiatry clinics, and other professional vocational medical services)

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Pharmacies and chemists, including non-dispensing pharmacies

Petrol stations

Bicycle shops