Dobbies Garden Centre, Newcastle
 

This is a totally independent GardenAction opinion of Dobbies Garden Centre in Ponteland, Newcastle. Click any picture to enlarge it.

PLANTS

This garden centre is on the large size but the space devoted to outdoor plants is comparatively small. The layout an uninteresting criss-cross of paths with no central or side displays. But those paths are wide and free of obstructions making it easy for wheelchair users to get round. Some parts were covered but the majority was open to the elements.

We were surprised at the total lack of overhead signs to help you find the plants you wanted. The layout of the plants appeared to be almost random. Indeed, there was an area of plants at the far end of the outdoor area which we almost missed altogether. In smaller plants areas this is not a problem because it encourages wandering round. But at this garden centre, the opposite was true, for us at least.

The picture above shows the Dobbies five year hardy plant guarantee, the best in the garden centre business. On the right, the picture shows the outdoor help centre. This is normally manned and contains lots of useful reference material to help you check out the preferences of individual plants.

The plants were of good quality and well-watered. There were no outstanding specialist areas at this garden centre although there was an unusually good selection of conifers. Oh yes, and masses of pots!

PRICES
The prices at this Dobbies were about the industry average. A good "four for £10" on general purpose compost countered a rather expensive £7.99 for a hebe.

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