Episode: #10 4/11/06
Presenter: Deane Boone

Getting the right advice is essential in creating a sustainable and healthy garden. Your local garden centre is one of the best places to get professional garden advice. Publications, like the Yates Garden Guide, are also bibles to every gardener.

All gardeners are friendly and the staff at your local garden centre will be too. The most common questions asked, are about how to create a beautiful and drought tolerant garden. For Dean that is great news, it means the message out, about how to garden within water restrictions.

One of the most popular features of any garden centre is their displays. They are set up to give you ideas about how to make your garden work. If you are not sure, ask the staff questions on how you can take the ideas home.

Garden centres are much more than just plants, they can give you great advice about indoor gardening, the latest in garden furniture and how to achieve a simple and relaxed lifestyle. All garden centres are bursting with ideas for you to take home.

Demonstrations are also something to catch. You can learn everything from potting up herbs to caring for your lawns. Garden centres are as much about education as they are about selling you the right plant for the right place in your garden.

Some centres even offer personal shopping. This means you can have the undivided attention of qualified and trained staff to assist you with your garden. You will find the investment valuable and worthwhile, and your garden will show the results.

The larger garden centres also offer education courses. This is where you can get your hands dirty and learn a little more about the wonderful world of gardening. There are a huge range of courses on offer, so check them out.

Garden centres have a wealth of experience and The Garden Gurus website is also a fantastic place to ask that nagging garden question. Between us we have a broad range of skills, with horticulture as the backbone, so why not join the Garden Gurus Club and get that problem solved.

The 2007 Yates Nursery and Garden Industry Awards are soon to be judged. These national awards will be another way for you to locate a quality, professional garden centre. Keep your eyes open for the award winners in your local area.