A list of those places which I have obtained plants/equipment from, with comments on my impressions of their quality and any special features.

Woodlands Garden Centre & Nurseries
Ashby Road, Stapleton, Leicestershire, LE9 8JE

I go here each year for my tub and basket plants - the beginning of February seems to be a good time, with a good range of surfinias, foliage plants, fuschias and basket geraniums. Plants are healthy and strong growing, and at reasonable prices - a decent discount is available for bulk buys. They even throw in a free tray!

I can also recommend their houseplant section, the herbaceous perennials and their range of consumables. And if it all gets too much, they have a very good cafeteria cum restaurant serving everything from sandwiches to hot meals and soft drinks to frothy hot chocolate. Well worth a visit, but leave plenty of time! Car parking can be busy on a weekend.

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I first came across Linda and her family at the Milton Keynes Bowl Garden Show held on the May Day Bank Holiday Weekend each year. They have an in depth knowledge of all things aquatic (well, plant matter any way) and marginal. Since we took their advice, we are the proud owners of an algae free pond, and blanket weed has not appeared for the last three years running.

The plants have all been very strong and healthy, and got off to a flying start in the pond. In fact, the waterlily on show in the background illustration was supplied by Waterside Nurseries.

Their range is extensive, with water lilies for all sizes of pond, marginals, oxygenators and floaters. Prices are very reasonable and competitive (I guess flowing from their supply direct, and not through a showroom). Visitors to the nursery are by appointment only, so make sure you see them at the various garden shows up and down the country.

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I mainly come to this village garden centre for their aquatic department, which keeps my 'ghost koi', goldfish and shubumkins well supplied with Tetra Pond Food. They stock fish, all the food types, chemicals and barley straw a pond could ever need, as well as filters, filter pads and pumps. Prices are reasonable, and there is always the rest of the garden centre to browse round. They have a small car park on the front, with one behind the building, or you can park just across the road in the village hall car park.

Click here to visit their website.