The group grows its own bedding plants to make into hanging baskets - and this year will produce more than 5,000 baskets for sale in its five centres in Dorset, Hampshire, Wiltshire and Warwickshire.
It also supplies its hanging baskets for sale at other garden centres throughout the south.
Group plant area co-ordinator Emma Green (pictured) said: “It takes a lot less water and time to maintain hanging baskets than garden beds, so for convenience – and because of the rising cost of water – many environmentally-aware people are focussing their efforts on baskets this year.
“And most people buy them pre-made, as complete baskets are better value for money than buying the components and making them up.”
This year’s production at focusses on using two or three colours – with red, white and blue being particular favorites – rather than traditional multi-coloured baskets.
Emma said: “For many people, using colour themes in the garden is becoming as important as using them in their homes.
“We still produce traditional wire and moss baskets, but most of our production is with rattan and plastic baskets, for their value.”
www.golden-acres-nursery.co.uk Picture by Phil Dowding
