Mill Race Nursery

I popped into this centre yesterday and was extremely disappointed with what I saw and my personal experience.
Granted, the shop itself had a good variety of reasonably priced products (along with the usual selection of garden centre tat) which catered for a whole range of budgets and tastes. However, once through the shop (negotiating the rather odd layout from a centre which has clearly grown organically), you eventually find the plant area which is where a nursery should be at it’s strongest.
Whilst there was a vast range of plants, the condition of most was appalling. Why anyone would buy living goods from this centre when it is clear the plants are not looked after is a mystery. There was disease everywhere and many were insufficiently watered mainly because of the poor irrigation system. Surely a working nursery is aware of these things and knows how to grow properly? There were maybe half a dozen different types of plant which I would consider saleable, the rest were good for nothing but the skip. (And, for the record, I have worked in the horticulture industry for nearly 20 years so this is an honest assessment, not an embittered scathing attack for the sake of it it was the first time I’ve ever seen such prevalant powdery mildew on Dahlias!)
Then, to cap off what was a fruitless visit, I decided to pop into their coffee shop. Again, like the shop, it was smart and clean, though rather small. As time was short, I only stopped for a coffee and cake. Imagine my disgust to be charged up front when everyone else in the shop paid upon leaving. It made me feel like a second class citizen and was frankly disgusting.
If you are looking for good quality plants or friendly service, avoid this place like the plague. There are many other good garden centres in the area, all offering better plants and an equally good range.

One of the few independent garden centres in the area, Mill Race is a treasure trove of plants, ornaments and pets. The main store has recently been refurbished, giving a first impression even better than that of the excellent Wyvale Garden Centre up the road. As other reviewers have mentioned, the silk flower department is astonishing I honestly believed it to be a live flower shop until I actually touched the goods! The on-​site café is excellent, serving delicious cakes and good hot drinks. Parking is ample and disabled bays are available. In all, one of the best garden centres in the area five stars.

Wonderful Garden Centre that sells not only plants but garden furniture, accessories, silk flowers (which you would think were real) and other assorted household fripparies.
They are reknown for their Christmas Displays with themed rooms fully decorated.
They have a lovely tea room which gets very busy — so allow plenty of time if you are eating there. Jacket Potatoes, Homemade Soups, Sandwiches and Hot meals are all available as well as scrumptious cakes and biscuits.
Well worth a visit but it can be pricey.