Photos and video: independent garden centre in West Sussex village celebrates third anniversary

Garden Thyme, which can be found on London Road, sells a large range of indoor and outdoor plants, pots and gifts.

Natalie Kelly from the centre said: “We’re celebrating our third year of being open. We sell a wide range of trees, shrubs, perennials, and bulbs. Come along and have a look for yourself.”

The business is open from 9am to 5pm Mondays to Saturdays and on Sundays from 10am to 4pm.

David James, the owner of Garden Thyme, told the Middy that he has always been involved with growing plants.

He said: “My parents and grandparents were nurserymen and so it’s in the blood. As a teenager I spent my time on my allotment rather than kicking a football in the park. This lead to a career in horticulture and running Allwoods Nursery, famous for Pinks and Carnations.”

David said he opened the garden centre three years ago because he felt that most garden centres have ‘just become retail stores that also have plants’.

He said: “We’re a bit different as we focus almost entirely on plants. Having grown up in horticulture I have many friends who also run nurseries and that helps me to find good quality plants if there are ones we don't grow ourselves.

“Our philosophy is that gardening shouldn’t be completed. There’s lots things that people are told that gives everyone the impression that it is. In reality if you start with good quality well grown plants and give them a little care there’s no reason why anyone can’t have a beautiful garden or windowsill with something interesting on it. We’re always happy to give advice to help people select the right thing for the space they want to fill.”