Shoppers return to garden centres with safety measures in place

Or normal as it could, at least, after the UK Government allowed gardening centres to reopen amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

Even three months ago, the sight of people wearing face masks while shopping for plants would have been alarming.

But that's the reality we now face while the coronavirus still spreads between us.

• See the latest coronavirus news here

At Walsall Garden Centre, everyone was pleased to see the shop reopen.

The business, on Sutton Road, was among gardening centres around the Black Country and nationwide to reopen their doors yesterday.

And there was a steady stream of customers that came to shop - but not a mass of queues as some had expected.

Shoppers felt confident coming to the gardening centre as long as safety measures were put in place. And the management team had ensured that there was.

The gardening centre had equipped all staff with face masks. Posters were also dotted around the site asking customers to stay two metres apart. A one-way walking system was also in place to keep customers at a safe distance.

Among those shopping along the aisles of plants was Kathy and John Bradley, both 68, from Walsall Wood.

The couple came to buy a Japanese Pagoda tree for their front garden. They were equipped with face masks.

Mr Bradley told the Express & Star: "Other places with garden centres, like B&Q, have been open for some time. So I don't understand the difference between those places and gardening centres like this.

"We are here shopping for plants. I'm after a Japanese Pagoda for our front garden."

Mrs Bradley added: "We knew people would keep their social-distancing here [before coming]."

The coronavirus outbreak has presented people with more free time while some are on furlough and others are working from home.

That has allowed couples like Paul and Donna Fisher, aged 47 and 41, from Walsall, to carry out bits of DIY to their gardens.

"That has been our task while Paul has been on furlough," said Mrs Fisher. "We are trying to do our garden up. We have come here to get the best quality products."

Paul added: "I think it's fine to shop here as long as people do social-distancing. I think that's important."

Liz and Pete Bull, both 66, from Walsall, were searching the aisles for bedding plants. The couple had just come from a funeral.

Mrs Bull felt safe shopping, but said: "I wouldn't have come if there were crowds.

"As long as people do social-distancing, it is fine."

She added: "I think it is a good idea to reopen gardening centres. I think gardens have become a bit of hobby for people."

Walsall Garden Centre is owned by Mark Clifton and run by Mark Litherland, who is a manager.

Mr Clifton, 45, from Great Barr, was glad to see his business reopen. He has been at the garden centre for three years.

"I was ready for it today," he said. "I have been waiting for quite a bit to reopen.

"I have heard about butchers and paper shops have been selling things like compost and plants.

"We are putting everything in place that we can think of to keep our customers safe."

Mr Litherland, who has been at the shop for 10 years, said staff were expecting for a busier turnout.

"It has been busier here," said Mr Litherland.

"Some customers have been hesitant that we may have been too busy. A phone call I have just received asked 'how busy are you?'. We have had a few calls like that this morning.

"We are pleased to reopen. So far, it seems good and things are going smoothly."

The Government has asked all gardening centres to ensure safety measures are in place for staff and customers amid the pandemic.

Lord John Gardiner, the Government's biosecurity minister, said: "We know that this time of year is crucial for the horticulture industry and are very aware of the impacts of coronavirus on the sector.

"Our decision to reopen garden centres and nurseries in a safe way, will allow businesses to sell their products directly to the public and in doing so bringing about wider benefits to consumers, especially for physical and mental wellbeing, which gardening can bring."