Recommend a garden centre

angeldaisy

Basically I'm looking for a large garden centre that I can get some ideas from, tend to buy locally, but they are limited stock.
I'm looking for inspiration and find that in the specialised garden centres they often have ideas on layouts and new plants etc....
I'm based in Limerick, but have no problem travelling.

Anatom

I know they're expensive compared to others, but I don't think you can really beat Johnstown Garden Centre near Naas - less than two hours up the motorway from you these days. Everything I have ever bought from them has been top class. I find that when I buy cheap, the plants don't last very long, or they aren't as well developed.

Mind you, I wouldn't buy any barbecues or gardening equipment from them - they are very expensive.

Overall though, the experience, the service, the advice you can get from them is top class. (I have absolutely no affiliation with them in any way, by the way)

tommycahir

Anatom wrote: »

I know they're expensive compared to others, but I don't think you can really beat Johnstown Garden Centre near Naas - less than two hours up the motorway from you these days. Everything I have ever bought from them has been top class. I find that when I buy cheap, the plants don't last very long, or they aren't as well developed.

Mind you, I wouldn't buy any barbecues or gardening equipment from them - they are very expensive.

Overall though, the experience, the service, the advice you can get from them is top class. (I have absolutely no affiliation with them in any way, by the way)

In a similar vein to Johnstown garden centre is the arboretum in Carlow - http://www.arboretum.ie/

Anatom

Actually, Tommy's right - that's another very good spot!

Closer to Limerick, there's a good garden centre in Dundrum, Co. Tipperary just out the road to Cashel (or at least there was a while back...)

Zuiderzee

Anatom wrote: »

I know they're expensive compared to others, but I don't think you can really beat Johnstown Garden Centre near Naas - less than two hours up the motorway from you these days. Everything I have ever bought from them has been top class. I find that when I buy cheap, the plants don't last very long, or they aren't as well developed.

Mind you, I wouldn't buy any barbecues or gardening equipment from them - they are very expensive.

Overall though, the experience, the service, the advice you can get from them is top class. (I have absolutely no affiliation with them in any way, by the way)

Totally in agreement, I get a lot of stuff online and delivered, have ordered from pretty muchh all of them over the years and by far Johnstown give the best service

lottpaul

Depending on which part of Limerick you're in Shanahans Garden Centre in Farranfore, Kerry might be of interest. It's also very big and does a lot of business in the area. The plants are reasonably priced and they have a good range but if you want to have a chat ring them first just to make sure that some of the horticulturists are there. Lots of furniture, ornaments etc too if you like that sort of stuff
It's about an hour and a quarter from the Adare end of the Limerick Bypass - just follow the signs for Killarney and when you get to Farranfore turn right for Tralee and its about 1km on the left.

Liscahane near Ardfert (Tralee) and especially Ballyseedy are also good, but a bit more in the Johnstown Garden Centre style if you prefer that.

Silvics

For a variety of occasionally unusual plants at really good prices try Quinns garden center in Shannon-take the turn to Smithstown and its next to the recycling centre. Their old place is on the former main road north of the motorway -exit Drumline.
I find their prices fantastic and usually pick up some choice tree or shrub. Pat and Margaret are very knowledgeable about plants and can get you anything you may need.
Vaughan's in Gort Road industrial estate have a great range of choice plants and Mulqueens in Orchard Lane(head out Miltown Malbay Road thru the first roundabout and take the next/3rd left up a steep hill and it's on the right 70 m from turn).

touts

Johnstown has a good selection but is crazy expensive. I've seen trees there that were three times more expensive than elsewhere (Dundrum). In contrast Dundrum has a very good selection of trees and bushes but not smaller plants for bedding etc. I like the selection of small plants in the coutrylife (Dove Hill) or plantsplus (clonmel) centres but they can be expensive especially Clonmel. Have never really come across somewhere that would be my go to for pots and hard landscaping stuff. Shopping around is the order of the day.

Ophiopogon

Yeah I would agree re the price of Johnstown. I've ordered online and in store and the service/product is good but for me just a bit too pricey.

There is a good nusery just past there in Caragh (Caragh nurseries) best prices I've seen so far. Most 2L plants €3.50. One of favorite garden centres is actually Johnstown Cabinteely (no connection to above one I think). Although maybe not worth the travel up.

If cost is an issue you're better to find a good local nursery.