Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Garden Centre in Southwell
Established in 1946, Reg Taylor's Garden Centre has evolved from a small nursery into a renowned 25-acre destination offering horticultural expertise, retail excellence, and unique attractions. Our family-run business combines decades of horticultural knowledge with a commitment to quality, evidenced by our Gold Medal-winning heritage and the creation of the award-winning Swan Sanctuary. We provide comprehensive gardening solutions, from plant selection to landscape design, alongside seasonal displays, a licensed restaurant, and specialist garden machinery services. Our fourth-generation team maintains rigorous standards in plant cultivation, retail presentation, and customer service. The Swan Sanctuary, developed through meticulous landscaping, now stands as Nottinghamshire's top 10 tourist attraction.Our Tea Rooms offer freshly prepared meals using local produce, while The Mower Shop provides expert sales and servicing of garden equipment since 1988. This integrated approach ensures we meet diverse customer needs while maintaining our reputation for excellence. Our history of overcoming challenges, from post-war supply shortages to strategic relocations, demonstrates our adaptability and entrepreneurial spirit. Today, we continue innovating with seasonal displays, curated gift selections, and community-focused events that enhance our customers' gardening experiences.
Services
Garden Plants
Nursery Stock
Outdoor Furniture
Swan Sanctuary
Tea Rooms
Mower Shop
House Plants
Garden Sundries
Homeware
Gift Vouchers
Details
- Year established: 1946
Highlights and features
- We offer 75+ years of horticultural expertise and Gold Medal-winning heritage
- Our award-winning Swan Sanctuary combines conservation with visitor enjoyment
- Fourth-generation family team provides expert gardening advice and service
- Integrated garden centre, restaurant, and machinery services under one roof
- We maintain rigorous quality standards across all products and visitor experiences
What people say
Beautiful displays
Knowledgeable staff
Excellent plant quality
Enjoyable dining
Well-maintained facilities
Services
Garden Centre
Our 25-acre garden centre offers extensive plant selections, outdoor living products, and gardening essentials. We provide expert horticultural advice and curated seasonal displays. The centre combines retail excellence with educational opportunities for gardening enthusiasts.
Swan Sanctuary
This 9-acre sanctuary features five lakes, rare plant species, and protected swan habitats. We maintain landscaped pathways and host conservation-focused events. The sanctuary offers educational visits and photographic opportunities in a tranquil setting.
Tea Rooms
Our licensed restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and afternoon tea using locally sourced ingredients. The menu features homemade dishes and traditional British fare. We offer indoor and outdoor dining with seasonal themed events.
Mower Shop
Specialist retailer of lawnmowers, tractors, and garden equipment since 1988. We offer sales, servicing, and repairs with expert technical support. The shop provides spare parts and maintenance advice for all machinery types.
Nursery Stock
Comprehensive nursery offering trees, shrubs, and ornamental plants with expert cultivation advice. We maintain high-quality growing standards and seasonal plant selections. The nursery supports both retail customers and trade clients.
People
Richard Taylor
Managing Director
Overseeing business development for 40 years, Richard has expanded the garden centre while maintaining family traditions. He manages daily operations and strategic growth initiatives.
Mark Taylor
Retail Operations
Joining in 1982, Mark developed the Swan Sanctuary and manages retail displays. He combines landscaping expertise with customer service excellence across the garden centre operations.
Paul Taylor
Display Designer
Horticultural graduate Paul joined in 1985, creating award-winning seasonal displays. He manages product presentation and visual merchandising standards across all retail areas.
Helen Barry
Finance Director
Handling financial operations since 1990, Helen manages accounting systems and business administration. She ensures financial compliance while supporting strategic decision-making processes.
George Barry
Operations Assistant
Working full-time since completing studies, George supports both retail and finance operations. He assists with inventory management and customer service across multiple business areas.
Questions
What are your opening hours?
We're open Monday to Saturday 10:00-17:00, Sunday and Bank Holidays 10:00-16:30.
Do you offer gardening advice?
Our experienced team provides expert horticultural advice for all plant and garden needs.
Can I buy gift vouchers?
Yes, we offer both physical and electronic gift vouchers in various denominations.
Is the Swan Sanctuary included with garden centre entry?
The Swan Sanctuary is part of our main garden centre and included in general admission.
Do you have dining facilities?
Our licensed Tea Rooms serve breakfast, lunch, and afternoon tea daily with indoor and outdoor seating.
Can I get garden machinery serviced?
The Mower Shop provides servicing, repairs, and spare parts for all garden machinery types.
