Stockist Spotlight: Perrywood Garden Centres
Our retailers are such an important part of the eatsleepdoodle family! And, this month, we’re planting the spotlight firmly on another of our fantastic stockists - the blooming brilliant Perrywood Garden Centres!
Perrywood is an independent, family-owned garden centre and nursery run by the Bourne Family in Essex. What began as a small family nursery in the 1950s has since flourished into three award-winning garden centres – located in Tiptree, Sudbury and Buckhatch - all still proudly run by the Bournes today!
After nearly 70 years of experience, Perrywood has grown into a destination loved by locals and visitors alike, where gardening expertise, friendly service and a warm family spirit all come together!
With a mission to inspire everyone to bring more plants into their lives, Perrywood is all about creating memorable experiences, all whilst spreading joy in the community. From their legendary plant displays to their welcoming restaurants and unmatched gift selection, there’s truly something for everyone to enjoy… it’s no wonder Perrywood Tiptree holds the top spot on the Garden Centre Association’s league table!
We caught up with the brilliant Perrywood team to dig a little deeper into their story, their passion for plants and why eatsleepdoodle is right at home among the blooms. So, grab your gardening gloves, we’re digging into Perrywood!
Tell us a bit about your shop!
Perrywood Garden Centre is a family-run business with three locations across the South-East of England – our flagship store in Tiptree, Essex, second shop in Sudbury Suffolk, and our brand-new location in Buckhatch, Essex.
Simply put, our vision is to inspire people to get more plants in their lives!
The site sits next to Perry’s Wood, which lent its name to the business when current owner Alan Bourne’s parents, Mary and Les Bourne, bought the land in the 50’s, calling it ‘Perrywood Nurseries’. They started out growing potatoes and pick-your-own strawberries and grew from there!
After working for Colchester parks department, and seeing the supermarkets begin to take over the strawberry market, Alan Bourne returned to the family business and began selling plants from the front of the property.
Fast forward a few years to 1984, Alan and his wife Karin took over the nursery. Over the next 30 years they gradually grew the site into an award-winning garden centre which now attracts customers from all over Essex and further afield!
We sell a wide range of plants including ‘Grown at Perrywood’ and houseplants, along with gardening essentials, and a great array of other home & gift items!
Describe your shop in three words!
Potty about plants!
What’s your favourite thing about running a shop?
Hands down, it’s the people! Helping customers bring their visions to life is what makes it all worthwhile.
We love seeing so many customers walk through our doors, each with their own ideas and projects. It’s incredibly rewarding to inspire creativity - whether they’re transforming their garden or adding a unique touch indoors!
We’re always on the lookout for exciting new products to keep that inspiration flowing (and get more plants in everyone’s lives!).
In between the busy moments, what can we find you doing?
You’ll usually find me tidying up and restocking - especially in the children’s department, where things can get out of place in no time. We stock such an appealing range of children’s products that it’s near impossible for little fingers to resist picking them up!
I love keeping everything looking neat and inviting, so both children and adults have a great experience browsing.
What's your favourite colour and why?
My favourite colour would have to be green because it connects with nature and plants. I love that it comes in such an array of beautiful shades from mint to forest, and brings a fresh, calming feel to everything!
What do you and your customers love most about eatsleepdoodle?
What we really love about eatsleepdoodle is how they’re the perfect boredom-buster for parents! They’re small enough to pop in a bag for days out, and our customers love that they’re affordable, reusable and educational too! They’re such a brilliant alternative to handing over a screen, giving kids endless opportunities for creative fun wherever they are - whether that’s at home, on holiday, or out and about. Plus, they keep kids busy for hours!
What’s your favourite eatsleepdoodle product and why?
The colour-in Artie bears are fantastic - they really align with our goal of inspiring creativity! I love that, as they come in a range of different designs, including the plain colour-in & doodle bear, the creative options are endless!
If you could make your own colour in gift, what would it be?
I would have to say a tote bag, so I can show off my creativity by carrying it everywhere I go! I think it would be super fun to have something that is not only practical but also personalised to my style. A ‘potty about plants’ tote bag would really make us smile!
Where can people find you?
You can find us at:
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TIPTREE
Kelvedon Road, Inworth
Tiptree, Essex CO5 9SX |
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SUDBURY
Newton Road, Sudbury
Suffolk CO10 0PZ |
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BUCKHATCH
East Hanningfield Road, Essex
Chelmsford CM3 8EW |
Follow us on Instagram: @perrywoodgardencentres
Like our page on Facebook: Perrywood Garden Centres