Gardener branches out by opening innovative new shop for recycled tools and plants
An established Sleaford gardening business is branching out by opening an innovative new shop with a community element in the town centre.
Nick Wass has run N’s Happy gardens for 15 years but officially opened N’s Happy Garden Centre in partnership with friend Lewis Bates last week in a vacant unit in Bristol Arcade.
After researching the demand for such a service on social media and, after a Facebook poll, they discovered there were hundreds of potential local customers who struggled to reach out of town garden centres and DIY stores due to lack of transport and would appreciate something closer and affordable.
With recycling and sustainability in mind, they came up with the idea of stocking it with used garden tools in good working order along with a selection of home-propagated plants – both vegetable and flowers - from local growers.
Nick said they are inviting the community to donate unwanted, second-hand tools and equipment rather than throw them away. They can be re-sold to give them a second life with people who may struggle to afford new equipment or find it hard to reach the big chain stores.
Nick added: “Eventually we hope to grow into bigger premises and become the place where local people pick up their garden supplies.”
Lewis said they would also consider franchising their business model later down the line, opening in other locations in the county.
The mark their opening day, Mayor of Sleaford, Coun Dave Darmon officially opened the shop.
Upstairs will be the tools area while downstairs will be dedicated to plants, along with a range of garden ornaments, homemade cards and keyrings. People can drop their donations of tools at the shop or get in touch on 07894 687896 or 07391 793451 and they can collect locally.
Lewis said: “We will clean up and refurbish any tools ready for re-sale.”
He commented: “I have some tools that my grandparents used to use. They can be a lot more sturdy and reliable if you are happy to use heavier wooden handles and shafts.”
They have been supported with their two enterprises by an army of around 14 volunteers including Ally Lambert who has helped with marketing the business.
The gardening business has been an ideal source of stock, as they can recycle such things as customers’ unwanted old patio slabs lifted as part of a new landscaping scheme.
You can also get in touch via their Facebook, Tik Tok and Instagram pages.