Garden Centres To Visit In Near Fair Oak, Eastleigh
Why not combine the beauty of nature with some light shopping and an enjoyable lunch with a visit to a local garden centre in Fair Oak, Eastleigh?
Explore the traditional plants and some exotic varieties on offer at your local garden centre. An idyllic day out for older people, embrace your green thumb or partake in some light shopping and round the morning off with a spot of lunch at one of our top four Garden Centres in and around Fair Oak, Eastleigh.
We’ve previously highlighted the importance of being social and getting out and about to combat loneliness in our other blogs, but a recent study conducted in Australia has shed light on the importance of gardening for the older generation. The study found that whether you were physically gardening, or simply ‘being’ in the garden and having a potter, direct contact with nature had a host of therapeutic benefits for the elderly.
In the UK we are blessed with some stunning gardens, so whatever the weather why not take the opportunity to explore some fantastic local garden centres, support some independent businesses and enjoy a peaceful and relaxing morning out. Take your senior friends or loved ones to one of the many garden centres that Fair Oak, Eastleigh has to offer, even if they don’t have a garden a potter around the shop and some windowsill succulents are sure to make them smile.
The Garden Society
Just outside of Fair Oak in Eastleigh, down Allington Lane is The Garden Society. This darling little spot is a modern take on a traditional garden centre, with a separate aquatics entrance for those looking to pass the time by admiring the many species of fish they have to offer – or for those with finned friends looking to acquire supplies.
Their ample parking and flat, spacious inside mean The Garden Society is a good haunt for those with any mobility issues, and from the carpark there is easy access to the garden centre portion, with some stylish home décor offerings such as Nordic kitchenware, candles, creams, and vases, through to the nursery section. Certain areas of the plants are undercover which is ideal for rainy days, but not all. The bathrooms are also outside, a very brief walk to reach, and they do have a disability bathroom.
The Orangery Tea House is ideal spot for a sit-down break, with a varied lunch menu which does include some cocktails, an afternoon tea which you do need to book in advance and a children’s menu so it’s perfect for a family outing. There is indoor and outdoor seating, both covered and uncovered in case the weather turns. The Orangery Tea House also has a range of tasty, homemade cakes which we do recommend trying, these are also available to takeaway if you would like a sweet treat later in the day.
In-excess
In-excess is a traditional Garden Centre and a paradise for those with a green thumb looking to nurture their garden space. Located on the Winchester Road, at Fair Oak in Eastleigh this garden-lovers haven really is in-excess.
The parking along with the centre itself is huge, primarily it is undercover outside, so if the rain does strike you will be safe. With a varied and wide array of plant offerings, those with a passion for planting will find their needs met.
They are dog friendly and do have the George Barclay’s Dog Lounge, a place to take your pup and enjoy a break with a tea or coffee. For this without four legged friends, there is The Glasshouse Restaurant, complete with a children’s menu and a delicious selection of homemade cakes.
Allington Nursery
Take a turn down Allington Lane, at Fair Oak in Eastleigh and you will find the Allington Nursery. With an extensive variety of plants available for purchase this green lover’s spot makes for a lovely morning or afternoon out.
Their café is currently under construction and although they are wheelchair accessible to an extent, at the entrance just let the staff know so they can lift the gate for you, there are some rooms that veer off from the main path which do have a small step.
Allington Nursery carpark also isn’t the largest, so it might be worth getting there earlier particularly on a weekend when it is more likely to be busy.
Brambridge Park Garden Centre
Perhaps the largest on our list, the Brambridge Park Garden Centre has expanded from indoor trinkets and décor to include clothes, local produce such as chutneys and bottles of beer and shoes. With a wide variety of indoor and outdoor plants on offer, (not all the outdoor area is covered), they also have the traditional offerings of compost, tools, and knowledgeable staff to help assist you with any enquiries.
Spaciously laid out and with a large carpark this is very mobility friendly, they also have two goat residents onsite for visitors to stop by and say hello to. There is a restaurant with a menu filled with homecooked meals and homemade scones and cakes. They are children friendly so if you do have little ones, they would enjoy seeing the goats and all the shop has to offer.
Although the English weather is unpredictable, a trip to a local garden centre is a great morning out in Fair Oak or Eastleigh, for seniors and their friends or carers. Mingle some light shopping with a spot of lunch or a cup of tea and browse the variety of plants both native and tropical, admire some fish or even meet some friendly goats with our list of garden centres to visit. Embrace the seasons in the garden and explore what decorations you can purchase in the lead up to holidays such as Halloween or Christmas.
If you are interested in learning more about care, companion visitors for your loved ones or friends then get in touch with us and find out more about what services Home Instead Central Hampshire have to offer.
