They have 2 centres, one is called ‘The Gardener’s Garden Centre’, here, Coolings focus on the plants and flowers. They grow over 70% of their own stock in their onsite nursery, so there is no need to import from elsewhere, which reduces the carbon footprint. When you go there, you find such a wide variety of plants and trees on offer, that it really is astonishing.
They have show gardens to display their ranges.
The second is their ‘Outdoor Inspiration Centre’ I recently got a chance to go there and was shown around by a very friendly, knowledgeable member of staff, I learned a lot from my visit, and also decided to go back with my son, as it is brilliant for any outdoor loving child! They sell the garden furniture, and other supplies here, as well as a few plants, but here is the place where you go to experience nature!
Using only recycled materials from their development venture, they have created a 6 acre Nature Trail, which displays local plant life, inhabited by all sorts of creatures. There are bird boxes, bat boxes and bug boxes stationed all over the place which encourage these ‘natives’ to flourish.
Coolings have their own Bee Hives that are kept by a skilled Keeper from The British Beekeeper’s Association. The honey they get from these Hives is sold in their shop.
As I mentioned before this place is ideal for kids to run around, enjoy themselves and learn about their natural surroundings, here are some pictures I took of more of the ‘recycled attractions’.
A Horse Swing! 
A Grass House 
A ‘Teepee’ Village 
(did you notice the bird boxes?)
These are Stag Beetle homes 
Coolings hold workshops where you can learn how to make the many different types of ‘animal boxes’ that you see around the trail, there are also ‘bug hunts’ Falconry lessons, flower arranging and much more, go here to see what is coming up Events.
Towards the end of the trail, you will come across the lakes, which contribute to Coolings being 80% self sufficient. The water is used to irrigate their crop and is another great example of their sustainability commitment which is clear in most of their practices, go here to see more of their good ‘green’ practices Helping The Environment.
Given Coolings commitment to the Environment and Sustainability, it should come as no surprise that they have happily joined our team for the Hampton Court Flower Show, supplying us with a beautiful range of plants for the show. Please come back to the blog, and visit our main website at http://www.floralandhardy.co.uk/ to keep up to date with our progress.
Blog Soon!!
Beth
