Business Details
45 Years
experience
Your Trusted Garden Centre in Cambridge
Established in 1981, Oakington Garden Centre has been passionately owned and operated by the Sadler family for over four decades. Our journey began as a modest plant nursery and has evolved into a comprehensive garden centre offering an extensive range of plants, gardening products, and expert advice. We pride ourselves on combining traditional horticultural values with modern sustainability practices, including our own plant nursery that reduces carbon footprint through localised growing and rainwater irrigation.The centre also features the Olive Tree Caf, serving homemade dishes sourced from local suppliers, and hosts community-focused events like our annual pollination festival. With three generations actively involved in operations, we maintain a commitment to quality, customer service, and environmental stewardship, ensuring both seasoned gardeners and beginners receive tailored support for their gardening needs.
Services
Garden plants
Plant nursery
Caf services
Local delivery
Community events
Details
- Year established: 1981
Highlights and features
- We have been family-run since 1981 with three generations actively involved.
- Our on-site nursery grows plants sustainably using rainwater irrigation.
- Expert staff provide tailored advice for all gardening skill levels.
- The Olive Tree Caf serves homemade dishes with locally sourced ingredients.
- We host educational events promoting pollinator conservation and sustainability.
Services
Garden plants
We offer an extensive selection of plants including perennials, bedding plants, shrubs, and specialty collections like pollinator-friendly and wildflower ranges. Our plants cater to modern gardening trends while preserving traditional favourites. Customers benefit from expert guidance to choose plants suited to their specific garden conditions and design goals.
On-site nursery
Our 2020-established polytunnels enable sustainable plant production using harvested rainwater. This initiative reduces carbon footprint by minimising plant transportation. Customers access unique varieties and cost-effective solutions for landscaping projects while supporting environmentally responsible horticulture practices.
Olive Tree Caf
The caf provides seasonal menus with locally sourced ingredients, including homemade baked goods and specialty teas. Vegan and gluten-free options available. Features indoor and outdoor seating around a central olive tree, offering breakfast, brunch, and lunch services in a relaxed environment.
Local delivery
We offer free delivery for most local destinations, ensuring convenient access to plants and gardening supplies. This service benefits customers with large orders or those unable to transport heavy items, maintaining our commitment to customer accessibility and satisfaction.
Community events
Annual events like the pollination festival and RHS Chelsea Flower Show participation educate visitors about conservation. The 2024 orchard planting and planned wildflower meadow demonstrate our dedication to creating nature-friendly spaces that inspire sustainable gardening practices in the community.
People
Philip Sadler
Founder
Philip co-founded Oakington Garden Centre in 1981 and has dedicated his career to horticulture. He continues to share gardening expertise while mentoring the next generation of family members involved in the business.
Melanie Sadler
Co-founder
Melanie co-founded the business and designed The Pollinator Patch exhibit for RHS Chelsea Flower Show. She remains actively involved in promoting wildlife-friendly gardening and sustainable practices.
Patricia Sadler
Horticultural Manager
Patricia transitioned from teaching to manage horticultural operations in 2023. She coordinates projects like the RHS Chelsea exhibit and ensures the garden centre's plant offerings align with conservation goals.
Ali Chappell-Bates
Nursery Manager
Ali oversees plant selection and cultivation for exhibits and retail. With expertise in pollinator-friendly plants, she grows all specimens for The Pollinator Patch and manages the centre's plant inventory.
Questions
What services does Oakington Garden Centre offer?
We provide plants, gardening supplies, expert horticultural advice, a café serving locally sourced food, and community gardening events.
Is the garden centre family-friendly?
Yes, we welcome families with child-friendly events and an orchard area for public enjoyment.
Do you deliver plants locally?
We offer free delivery to most local destinations for your gardening supplies and plant purchases.
How does the centre support sustainability?
Through on-site plant growing, rainwater irrigation systems, and promoting pollinator-friendly gardening practices.
Can I book the café for special occasions?
The Olive Tree Café offers afternoon tea bookings and accommodates special requests for events.
Are dogs allowed on the premises?
Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome throughout our garden centre and café areas.
