Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Garden Centre & Farm Shop in St Albans
Established in 1923, Carpenters Nursery stands as one of Hertfordshires most popular family-run garden centres. Our operations combine a thriving farm shop offering locally sourced groceries and home-grown produce with an award-winning cafe that serves freshly prepared meals using seasonal ingredients. The garden centre showcases an extensive selection of plants, including alpines, bedding plants, perennials, shrubs, and trees, alongside gardening tools and supplies. We prioritise sustainability through reduced-peat compost, recyclable pots, and on-site plant cultivation to minimise environmental impact.Our team of horticultural experts provides tailored advice on plant care, garden design, and seasonal planting, ensuring both novice and experienced gardeners achieve success. The business maintains a strong commitment to local sourcing, supporting regional producers while offering customers a comprehensive range of gardening and lifestyle products under one roof.
Services
Garden plants
Nursery services
Farm shop
Cafe
Christmas trees
Plant care advice
Gardening tools
Seasonal produce
Hanging baskets
Pollinator-friendly plants
Details
- Year established: 1923
Highlights and features
- Family-run since 1923 with generations of horticultural expertise
- Award-winning cafe serving dishes made with home-grown produce
- Extensive plant selection including rare and seasonal varieties
- Sustainable practices with peat-free compost and local sourcing
- Knowledgeable team providing expert gardening advice
Services
Garden plants
We offer an extensive selection of garden plants including alpines, bedding plants, perennials, shrubs, and trees. Our nursery stocks both common and rare varieties suitable for all garden conditions. Plants are grown on-site using sustainable practices to ensure quality and adaptability to local climates.
Farm shop
Our farm shop provides locally sourced groceries, fresh bread, quality meats, and home-grown vegetables. We prioritise regional producers to support the local economy while offering customers seasonal and sustainable food options throughout the year.
Award-winning cafe
The Potting Shed cafe serves breakfast, brunch, and lunch using ingredients from our farm shop and gardens. The menu features seasonal dishes with vegetarian and vegan options, complemented by specialty teas, coffees, and homemade cakes.
Christmas trees
We provide a wide range of locally grown Christmas trees including Nordman Fir and Norway Spruce. Both cut and potted options are available, along with decorations, wreaths, and holly. Delivery is offered within 2.5 miles of our site.
Plant care advice
Our horticultural team offers expert advice on plant selection, garden design, and seasonal maintenance. Services include soil preparation guidance, pest control recommendations, and tailored planting schemes for both residential and commercial spaces.
Questions
What are your opening hours?
We’re open Monday to Saturday 9:00-17:30 and Sunday 9:30-16:30. Bank holidays follow the Sunday schedule.
Do you grow your own plants?
Yes, we grow many plants on-site using sustainable methods to ensure quality and local climate adaptation.
Is parking available?
Yes, we offer free customer parking at our St Albans location for easy access to our facilities.
Can I order plants online?
Currently we focus on in-store plant sales, but our team can assist with special orders by phone or email.
Do you sell gift vouchers?
Yes, we offer gift vouchers for our garden centre, farm shop, and cafe that make perfect presents for gardening enthusiasts.
Are pets allowed on site?
Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome in our garden centre and outdoor cafe areas.
