Customers have been reacting to the ‘sad news’
14:36, 24 Jun 2025Updated 14:54, 24 Jun 2025
Barton Grange Garden Centre(Image: Barton Grange Garden Centre/Facebook)
The owners of a popular garden centre say they have taken the ‘difficult decision’ to sell the business.
Barton Grange Garden Centre is in Preston, Lancashire and attracts visitors from miles around.
An award-winning centre, its huge seasonal displays are a hit with customers the year-round.
But now the Barton Grange Group has revealed it is seeking a deal with Blue Diamond, the UK’s largest chain of garden centres.
They are in talks about selling the garden centre and its wholesale nursery, with the intention of focusing on the Flower Bowl leisure site, which sits across from the garden centre, and the Marina.
In a message on social media, owners Peter and Guy Topping, said: “After much thought and consideration, we’ve made the very difficult decision to step away from the horticultural industry and close this chapter of our family’s journey.
The garden centre is known for its lavish displays(Image: Jason Roberts /Manchester Evening News)
“We’re currently in discussions with Blue Diamond about selling Barton Grange Garden Centre and Garden Centre Plants (our wholesale nursery). It’s been a huge decision, but after careful consideration, it just feels like the right time.
“With the next generation focusing on new paths outside of horticulture, and both Peter and Guy ready to slow things down, we felt now was the time to make a change. Several of the younger members of the family are passionate about the leisure industry, so we’ll be keeping The Flower Bowl, the Marina, and most of the site at Brock.”
They said they’d ‘always been impressed with Blue Diamond, and we feel confident they’re the right team to take the Garden Centre and nursery forward.
“They share our values and passion for the industry, and we’re sure they’ll continue to build on what we’ve created here,” they added.
“The hardest part of this decision is saying goodbye to the people; our team and of course the wonderful customers who’ve supported us through the years. Your loyalty and enthusiasm have meant the world to us, and we’re incredibly proud of everything we’ve achieved together. Thank you for being part of our story.”
Barton Grange attracts visitors from miles around(Image: Jason Roberts /Manchester Evening News)
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Customers have been quick to react to the announcement, saying they will be sad to see the owners leave.
“I love Barton Grange and I hope the new owners don’t change it to much,” said one. “I wish you all well on your next adventure but it’s sad to see you go.”
“We have loved coming regularly as a family over the many years,” said another. “It’s not Christmas without Barton Grange displays – our children have grown up excited to see them. Very very sad to hear this news but wishing you and the staff the very best. We hope the new owners keep the heart as it’s what makes Barton so special.”
The discussions to sell Barton Grange Garden Centre don’t involve the Flower Bowl (Image: The Flower Bowl)
A Barton Grange spokesperson said: “Peter and Guy Topping, the current generation at the helm of The Barton Grange Group, are preparing to retire from the horticultural industry.
“In planning for the future, they are in exclusive discussions with Blue Diamond – the UK’s largest garden centre group – regarding the potential sale of Barton Grange Garden Centre.
“The aim is to ensure Barton Grange continues to be recognised as one of the world’s leading garden centres for many years to come.
“While discussions are ongoing, and they include the company’s wholesale plant nursery (Garden Centre Plants Ltd.), it remains very much business as usual. Neither party will be making any further comment at this stage.
“Please note that these discussions do not involve The Flower Bowl or Barton Grange Marina, both of which remain central to the family’s long-term plans.”
The Flower Bowl is a standalone leisure complex and home to crazy golf, curling, cinema, bowling and a whole lot more.