The owner of a garden centre with a history going back six decades is turning her fight to save the business from closure into an opportunity to bring more of the community together.
Earlier this week, Angela Andrea revealed that the business she and her husband Flaviu bought in September 2024 – Sturmer Nurseries and Garden Centre, just outside Haverhill – was at serious risk of closing.
The business had been owned by the same family for 42 years, but since the couple took it on they have been hit by some huge, unexpected bills and damaged by costly supply line issues.
Sturmer Nurseries and Garden Centre, near Haverhill, has been going for more than 40 years. Picture: Google
Their parlous financial situation led them to announce on social media on Sunday that the centre would be closed for the foreseeable future but the support shown by their customers and the wider community has seen Angela and Flaviu stay open and also launch a Crowdfunding page
The general reaction to their situation has left Angela gobsmacked, so much so that they have decided to work with the community, including other business owners who have come forward and said they are also struggling, on initiatives and events that would be mutually beneficial.
Angela said: “The support has been absolutely overwhelming and humbling.
Angela and Flaviu Andrea and their family when they took over the garden centre in 2024. Picture: Contributed
“We’ve had so many people coming in, offering to help.
“We’ve got a long road to go ahead of us. It’s a great start but it’s not the next couple of days that matter, it will be the next couple of months for us, because this is our main season and we are looking to do this season.
“We’ve had lots of people come in and lots of hugs, which makes me cry.
“It has been amazing, that’s the overwhelming bit, that there’s been an outpouring.”
An aerial view of Sturmer Nurseries and Garden Centre. Contributed picture
Earlier this week, Angela explained how the financial difficulties had unfolded.
She said: “When we took on the garden centre, we were hit with an extra £50,000 of fees, which took a big part of our initial cashflow. However, we thought a good spring season and we would be OK.
“Sadly, due to a supplier issue (we can’t disclose details), we suffered huge losses in the spring of over £100,000 that we have been struggling to recover from.
“Since then, we have done everything we can to keep the doors open – introducing new products, running special events, and working tirelessly behind the scenes to manage costs and find solutions.
“Despite our best efforts, the combination of unexpected supplier losses and ongoing financial pressures has left us with very few options.”
With the launch of the Crowdfunder, the business, which has set a target of £150,000, has now outlined how the financial support will help its future and what that future could involve.
Aside from keeping its team of staff employed and operations running, says the Crowdfunding page, it will also:
• Rebuild stock and displays lost from the summer supplier collapse.
• Develop the Chromatic Learning Garden – a magical outdoor classroom for children.
• Extend our café & create covered all – season spaces for families to enjoy year-round.
• Plant a community legacy garden/allotment – every donor’s name will be honoured within it.
• Possibly create a small petting farm, the girls love this idea, what do you think?
• Create a space that the community needs – we will consult with the community for ideas and suggested projects.
In explaining what the future could look like thanks to the funding (many suggestions have been put forward by people in the community), the fund-raising site goes on to say: “When we make it through this, here’s just some of what we envision
“A magical garden space where children learn through nature.
“A refreshed café space serving homegrown and local produce. A community hub for learning to grow your own food, a garden space for relaxing, for wellbeing and more.
“Seasonal community markets & magical garden night
“A sustainable, educational, family-friendly garden centre that continues to grow with the people who saved it.
“Even the smallest donation helps us grow back stronger and we have put together some ‘rewards’ as a small thank you from us for supporting us.”
It adds: “If you are a business/supplier that would like to discuss a partnership or sponsorship of any of our projects please do get in touch.”
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