It’s been run by three generations of the same family
Long running Bristol business Henleaze Garden Shop
On our journey to the city’s garden centres, it’s clear to see that Bristol boasts a sizable amount of quirky and historic sites selling all the gardening goods one would need, and even boasting onsite cafes, welcoming dogs, and being tucked into every corner of the city.
One such place is Henleaze Garden Shop, tucked away on Henleaze Road right on the high street, which has been open for almost 80 years. In reviews online, it has been described as being “the best garden centre in Bristol” offering a selection of composts, vegetable seedlings, trees, shrubs, fruits, flowers, indoor plants, tools, gloves, pots, planters, fencing, and “all sorts of other things”.
According to its mission, Henleaze Garden shop “wants to encourage everyone to give gardening a try. From beginners to seasoned gardeners, we’re ready to help make your space greener.
“Staff at Henleaze Garden Shop have over 200 years of experience and a wealth of horticultural qualifications between them. Our Garden Shop boasts a diverse selection from plants to pet food. Our stock changes with the seasons so there is always something new to discover! Visit our nursery to discover a hidden oasis of plants and supplies, and speak to our staff for expert advice and tips.”
Henleaze Garden Shop has been open for 75 years and remains a family business
The shop – now the oldest in Henleaze and one of Bristol’s longest-running family businesses – was opened by John Stenner and his wife, Vera, shortly after the Second World War in 1946. Stock was limited back then but they would sell a few gardening tools and plants in the yard. When it got cold, they would simply cuddle their black cat to keep warm.
Current owner Matthew is the third generation of the family to run the shop and he says that, while his responsibilities vary greatly, his favourite thing is growing ‘rare varieties of chillies’.
The Garden Shop is dog friendly and, while it doesn’t have its own on-site cafe, it is close to plenty of local food and drink spots. Past visitors have described it as everything from a ‘hidden gem’ to an ‘Aladdin’s Cave’. One review reads: “Looks quite small from the pavement but once your in there’s an awful lot to see.
“Good selection of pots, great selection of plants as you would expect.Staff very helpful and easily on hand for any advice. Well worth a look around.”
Father and son owners Robert (blue jumper) and Matthew Stenner of Henleaze Garden Shop
While a second says: “A real gem of a shop. Excellent quality plants reasonably priced. Staff are kind and courteous and knowledgeable about what they stock.
“I love gardening and the food shop mass produced plants you get elsewhere are a false economy. Everything i’ve bought here are good strong healthy plants you don’t have to rescue back into life. Therefore it gets my recommendation.”
While a third calls it “an Aladdin’s cave of a shop, with large outdoor areas at the back”.
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