Spotlight on... Reg Taylor’s Garden Centre, Southwell

Located in Normanton, on the outskirts of Southwell, is a garden centre with a difference. Reg Taylor’s Garden Centre is truly a destination of its own, and for well over 60 years has been renowned as an incredible place to find beautiful things for your garden, no matter what the time of year. Not only this, onsite you can enjoy a visit to the very special Swan Sanctuary, and amazing homemade treats in the popular tea room on site. Reg Taylor’s is where family matters – a family business which has a focus on supplying quality to customers and making every visit to the centre special, no matter what the time of year. It all began during the Second World War, when Reginald Taylor was serving in France, Holland, Belgium and Germany. During the evenings, whilst at rest, he began to think that there would be a shortage of horticultural supplies after the conflict was over. He knew what had to be done and as soon as he accumulated £200 Reginald contacted his uncle from Chilwell, who had a small nursery on Park Road and a regular stall in Central Market situated under the clock. As 1946 neared its end a deal was done and Reg Taylors Park Road Nurseries was born. Over the decades that followed, Reg’s son Richard and grandchildren Mark, Paul and Helen have all been part of running this successful business. It was Richard’s wife Jean Ann, who was the first to collect unwanted and injured swans that now live happily and breed in the swan sanctuary. The nine-acre sanctuary is a magical place to wander, featuring contoured parkland, an array of shrubs and trees and five beautiful lakes. This summer, the popular Sculpture in the Sanctuary exhibition will return, running from 27 July to 8 September. This must-see event will feature over 150 original pieces of sculpture by 60 artists from UK and around the world, sure to inspire crowds of all ages. The works will all be sale, making it possible to acquire a unique piece for your own home or garden. Whether you’re after a special tea room treat, a new piece for your garden, or just a wonderful day out in the warmer weather, Reg Taylor’s Garden Centre near Southwell is a real treat. www.regtaylors.co.uk