Rutland businesswoman Annie Burns has worked at some of the best beauty spas in the country, before blossoming in the garden centre world.

Annie grew up in Pilton, Rutland and went to Uppingham Community College and Rutland college before moving to Solihull, Birmingham, for university and her career in aromatherapy and beauty.

She worked at and managed some of the best 5* spas in the West Midlands before moving back to Rutland in 2012 and starting her own business offering mobile beauty in Rutland.

Husband, Charlie grew up on the edge of the Cotswolds and trained as a chef and in hospitality.

At 26 Charlie bought a pub in Rutland, The Coach House in South Luffenham, which he ran successfully for over 11 years.

But in 2017 the couple came on board with Annie's parents, Trevor and Tessa Burns to run Welland Vale Nurseries, allowing them to step back and retire.

Annie told Nub News: "Trevor and Tessa have run the nursery in Uppingham since 1974 opening the garden centre in 2014 and the Orchard café a year later."

"We want to keep the centre focused on quality plants with a great selection of larger specimen plants and everything you need for creating your perfect outdoor space.

"We still hand pick products ourselves with our great management team, Angela Plant and Kate Everett, who create inspiring displays and are a fountain of knowledge."

The couple continue to develop a grow the centre but keeping its humble beginnings. They like to work with other local business where they can too.

Annie continued: "Unfortunately this year due to COVID-19 some development plans with other local businesses have been held back but hopefully these will continue again soon.

"Recently we have introduced a Deli in our Orchard Café.

"It offers fine local and independent produce from fresh meat, cheese and bread to wine and gin and beer. with something for every occasion.

"We have been working closely with local companies such as the local March House Farm butchers, Bisbrooke Artisan, Kings Cliff Bakery, Lincolnshire Poacher, The Pickled Village, Bat and Bottle Wines and Rutland Gin to name a few.

"Of course, Debbie, Jo and the smiley team in the café still have all your favourite cakes, breakfast and lunch meals are also still available to sit in or take away too."

However, due to the pandemic, the Wiggly Worms soft play area, which has been a big hit with families unfortunately remains closed at the moment.

The pandemic has also pushed the garden centre into building up a webshop online to help those not able to get out and about at this time.

It means people can shop from the safety of home, and soon Christmas-related products will add to the range.

The garden centre also offers a service to call and order.

Annie also told Nub News: "With people being at home more this summer the garden centre has maintained a busy season. With more people showing an interest in gardening its been wonderful to get people growing that may not have known how or had the time before.

"Garden furniture sales have been huge this year with all our stock selling out fast. They are very excited for next years wide range which has already started to pre sell for when it arrives in the new year."

Charlie and Annie say they will continue to drive the business forward and want to develop to what the local area wants and needs.

Through what has been a very stressful and changing year with some many uncertainties, the couple have push forward working hard with a strong, dedicated and determined team behind them to keep this family business moving and supporting their local community.

Annie added: "We'd just like to thank every one of our team, local suppliers and all of our customers that have been there for us this year, supporting us and being so kind. We are very lucky to have such wonderful people around us."