Spring is in the air at Welland Vale Garden Centre where new product ranges are just some of the exciting developments in the pipeline for 2020.

Preparations for the new season are in full swing at the family-owned independent business in Glaston Road, Uppingham.

Annie Burns, who runs the garden centre with partner Charlie Thomas, told Oakham Nub News: "We are busy preparing our Spring set-up, which will be completed by the first week of March.

"This year will see a marked expansion in our offering, focusing on the garden and outdoor living, including a brand new range of Hartman outdoor furniture.

"There will also be a much larger range of water features and outdoor lighting, plus a new venture for us - pond plants. We are working on creating a quirky display incorporating both a bath and toilet for this new range so it will definitely be worth popping in for a look.

"Our range of house plants is also being extended."

All this will not detract from Welland Vale's primary focus, however, which remains on growing high-quality bedding plants, climbers and perennials, which the business also supplies to other garden centres.

High on the agenda for this year is building on the company's environmental credentials.

For many years, Welland Vale's plants have been grown in pots made from recyclable materials and its customer carrier bags are biodegradable with plant trays made from recycled cardboard.

"This year we are phasing in growing pots which are recyclable," explains Annie.

"Our eco-friendly commitment is also extending to our product buying as we are scaling down the sale of plastic patio pots and, instead, focusing on recycled metal, terracotta and clay.

"We are also gradually replacing the use of plastic plant labels with copper versions.

"Even many of our gift lines are eco-friendly - fully recycled or plastic-free - and we buy British as much as practicable, lowering our carbon footprint.

"It's only right that we should reflect our love of the natural environment in our operations and products."

The garden centre's new soft play area - Wiggly Worms - is proving hugely popular with parents who can enjoy a coffee and cake in the café while they keep an eye on their little ones having fun. In partnership with Rutland Book Nook, Welland Vale is now hosting storytime and activities session from 10am to 12 noon on the first Thursday of every month, each with a different theme.

Welland Vale Garden Centre is Oakham Nub News' primary sponsor, supporting us to produce the latest news and opinion, free to read on our site.

Like Oakham Nub News, the business is very much part of the community, employing 35 local people, and working closely with the parish council, local schools and other independent retailers.