Business Details
45 Years
experience
Your Trusted Garden Centre in Cambridge
Established in 1981 by Philip and Melanie Sadler, Oakington Garden Centre remains a family-run business dedicated to horticulture and community engagement. Our expertise spans three generations, with the Sadler family continuing to lead operations while embracing sustainable practices. We specialise in providing high-quality plants, gardening products, and locally sourced food through our nursery, shop, and Olive Tree Caf. Our commitment to environmental stewardship is evident in initiatives like rainwater harvesting, polytunnel plant cultivation, and the creation of pollinator-friendly spaces.We actively participate in events such as the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, showcasing our dedication to innovation and education in sustainable gardening. With a focus on customer service, our knowledgeable team supports both novice and experienced gardeners in creating wildlife-friendly, climate-conscious gardens.
Services
Plant Nursery
Garden Centre
Olive Tree Caf
Pollinator Gardens
Local Delivery
Details
- Year established: 1981
Highlights and features
- Family-run since 1981 with three generations of horticultural expertise
- Sustainable practices including on-site plant cultivation and rainwater harvesting
- Expert team offering tailored advice for all gardening needs
- Locally sourced ingredients in our award-winning Olive Tree Caf
- Award-winning RHS Chelsea Flower Show exhibitors promoting pollinator conservation
What people say
Knowledgeable staff
Quality plants
Lovely caf
Family-friendly
Sustainable practices
Services
Plant Nursery
Our on-site nursery grows a diverse range of plants, including rare perennials and pollinator-friendly species. Using sustainable methods like rainwater irrigation, we offer cost-effective, locally adapted plants for gardens of all sizes. The nursery supports landscaping projects with bulk plant supplies while promoting biodiversity through wildlife-attracting varieties.
Garden Centre
The garden centre provides premium UK-grown plants, gardening tools, and seasonal displays. Our curated collections cater to modern trends like small-space gardening and climate-resilient planting. Knowledgeable staff offer expert advice on plant selection, garden design, and sustainable practices to help customers create thriving outdoor spaces.
Olive Tree Caf
This seasonal caf serves locally sourced breakfasts, lunches, and afternoon teas in a relaxed setting. Menus feature homemade dishes using produce from nearby suppliers and our own gardens. The caf combines modern comfort with family-friendly hospitality, offering both indoor and outdoor seating around a central olive tree.
Pollinator Gardens
We design and promote gardens that support pollinators through plant selection and habitat creation. Initiatives include the RHS Chelsea exhibit 'The Pollinator Patch' and on-site orchard and wildflower meadow projects. Educational resources help customers implement pollinator-friendly practices in their own gardens.
Local Delivery
A free delivery service for plants and gardening products is available to local customers. This convenient option ensures timely delivery of fragile items while reducing transport emissions. The service supports both residential and commercial clients in the Cambridge area.
People
Philip Sadler
Founder
Founded the business in 1981, transforming it from a small nursery to a thriving garden centre while maintaining horticultural traditions and family values.
Melanie Sadler
Co-Founder
Co-founded the business and designed award-winning RHS exhibits, championing pollinator conservation and sustainable gardening practices over four decades.
Patricia Sadler
Horticultural Manager
Manages horticultural operations and RHS project coordination, bringing educational expertise and a commitment to sustainable gardening principles.
Ali Chappell-Bates
Nursery Manager
Leads plant cultivation with specialist knowledge in pollinator-friendly species, combining practical expertise with innovative horticultural techniques.
Questions
What makes Oakington Garden Centre unique?
We combine four decades of family-run expertise with sustainable practices, including on-site plant cultivation and pollinator conservation initiatives.
Do you offer gardening advice?
Our experienced team provides free expert advice on plant selection, garden design, and wildlife-friendly gardening techniques.
Is the café menu locally sourced?
Yes, we use local butchers, bakers, and growers for fresh ingredients, including eggs from a nearby farm and seasonal produce.
Can I buy plants online?
While we focus on in-store experiences, we offer a local delivery service for bulk plant orders and seasonal gardening products.
Are dogs allowed on site?
Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome throughout our garden centre and café areas.
Reviews (6)
Julia Dorrian
Dec 28, 2021
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Nice cafe a friendly staff. It has lovely flowers to look at. Went here near Christmas and was disappointed there wasn't any displays, but it is a small place so I guess they can't put any up.
Alan Staton
Dec 01, 2021
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The food took an age to come. 45 minute wait for a sausage sandwich, tuna ciabata and egg mayo sarnie. If somebody has said there's a 45 minute wait we would have been happy. They weren't even very busy. Cakes are recommended though
Annemarie Hickford
Nov 22, 2021
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We had an excellent lunch at the Olive Tree Caf at Oakington Garden Centre today. Paninis with salad. The salad was one of the best I've had in a long time! Very creative. Made with care by someone who understands good food. Thanks very much!!
Kevin Sayer
Nov 06, 2021
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Very different to the last time I went. Last time I went the staff were unhelpful. But this time there seemed to be a different atmosphere. Helpful staff happy staff. And what I noticed was the friendly and happy staff. This is the first time in 2years that I have been here. I will go back again. Hope they keep up the hood work.
Andrea Malaskova
Nov 04, 2021
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Oakington garden centre is a small paradise! Loved it, I could browse around for ages- great they are open till 5.30pm on Saturdays! I will be back soon to get some Buddhas and amazing flower pots!
Tafka Wac
Oct 07, 2021
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I've reached that age where the occasional trip to the garden centre is one of those things that has to be done. This is probably one of the better ones. There's some nice flowers and all that stuff and I didn't feel like 'all' the stuff was a rip off. I can't say I'll be hurrying back as it's not my favourite way to spend a Saturday afternoon but when I do need to visit a garden centre, I'll probably return here.
