Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Garden Centre in Colchester
Poplar Nurseries has been a cornerstone of the community for over 80 years, evolving from a small seed-growing operation into one of the leading independent garden centres in the UK. Founded in 1938 by Eric Cowan, our business has remained family-run across three generations, combining deep-rooted horticultural expertise with a passion for nurturing gardens and communities. Our team of knowledgeable staff provides specialist advice on plants, landscaping, and garden care, supported by a comprehensive range of high-quality products. We pride ourselves on offering a one-stop destination for gardening enthusiasts, with extensive collections of plants, outdoor living solutions, and homeware. Our commitment to excellence extends to our restaurant, food hall, and seasonal events, creating a vibrant hub for visitors.Sustainability and local partnerships are central to our operations, ensuring we support both environmental and community well-being. With a history of innovation, from pioneering hanging basket deliveries to hosting educational gardening clubs, we continue to adapt while maintaining our core values. Our dedication to customer satisfaction is reflected in our tailored services, including bespoke landscaping consultations and expert plant sourcing. As a trusted authority in horticulture, we blend tradition with modernity to inspire gardeners of all levels. This enduring legacy of quality, service, and community engagement makes Poplar Nurseries a respected name in British gardening.
Services
Plants
Garden Care
Landscaping
Outdoor Living
Gardening Club
Restaurant
Food Hall
Miniature Railway
Homeware
Seasonal Events
Details
- Year established: 1938
Highlights and features
- Family-run for over 80 years with three generations of horticultural expertise
- Specialist staff provide tailored gardening and landscaping advice
- Extensive product range from rare plants to outdoor living essentials
- Hosts educational gardening clubs and seasonal community events
- Sustainable practices and partnerships with local producers
What people say
Beautiful plant displays
Expert gardening advice
Charming miniature railway
Delicious homemade cakes
Family-friendly events
Services
Plant Sales
We offer an extensive selection of high-quality plants for both indoor and outdoor spaces. Our range includes bedding plants, shrubs, perennials, climbers, trees, fruit and vegetable plants, herbs, and houseplants. All plants are carefully refreshed seasonally to ensure vibrant colour and year-round appeal. Our expert team provides guidance on plant care and suitability for specific garden conditions.
Garden Care
Our garden care services include expert advice on maintaining healthy lawns, pest control, and seasonal plant care. We provide tailored solutions for soil preparation, pruning, and disease management. Customers benefit from our team's decades of horticultural experience and access to premium gardening products.
Landscaping
We offer professional landscaping consultations to transform outdoor spaces. Services include garden design planning, material selection, and implementation guidance. Our team specialises in creating functional, aesthetically pleasing gardens that suit individual preferences and environmental conditions.
Outdoor Living
Our outdoor living range features premium BBQs, garden furniture, heating solutions, and decorative items. We stock leading brands like Weber and Kamado Joe, alongside protective covers and accessories. Expert staff help customers create comfortable, stylish outdoor spaces for all seasons.
Gardening Club
Our gardening club provides educational resources and community engagement opportunities. Members receive seasonal gardening tips, exclusive events, and access to expert horticultural advice. The club supports both novice and experienced gardeners through practical workshops and plant care guidance.
People
Martin Cowan
Former Owner
Martin Cowan joined the business in 1972, expanding its horticultural offerings and introducing retail operations. He developed the nursery's reputation for quality plants and customer service before passing leadership to the third generation.
Matthew Cowan
Managing Director
Matthew Cowan became Managing Director in 2010, overseeing the nursery's expansion into a multi-faceted garden destination. He maintains the family's commitment to horticultural excellence while introducing innovative services and seasonal events.
Questions
What are your opening hours?
We're open Monday-Friday 8:30am-5pm, Saturday 8:30am-5pm, and Sunday 9:30am-4pm. Tills open at 10am on Sundays.
Do you offer gardening advice?
Yes, our expert team provides free gardening advice on plant selection, care, and seasonal maintenance both in-store and over the phone.
Can I order plants online?
While we don't offer online sales, our staff can help source specific plants not in stock and provide delivery options for large orders.
Are dogs allowed on site?
Assistance dogs are welcome with visible ID. For safety, all assistance dogs must remain on leads while on our premises.
Do you host events?
Yes, we host seasonal events including Breakfast with Santa, Halloween activities, and gardening workshops throughout the year.
Is there parking available?
We offer free parking for visitors, with easy access to our garden centre, restaurant, and other facilities.
Videos
Reviews (4)
Anne G.
Jan 02, 2022
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We visited post Christmas as a mid drive break. Nice cafe with varied choice of snacks, cake and hot beverages. Nice to wander around.
Petula Gold
Dec 24, 2021
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Took some residents from my care home and they loved the Christmas decorations. We all loved the selection of cakes.
Jenny Engall
Dec 24, 2021
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Everything a person could need for Christmas and the coming year. Staff courteous and very helpful. Food department nobody could resist the delicious foods in this shop and was our first port of call, no wonder it was so popular
Colin Phillips
Dec 20, 2021
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Went here to the Poplar Nusery, as they've a kitchen improvement Company based in the nursery. As it was just before Christmas and from what we saw the Christmas setting was exceptionally good, with lots of choice, both plants and Christmas lights, decorations for the tree, and other bits for Christmas, I have made my mind up that once spring arrives I will go back to have a really good look, as there is plenty of choice, I would recommend Poplar Nurseries.
