Family-run garden centre and leisure complex in the North West celebrates 60 years

Guy sitting with the statue of his late father that's situated at the front of the garden centre

Family is all about roots … generations growing together, embedding themselves in their local community. And that’s never been truer than at Barton Grange, the North West’s first ever garden centre, which has been a family affair for six decades.

It all began in 1945, when Edward and Ada Topping bought a mansion and created the Barton Grange Hotel. They raised their family there, and son Eddie went off to college to train as a horticulturist and landscape gardener. By 1955 he had graduated and created his own market garden in a shed within the five-acre hotel grounds.

By 1957 the fruits of his green fingers meant the business blossomed, and on May 10 1963 Eddie opened his first garden centre. Within a decade he had added extra land nearby to the growing business, producing his own steady supply of containerised trees and shrubs to sell both at Barton Grange and other garden centres.

From a garden shed to the jewel in the North West crown – diamond anniversary celebrations at Barton Grange

Over the years Eddie not only built a firm favourite for gardeners but for the wholesale market too. By the time his sons, Peter, Ian and Guy took over in 1991, the Barton Grange business had firmly established itself as a quality brand.

Beyond plants

The next generation had big ideas … including a 52-acre £12millon new garden centre and narrowboat marina at Brock, followed by The Flower Bowl with the region’s only curling rink, a ten-pin bowling arcade, a three-screen cinema, crazy golf, golf simulator and VR ride. The new garden centre was officially opened by HRH Princess Anne, the Princess Royal.

Today The Flower Bowl not only offers entertainment for all ages, but also a choice of dining options including The Ocean Fish and Chips, Blooms Restaurant and the delicious ice cream parlour Knickerbockers.

This family firm grew an amazing leisure and gardening empire – but it started with very humble roots

Guy Topping says: “My family were originally market gardeners. When my father joined the business in the mid 1950’s he set up Barton Grange Landscapers within the grounds of the hotel and in the early 1960’s Barton Grange Garden Centre was set up in a 12ft by 15ft shed – a bit different to what we have today!

“With the curling rink, we wanted to add something that would enhance the garden centre and decided to opt for an indoor leisure experience. We very much wanted to make The Flower Bowl unique.”

Anniversary celebrations

Milestones like a diamond anniversary are well worth marking in style. Guy adds: “Looking back, it’s been an incredible journey!”

Visit today to see the amazing 60th anniversary displays and stunning array of plants, unique gifts, stylish homeware, garden furniture, kitchen accessories, pet ranges, beauty and more.

Find out more at www.bartongrange.co.uk