Poplar Nurseries

Poplar Nurseries, a family-run garden centre in Marks Tey (Essex)

Poplar Nurseries is an independent, family-run garden centre located in Marks Tey, just minutes from Colchester, in the county of Essex. The company presents itself as a leading centre in the area for the variety of plants it sells and its customer service. Its plant team has horticultural knowledge that allows it to handle enquiries and offer specialist advice.

The centre operates as a full-day destination: in addition to the nursery and garden shop, it houses a restaurant, a food hall with local and British products, a miniature railway and several external concessions. The company notes that it has been at the heart of the community for over 80 years.

Plants and gardening

The plant range covers a wide variety of categories, including alpines, aquatic plants, bedding plants, climbers, ferns and tree ferns, fruiting plants, grasses and bamboos, hedging and conifers, herbs and vegetables, houseplants, perennials, roses, shrubs and ornamental trees. It also sells bulbs and seeds.

The gardening offer is completed with garden care accessories, bird and wildlife care products, landscaping items, grow-your-own solutions, garden décor, pots, planters and hanging baskets, and garden lighting. The company publishes gardening tips and promotions on its website.

Outdoor living: furniture, barbecues and structures

The outdoor living area includes barbecues from Kamado Joe, Char-Griller, Masterbuilt, Grillstream and Weber, as well as pizza ovens. It has garden buildings such as gazebos and pergolas, and outdoor furniture covering benches, bistro sets, chairs, tables, dining sets, garden sofas, parasols and storage solutions. For evenings outdoors it offers outdoor heating: chimeneas, fire pits and patio heaters.

Home, gifts and kitchenware

The home and gifts section brings together decorations, toiletries, home fragrance, kitchen and dining ware, children's toys and games, and gardening gifts. They are organised by recipient: gifts for her, for him, for the home and seasonal gifts, as well as gift vouchers. The shop notes that it has a large range of Jellycat products.

Restaurant and food hall

The Poplar Nurseries restaurant is open seven days a week and serves breakfasts, lunches, homemade specials, cakes and its own baked goods. Its menu includes English afternoon tea, cream tea and a Sunday lunch menu. The restaurant accepts reservations and presents itself as a meeting place.

The food hall brings local and British products, with outside catering for events. Its offer includes wines, beers and spirits, desserts and homemade cakes.

Miniature railway and family activities

The Poplar Miniature Railway is in its twelfth year and has become a family attraction. The centre organises events throughout the year, including a Halloween edition of the railway and Christmas activities such as Breakfast with Santa, as well as an outdoor play area for children.

Onsite concessions and services

Poplar Nurseries hosts several independent concessions that expand its offer: ACE Green Energy (sustainable energy solutions), Easigrass (artificial grass), Trimmers (family hairdressing), Grasshopper Horticultural Ltd and Johnsons (garden rooms and buildings), and a Granite Transformations showroom (worktops, doors and full kitchens). The company also offers a delivery service called Poplar Delivers and a gardening club, and notes that seniors receive a discount.

Location and contact

Phone: +44 1206 210374 · Email: enquiries@poplarnurseries.co.uk