An Interview With | Lorraine, Bents Garden & Home

Each month we go behind the scenes with one of our 300 expert stockists nationwide to bring you ideas, inspiration, and an insider’s guide to life at the garden centre. This month we hear from Lorraine from Bents, a family run garden centre near Manchester.

1.) Which part of the garden centre do you work in?

I work in the Home and Leisure department in spring and summer months.

2.) What is the best part of your job?

Helping our customers to go out happier than when they came in, with the right product for their home and garden. I love to catch up and speak to our new and regular customers, I have always felt valued and a big part of a team here at Bents. I have worked here almost 30 years and built great relationships with customers who trust me and my fellow colleagues.

3.) Classic or Contemporary? What is your preferred garden style?

I love classic gardens which encourage nature and wildlife to visit, but with a simple styling that makes it easy to maintain, so I have plenty of time to enjoy my garden with family and friends.

4.) Solo or Social? What would be your ideal garden set up? In a cocoon reading a book in a quiet spot in the garden, or everyone gathered together for a big family BBQ?

I love to be social and have friends and family over but equally like to enjoy time to myself relaxing and enjoying the peace and quiet in my garden on occasions. 

5.) What do you think is the best time of day to spend outdoors?

Warm summer mornings, when there is dew on the lawn and all the birds and wildlife are just waking up, it is so peaceful!

6.) What is the most important thing you think someone should consider when designing their garden?

What they want to use it for, they should really consider the space when planning. Take time to look at the sun’s journey through the day in different seasons, this will help with planting of shade loving or sun loving plants, and your seating area needs to be thought through, just like plants are you a sun lover or a shade lover?

7.) When it comes to gardening, what do you think is the one job we should all be doing this month?

Cleaning patios and maintaining garden furniture. We should also start preparing and feeding lawns and watering bulbs and plants during this summer bloom!

8.) What is one, universal, tip you would recommend for any would-be grower?

The best tip that I have ever received for all year-round colour in the garden is to visit your local garden centre monthly to see which plants look at their best and don’t be afraid to ask a plant expert for advice as they will be able to guide you in the right plants for your soil type and garden environment.

9.) What choices can we make that will benefit our gardens, and the environment?

• Peat free soil – it’s great for the environment!
• Insect loving plants to encourage bees, ladybirds and butterflies.
• Water Butt – to help you save water and reduce your energy bills in those warm summer months.
• Natural pesticides – I enjoy the garden with my best friend Wilf (my little dog) so everything I use needs to be safe for pets.
• Create a wood pile if you want to see more wildlife like frogs and hedgehogs in your garden.
• Create a compost heap, this is a great way to make use of your garden waste.

10.) What do you love most about gardening, and being in the garden?

Relaxing with friends and family, I also like to plan a little in my garden each year and watch as things change and evolve over the years - this really makes me happy and relaxed!

ABOUT BENTS

“Since 1937 our family owned and run garden centre has evolved into a unique lifestyle destination where customers can discover the products, advice and inspiration to make outdoor and indoor living more beautiful.” – Bents

Bents Opening Times

Monday – Friday: 8.30am until 8pm

Saturday: 8.30am until 7pm

Sunday: 10.30am until 4.30pm

https://www.bents.co.uk