Our Approach

Rather than bold promises or quick fixes, our focus is on:

• steady progress
• honest communication
• practical ways to reduce our impact

As members of the Garden Centre Association, we hold ourselves to recognised environmental standards and regularly review our practices to make sure we’re moving in the right direction.

Sustainable Energy

As part of our ongoing commitment, we generate a significant proportion of our energy on site through solar power. The energy produced helps us power our garden centre day to day and is also used to heat all of our hot water on site.

Peat‑Free Gardening

We’re committed to reducing our reliance on peat and supporting the move towards more sustainable growing media. By March 2024, peat‑free compost already made up over 70% of our growing media range, and we’re continuing to work closely with suppliers as we move towards becoming fully peat‑free.

Helping Gardeners Make the Switch

We know gardening habits don’t change overnight, which is why we:

• clearly signpost peat‑free composts in‑store
• share practical advice on how to use them successfully
• offer guidance on choosing the right compost for different plants

Our peat‑free options use materials such as wood fibre, composted bark, green waste, wool, bracken and grasses — and our team is always happy to help you find the right fit.

Responsibly Sourced Timber

When it comes to timber products, we take care to stock items sourced from well‑managed forests, where people, wildlife and landscapes are protected.

Where relevant, we use suppliers certified by schemes such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and expect full traceability throughout the supply chain.

This applies to products including:

• garden furniture
• construction materials
• wooden garden and lifestyle items

Water – Using It Wisely

Water is precious, particularly in gardening.

Across our site, we aim to use water thoughtfully by watering carefully, seasonally and avoiding unnecessary waste.

We also help customers garden more water‑wise by promoting suitable plants, mulches and simple techniques that conserve moisture and reduce demand.

Packaging – Less Where We Can

We’re always looking for ways to reduce unnecessary packaging without compromising product quality.

In‑store, this includes:

• reusing trays, pots and boxes whenever possible
• offering paper bags for loose items
• encouraging reusable bags and containers
• choosing recyclable or biodegradable materials where available

We also work with suppliers to minimise excess packaging wherever we can.

Recycling & Reuse

Behind the scenes, we manage waste carefully, recycling materials, composting green waste where possible and handling food waste responsibly.

We work with CSH Environmental, where around 65% of general waste is sorted for recycling. Materials such as cardboard, metal, glass, wood and hardcore are recovered and reused in new products, construction materials or energy production. Around 99% of collected waste is currently diverted from landfill, with a long-term goal of zero waste to landfill.

Helping Customers Recycle

We support customers by:

• encouraging pot and tray reuse
• offering advice on composting at home
• sharing guidance on recycling compost bags and packaging

Thoughtful Sourcing Across the Centre

Beyond plants and timber, we consider how and where products are made
before they reach our shelves.

This includes:

• supporting UK and local producers where possible
• choosing ethically produced goods
• stocking Fairtrade products where appropriate
• providing helpful information so customers can compare choices

We believe informed choices are better choices.

Our Restaurant

Our Restaurant reflects the same values you’ll find throughout the garden centre, care, quality and thoughtfulness.

Where possible, we focus on:

• freshly made, homemade food
• locally sourced and UK ingredients
• recyclable or compostable takeaway packaging
• responsible food‑waste management

We continue to review how we work to reduce waste while keeping food enjoyable and welcoming.

Pots, Containers & Garden Features

We stock a mix of pots and decorative items made from:

• recycled materials
• recyclable materials
• natural options like terracotta, stone and metal

We aim to minimise unnecessary packaging and provide advice on container growing, a great option for patios, balconies and smaller spaces.

Greener Garden Care

We encourage a more natural approach to garden care by:

• promoting environmentally sound products
• offering biological controls and wildlife‑friendly options
• sharing advice that helps reduce chemical use

Clear signage helps guide customers towards gentler, more sustainable choices.

Pet Care

In our pet care ranges, we look for products that reflect the same
values:

• natural ingredients
• UK‑made where possible
• responsible sourcing and packaging

These options are highlighted in‑store to help customers choose with confidence.

Clothing, Gifts & Lifestyle

Where we stock clothing and lifestyle items, we favour:

• natural fibres such as cotton, wool and bamboo
• organic or ethically sourced materials where available
• reduced plastic packaging
• well‑made products designed to last

Food Hall & Farm Shop

Our Food Hall celebrates quality and provenance by:

• supporting local and UK suppliers
• stocking Fairtrade and ethically sourced products
• offering artisan and lower‑packaging options
• clearly signposting sourcing information

Indoor & Outdoor Living

For home and indoor lifestyle products, we consider:

• material choices (natural, recycled or recyclable)
• responsible sourcing
• minimal packaging

We aim to stock pieces that are both beautiful and considered. Our Outdoor Living range also offers a responsible Request a Return recycling service, where the collection of old Hartman garden furniture is arranged, it is then carefully recycled on the customer’s behalf, and a voucher is issued to be redeemed against new Hartman furniture.

Plants, Wildlife & Wellbeing

Plants are at the heart of Parkers.

We regularly highlight:

• the environmental benefits of plants and trees
• wildlife‑friendly gardening and pollinator plants
• peat‑free and lower‑input growing where available
• how to reuse or recycle pots and trays properly

We also love sharing the mental and physical wellbeing benefits of gardening, encouraging people of all ages to connect with nature.