Leaf Creative Garden Centre in Huntley, located just off the A40, has a fresh lease on life after entering administration. The garden centre, which first opened its doors in 2018 and operated for eight years, had faced significant challenges before its recent collapse.
Just days after filing for administration, Leaf Creative found a savior in Blue Diamond Garden Centres. This leading UK garden centre group, known for its commitment to quality and innovation, is keen to build on Leaf’s established reputation for exceptional plants, creative displays, and forward-thinking horticulture.
The two entities share a history of collaboration, having worked together for the past three years. Notably, the Leaf Creative team assisted in rebuilding a show garden at Blue Diamond’s flagship Bridgemere garden centre in 2024.
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Blue Diamond Garden Centres currently operates 52 sites across the UK and employs approximately 4,700 staff. They also have a strong local presence in Gloucestershire with 3 Shires Garden Centre in Newent and Nailsworth Garden Centre.
Alan Roper, Managing Director of Blue Diamond Garden Centres, commented on the acquisition:
“We have purchased the business from the administrators. Typically, a centre this size wouldn’t be our usual choice, so under normal circumstances, I would have passed on this opportunity. However, my long-standing positive relationship with Peter Dowle, the owner, encouraged us to work collaboratively with him and the administrators to reach an outcome that benefits everyone.”
Peter Dowle, the designer and lead at Leaf Creative Garden Centre, expressed enthusiasm about joining the Blue Diamond family:
“Joining Blue Diamond allows us to continue delivering all the wonderful things our customers have come to expect, backed by our fantastic team. At the same time, we have exciting plans ahead. A revamp of our plant area is already underway to create a refreshed look, but our original DNA remains intact.”
Despite changes in ownership, the Leaf Creative Gardens team remains focused on their upcoming major exhibit at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Their creation will be an immersive garden experience, guiding visitors from a drought-resistant landscape into a tropical greenhouse filled with UK-grown tropical plants and a dramatic waterfall. The journey continues through a misty grove of Japanese maples, flowering dogwoods, a scented jasmine arch, a vertical herb allotment, and concludes with a modern take on a traditional cottage garden framed by climbing roses.
Last year, Leaf Creative Gardens played a pivotal role in helping Blue Diamond secure their first-ever Gold Medal at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, further cementing the strong partnership between the two companies.