As a youngster, I spent many a weekend trailing around garden centres with my parents who were keen garden lovers. Fortunately I inherited their passion for nature and all things botanical, yet at times I confess to having been a little bored. Nowadays, however, a new breed of garden centre, such as Pugh's Garden Village in Radyr, are entertaining and inspiring people of all ages, including budding infant horticulturists.

NATURE NURTURE

Pugh's is located minutes from the A470 between Cardiff and the Valleys and Junction 32 of the M4, yet the surrounding countryside and beautiful views of the fairytale Castell Coch are enough to encourage even novice gardeners. With over sixty years in the business and forty of those based in Radyr, Pugh's are experts in their field.

More of a destination for all manner of shopping needs, they recognise that the garden has become an extended part of the home, rather than being apart from it. Lifestyles have changed and pastime activities are more interconnected than ever before. It makes sense then to provide a range of products, services and standalone businesses under one roof that focus on the home, garden and outdoor living.

Talking of the great outdoors; at the risk of generalising a little here, most people who appreciate the garden and forces of nature may also keep pets, whether that be the four-legged 'walkies' variety or a less high maintenance goldfish. Pugh's Garden Village plays host to Maidenhead Aquatics, specialists in tropical and marine fish. Alex James says, "Being based at Pugh's in Radyr offers our customers some of the finest aquatic facilities in Wales with easy access from the M4 and central Cardiff."

Dog owners can pop to Pugh's and check their pooch in to Barkers Groomers who offer a full grooming service for their beloved doggies. Marilyn Bowden from Barkers says, "We provide a friendly, reliable and caring service for small and medium sized dogs and have many satisfied customers. We're hoping to expand shortly to provide a grooming service for larger dogs."




With the animals tended to, it's time for you to take the weight off your feet and indulge in a slice of cake, a cup oftea or a selection of snacks and meals at The Bay Tree café which will provide a welcome retreat before considering your next move. I'd suggest the fabulous Ty Nant Farm Shop. Here you will find a variety of fresh produce, delicious breads, Welsh food products, cheeses and delicatessen treats.

Take advantage of the pick and mix selection of frozen seasonal foods such as fruits, berries, roasted vegetables and breakfast pastries. With Christmas only a few months away, make a note to order your festive hampers, meat and poultry from the shop.

So, now to the garden. As anyone with green fingers will know, the end of summer is not the end of the gardening season; on the contrary, it is the beginning. Tasks need to be undertaken before winter truly sets in and that's where Pugh's friendly and knowledgeable staff can help; they can advise and answer your questions on plant and shrub care and preparing your garden for the spring. For instance, to guarantee a spectacular show of blooms from January through to April, you need to plant springflowering bulbs in the autumn.



Top tips from Pugh's for this autumn

■ Care for wild birds with their selection of nuts, seeds and feeders
■ Clean up garden debris
■ Protect roses and delicate shrubs from the frost
■ Divide perennials
■ Collect and save seeds from plants.

For anyone reluctant to give up al fresco dining, Pugh's also stock a range of chimeneas, barbecues and outdoor lights for a cosy glow during cooler autumn evenings. Perfect for atmos - pheric Halloween and Bonfire parties.



If you're intent on keeping warm indoors, then it's worth visiting the Heatforce renewable energy show room at Pugh's Garden Village. Paul Thomas from Heatforce says, "We offer green technology as an efficient and environmentally friendly way to heat your home and provide hot water. There is an increasing demand from customers for renewable heating technologies and we support that."

Whether it's gifts, pots, plants, pets or winter pansies with their smiley little faces, gardening certainly seems to have taken on a new meaning and Pugh's has got it covered.

Pugh’s Garden Village Tynant Nurseries, Morganstown Radyr CF15 8LB 029 2084 2017 www.pughsgardencentre.co.uk Pugh’s also at Style Gardens, Port Road, Wenvoe, Vale of Glamorgan Opening Hours Monday to Saturday 9am - 5.30pm Sunday 10.30am - 4.30pm