Horticap Garden Centre Magazine

WELCOME

Hello and welcome to the latest edition of the Garden Centre Magazine for Horticap Garden Centre,

Inside this edition you can find a plentiful amount of information on what you can find instore, including a section on monthly garden tips. With knowledgeable and friendly staff on hand in store to help with advice or inspiration, complemented by the huge variety of stock available, you will be sure to find what you need for your upcoming garden and/or home projects. This edition also includes many different informative editorials and alongside you will find local businesses whose services may just be what you are looking for.

We have also launched a digital copy of the magazine, available to view on your smart phone instantly. Please scan the QR code, featured at the bottom of this page, and this will bring up the publication for you to view. One of the most exciting features of our digital publication is that you can interact with the garden centre's social media or connect with local business websites with just a quick tap on your device.

As always, we welcome feedback on our magazine, if you have any comments you'd like to add, we would love to hear them. Please email: info@yhgmedia.co.uk

Kind regards and happy reading!

Johnathan Beveridge Magazine Editor

“The

Alan Titchmarsh

CELEBRATING 40 YEARS OF HELPING PEOPLE TO GROW

2024 is a very special year for Horticap as we celebrate our 40th anniversary of helping people to grow… growing together.

We set out in 1984 with the simple belief that the lives of our students could be enhanced by connecting with nature through the horticultural skills they learn at Horticap. Our students are Horticap’s unsung heroes who have contributed to 40 years of growth.

We would like to extend our thanks to all who have helped us on our way; your contribution has helped us cultivate a brighter future for our students by unlocking their potential through the magic of gardening.

The four acres of land was windswept, waterlogged and landlocked behind the Harrogate Hockey Club practice ground, which was recorded as Bluecoat Wood on the ordnance survey map. The first task was site preparation; land drainage and cultivation, installation of services, a roadway, car park, potting shed, the erection of windbreaks and a small greenhouse.

By the early 1990’s the number of students had risen from the initial 5 to around 14. With new accommodation, polytunnels and a second glasshouse the students were getting stuck in to growing a small range of bedding plants and perennials sold mainly to local shops and nurseries. Approximately one quarter of the site was being used to produce flowers for drying and arranging.

Humble beginnings 1984

By the mid-90’s with the students’ skills, interests and abilities progressing the site was gradually developing to meet their growing abilities with half of the 4-acre site now being in active use. By then, Horticap had two vehicles which were used to carry out gardening jobs around the town and deliver goods.

There have been many milestones along the way, from the development of Horticap’s facilities, which now include a plant nursery, gift shop, café and gardens, to the numerous awards and recognition we have gained.

Keep us growing, scan to donate!

OUR STUDENTS

We currently have 55 students who enjoy a range of activities and training both at the nursery and off site under the guidance and support from suitably qualified staff and loyal volunteers.

Amongst our activities students can –

Work on the nursery growing and tending to our plants

Assist in our shop with customer service

Enjoy a range of craft based activities

Work in the workshop, constructing a range timber garden items

Help off-site with garden maintenance contracts

Maintain and develop the site

Work in the vegetable garden growing produce for the tea room

Work in the tea room, baking, and waiting on tables

PLANT CENTRE & NURSERIES

Our plant centre is run by friendly and knowledgeable staff, ably assisted by students and volunteers who produce a wide range of high quality shrubs and perennials, alongside seasonal bedding plants, hanging baskets, indoor plants and planted containers. Why not come and browse around our extensive plant display areas!

Our students and staff also produce other seasonal gifts including our traditional Christmas wreaths and garlands sold alongside our ever popular Christmas trees.

OUR SHOP

Browse our on-site shop where we offer an excellent selection of greeting cards and gifts, with many produced locally. Select from a range of garden products including seeds, peat free composts, organic sprays and fertilisers.

The shop at Horticap is an important outlet for the plants, which we grow throughout the year. You will also find a range of pots, containers and timber items produced by our students, alongside a wide range of bird feeding supplies.

A selection of seasonal goods is also available through the year, Easter, Mother’s day and Christmas. You will always receive a warm welcome from staff and our students who assist with customer service.

Keep us growing, scan to donate!

HOPKINS

Hopkins is a relatively new addition to the site. We originally had a small tea room with only 4 tables which volunteers and students ran. However, following a substantial legacy left by the family of one of our students we were able to demolish the original shed which housed our tea room and replace it with the imposing 2 storey building that is home to our new shop and tearoom.

The tea room opened in 2021 and has now become a popular local venue.

GARDENS & WILDLIFE AREA

Adults and children alike enjoy meandering around our free nature trail and discovering the different features. Little ones can spend a while in our ‘fairy wonderland’, while budding botanists, entomologists, and zoologists can try and spot all the different flora and fauna with the help of our species boards. There are communal areas, as well as quieter spots to sit and take in the surroundings. From a bird hide to colossal metal sculptures by artists Steve Blaylock and Darrell Evanes, there’s plenty to see and do on our nature trail. Once you finish exploring, enjoy some tasty refreshments then browse our gift shop and garden centre.