Langlands York Garden Centre Magazine by YHG Media

WELCOME

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

Rain or shine our garden centre offers the perfect destination for your gardening needs and beyond. Whether you’re replenishing your plant collection, hunting for the perfect gift, seeking out bargains, or simply indulging in a cosy coffee and cake with loved ones at our topicalinspired café Walters, there’s something for everyone. Additionally, our calendar is filled with exciting events suitable for all ages, like our ever-so-popular craft fairs and flash sales to keep you engaged throughout the year.

Situated on the A1079 between the historic towns of York and Beverley, our garden centre is nestled amidst the picturesque countryside of the Yorkshire Wolds. We take pride in our recognition by the Garden Centre Association, including prestigious accolades such as the Northeast Area Award for Most Improved Garden Centre 2019, 2nd Place Best Destination Garden Centre, and the 2nd Place Catering Excellence Award, among others.

Established in 1964 by founder Walter Ducker, Langlands quickly became a beloved fixture in the area, providing ample opportunities for growth and exploration. Store manager Fiona Oades shares her commitment to ensuring an exceptional customer experience, drawing upon her extensive experience across various departments within the garden centre. Her dedication is rooted in understanding and addressing the everyday challenges faced by her team.

*Please be advised that while we strive to maintain accurate product offerings, our current ranges may vary from the photographs displayed. For enquiries about specific items in stock, feel free to contact the garden centre, and we’ll be delighted to assist you.

Outdoor Plants

Bright colours, wild and earthy gardens, and a focus on growing their own food are popular trends among our customers this year, who are creating vibrant havens to relax and connect with nature and wildlife.

Aware of sustainable practices, gardeners are increasingly using recycled materials and cultivating produce to cope with the cost-of-living crisis, emphasising low-maintenance crops like strawberries, raspberries, and herbs suitable for smaller spaces.

Challenged by extreme weather, gardeners are adopting more resilient designs this year, featuring gravel gardens, xeriscaping, and weather-resistant plants.

Wildlife-friendly gardens serve as sanctuaries for flora and fauna, with natural habitats created through untrimmed hedges, bird boxes, and leaf piles, fostering a beneficial environment for pollinating insects and other wildlife.

Discover the perfect solution for areas with shallow soil: alpines. They thrive in sunny spots with good drainage, making them ideal for enhancing any space where deeper soil is lacking. Alpines

House Plants

TRENDS

We are witnessing a growing interest in interior design, particularly in how the shape and colour of houseplants enhance a home. From sculptural statement plants to handmade terrariums, these additions bring a fresh green touch to 2024 decor. While large statement plants are ideal for spacious corners, this year has seen a shift towards plants with more structured forms and cultivation methods.

AIR PLANTS

Create a cute, happy space for yourself by adding a couple of air plants!

Becoming a good plant parent involves selecting plants that fit your lifestyle and home environment. Air plants are an excellent choice as they thrive in areas with good lighting and some humidity, require no soil or pots, and are low maintenance, pet-friendly, and cost-effective. These plants also release oxygen at night, making them perfect for bedrooms, and can be used as whimsical home decor to create a cheerful atmosphere.

BONSAI

In the evolving world of interior design, bonsai trees stand out as a significant trend influenced by Japanese culture, embodying not just miniature trees in pots but a complex art form that showcases growth and change. These plants require ongoing maintenance and pruning, reflecting the transient beauty and continuous evolution inherent in nature. Bonsai is both an artistic expression and a spiritual practice, offering calming effects on the mind and spirit, akin to yoga and Tai chi, and providing a deep appreciation for aesthetics and personal tranquillity.

TERRARIUMS

You can customise your terrariums to create your ideal indoor miniature garden, a low-maintenance and high-impact way to grow houseplants. These miniecosystems can thrive without water for months and are a fun project for children, encapsulating tropical jungles in tiny spaces. We offer everything from elegant glass jars to ready-made terrariums, providing all you need for your miniature garden sanctuary.

WEDDINGS?

What better way to symbolize the start of a new couple’s journey than with a plant that guests need to grow, care for, and nurture? The plants can even double as placeholder cards, as we discovered from Sallyanne at Bunny Hills Wedding. This local and highly popular wedding venue often sources plants from Langlands Garden Centres.

“Succulents are a great floral choice for any wedding. They are durable and won’t wilt if they don’t get watered, which means we can make arrangements ahead of time,” she added.

Outdoor Living

Have you got a sunbathing spot or a cosy shaded hideaway in your garden? Turn it into a little oasis! Our store’s offering just got bigger and wider with new brands like Fern Living or Garden Impressions, but you will find garden furniture sets from trusted and tried suppliers like Charles Taylor, Kettler or Supremo, as well.

If the weather is not on our side, it is so nice to have a conservatory connecting your home to your garden. Apart from the extra space you can enjoy that all-important natural light. Depending on the build you can control the temperature and keep the draft out creating the perfect location for your beloved houseplants too! Our newest addition is Daro Conservatory furniture a customisable set, handcrafted with care and attention. The Swivel Rocking Chair is a firm favourite, we challenge you to find a cosier chair!

Get the BBQ on when the sun pops out! Weber is a reliable choice and a highly trusted, innovative brand. It’s all about your personal grilling style, and what you value in a grill. The best BBQ for you depends on your skill level, the amount of time you want to use it (considering heating speed), how often you want to use it, and the type of grilling or smoking you like best.

Gas or charcoal? When it comes to barbecue cooking, the debate over gas versus charcoal grilling is age-old and people often fall firmly into one camp.

Ask our colleagues for suggestions. We have plenty of accessories too, so cooking smaller or awkward items, like asparagus, prawns or fish will not be troublesome anymore!

Gift Shop

If you’re on the hunt for the perfect gift, look no further than our garden center’s gift shop. Whether your loved one has a green thumb, adores stylish home decor, or appreciates the finer things in life like luxurious bathroom essentials, our gift shop is your one-stop destination. From fancy soft furnishings to exquisite soaps and hand balms, every item promises to delight.

Don’t forget the little ones! We also stock a fantastic range of toys and presents that are sure to bring joy to any child. Our extensive collection doesn’t stop there; it includes a vast array of giftware, books and homeware. Dive into our treasure trove and discover the perfect item that your loved one will truly cherish.

Pet Section

The Pet Section offers a wide range of high-quality supplies, from nutritious foods and comfortable bedding to toys that keep them active and entertained.

We understand that pets are family, and that’s why we carefully select our products to ensure they meet the highest standards of safety and comfort. Our knowledgeable staff are always on hand to offer expert advice and help you find the perfect items to suit your pet’s needs.

Walters Café

At Walter’s Cafe, immerse yourself in a tropical vibe where you can enjoy fantastic cakes, fresh cold sandwiches, and a variety of hot and cold drinks. It’s the ideal spot to catch up with friends or relax after a stroll through our lush greenery.

For those seeking a more substantial meal, our restaurant offers both hot and cold dishes with a focus on traditional British cuisine. Customer favourites include the hearty Langlands Steak Pie and our classic Fish and Chips, both sure to satisfy your cravings. Simply choose any spot that takes your fancy, let your server know your table number and place your order.

We understand that pets are part of the family, which is why we’ve allocated dog-friendly tables at both Walter’s Cafe and the restaurant. So, bring along your furry friends and enjoy a meal in comfort at our welcoming dining spaces. Whether you’re popping in for a quick bite at the cafe or settling in for a meal at the restaurant, our garden centre dining experiences are designed to enhance your visit.

Opening Times:

Monday - Saturday 9:30am - 4pm

Sunday 10am - 3pm Sunday

The Farm Shop

The Farm Shop is a firm favourite of our visitors. Nestled within the garden centre, a treasure trove of culinary treats awaits!

Our shop features a wide selection of fantastic cheeses, perfect for pairing or adding a gourmet touch to any dish. Indulge in our freshly baked sweet and savoury pies, cakes, and other treats that promise to satisfy any palate.

If you fancy a different taste, explore the delicacies we have brought to you from afar, such as pasta and sauces, biscuits from Italy, or the flavours of India.

For those looking to simplify mealtime or enhance a special dinner, our array of frozen goods offers convenience without compromising on taste. Additionally, explore our curated selection of wines, beers, ales, and spirits sourced from local artisans and from afar, ensuring you find the perfect drink to complement any occasion. We always have some fun drinks in stock, such as the Viking-inspired mead you probably know from the popular TV show Dragon’s Den. Nidhoggr Mead is a locally produced, sweet and delicious alcoholic drink made from fermented honey.

Whether you’re planning a cozy family meal or hosting a lavish dinner party, our Farm Shop at the garden centre has everything you need to elevate your culinary experience.

Explore our Garden Centre’s Location

Peaceful, charming and a place of true natural beauty, the Yorkshire Wolds boasts rolling hills, picture-perfect villages, quaint market towns, magnificent coastline and trickling streams - the perfect place for a day out in God’s Own County.

A popular place for walking, the Wolds contain the well-known 79-mile trail the ‘Yorkshire Wolds Way’ which guides visitors across the hills and surrounding landscape and typically takes five to seven days to complete.

Whether you are looking to complete the challenge or just want to spend a couple of hours exploring the Wolds, Langlands Garden Centre Shiptonthorpe is right on the trail providing a little oasis of rest, food and drink. Since dogs are very welcome in our Walter’s café and Restaurant, your furry friend will be well looked after too.

Credit to Engine Room Cottage, Yorkshire Wolds for the images

Introducing Walking the Wolds with Bill & Mrs. M

If you like to get out to explore the great outdoors with your dog but are unsure about finding the correct route, worried about ‘coming a cropper’ or just simply getting lost? – then Walking the Wolds could be for you. Bill, the one-eyed, cheese-loving, red retriever, has started exploring the beautiful Yorkshire Wolds with his owner Mrs. M., who has created a website to share all of their walking adventures.

Walking the Wolds with Bill and Mrs. M provides detailed route descriptions, photographs, downloadable pdf instructions and Ordnance Survey Map links for all of their, current, 43 walks from 2 to just over 9 miles. From discovering the Secret Poetry Bench near Huggate, to walking through accessible woodland at Allerthorpe or enjoying the big open skies of some of the best National Trails in the Country, whatever your fitness level or ability you will be sure to find at least one, and probably many more walks, that you would like to explore with (or without) your canine companion.

Road to North Grimston Wolds Thirkleby Wold Wolds Thixendale

Mrs. M began walking in the Wolds only last year to improve her own physical and mental health, and having discovered the beautiful hills, dales, woodland, and riverside walks that the area has to offer has been creating walking adventures ever since. What’s more, each walk includes some snippets of interesting local history or other fascinating places to visit while you are in the vicinity, as well as suggesting dog-friendly places to stay and find refreshments. And you can even become a Bill & Mrs. M Club Member which offers the opportunity to join in with guided walks led by Bill and Mrs. M, as well as benefitting from offers from the many accommodation providers, cafes, pubs, dog service and product businesses that Bill recommends. You even receive extra walks every month plus a newsletter full of ‘random ramblings’ fresh from the pen and boots of Mrs. M.

To find out more go to www.walkingthewolds.co.uk

“Ask any East Riding man where to find the real Yorkshire and he will take you straight to the Wolds - perhaps Sledmere or Kilham, Weaverthorpe or Wold Newton, Fridaythorpe, Wetwang, Fimber, Bishop Burton, Nafferton, Fordon or the famous Millington Pastures. And truly it is in the Wolds that one derives perhaps the best impression of a land of broad acres: for from any of the gentle ridges, one looks over immense vistas of undulating arable land, acres and acres of corn and green pastures. This, one feels, is certainly Yorkshire at its richest and best.” ~ Alfred J Brown (topographer, rambler, poet and novelist) – 1948

Bramble

Bramble, our garden centre cat, has been with us for many years now. He is a favourite among our visitors, and everyone loves fussing over him. You can catch him sunbathing around the David Austin Roses or in our greenhouse.

Craft Fairs

Our craft fairs at Langlands Garden Centre have become a beloved tradition, drawing visitors from near and far to explore unique handmade treasures amidst our lush greenery. We’re thrilled to announce the continuation of this creative gathering with new dates for the upcoming season. Join us for a weekend of crafts, community, and inspiration on the following dates:

Saturday & Sunday, 18th & 19th May

Saturday & Sunday, 22nd & 23rd June

Saturday & Sunday, 21st & 22nd September

Saturday & Sunday, 19th & 20th October

Saturday & Sunday, 16th & 17th November

For more information about the event or having a stall, please email sales@langlandsgardencentre. co.uk or visit our Information Desk. We can’t wait to see what this year’s crafters have in store!

Our Latest Community Project

How can we help pollinators?

How many readers are growing fruit and vegetables this year? So many of our food plants would not survive without pollinators and we can do a great deal to help. Pollinators are mainly insect species especially bees. When they visit flowers seeking food, pollen sticks to their bodies. As they move from one flower to another, this pollen is transferred, fertilising the plants. Pollination is essential for plant reproduction.

Each plant needs a cross pollination and the insects help the plants they visit to successfully produce their seeds and fruits…e.g. strawberries, apples, beans, courgettes.

So how can we do our bit?

We can help support the wild species, such as bees, hoverflies and butterflies which pollinate plants by giving them their food plants they need throughout the year. In 2023 Weighton Wildlife Group planted out a scruffy area at the Community Shelter Garden on Market Hill. Langland’s helped us with the plant choice and we added Echinacea, Verbena, Salvia, Erigeron and Lavender and not only did it bloom with colour, bees were all over it!

We can all do this on a small and manageable scale by selecting plants which attract bees and other insects for a long flowering season such as Lavender, Cosmos and Linaria in our gardens. Bees love the flowers on beans. Maybe plant wildflowers or seed your own mini meadow....

Let’s give a big green thumbs up for pollinators!

(contributed by Cathy Jones on behalf of the Weighton Wildlife Group)

Next Generation of Gardeners

At our garden center, we recognise the critical role we play in nurturing the next generation of gardeners. With a commitment to fostering an early love for horticulture, we are dedicated to inspiring young minds about the wonders of gardening. Our team regularly engages with the community, and it is not uncommon for us to receive letters from school children, filled with queries about growing specific plants or seeking solutions for gardening hurdles they have encountered.

In our children’s selection our young visitors can find everything a budding gardener could need—from colourful child-sized gardening tools and whimsical fairy houses to fun garden furniture and exciting playsets.

We also offer a fantastic selection of kid-friendly seeds and bulbs, perfect for sparking a lifelong passion for gardening. Gardening is not only a fun and educational hobby but also a wonderful way for children to connect with nature. It encourages them to explore the diverse smells, senses, and tastes of the environment, while engaging in physical activity that is essential for developing movement skills.

Our Colleagues

Introducing Bev: A Familiar Friendly Face at Langlands Garden Centre

Whenever you stop by Langlands Garden Centre, you’re likely to meet Bev alongside her colleague Jeannette at the information desk. They are our frontline of friendliness and knowledge, always ready to assist with your gardening queries. Let’s delve into Bev’s world and learn more about what makes her such a special part of our team.

Favorite Disney Character:

Bev’s favorite Disney character is Cinderella, especially from the 2015 film which she fondly watched with her daughters. The story’s magical transformation and heartwarming ending hold a special place in her heart.

Three Words to Describe Herself:

Kind, caring, and considerate. These qualities not only make Bev a wonderful colleague but also a favorite among our customers.

Dream Job as a Kid:

As a child, Bev dreamed of being a lorry driver, inspired by her father. This early ambition shows her appreciation for the open road and adventure.

How Long She’s Been with Us:

Bev joined Langlands on the first day of lockdown, March 23, 2020, bringing over four years of dedication and resilience to our team during some challenging times.

On Houseplants:

At home, Bev prefers a mix of real and artificial plants. She cares for a Chinese money plant and two lucky plants, with the rest being maintenancefree artificial ones.

Memorable Customer Interaction:

Favorite Aspect of Her Job:

Bev particularly enjoys the social aspects of her role—chatting with regular customers and meeting their adorable dogs. Each interaction brightens her day and deepens her connection to our community.

Passions Outside Work:

When not at work, Bev indulges in her love for sewing, specifically Roman blinds, enjoys reading non-fiction, listening to podcasts, dining out, and spending quality time with her family.

Secret Talent:

Bev can impressively mimic a chicken! This unique talent surely adds a touch of humor to any gathering.

Interest in Astrology:

Bev starts each day by reading her horoscope and chooses her daily guidance based on the predictions she resonates with the most.

A memorable query for Bev involved a customer asking for seeds or plants for “cat’s eye dazzle plants.” A quick search revealed humorous images of cats with digitally altered plant faces, a fun and unforgettable customer moment. Our plant area manager, Mandy Warry has confirmed that there are no such seeds or plants exist. This inquiry turned out to be an April Fool’s joke, adding an extra layer of humor to the story!

Dream Pet:

If she could, Bev would choose to have a horse, admiring their grace and beauty.

If She Had a Late-Night Talk Show: Our colleague Bev would invite Mary Berry if she had her own talk show, as she is the go-to person when Bev needs help with baking, and her books are high on her list—or Delia Smith.

Favorite Local Activities:

Locally, Bev loves to explore culinary delights and catch the latest films at the cinema.

Stepping Out of Her Comfort Zone:

Participating in this questionnaire was a stretch for Bev, sharing a personal glimpse into her life with our community.

Bev’s warm presence and multifaceted interests make her an indispensable part of the Langlands Garden Centre family. Next time you’re here, don’t hesitate to strike up a conversation with her— whether it’s about plants, pets, or even the perfect Roman blind technique!

Meet Jeannette: Your Friendly Guide at Langlands Garden Centre

If you’ve ever visited Langlands Garden Centre, chances are you’ve been greeted by the welcoming faces at our information desk, notably Bev and Jeannette. Today, we want to spotlight Jeannette, a key member of our team who has been making your visits more informative and enjoyable for over five years. Let’s dive deeper and get to know Jeannette beyond her exceptional service at the desk.

Favorite Disney Character:

Jeannette’s favorite Disney character is Mowgli from “The Jungle Book.” She admires Mowgli’s unique ability to connect with animals, finding it truly fascinating—a sentiment that perfectly aligns with her love for nature.

Three Words That Describe Her:

Organised, honest, reliable. These traits not only make Jeannette a stellar colleague but also someone our visitors can trust for all their gardenrelated queries.

Dream Job as a Kid:

Interestingly, Jeannette once dreamed of being a hairdresser in the army. She imagined it as a way to blend creativity with service, although she eventually decided against pursuing it due to the challenges of being away from family.

On Houseplants:

Yes, she does have houseplants! Her home is graced with the presence of green companions, making her everyday environment a leafy retreat.

Memorable Customer Interaction:

One of Jeannette’s most memorable customer interactions involved helping a visitor deal with aphids organically. After discovering that ladybirds are beneficial for controlling aphids, she shared this with a customer, who was astounded to learn that ladybirds could be purchased online!

Favorite Aspect of Her Job:

Jeannette loves meeting and assisting our visitors. Every day brings new questions, and solving them is what keeps her motivated.

Passions Outside Work:

When she’s not at Langlands, Jeannette is often found spending quality time with her grandchildren, baking, and decorating cakes. These activities allow her to express her creativity and enjoy precious family moments.

Secret Talent:

While she keeps her secret talent under wraps with a playful smile, it’s clear Jeannette has many surprises up her sleeve!

Dream Pet:

If possible, she would choose a silverback gorilla as a pet, drawn perhaps by their majestic and commanding presence.

If She Had a Late-Night Talk Show:

Her first guest would be country singer Alan Jackson, reflecting her taste in music and perhaps an inclination towards heartfelt, storytelling lyrics.

Favorite Local Activity:

Jeannette enjoys walking her dog in the beautiful local countryside, embracing the peace and tranquility that nature offers.

Stepping Out of Her Comfort Zone:

A moment that stands out is when she gave a speech at her brother’s wedding, serving as his best man—a role that she found both challenging and rewarding.

Jeannette’s blend of professionalism, warmth, and genuine enthusiasm for helping others makes her an invaluable part of the Langlands Garden Centre. Next time you’re in, don’t hesitate to stop by the information desk; Jeannette is there to help make your visit as wonderful as possible!

Show off your tomatoes if you grow your own this year! Fire up the BBQ, gather your family and enjoy this great small plate as a snack, a starter or a side!

Bruschetta with Tomatoes, Mozzarella & Wild Rocket

THE INGREDIENTS

• 3 tbsp olive oil, plus a little extra • Garlic oil • 2 garlic cloves, crushed

• Sea salt freshly ground black pepper • 4 plum tomatoes • 4 slices ciabatta bread

• 150g mozzarella (drained weight) sliced into 4 • 10g wild rocket, washed drained

THE COOKING

1) Mix together the 3 tablespoons of olive oil, garlic and seasoning. Cut the tomatoes in half, brush with a little garlic oil and arrange in a foil container suitable for cooking on the barbecue (the Weber drip tray is ideal).

2) Barbecue cut-side up over Direct Medium heat for about 3 minutes, or until the tomatoes start to char. Remove from the barbecue.

3) Brush one side of the ciabatta with the remaining oil and cook over direct medium heat for 2 minutes, turning once, or until toasted on both sides. Remove the small drip tray from the barbecue with tongs or barbecue mitt.

4) Pop the toasted ciabatta in the drip tray and put a slice of mozzarella on top, followed by two tomato halves and continue cooking for a further 2 to 3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted. Remove the bruschetta from the barbecue, garnish with wild rocket and serve with a twist of black pepper and a drizzle of olive oil, if desired.