• Great seasonal events and activities for children!
• Spacious restaurant for prams and children PLUS an excellent play area!
• Easy access that is wheelchair friendly throughout. (We also have free wheelchairs on standby if you feel you need to use one to get around!)
• Free parking, including disabled and child-friendly parking bays.
• We are dog-friendly! (Responsible dog owners are welcomed with their beloved dogs.)
The widest range of quality plants in the South West!
Monkton Elm is a proudly independent, family-owned garden centre business that has been at the forefront of making gardening accessible, rewarding, and enjoyable within our Somerset and North Devon community for over 40 years. We bring our passion for plants and gardening into your indoor and outdoor living spaces, through our friendly and knowledgeable staff, in a shopping environment centred on customer service and family values.
Being an independent, family-run business, our products are different from other garden centres! We specialise in unusual species of plants, a wide variety of different plants for different areas and some amazing staff to help you choose which ones suit you best!
From the UK to Africa and back, Monkton Elm Garden Centre has been in development for decades! Our garden centre as we know it today, began as a humble tomato farm which Luella and David Bellman purchased in 1978. They opened a garden shop in 1980 and added a plant area selling hardy and perennial plants, the rest, as they say, is history! (The history of this extraordinary couple can be read on the walls in our coffee lounge!)
It is from these humble beginnings that Monkton Elm has grown to receive numerous distinguished awards and merits, including ‘Best Destination Garden Centre in the West’ in 2021. And although we lost David and Luella a few years ago, their children, Caroline, William and Heather are actively involved in the business, along with Mike Lind, Heather’s husband, as Managing Director, they continue the family ethos and vision.
Plants are the core of our business, and with over 100 years of combined horticultural experience, our plants team are simply the best! With Andrew Pitman, our horticulturalist and shop manager, at the helm, what this team doesn’t know about plants isn’t worth knowing. And, what’s more, we love plants!
Our friendly team of plant experts are on hand to share their knowledge and experience to help you with any gardening questions you have – whether you have a large outdoor space, a small patio or are just looking for colourful plants in pots! Plants bursting with seasonal colour and texture can bring any outdoor space to life. Let us help you enjoy your outdoor space by finding the best plants for your project, and help you make it a growing success all year round.
We have one of the largest outdoor plant areas in the Southwest filled with superb quality plants hand-picked by our team from the very best nurseries. We also have plants for attracting wildlife, plants for sunny spots, plants that love shade, topiaries, herbs, and alpines. We also have a delivery service for larger items.
The plant guarantee scheme
We offer plants that are guaranteed to grow! As a member of the Garden Centre Association, we offer a 5-year hardy plant guarantee. Our outdoor range of hardy garden plants carry a 5-year hardy plant guarantee and includes a varied selection of trees, shrubs, climbers and perennials.
For more information about the Garden Centre Association and the Plant Guarantee Scheme, ask about it in store or visit the GCA website at gca.org.uk.
Responsible
sourcing
From seed to shelf, it’s important to know where our products are coming from, how they are being produced and the environmental care being taken in its production. Where possible, we always choose British grown first! Most of our British suppliers are working on growing media that is peat free, environmentally sustainable and responsibly sourced. We support the important work these growers are doing in researching and implementing biological alternatives to pesticides, water saving and recycling measures and many other ‘green’ growing initiatives to reduce energy consumption.
Being passionate about our plants means being passionate about our planet!
SEASONAL BEDDING PLANTS
HOUSE PLANTS
From ‘Grow Your Own’ vegetables, fruits and herbs to updating borders and creating gorgeous seasonal pots and hanging baskets, our seasonal plants section always looks absolutely stunning! The varied plants and colours are an inspiration for all gardeners and novices alike. Whether you are chatting to Jane, Sharon or Amanda, the team are friendly, helpful and very knowledgeable about the perfect seasonal plants for your needs.
More people than ever are turning to plants to beautify their homes, purify the air and de-stress. Bring nature inside your home while also cleansing the air you breathe by picking up a houseplant today.
We are constantly ordering new houseplants, shaped by our customers’ needs and requests, and our houseplant selection is one of the widest ranges of houseplants in the West. Whether it’s a low light environment, full sun, to humidify the space or simply to enjoy being surrounded by plants – we have the perfect plant for you!
OUTDOOR LIVING
Patio & Pots
Need help with planning your outdoor garden areas? Our friendly and amazing patio team have advised customers on garden buildings, patios, fencing, flooring solutions, raised bedding, fountains and water features, arbours, stones, pebbles and pots for decades!
We have one of the largest garden and landscape supplies in the Taunton area, with a wide range of decorative gravels, patio circle kits and patio paving kits plus all sorts of wooden trellis and fencing.
Create an inspired outdoor setting with our extensive range of furniture and décor items for that extra special summer space! Outdoor living is more than just enjoying a summer in the garden. It’s about extending the comfort of your home beyond the backdoor, creating an outdoor space tailored to your needs. Whether you are looking for a spark of inspiration or hoping to build your outdoor paradise from the ground up, Monkton Elm will provide you with all the products and advice you need to create and maintain your perfect outdoor living space, adding comfort and luxury to your home.
Because we know how important it is to build a garden that resonates with you – a garden that feels like home – we have a range of outdoor buildings, garden features and furniture that will give you all the inspiration you need to start designing and constructing your outdoor world.
Furniture, Lighting & BBQ’s
GIFTS & HOMEWARE
Discover an array of products for your home in our gift and homeware section with designs and brands inspired by key trends. From Gisella Graham to Jelly Cat to Emma Bridgewater, there is something for everyone in our gift range! With one of the largest range of cards on offer, clothing, glassware, jewellery, books, children’s gifts and confectionary all available for you to peruse at your leisure.
Our Bathroom and Home fragrance department offers warm and welcoming scents, with candles, reed diffusers, botanical wax melts and much more to browse! With a wide array of fun and funky Bomb cosmetics, and the more traditional and exquisite smelling products from the English Soap Company, there is something for everyone!
Add some floral finishing touches to your home with our range of luxury artificial flowers, orchids, and potted plants. Choose your own flower stems to make your bespoke bouquet, or explore our delightful, dried flower arrangements.
Delicious, locally sourced food & drink all year round!
We are constantly sourcing fabulous local makers, growers, brewers, and farmers. Our ever-expanding offering focuses on top quality, local, hand-made and freshly delivered products using only the best ingredients! Why not try one of our bespoke hampers as a special gift for someone?
Our Farmshop sources locally produced alcoholic beverages, cheeses, preserves and much, much more!
Our range of exciting new beers and ciders from artisan producers such as The Newt in Somerset, Hawkstone beer and cider famously produced with Jeremy Clarkson, Local brewerys such as Sheppy’s and Rich’s Cider alongside british wines and spirits, including our very own Monkton Elm Brand!
OUR GARDEN CLUB LOYALTY SCHEME
Join the Monkton Elm Garden Club for exclusive offers, great deals, and loyalty card points on everything you buy in-store or online.
Want exclusive offers on items you love? You can receive that and more when you become a member at Monkton Elm Garden Centre.
Whenever you shop at Monkton Elm, you can earn up to 3 points for every £1 you spend!
SIGN
UP TODAY AND START SAVING!
You’ll be able to save money by using your loyalty card every time you make a purchase. Don’t miss out on our special offers and events! Visit us, register for free and get your very own loyalty points card.
Why join our Loyalty Club?
When you sign up for a loyalty card, you’ll experience a range of benefits:
• Free membership! And no registration fee. Just speak to one of our friendly staff members. They will help get your very own loyalty card.
• Priority booking for special events!
• Earn and spend your points at our famous Elm Tree Restaurant!
• Exclusive offers and garden club rates on many products
• Earn up to 3 points for every £1 you spend.
*Terms and conditions apply
OUR SERVICES
• Free Parking!
• Expert advice with over 250 years combined Monkton Elm Garden Centre experience
• Local deliveries
• Carry-to-car service
• Online shopping
• Click and collect
• Complimentary wheelchairs available and wheelchair access throughout the centre
• Baby changing facilities
ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY
The environment is very important to us, so we take many steps to minimise our impact on the environment throughout all areas of our business:
Recycling
• We started baling cardboard in 2003, and for the last 20 years, we have recycled over 7 tonnes of cardboard annually. That is 140 000 tonnes of cardboard recycled by Monkton Elm to date!
• Energy efficiency – we have 260 solar panels that are used to generate some of the electricity we use, changed to LED Lighting throughout the centre and are working on developing more practices to streamline our energy usages.
• We also recycle soft plastic, compost bags and plastic plant pots, which we invite our customers to assist with by dropping their plant pots with us whenever they visit!
• All scrap paper is placed in an on-site paper recycling bin, which is also available for customers to use.
• We also have a recycling bin for clothing in our car park. All our old uniforms were sent to Africa via this bin.
• We offer a used battery disposal facility instore.
• Our plastic carrier bags are made from biodegradable plastic, or alternatively, we sell re usable canvas shopping bags.
Local sourcing
Wherever possible, we stock plants from local growers, minimising the pollution from delivery vehicles and supporting local industry.
FSC policy
We mainly stock timber products with FSC certification.
Peat policy
We sell a wide range of high quality growing media and are committed to offering our customers the best options for their needs. In line with government guidelines, we offer reduced peat and peat free products. We have a wealth
of information available to our customers and our staff are available to assist with any questions regarding the use of peat alternatives and product options available.
Water saving policy
We have recently introduced water-saving flood benches across our in-door and bedding plant departments, to minimise water wastage, and make use of capillary matting in the outdoor plant area to aid water retention.
Our Commitments
Monkton Elm has been a Garden Centre for over 40 years. We have always been committed to conducting business in an ethical, responsible and community-minded manner. We continue to expand, improve and refine what we do and how we do it whilst maintaining our company values of:
• Creating a family centered environment run by family for families!
• We are an honest, ethical and fair employer.
•Where possible, we promote community initiatives, and play an integral role in the development and support of our local community.
A few examples of our support within our community in 2023/24:
• Sponsored over £2000 in vouchers and prizes for local raffles, charity initiatives, schools, care homes and hospitals.
• Sponsored several initiatives to support the efforts in Ukraine.
• Raised over £2500 selling Seeds Of Hope for this local mental health charity.
• Held fundraising initiatives and donated food, toys and accessories to our Pet Centres charity: Rushton Dog Rescue Centre.
THE ELM TREE Restaurant, Coffee Shop & Pondside Cafe
Enjoy a delicious breakfast, lunch, and afternoon tea at the heart of Monkton Elm Garden Centre. Our award-winning Elm Tree Restaurant is the perfect pit-stop for anyone looking for hearty, traditional English food. We also have a good variety of vegan, vegetarian and ‘free-from’ meals to suit most dietary requirements.
From a full English breakfast to Sunday roast, you can be assured that you’ll find a meal that suits your palette. And if you fancy a decadent afternoon tea or just a cake and a cuppa? Our comfortable Coffee Lounge is the perfect place for you!
Free Play Area
Your kids will love our free play area! It is safe and convenient for your young ones, keeping them entertained and occupied.
For a more DOG FRIENDLY OPTION, our delightful Pondside café has a great atmosphere and is now stocking savouries and sweets for your pleasure! Keep warm, dry and cosy inside or, on sunny days, sit in the shade along our beautiful pondside walkway.
Where your pet is part of our family!
At Monkton Elm Pet Centre we understand that your pet is something precious to you. That’s why we have specialist staff on board to give you practical advice and recommendations that are tailored to your pet. Our store offers toys, accessories and natural food for all cats and dogs. We understand canines and felines can be very fussy, but with our extensive range of food, we are sure you will find something to get their noses twitching! We also have a wide range of small animal accessories and an Aviary with various birds and accessories on offer.
We stock a range of delicious natural foods, treats and pet essentials available to buy online too.
OUR DIRECTORS
Meet Mike, Heather, Caroline and William, directors who are actively involved in the management and running of Monkton Elm.
As a second-generation family run garden centre, our core values of family stretches beyond ownership and to our staff, who have become family over the years. We pride ourselves on growing our sense of community with not only staff, but our loyal customers who have supported the centre through all its changes, creating a meeting place and hub of the local community.
We are one of the largest employers within our local area, employing over 100 staff members on our site. Our staff are the cornerstone of the business, and many have been with the garden centre for decades! This year we celebrate Stephen Searles’ 40th anniversary with us! With other long standing staff members, we have added it all up and the combined years of experience at Monkton Elm comes to over 250 years!
