Are garden centres open during lockdown?
MANY businesses remain closed as the UK continues to be in lockdown in an attempt to curb the spread of coronavirus.
The Covid-19 outbreak means only a handful of shop types are allowed to stay open, to provide essential goods and services as strict social distancing rules remain in place.
⚠️ Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates
Are garden centres open during coronavirus lockdown?
After Prime Minister Boris Johnson's announcement of a national lockdown on March 23, many gardening shops have been forced to close as only "essential" businesses are permitted to stay open.
It means that millions of plants, shrubs and trees could now be thrown out in the coming days and weeks - with Dominic Raab revealing that they will remain shut for the May Day Bank Hoilday as opening "would risk damage to public health."
It comes after The Sun's gardening expert Peter Seabrook pleaded with Prime Minister Boris Johnson to open garden centres and retail nurseries.
He said: "I ask in the interests of the physical and mental well-being of all of us as we continue to endure lockdown."
A number of smaller gardening stores have had to close due to the lockdown restrictions.
Some larger chains are open for business including B&Q, and Homebase.
Meanwhile, Screwfix are available for online orders.
For those using Click and Collect, orders will be brought to store entrances to limit spread throughout the shops.
Gardening store after coming under fire for keeping their stores open despite the lockdown.
However, many hardware stores are still open as they are classed as "essential", and you can find gardening supplies in these stores.
These include stores such as Wilko and B&M.
But there is good news for garden lovers as nurseries are set to be allowed open from Wednesday as part of Boris Johnson's 'unlockdown' master plan.
Give now to The Sun's NHS appeal
BRITAIN’s four million NHS staff are on the frontline in the battle against coronavirus.
But while they are helping save lives, who is there to help them?
The Sun has launched an appeal to raise £1MILLION for NHS workers.
The Who Cares Wins Appeal aims to get vital support to staff in their hour of need.
We have teamed up with NHS Charities Together in their urgent Covid-19 Appeal to ensure the money gets to exactly who needs it.
The Sun is donating £50,000 and we would like YOU to help us raise a million pounds, to help THEM.
No matter how little you can spare, please donate today here
www.
Is gardening considered 'essential' work?
Gardeners haven't been identified as 'key workers'.
The government have said: "Work carried out in people’s homes, for example by tradespeople carrying out repairs and maintenance, can continue, provided that the trades-person is well and has no symptoms."
As public parks are still open to the public for the meantime, it is likely that gardeners working in these spaces will continue to maintain the up-keep of the parks.
The Royal Horticultural Society cancelled its annual Chelsea Flower Show after this advice but has planned a virtual show to fill the empty void.
According to the BBC, the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) has asked the government for financial assistance of up to £250m in order to help the industry avoid collapse
What types of shop are open?
Only a small group of retailers will be allowed to stay open during the coronavirus crisis, they include:
- Supermarkets
- Pharmacies
- Takeaways and food deliveries
- Health shops
- Medical services - eg, dentists
- Vets
- Newsagents
- Off licences
- Pet shops
- Hardware stores
- Retail shops in hospitals
- Petrol stations
- Bicycle shops
- Launderettes and dry cleaners
- Storage and distribution facilities
- Banks
- Post Offices (reduced hours)
- Car garages and repair shops
Many popular chains remain open.
These include Wilko, B&M, Home Bargains and Poundland.
LATEST CORONAVIRUS NEWS
How long will the lockdown last?
Boris Johnson announced that measures are in place for an initial three weeks from March 23 - but this was extended by a further three weeks, taking us into May.
The length of the lockdown will depend on how the UK responds to the measures.
Dominic Raab - the Foreign Secretary, who is standing in for Boris Johnson while he's recovering from Covid-19 at Chequers - has said that the UK must continue to work hard to bring coronavirus numbers down.