About Burston Garden Centre

We pride ourselves on our desire to exceed customer expectations. By bringing together a unique and talented team we deliver the ultimate garden centre experience. Our specialist buyers travel far and wide to discover trends, products and plants with one aim in mind, to engage and excite customers on their visit to Burston.

Burston Garden Centre - overview

The site on which Burston Garden Centre is located has been owned by the Pearson family since the 1978. To this day the family maintain a high level of interest, participation and commitment to the Garden Centre.

Brothers John and Richard Pearson founded Burston Nurseries (adjacent to the Garden Centre) and were then instrumental in establishing Burston Garden Centre on site in 1978. The centre is a family owned independent centre.

Since 1978 the Garden Centre has gone from strength to strength and has grown considerably and successfully over the year. The building that you see today was a total re-build in 1997 following a catastrophic fire.

The restaurant within has mirrored the success of the centre; soon outgrowing it’s original ‘café’ existence. It was fully refurbished in 2012.

Burston Garden Centre, North Orbital Road, Chiswell Green, St. Albans, Herts, AL2 2DS

Latest from our Gardening Blog

Jobs In The Garden In November
As winter approaches, it’s time to give your garden and outdoor spaces some extra care. Protect your furniture from the elements, plant your spring bulbs for a vibrant display, and tidy up your lawn and borders for the colder months ahead. From mulching perennials to raising pots and supporting garden wildlife, there’s plenty you can do now to keep your garden looking its best all winter long. Visit Burston Garden Centre for expert advice and all your winter gardening essentials.
Prepare for Winter!
As November settles in, it’s time to get your garden winter-ready! From pruning fruit trees to protecting tender plants and supporting local wildlife, there’s plenty to keep gardeners busy this month. Discover practical tips to keep your outdoor space healthy, welcoming, and full of life through the colder months. Visit Burston Garden Centre for everything you need to prepare for winter.
It’s time to plant spring bulbs!
Whether you’re new to gardening or a seasoned pro, autumn is the perfect time to prepare for a dazzling spring display. From tulips and daffodils to hyacinths and crocuses, planting bulbs now ensures a burst of colour when warmer days return. Our guide covers everything you need to know—choosing the right bulbs, preparing your soil, planting at the correct depth, and caring for your blooms—so you can look forward to a vibrant, healthy garden in the spring.
How to force indoor hyacinths in time for Christmas blooms
Want to enjoy the rich fragrance and vibrant colour of hyacinths this Christmas? Now’s the perfect time to start forcing your bulbs. With just a pot, soil, and a little patience, you can coax these winter beauties into flowering indoors. Our simple guide walks you through choosing pre-chilled bulbs, creating the right growing conditions, and caring for them until they burst into festive bloom—just in time for the holiday celebrations.
Jobs In The Garden In October
October is a busy and rewarding month in the garden. With summer behind us and winter fast approaching, now is the perfect time to prepare your plants, greenhouse, and lawn for the colder months ahead. From lifting and storing tubers to planting trees, pruning roses, and clearing fallen leaves, there’s plenty to do to keep your garden healthy and thriving. Here are the essential jobs to tackle this month to make sure your garden is ready for winter and set up for success in spring.
How to Harvest Late Season Apples
Harvesting late-season apples in September is both rewarding and practical when done right. Start by identifying your apple varieties and checking for ripeness—look for vibrant skin color, ease of picking, and that perfect taste test. Equip yourself with picking bags, a sturdy ladder, and pruning shears to make the process safe and efficient. When harvesting, handle each apple gently, twisting and lifting to avoid bruising, and sort them carefully afterward. Damaged fruits should be enjoyed immediately, while quality apples can be stored longer if wrapped individually and kept in a cool, ventilated space. With the right technique, you’ll enjoy crisp, flavorful apples well into autumn.