A family-run garden centre with roots stretching back more than 130 years is earning rave reviews from customers thanks to its homegrown plants, hanging baskets and old-fashioned approach to customer service.
Ben's Plants, in Neasham near Darlington, has quickly become a favourite with local gardeners since owner Ben Sanderson opened the retail nursery on land that has been farmed by his family since the late 1800s.
The 33-year-old, a sixth-generation member of the family to work the site, grew up at the nursery and always dreamed of selling the plants grown there directly to the public.
(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
Now, with a five-star rating on Google, that dream is proving a success.
One customer said: "Visited for the first time and was blown away by the quality of the plants.
(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
"Very well priced and amazing selection.
"Bought lots of plants and also several trays of plants put up for tubs and hanging baskets.
(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
"These are wonderful and my tubs look fantastic.
"Will be doing this every year from now.
(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
"Would highly recommend a visit.
"It's well worth it."
The site is part of the long-established Neasham Nurseries, operated by Ben's parents, Colin and Suzie Sanderson, who have owned the business for the last 20 years.
Ben said: "The nursery has been in the family for more than 130 years and I'm about the sixth generation.
(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
"We used to grow veg years ago and now it's all plants, but it's the same land and I really like that sense of history."
After leaving college, Ben worked briefly in the family business before spending four years in the Royal Navy.
On returning home, he learned the wholesale side of the trade, growing bedding plants for garden centres across the North East.
(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
However, he always had ambitions to create something of his own.
He said: "I always wanted to open a shop to sell what we produced because the quality was so good."
(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
Around four years ago, extra space became available on the nursery site and Ben launched Ben’s Plants.
Initially open for just three months of the year, the business expanded as more and more customers discovered it.
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Today, the nursery sells bedding plants, shrubs, small trees, compost and ready-made planters, while also offering a service where customers can bring their own baskets and containers to be professionally planted.
A coffee van and outdoor seating area have also become popular additions.
The business is now preparing for its first-ever Christmas event, featuring festive walks, hot chocolate, premium Nordmann fir Christmas trees and wreath-making workshops.