A garden centre near Macclesfield has celebrated its 40th anniversary.

Prestbury Plant and Garden, on London Road, Prestbury, is known for its vast plant selection, seasonal focus and community engagement.

The family-owned business, is operated by Adlington resident Christopher Wellavize.

It is open seven days a week.

"We celebrated our 40th anniversary with champagne and strawberries shared with our customers and friends," he said.

"We have preserved the popularity and success of the business over the years by knowing the market through engaging with our customers and being aware of shifts in tastes as fashions change."

"I would like to thank my wife Linda, my children Mia and Theo, all the wonderful people who have and do work with us and the community who have shopped with us and placed their trust with us.

The business was established in 1984. (Image - Macclesfield Nub News)

"Thank you to all our customers over the years you have been amazing."

The shop sells a huge range of products including indoor/outdoor plants, garden furniture, barbecues, garden tools and much more.

Prestbury Plant and Garden prides itself as business that cares for and listens to its customers, by employing excellent customer service, whilst also having a self-service area stocked with tea coffee, biscuits and garden magazines.

The business was started from Oak Farm in Styal, moved to Cheadle Hulme in 1985 and arrived at Prestbury nurseries in 1991. The business was renamed from Prestbury Nurseries to Prestbury Plant and Garden in 2008.

The business has transitioned into a more holistic business by not only expanding its comprehensive product range, but also engaging with the local community through a variety of events and occasions.

"A holistic business is the key to being sustainable. A good place for plants people, and nature," Christopher added.

"To improve and expand, we offer a business that knows its customers and what they want from a local garden nursery and provide a place where they enjoy shopping.

You can give the business a call on 01625 828748.

"[Also, to] never to think that we know better than the customer and offer good value.

"By focussing on these key objectives the business is viable in the long term."

Because of a love of nature from a very early age, Christopher created the business in 1984 after inspiration from visits to Ness gardens on the Wirral and trips to Gordan Riggs garden centre with his grandparents.

Milestones over the years include becoming a more 'holistic' business in 2002, pesticide-free in 2017 and remaining open throughout the COVID-19 pandemic as a key pillar to the community. (Image - Macclesfield Nub News)

He did a degree in horticulture and began working in local garden centres in Alderley Edge, which inspired Christopher's desire to create his own gardening business.

This then sparked an ever-growing business which has been thriving, even through the pandemic.

Prestbury Plant and Garden has always placed a focus on engaging with customers and plant needs, by sourcing plants that are well suited to the local climate and selling them at reasonable price, which ultimately propelled the business throughout its 40 year existence.

In that time, the business has survived ten prime ministers, four recessions and one pandemic.

"We felt strongly that the nursery had an important job to do in the crisis [referring to the pandemic]", Christopher added.

"By supplying food, reliable supplies of organic food and in the end helping people's mental wellbeing by offering a place outdoors where they felt safe and connected."

The business has a free on-site car park. (Image - Macclesfield Nub News)

The business has also taken steps to ensure that it is adopting sustainable and eco-friendly practice.

Prestbury Plant and Garden uses a zero waste policy, promotes reusing and recycling plant pots, and trays and helps customers make the best environment conscious decisions.

The business also uses politics to its advantage, as they plan to simultaneously support local government representatives, whilst also holding them to account.

In his spare time, when he is not running his business, Chris is a Member of St. Michael's Church in Macclesfield. He enjoys playing golf, table tennis and going for walks, as well as holding an active interest in politics.

"We plan on spreading awareness by encouraging people to engage in the issues that affect them and how to be active citizens.", Christopher said.

"We won't begin to solve the natural environment challenges until we are happier and more content as individuals and as a society."

You can visit the garden centre at London Road, Prestbury, Macclesfield SK10 4DY.

The business has over 1400 followers on Facebook. (Image - Prestbury Plant and Garden)

Opening and closing times are 9am-5pm Monday-Saturday and 9:30-4:30 on Sundays.

You can visit their website or Facebook page.