EMPLOYEES at Trowbridge Garden Centre feel respected and are treated as important members of the team, which is why many of them have decade-spanning careers there.

The business stocks a wide range of products to brighten up a home or garden including alpines, climbers, trees, herbs, bedding and roses.

And staff do their best to brighten up the Frome Road business by keeping high standards and offering first-rate customer care.

Assistant manager Claire Turvey, who has worked at the garden centre for 26 years, said: “Even though I’ve been here for 26 years, there are still a few others who have been here longer.

“And that’s because it’s a lovely place to work; there’s a really friendly atmosphere and we all come together as a team to make the experience as nice as possible for our customers.

“We’re all in charge of different sections including the shop, aquatics area, bird products, tools, garden furniture and more. Each person has specific knowledge of their respective section to assist customers in the best way possible – there are lots of knowledgeable people who work here.

“My sister works here too and the managing director’s wife, Nicky Francis, also works here, so I guess those family connections add to the close-knit atmosphere.”

The garden centre opened in 1981 and prides itself on ‘excellent customer service and great value for money’.

As well as plants, it stocks a wide selection of accessories and items such as tools, seeds, chemicals and compost. There is also a gift department.

Janet Usher, 69, is the longest serving member of staff, clocking up 33 years for the company and counting.

She said: “I love working here, which is why I’m still going after 30 years.

“I was going to retire but decided I would miss the team too much, so carried on going.

“Mark is a fantastic manager to work for and really values all the members of staff. It’s also a great place to learn lots of different skills.

“I certainly don’t have any plans to leave anytime soon.”

Fact file

Address: Trowbridge Garden Centre, 288 Frome Road, BA14 ODT, Trowbridge, Wiltshire

Contact: 01225 763927 / info@trowbridgegardencentre.co.uk

Number of employees: 11

Year opened: 1981

Plants stocked: shrubs, trees, climbers, herbaceous plants, alpines and all types of seasonal bedding plants