GARDEN centres have been given the greenlight to reopen after coronavirus forced them to close at the beginning of their peak season.

As part of the Prime Minister’s announcement on Sunday evening, the country has been opened up to further freedoms, including unlimited outdoor exercise, as well as being able to visit garden centres.

Businesses were forced to close on March 23 as the UK went into lockdown, leaving many garden centres concerned about missing one of the busiest times of year.

Garden centres across Taunton and West Somerset are now preparing to reopen, with social distancing measures in place.

Among those to open their doors already include Averys Garden Centre, Silk Mills Road, and Otter Garden Centre, Pen Elm.

Somerset County Gazette:

Somerset County Gazette:

Monkton Elm Garden Centre will be reopening on Friday, May 15, and Willowbrook will be reopening on Monday, May 18.

Others around the area have varying opening dates, or have decided to remain closed, for example Triscombe Nursery, which will only be open for collections and deliveries.

Managing director of Monkton Elm, Mike Lind, said: “We are thrilled that the government has granted permission for garden centres to be allowed to trade again, with suitable social distancing measures in place.

“We have always been proud to support a wide range of customers with an interest in gardens, from expert gardeners to novices.

“Gardening is good for both physical and mental well-being so we are thrilled to be able to support our community again and help more people stay at home and enjoy their gardens during this time of national crisis.”

The centre will be open from 10am-4.30pm Tuesday-Sunday, and a host of safety measures are in place.

Averys Garden Centre will be open from 9.30am daily, and 10am on Sundays.

A spokesperson said: "If you're able to, come on down. "We are operating a two metre rule and we have a one way system in place."

Somerset County Gazette:

Likewise, Otter Garden Centre will be open from 9am until 5.30pm, expect on Sundays.

A spokesperson said: "After a long period of uncertainty, we are so pleased that our garden centres are reopening.

"We understand people may be anxious about visiting retail stores at this time, so we want to reassure details of social distancing we will have in place."

Visit their websites for more details on Covid-19 measures which have been put in place.