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Original poster

wont the over 70s want to go to the garden centre?

118 replies

CrowdedHouseinQuarantine · 09/05/2020 18:45

temptation

OP posts:
Mascotte · 09/05/2020 19:29

@StealthPolarBear it's because the plants are produced for certain times and will rot and go to waste if not sold. And owners will go bust.

LaurieFairyCake · 09/05/2020 19:30

Over 70's WERE told to stay at home

Sparklingbrook · 09/05/2020 19:31

An appointment at the garden centre? That's very posh.

CheriLittlebottom · 09/05/2020 19:32

Bloody love a garden centre. I'm 36.

Sad not to have a cup of tea and a bit of cake though. Still, better than nothing!

Jocasta2018 · 09/05/2020 19:32

My Dad & stepmum are avid gardeners but they might stay away for the first week to let things calm down.
I'm quite excited about them opening as I've got gaps in my garden, I've got lots of ideas, just need the plants!
Was watching Monty Don last night & I need to get some more ericaceous compost for my Acer as well.

PleasantVille · 09/05/2020 19:33

What have I missed? Over 70s aren't forbidden from leaving the house, why is the garden centre different to the supermarket?

weepingwillow22 · 09/05/2020 19:34

I normally love garden centres but will actively avoid them for the next few weeks as I expect they will be horribly overcrowded.

MarshaBradyo · 09/05/2020 19:34

Has something been decided re over 70s and garden centres?

It’s the only shop I miss. Not 70 though

iVampire · 09/05/2020 19:35

‘Over 70's WERE told to stay at home’

As were the pregnant, the asthmatic, those with learning difficulties - loads of people on the long ‘vulnerable’ list.

But they aren’t on the ‘stay at home’ shield list

So if the aim of the thread is to tell all non-shield vulnerable they should not avail themselves of newly opened services, fair enough

But if it’s lazy ageism, that’s neither fair nor reasonable

whatswithtodaytoday · 09/05/2020 19:36

So excited, I can't wait and am under 40 😁 Young people garden too!

Original poster
CrowdedHouseinQuarantine · 09/05/2020 19:37

Over 70s were told to stay at home thanks @lauri

OP posts:
ExpletiveDelighted · 09/05/2020 19:38

It's peak season for garden centres. The owners invest massively in stock for this time of year. Unlike other types of non-food shop most of it is perishable. They will go under if they miss much more of the season.

Original poster
CrowdedHouseinQuarantine · 09/05/2020 19:38

My dm among with many other octogenarians will be so envious

OP posts:
Coffeecak3 · 09/05/2020 19:41

Perhaps it’s part of a plan hatched by millennials to cull boomers by encouraging them to venture out.

Fairylillie · 09/05/2020 19:49

My DM (70) and her friends like to visit the garden centre once a week for an hour of wandering around perusing the goods followed by tea and cake in the cafe after.

I expect it will be the same as the supermarkets, one person in at a time, no wandering around in a group looking at stuff you have no intention of buying and the cafe will be closed.......

So my DM and her friends will not want to go, no. Unless DM wants some plants in which case DF would tell her she has ten minutes to grab some plants and leave!

MaureenMLove · 09/05/2020 19:58

@iVampire - I'd be very happy for a friend to go to the garden centre for me, but there's nothing like getting to see them in real life and feeling them yourself, is there! I've got a load coming from a local independent. The lady even described what she was picking for me, but it's still not the same! Grin

Disfordarkchocolate · 09/05/2020 20:00

I am so excited about the possibility of this. I need some compost and a few plants.

Original poster
CrowdedHouseinQuarantine · 09/05/2020 20:01

But if it’s lazy ageism, that’s neither fair nor reasonable

dont be ridiculous @iVampire

I didnt personally chose the age of 70, the government did

I am just concerned, as I would be if I saw somebody over the age of 70 having to go to the supermarket, with no help from family.

OP posts:
Gobbolinocat · 09/05/2020 20:03

If an over 70 wants to go, brilliant. I assume they are competent enough not to need a carer and to understand the risks. Their life, their choice.

Gobbolinocat · 09/05/2020 20:04

Tbh it seems the biggest factor in covid is weight so all obese people should stay away m

LaurieFairyCake · 09/05/2020 20:05

It's lazy ageism - they were initially told to stay at home for 12 weeks. The shielding list came after separately.

attackedbycritters · 09/05/2020 20:05

Oh and what about BAME should they all stay away as well?

Mustbetimeforachange · 09/05/2020 20:10

I'm only 55. Can I go next week too? I do hope so.

mencken · 09/05/2020 20:26

with new cases roughly stable (i.e. not dropping) we ALL need to take extra care. That doesn't mean 'don't go to the garden centre' but like all shopping trips it is think, write a list, in, grab, pay and out. Do your chatting on the telephone.

userxx · 09/05/2020 20:27

@CrowdedHouseinQuarantine My parents flat out refuse help with their shopping. I'm not dictating to 70 something year olds, they are grown ups who will make their own decisions 🤷‍♂️

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