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Original poster

Does anyone here like to go to Van Hage in Hertfordshire?

10 replies

JamBiscuitBun · 07/03/2023 08:06

I went yesterday and didn't know that they've been taken over! It's now called 'Blue Diamond' which I think is a naff name. But that aside they're making masses of changes & for the better it seems. A huge refit is underway. And I'm pleased to report that their plant prices for bedding are cheaper than the old Van Hage which was extortionate. Lets watch this space. Perhaps you've been to one of the other Blue Diamonds? What're they like?

OP posts:

Mrsdragonfly · 07/03/2023 08:08

We’ve been a few times. Blue diamond sounds a bit of a naff name and it’ll always be Van Hague’s to us

EmmaEmerald · 07/03/2023 08:10

Oh my mum used to like going there but doesn't drive anymore.

we have been to a Blue Diamond garden centre somewhere else, it was a chain. It was a nice but I haven't seen many garden centres.

CrapBucket · 07/03/2023 08:10

Never heard of it, reading your post and the new and old names, I guessed it was probably a swingers club. Then I read about the bedding, so either I was right, or its a garden centre?...

bestbefore · 07/03/2023 08:11

I believe they are keeping the old name! Hope the train survives..

And yes it's a huge garden centre!

SBAM · 07/03/2023 08:12

The one with the carousel outside and the mini train?

We went last month. The cafe was not great, but kids loved the train. We were a little disappointed that the van Hage membership club which they had posters outside for (that would have saved us some money as we were buying some trees) has been removed because they’re blue diamond now.

I like it for inspiration but it’s a bit overwhelming sometimes.

NewmummyJ · 07/03/2023 08:12

Oh that's interesting, it's abit further out for me these days but I do make the trip. The prices were higher than other nurseries, so hopefully that is good about the reduction. I hope that isn't a reflection of the quality though as I did rate the quality of plants from there, they always did well!
When I went at Chri

NewmummyJ · 07/03/2023 08:14

Oops posted before finished.
Anyway look forward to checking it out, hopefully changing for the better, it is a lovely Garden Centre if a bit expensive.

DoYouRememberTheInnMiranda · 07/03/2023 08:16

I think there's more than one in Hertfordshire. I've not really been to our closest, the one at Great Amwell, since the animals went.

Except at Christmas, when it's still good for keeping the kids entertained even without the skating.

KrasiTime · 07/03/2023 08:26

Used to go a lot to the one in Great Amwell as was near DC school but since they’ve left only really go at Christmas time.

Letsnotargue · 07/03/2023 08:29

We live near to two Blue Diamond garden centres. One is nice, if a bit old fashioned. The other is like an entire shopping mall with a garden centre stuck on the side. The big one is quite pricey, but is good for inspiration, if you can make it through the IKEA-esqe winding pathway through the shop.

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