Based on looking at the website, Broadleighbulbs.co.uk appears to be in a transitional phase, making its current online offering unclear and potentially confusing for new customers. While it has a long history and a physical presence, the online shop functionality is fragmented across multiple domains, and the primary business is in the process of retiring.
Overall Review Summary:
- Clarity of Purpose: Confusing. The website states the business is retiring and Barr House is being sold, yet simultaneously promotes a “main 2024 Autumn Store” for bulbs.
- Online Shop Accessibility: Fragmented and potentially misleading. Direct links to different online shops suggest multiple, possibly outdated, platforms.
- Product Availability: Limited. Most online stores are no longer available, with only a specific autumn bulb catalogue and a few plants still being offered.
- Transparency: Mixed. While contact details and physical address are provided, the operational status of the online business is not immediately clear from the homepage.
- Customer Experience: Potentially poor due to unclear navigation, conflicting information, and redirection to external sites for purchases.
- Trust Indicators: Strong physical presence, long history (50+ years), and charity donations add credibility, but the current state of the online store raises concerns.
The website’s homepage, while offering a historical context and information about its physical gardens, clearly states, “after 50+ years we are finally retiring and Barr House is being sold! This means that our online stores are no longer available.” This immediately signals a significant shift in their business model. However, it then contradicts this by mentioning, “However our main 2024 Autumn Store of spring flowering bulbs like tulips, daffodils, crocus etc is still live. The bulbs will continue to be posted from Kent.” This creates an ambiguous situation for potential customers. While there are links to an “Online Store” and “Special Bulbs List,” these lead to different external domains (e.g., broadleigh.dejager.co.uk, broadleigh-bulbs-autumn.co.uk, broadleigh-autumn.co.uk), which can be concerning for a first-time visitor expecting a unified experience. The lack of a clear, consistent, and fully functional e-commerce platform on the primary domain significantly detracts from its legitimacy as a reliable online retailer for ongoing purchases. For clarity and ease of use, a modern, well-integrated e-commerce presence is paramount.
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IMPORTANT: We have not personally tested this company’s services. This review is based solely on information provided by the company on their website. For independent, verified user experiences, please refer to trusted sources such as Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org.
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Broadleighbulbs.co.uk Review & First Look: A Business in Transition
When you first land on broadleighbulbs.co.uk, the immediate impression is one of a long-established business, which indeed it is, with over 50 years of operation. However, the prominent banner declaring “after 50+ years we are finally retiring and Barr House is being sold! This means that our online stores are no longer available” sets a very clear, albeit somewhat contradictory, tone. It’s like arriving at a bustling market only to be told it’s closing down, but a small stall in the corner is still open for a limited time. This initial statement is critical because it fundamentally impacts the user’s perception of the website’s current purpose and reliability as a functioning e-commerce platform.
Initial Homepage Assessment
The homepage offers a mix of information, blending historical context with current, albeit limited, commercial activity.
- Direct Communication: The immediate announcement of retirement and sale of Barr House is a direct and honest approach, but it creates confusion regarding online purchasing.
- Contact Information: Clear display of telephone (01823 286231) and email ([email protected]) for direct enquiries. This is a positive for transparency.
- Physical Address: Barr House, Bishops Hull, Taunton, Somerset TA4 1AE, reinforces the tangible presence of the business.
- Conflicting Information: The statement about “our online stores are no longer available” is immediately followed by “However our main 2024 Autumn Store of spring flowering bulbs like tulips, daffodils, crocus etc is still live.” This juxtaposition can easily mislead or frustrate a new customer.
- External Links for Purchase: The links for the “2024 Autumn Store,” “Online Store,” and “Special Bulbs List” all redirect to different subdomains or entirely separate websites (e.g., broadleigh.dejager.co.uk, broadleigh-bulbs-autumn.co.uk). This fragmentation is a significant red flag for online trust and user experience. A reputable e-commerce site should ideally host its shop directly on its primary domain or a clearly integrated subdomain.
Website Navigation and Structure
The navigation menu provides standard links such as ‘Home’, ‘Display Garden’, ‘About Broadleigh’, ‘Customer Feedback’, ‘Terms of Business’, ‘Frequently Asked Questions’, and ‘Contact’. While these are expected, the core function of an online store – seamless product browsing and purchasing – is notably absent on the main domain.
- “Visit us” Section: This highlights the display gardens and nursery, open year-round, Monday to Friday, 9 am to 4 pm. It also mentions a £2.50 donation to St Margaret’s Somerset Hospice, showing a commitment to charity, with over £5,000 raised. This builds goodwill and trust for their physical operation.
- Catalogue Options: The availability to “visit the online shop or order a paper copy from the catalogue page” again points to fragmented online presence, or perhaps caters to a more traditional customer base.
In essence, broadleighbulbs.co.uk functions more as an informational portal for a retiring business, with residual online sales facilitated through external, less integrated platforms. For anyone seeking a straightforward online shopping experience for bulbs, this site would present considerable friction and potential confusion. The current setup is a far cry from what one expects from a modern, fully operational e-commerce platform.
broadleighbulbs.co.uk Pros & Cons: An Assessment of its Current State
Evaluating broadleighbulbs.co.uk requires acknowledging its transitional phase. The site isn’t a typical e-commerce platform actively seeking new long-term customers, but rather a historical site winding down its primary operations while still fulfilling some commitments. This unique situation leads to a distinct set of pros and cons for a potential user. Goinnovate.co.uk Review
Key Cons of broadleighbulbs.co.uk
The primary drawbacks stem from the announced retirement and the resulting fragmentation of its online presence. These factors significantly impact user experience and trust for an online shopper.
- Conflicting Information on Business Status: The most glaring issue is the homepage simultaneously stating “our online stores are no longer available” and then immediately promoting a “2024 Autumn Store… still live.” This creates immediate confusion and distrust for visitors. A clear, singular message is crucial for any business, especially one operating online.
- Fragmented E-commerce Experience: The links for purchasing bulbs redirect to entirely different domains (e.g., broadleigh.dejager.co.uk, broadleigh-bulbs-autumn.co.uk, broadleigh-autumn.co.uk). This practice is highly unusual for a single business and raises security and legitimacy concerns for some users. It forces customers to navigate multiple websites, which complicates the buying process and can lead to abandonment.
- Uncertainty of Future Availability: Given the explicit declaration of retirement and sale of Barr House, the long-term availability of any products is highly questionable. This isn’t a site for building a sustained customer relationship.
- Limited Product Range: While specific “2024 Autumn Store” bulbs are mentioned, the overall product offering is significantly curtailed, as many online stores are “no longer available.” This means a customer is unlikely to find a comprehensive selection.
- Outdated Design & User Interface: The website’s design appears dated, lacking the modern aesthetics and intuitive navigation expected of contemporary e-commerce sites. This can impact user engagement and perceived professionalism. For example, the design and layout are not responsive across different devices, which is critical in today’s mobile-first world.
- Lack of Clear Returns/Refunds Policy for Current Sales: While “Terms of Business” are linked, the specific implications of their retirement on current orders, returns, and customer service for the “still live” store aren’t explicitly highlighted or clarified on the main page. This ambiguity can deter cautious buyers.
- Limited Customer Support Scope: While contact details are provided, the capacity and scope of customer support during a business retirement are likely to be reduced compared to a fully operational enterprise.
Potential (Limited) Pros of broadleighbulbs.co.uk
Despite the significant drawbacks, there are a few points that might be considered positive, primarily if one understands the context of a winding-down operation.
- Historical Reputation: The mention of “50+ years” in business suggests a long-standing presence and historical expertise in horticulture. For those familiar with Broadleigh Gardens’ legacy, this might offer a degree of trust in the quality of the specific bulbs still being sold.
- Transparency Regarding Retirement: While confusing, the upfront declaration of retirement is a form of transparency. It informs visitors that the business is changing, even if the details are convoluted.
- Physical Presence and Charity Work: The continued operation of the display gardens and the commitment to charity donations (£2.50 donation to St Margaret’s Somerset Hospice, over £5,000 raised) build a sense of community engagement and ethical conduct for their physical operations. This reflects positively on their established reputation.
- Direct Contact Information: Readily available phone and email details offer direct communication channels, which can be reassuring for some users, especially those preferring traditional methods of inquiry.
In conclusion, the cons heavily outweigh the pros for anyone seeking a typical, reliable online retail experience. Broadleighbulbs.co.uk serves primarily as a digital noticeboard for a business in transition, with residual online sales as a secondary, fragmented function. It’s not a platform for consistent, hassle-free online purchases.
Broadleighbulbs.co.uk Alternatives: Reliable UK Garden Suppliers
Given the uncertain future and fragmented online presence of Broadleighbulbs.co.uk, it’s prudent for anyone looking to purchase quality garden supplies, especially bulbs, to consider established and reliable alternatives within the UK. These companies offer comprehensive product ranges, robust e-commerce platforms, and consistent customer service, providing a much smoother and more trustworthy shopping experience.
Top Alternatives for Garden Supplies in the UK
When seeking alternatives, focus on suppliers with strong online platforms, clear product availability, and good customer reviews. Here are some of the leading names in the UK horticultural retail sector: Curtain4u.co.uk Review
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- Overview: One of the UK’s oldest and most respected seed and plant companies, with a vast catalogue.
- Why it’s a good alternative: They offer an extensive selection of bulbs, seeds, young plants, and garden equipment. Their website is professional, easy to navigate, and frequently updated with new products and special offers. They have a well-established delivery network across the UK and provide comprehensive growing advice.
- Focus: Wide range of garden products for all seasons.
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- Overview: Another heritage brand known for its high-quality seeds, bulbs, and plants, with a strong focus on innovation and new varieties.
- Why it’s a good alternative: Suttons provides a reliable online shopping experience with clear product descriptions, helpful guides, and a consistent supply chain. Their bulb selection is particularly strong, especially for spring and autumn planting. They are committed to quality control and customer satisfaction.
- Focus: Seeds, bulbs, and young plants, often including exclusive varieties.
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- Overview: Crocus is renowned for its high-quality plants, trees, and gardening essentials, often favoured by professional garden designers and discerning home gardeners.
- Why it’s a good alternative: While potentially at a higher price point, Crocus offers exceptional quality and a beautifully curated selection. Their website is aesthetically pleasing and highly functional, providing detailed plant information and inspirational content. They have a strong reputation for reliable delivery of healthy plants.
- Focus: Premium quality plants, trees, and gardening accessories.
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- Overview: A specialist bulb and plant company, often known for its competitive pricing and large quantities, making it popular for those looking to plant in bulk.
- Why it’s a good alternative: J Parkers is an excellent choice specifically for bulbs, offering a massive variety of daffodils, tulips, crocuses, and more, often with attractive bulk discounts. Their website allows for straightforward ordering and delivery across the UK.
- Focus: Extensive selection of bulbs, seeds, and bedding plants, often with good value offers.
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YouGarden Defreeze.co.uk Review
- Overview: Known for making gardening accessible and affordable, YouGarden offers a wide range of plants, bulbs, and garden products through various channels, including online.
- Why it’s a good alternative: They provide good value for money and a constantly updated stock of seasonal plants and bulbs. Their website is user-friendly, and they focus on providing ‘garden ready’ plants, simplifying the process for beginners.
- Focus: Affordable plants and garden essentials, often ready to plant.
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- Overview: Part of the Suttons Seeds family, Dobies offers a comprehensive range of seeds, plants, and bulbs, often with unique and interesting varieties.
- Why it’s a good alternative: Similar to Suttons, Dobies maintains a high standard of quality and customer service. Their online platform is reliable, and they provide helpful gardening tips and resources alongside their product offerings.
- Focus: Seeds, plants, and bulbs, often with a focus on new and unusual varieties.
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Pugh’s Garden Centre (Online Shop)
- Overview: While a physical garden centre, many like Pugh’s offer a robust online presence, providing a local feel with national delivery capabilities.
- Why it’s a good alternative: This example represents the broader category of established garden centres that have expanded their reach online. They typically offer a diverse range of plants, garden furniture, tools, and decorative items. Supporting such businesses can provide a unique selection and often more personalised service.
- Focus: General garden centre offerings, often with a local touch and diverse stock.
These alternatives provide a far more consistent and reliable online shopping experience for garden enthusiasts in the UK, ensuring product availability, secure transactions, and dependable delivery, unlike the current ambiguous state of Broadleighbulbs.co.uk.
How to Navigate Broadleighbulbs.co.uk in its Current State
Given that Broadleighbulbs.co.uk is in a transitional phase, navigating its website requires a slightly different approach than you would typically use for a fully operational e-commerce site. It’s less about seamless shopping and more about understanding what’s still available and how to access it. If your primary goal is to purchase something specific that you know Broadleigh Gardens was historically famous for, you’ll need to be persistent and follow their somewhat fragmented pathways.
Understanding the “Retirement” Announcement
The most crucial piece of information is the banner stating, “after 50+ years we are finally retiring and Barr House is being sold! This means that our online stores are no longer available.” This is your starting point. It clearly signals that the business is winding down its primary operations. However, the subsequent sentence, “However our main 2024 Autumn Store of spring flowering bulbs like tulips, daffodils, crocus etc is still live. The bulbs will continue to be posted from Kent,” introduces the caveat. Pictureframeworld.co.uk Review
- Implication: Most of their historical online inventory is gone. Only specific seasonal bulb offerings, likely outsourced for fulfilment, remain.
- Action for Users: Do not expect a broad catalogue. Focus only on the “2024 Autumn Store” if you wish to purchase bulbs.
Accessing the “Still Live” Autumn Store
To access the remaining online shop, you need to look for specific links on the homepage. They are not intuitive and involve redirection to external domains.
- Locate the Link: Find the phrase “Our main 2024 Autumn Store of spring flowering bulbs like tulips, daffodils, crocus etc is still live.” The “2024 Autumn Store” part is a clickable link.
- Redirection: This link leads to http://broadleigh.dejager.co.uk/. This is a crucial detail because it means you are leaving the broadleighbulbs.co.uk domain to complete your purchase.
- Other Shop Links: The homepage also features “Online Store” and “Special Bulbs List” links in the navigation and main body.
- “Online Store” might lead to https://www.broadleigh-bulbs-autumn.co.uk/shop/index.php.
- “Special Bulbs List” might lead to http://www.broadleigh-autumn.co.uk/shop/catshow/SPECIAL_BULB_LIST/spring_flowering.html.
- Recommendation: Stick to the link explicitly mentioned for the “2024 Autumn Store” to minimise confusion, as it’s the most current offering mentioned. Be aware that you are now on a different website operated by De Jager, which likely handles the fulfilment of these remaining bulb sales.
Contacting Broadleigh Gardens Directly
If you have specific queries about their remaining plant stock (not bulbs) or their physical display garden, direct contact is recommended.
- Telephone: 01823 286231
- Email: [email protected]
- Purpose: Use these for queries about the “few plants available” mentioned on the homepage or questions about visiting their display gardens. Do not expect robust customer service for issues related to orders placed through the external “Autumn Store” links, as those are handled by a third party.
Visiting the Display Garden
For those interested in their physical presence and historical collection:
- Location: Barr House, Bishops Hull, Taunton, Somerset TA4 1AE.
- Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 am to 4 pm (except Bank Holidays).
- Donation: £2.50 or £3 charity donation for entry. This is a direct physical interaction, entirely separate from any online purchasing.
In essence, navigating broadleighbulbs.co.uk now means understanding its dual nature: a historical site announcing a closure, and a residual sales channel outsourced to a third party. For a smooth online purchase, it’s best to look at dedicated, fully operational e-commerce alternatives in the UK.
Broadleighbulbs.co.uk vs. Modern Online Garden Retailers: A Comparison of Functionality
When comparing broadleighbulbs.co.uk to modern online garden retailers in the UK, the differences in functionality and user experience are stark. This comparison highlights why the former, in its current transitional state, falls short of contemporary e-commerce standards. Justmovingboxes.co.uk Review
E-commerce Platform Design and Integration
- Broadleighbulbs.co.uk: The website functions primarily as an informational hub announcing a business winding down. Its “online store” links redirect to external, potentially dated, third-party domains (e.g., dejager.co.uk subdomains). This fragmentation means there’s no cohesive shopping cart, order history, or single customer account management across different product lines. The design is static and lacks modern responsive elements, making it less user-friendly on mobile devices.
- Modern Retailers (e.g., Thompson & Morgan, Suttons): These sites feature integrated e-commerce platforms (e.g., built on Shopify, Magento, or custom solutions) where the entire shopping journey occurs within one seamless domain. They boast responsive designs, intuitive navigation, clear product categories, advanced search filters, and personalised recommendations. Customers can easily manage their accounts, track orders, and view purchase history within a single, secure environment. According to Statista, mobile commerce accounts for over 50% of online retail sales in the UK, highlighting the critical need for responsive design.
Product Catalogue and Availability Management
- Broadleighbulbs.co.uk: Product availability is limited to a “2024 Autumn Store” for bulbs, managed by an external partner, and a “few plants available” that require a phone call. There’s no real-time inventory display for most products. The catalogue is static and appears to be in the process of being phased out.
- Modern Retailers: These platforms offer extensive, real-time product catalogues. They use sophisticated inventory management systems to display live stock levels, offer pre-orders for seasonal items, and provide clear indications of estimated dispatch and delivery times. Product pages are rich with high-resolution images, detailed descriptions, growing instructions, and customer reviews. For instance, reputable seed and bulb companies often provide germination rates and ideal planting conditions directly on product pages.
Customer Support and Engagement Features
- Broadleighbulbs.co.uk: Customer support is limited to a phone number and email address, primarily for general inquiries about the physical garden or the remaining plant stock. There are no online chat features, comprehensive FAQs specific to online orders, or dedicated customer service portals for tracking issues.
- Modern Retailers: Offer multi-channel customer support including live chat, dedicated email support, phone lines, and extensive FAQ sections that address common online shopping queries. Many also integrate customer review systems, community forums, or social media engagement directly into their platforms, fostering a sense of community and trust. Data from a 2023 Zendesk report showed that 89% of customers expect a seamless customer service experience across multiple channels.
Security and Trust Indicators
- Broadleighbulbs.co.uk: While the primary site uses HTTPS, the redirection to multiple external sites for purchases might raise security concerns for users unfamiliar with this business model. The lack of a unified security certificate across all purchase points could be perceived as a vulnerability.
- Modern Retailers: Prioritise robust security measures, including site-wide HTTPS encryption, secure payment gateways (e.g., Stripe, PayPal), and clear privacy policies. They often display trust badges from payment processors and security providers. Customer reviews and transparent company information (e.g., company registration numbers, clear terms and conditions) are readily available to build trust.
In conclusion, broadleighbulbs.co.uk operates more like an archival site with a limited, outsourced sales function. It lacks the integrated, user-friendly, and secure features that define modern online garden retailers, making it a challenging experience for contemporary online shoppers.
Understanding the Retirement of Broadleigh Gardens: What It Means for Customers
The prominent announcement on broadleighbulbs.co.uk regarding the retirement of Broadleigh Gardens and the sale of Barr House signifies a complete shift in the business’s operational model. For long-time customers and prospective buyers, this means a fundamental change in how they can interact with the brand and access its products. This isn’t a temporary closure or a rebranding; it’s a permanent winding down of their core business as it has operated for over half a century.
The End of an Era
- 50+ Years of Operation: Broadleigh Gardens has a rich history, being a UK leader in small bulbs and unusual perennials for over 50 years. This longevity speaks to a strong reputation and expertise in the horticultural field. The retirement marks the end of this direct legacy.
- Sale of Barr House: The sale of the physical property, Barr House, reinforces the finality of the retirement. This isn’t just about closing an online store; it’s about dismantling the physical hub of their operations.
- National Collection Transition: The National Collection of Alec Gray hybrids (miniature daffodils) moving to a new home in Devon indicates the dispersal of their significant horticultural assets, further solidifying the retirement process.
Impact on Product Availability
The most direct impact for customers is on product availability.
- Online Stores No Longer Available: The website explicitly states, “our online stores are no longer available.” This implies that the broad range of small bulbs and unusual perennials that customers might have previously purchased online are no longer accessible through Broadleigh Gardens directly.
- Limited “Autumn Store” Exception: The sole exception is the “main 2024 Autumn Store of spring flowering bulbs like tulips, daffodils, crocus etc,” which is “still live.” However, it’s crucial to note that “The bulbs will continue to be posted from Kent.” This suggests that even this remaining stock is likely managed and fulfilled by a third-party partner, such as De Jager, rather than Broadleigh Gardens itself. This is a common practice for businesses winding down, where residual stock is sold off through existing partnerships.
- “Few Plants Available” via Phone: The mention of “a few plants available- please call the nursery on 01823 286231” indicates a very limited, direct-sale residual stock, likely sold on a first-come, first-served basis from the physical location before its final closure or transfer. This is not an ongoing supply.
Future of the Brand and Customer Service
- Brand Continuity: While the core business is retiring, the intellectual property, such as “All pictures on this site © Christine Skelmersdale are available for licensing. All rights reserved,” indicates that elements of the brand’s legacy might persist in other forms, perhaps through licensing or contributions to horticultural literature.
- Customer Service Scope: Customer service for past orders or inquiries about the physical garden will likely be managed by the existing staff until a definitive cut-off point. However, for any issues related to purchases from the “2024 Autumn Store,” customers should direct their inquiries to the operating partner (e.g., De Jager), as Broadleigh Gardens is no longer the primary fulfillment entity for those specific sales.
- Physical Display Garden: The display garden remains open for visits Mon-Friday, albeit with a charity donation. This aspect might continue for a period, perhaps independently or under new management, as a legacy of the gardens’ contribution to horticulture and charity.
In essence, Broadleigh Gardens is transitioning from an active retail business to a historical entity. Customers should adjust their expectations accordingly, viewing the website primarily as an archive and the remaining online store as a temporary, outsourced sales channel for specific bulb varieties. For ongoing gardening needs, exploring alternative, fully operational UK garden suppliers is the most practical approach.
Broadleighbulbs.co.uk Pricing & Ordering Process: A Look at the Limited E-commerce
The pricing and ordering process on broadleighbulbs.co.uk are inherently tied to its current transitional state, making them significantly different from a standard online retail experience. Since the primary broadleighbulbs.co.uk domain does not host a direct, active shopping cart for all its historical products, understanding the pricing and ordering involves navigating external links and a very limited product scope. Smartcourier.co.uk Review
The “2024 Autumn Store” Pricing
The main and perhaps only active online sales channel currently promoted on broadleighbulbs.co.uk is the “2024 Autumn Store” for spring flowering bulbs.
- External Platform: The crucial point is that this store operates on an external platform, specifically broadleigh.dejager.co.uk. This means the pricing and ordering process are governed by De Jager, the fulfilment partner, not directly by Broadleigh Gardens.
- Typical Bulb Pricing: On such platforms, bulb pricing is generally structured by:
- Per Bulb/Pack: Individual bulbs or small packs (e.g., 5-10 bulbs) will have a set price.
- Quantity Discounts: Larger quantities (e.g., 50, 100, 250 bulbs) often come with significant price reductions per unit, encouraging bulk purchases.
- Collections/Mixes: Pre-selected collections of complementary bulbs for specific effects or seasons might be offered at a bundle price.
- Specific Examples (from a typical De Jager catalogue): Daffodils might range from £5-£15 for 10-25 bulbs, while a larger pack of 100 tulips could be £25-£40. These are illustrative examples; actual prices would be found on the De Jager site.
- Shipping Costs: The external platform will have its own shipping cost structure, typically based on order value or weight, and usually free over a certain spend threshold for UK delivery. This information would be visible during checkout on the De Jager site.
Ordering Process for the “Autumn Store”
- Redirection: From broadleighbulbs.co.uk, you click on the “2024 Autumn Store” link, which takes you to broadleigh.dejager.co.uk.
- Browse Products: On the De Jager site, you would browse the available spring-flowering bulbs (tulips, daffodils, crocus, etc.).
- Add to Basket: Select the desired quantities and add them to a virtual shopping basket.
- Checkout: Proceed to checkout, where you’ll be prompted to provide shipping details, billing information, and payment method. Standard payment options like credit/debit cards are expected.
- Order Confirmation: An order confirmation would be sent via email by De Jager, not Broadleigh Gardens.
- Fulfilment: The bulbs would be dispatched from Kent, as stated, under the De Jager logistics.
Limited Direct Sales Pricing (Plants)
The mention of “We still have a few plants available- please call the nursery on 01823 286231” indicates a completely separate, non-online ordering process for these residual plants.
- Pricing: Pricing for these limited plants would be provided directly over the phone or upon a physical visit. There’s no online catalogue for these items.
- Ordering: This involves a direct phone call and likely arrangement for collection or specific delivery terms outside of a standard e-commerce model.
Catalogue Orders
The option to “order a paper copy from the catalogue page” suggests that some customers might still prefer traditional mail-order. If this option exists, it would involve selecting items from the paper catalogue and sending an order form via post, potentially with cheque payment or phone payment details. The pricing in such a catalogue would be fixed for its validity period.
In summary, the pricing and ordering process for Broadleighbulbs.co.uk’s remaining online offerings are outsourced and limited to specific seasonal bulbs. For any other items or general inquiries, direct phone contact is the only listed option, highlighting the shift from an active online retailer to a business in its final stages of operation.
FAQ
What is Broadleighbulbs.co.uk’s current status?
Broadleighbulbs.co.uk is in a transitional phase, with the main business, Broadleigh Gardens, announcing its retirement and the sale of Barr House. This means most of their online stores are no longer active, with only a “2024 Autumn Store” for specific bulbs still live via an external partner. Truroartscompany.co.uk Review
Can I still buy bulbs from Broadleighbulbs.co.uk?
Yes, but with limitations. The website states that their “main 2024 Autumn Store of spring flowering bulbs like tulips, daffodils, crocus etc is still live,” and these are posted from Kent. However, this online store operates on an external domain (e.g., broadleigh.dejager.co.uk).
Are Broadleighbulbs.co.uk’s “online stores” truly unavailable?
Yes, the homepage explicitly states, “This means that our online stores are no longer available,” referring to their general catalogue. The only exception mentioned is the specific “2024 Autumn Store” for bulbs.
Where do I go to buy the “2024 Autumn Store” bulbs?
You would need to click on the link provided on the broadleighbulbs.co.uk homepage for the “2024 Autumn Store,” which redirects to an external website, likely broadleigh.dejager.co.uk, where the purchase is facilitated.
Is Broadleighbulbs.co.uk a legitimate website?
Broadleigh Gardens has been a legitimate and reputable horticultural business for over 50 years. The website itself is legitimate in communicating the business’s current status, though its fragmented online sales approach through third parties might appear confusing to new users.
Who is managing the “2024 Autumn Store” for bulbs?
The website indicates that the bulbs will be “posted from Kent,” suggesting that the fulfilment is handled by a third-party partner, likely De Jager, which operates the redirected online store. Eclipseclothingltd.co.uk Review
Can I visit Broadleigh Gardens in person?
Yes, their display gardens and nursery at Barr House, Bishops Hull, Taunton, Somerset TA4 1AE are open year-round, Monday to Friday, 9 am to 4 pm, except Bank Holidays. There is a £2.50 or £3 charity donation for entry.
Are there any other plants available directly from Broadleigh Gardens?
Yes, the homepage mentions, “We still have a few plants available- please call the nursery on 01823 286231,” indicating a very limited stock for direct sales.
How do I contact Broadleighbulbs.co.uk for inquiries?
You can contact them via telephone at 01823 286231 or email at [email protected].
What happened to the National Collection of Alec Gray hybrids?
The National Collection of Alec Gray hybrids – miniature daffodils – which Broadleigh Gardens held, is now going to a new home in Devon as part of their retirement process.
Is the website easy to navigate for online shopping?
No, the website is not designed for easy, comprehensive online shopping. Its primary purpose is to announce the business’s retirement, and the online shop functionality is fragmented and redirects to external sites, making navigation for purchases confusing. Watfordfancydress.co.uk Review
What payment methods are accepted on the “Autumn Store”?
Payment methods would be handled by the external platform (e.g., De Jager). Typically, this would include standard credit/debit card payments. You would see the specific options during checkout on that redirected site.
What are the terms of business for Broadleighbulbs.co.uk?
The website has a “Terms of Business” link under the “About Broadleigh” section. It’s advisable to review these terms, particularly on the external site where purchases are made, to understand sales conditions during this transitional period.
Will Broadleighbulbs.co.uk reopen as a full online store in the future?
Based on the explicit announcement of retirement and the sale of Barr House, it is highly unlikely that broadleighbulbs.co.uk will reopen as a full, independently operated online store.
Where can I find customer feedback for Broadleighbulbs.co.uk?
The website has a “Customer Feedback” link under the “About Broadleigh” section, which might contain historical testimonials.
Can I order a paper catalogue from Broadleighbulbs.co.uk?
Yes, the homepage mentions an option to “order a paper copy from the catalogue page,” suggesting that traditional mail-order catalogues might still be available for their “Autumn Catalogue.” Maelstrom.co.uk Review
What kind of articles are available on the Broadleighbulbs.co.uk website?
The website features an “Index of Articles by Month” and “Articles” section under “Christine Skelmersdale,” likely containing horticultural advice and insights from the founder.
How long has Broadleigh Gardens been in business?
Broadleigh Gardens has been in business for over 50 years, establishing a long history as a leading seller of small bulbs and unusual perennials in the UK.
What charity does Broadleigh Gardens support?
Broadleigh Gardens supports St Margaret’s Somerset Hospice through donations from visitors to their display gardens, having raised over £5,000 for the cause.
What are the best alternatives to Broadleighbulbs.co.uk for garden supplies?
Given the transitional state, reliable alternatives for garden supplies in the UK include Thompson & Morgan, Suttons Seeds, Crocus, J Parkers, and YouGarden, all of which offer comprehensive online shopping experiences.
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