Visiting a garden centre

We travelled out to Mappleborough Green to visit one of the garden centres which sold miniature creations.  We wanted to have a look at what was available to make a Fairy Garden in a corner DDC's large garden.  Little Soldier went to sleep on the way so we were able to have a good wander round while he slept in the pushchair, we were amazed at how much this nursery has changed.  
Our first visit there was many years ago, possibly back in 2011, and it was a rather boring nursery, lots of plants but the site itself was very tired.  On our next visit, it appeared that the Nursery was being improved, maybe as a landscaping centre.  On our next visit we were looking for Raspberry Canes so it was a quick pop in and look around but I did notice the Miniature World stand, so here we were again.
There is a very good parking area, lots of room for getting a child out of the car and into a pushchair, then under a sheltered entrance.  These was plenty of room to wander in between the product stands so we had a good browse round.  PJ asked a member of staff about the weather vanes, we have been looking for a suitable one for the top of the Chicken Ranch, and he went off found a really beautiful one.  We are so pleased to find one at last!
At the entrance there had been a sign announcing the restaurant open so after all this browsing we decided we would stop for a coffee and cake moment.  DDC had a 'double take' at the cake counter when she found out that she could have a bowl of fresh fruit instead of a slice of cake!!!  How thoughtful is that??  We were shocked to think that the restaurant has thought of so much.

As we made our way to a table, Little Soldier woke up and after a drink wanted out of the pushchair.  We obliged and showed him the small play area ..... I say play but this was a very thoughtfully laid out area with lots of wall activities.


He soon came out to run around but then something outside the large double doors caught his eye ........
I told him we couldn't go outside as the doors were shut cos it was raining ..... off he went back to the play centre.
As we walked back to the car we found that there were several outlet shops to browse around but we didn't stop this time - a reason to come back perhaps!
We were very impressed with how this centre is working now ..... the staff were pleasant and helpful, the good was good, the products laid out so well.
We are looking forward to going back again in the Springtime.