The time of year has come when we dust the cobwebs off the greenhouse, start trimming back the dead heads in the garden and plan what summer blooms we want to add to the soil beds.

For those who enjoy gardening, you might have even started sewing seeds for this year’s vegetable selection that you have decided to grow from home.

As the warmer months begin to creep in, a trip to the garden centre is always a good idea, whether for lunch with friends or to browse seasonal flowers.

To help you decide what garden centre to visit in County Durham to achieve your garden goals, we have put together a selection of the best garden centres in County Durham according to Google reviews.

Some of the best garden centres in County Durham

Lanchester Garden Centre

Location: Bargate Bank, Lanchester, Durham, DH7 0SS

Rating: 4.5/5

One person wrote: "Lovely place! Garden centre looked good with plenty of choice for plants, garden ornaments etc.

"We went into Potters World, which for £4 each was worth every penny. The animals were lovely, lots to look at, then headed into the play tunnel which was great! Shame because of the weather we couldn't go in the outside area, will definitely visit again!"

Beech Tree Nurseries

Location: Adelaide Bank, Shildon, DL4 1DF

Rating: 4.7/5

A recent visitor said: "Excellent selection of plants for baskets, tubs and planters at reasonable prices. Also good choice of fruit trees.

"Recommend a visit for all your gardening needs."

The Northern Echo: Garden centres often have great choices for fruit trees tooGarden centres often have great choices for fruit trees too (Image: Canva)

Thinford Nurseries

Location: Thinford, Durham, DH6 5JX

Rating: 4.7/5

This customer posted: "A proper local nursery with knowledge and care. This is the place that we should be shopping at and supporting.

"Ten out of ten."

Another said: "I buy my hanging baskets from here every year and they are always fabulous. The best I’ve ever seen. I wouldn’t go anywhere else."

Poplar Tree Garden Centre & Coffee Shop

Location: Hall Lane, Shincliffe, Durham, DH1 2NG

Rating: 4.3/5

A user left this review on Google: “Excellent garden centre. Wide range of healthy plants, mostly grown in the UK, at fair prices. Nice range of garden ornaments and furniture. Cafe is pleasant too.”

Horns Garden Centre

Location: Dixon Estate, Shotton Colliery, Durham, DH6 2PX

Rating: 4.4/5

This person wrote: "Great assortment of plants and a wide array of other goods. Restaurant seems popular. We'll have to visit again and try it."

Green Lane Nurseries

Location: Green Lane, Wheatley Hill, Trimdon Station, TS29 6BF

Rating: 4.6/5

One visitor posted: “If you are in the North East you must pay this place a visit. Recently taken over the cafe/coffee shop is has been tastefully decorated with plenty of seating. Some comfy sofas to sit and chill on while enjoying the array of tasty food on offer. The butcher's counter is set at the back with an incredible choice of meats and cuts.

What side of the fence am I responsible for in the UK?

"Outside the plants are the cheapest we've come across yet in the North East.

"Going back on Tuesday and taking more of the family.

"Highly recommended."

Recommended reading:

Leamside Nurseries

Location: Longmeadows/Pit House Lane, Houghton le Spring, DH4 6QR

Rating: 4.6/5

This is what one customer said: "This garden nursery has developed so much over the years. I was very pleasantly surprised to see the new building, layout and poly tunnels everywhere. I seems to be very well stocked and prices are reasonable. Staff are always helpful with advice and the movement of heavier items."