We’re kicking off celebrations for our sixtieth anniversary celebrations with a special pledge set to benefit the communities local to our seven branches.

Our family-run business – which started in 1964 – will be carrying out 60 ‘good deeds’ across the coming year. We aim to achieve these by working with charities, schools and community organisations.

Good Deeds Completed

ONE

Ottery St Mary Scouts

During January the leaders of the group are teaching their scouts about fire safety and fire-lighting skills, before introducing cooking over fire as an ongoing activity throughout the year.

Unable to have an open fire on their site, they approached us and we were delighted to offer them the fire pit.

TWO

Honiton Community Action Group

This community-led group manages many important projects in our local town, Honiton.

One of these projects is maintaining the Hospiscare Garden at Kings House.

The team of volunteers wanted a female holly tree for the garden to provide a vital source of food for birds. Encouraging birds into the gardens is important for the residents as it gives them the opportunity to spend time in a quiet place with nature.

THREE

Friends of Wincanton Community Hospital

We were contacted by the group to ask us for expert help and advice to choose the right plants and furniture which would be low maintenance for an upcoming project.

There are a few boarders which runs alongside the paths around the hospital which the team wanted to plant up and make more useable by visitors.

Our Wincanton team were very happy to help support to choose the right plants and accessories for the job. We also contributed to the cause with a £100 gift voucher which the team will be back to spend in the Spring.

FOUR

Ladybird Day Nursery, Brixton

We were delighted to assist Ladybirds Day Nursery in enhancing their outdoor learning environment.

Upon their request for support in developing their outdoor space, particularly their forest walk and vegetable patch, we gladly provided a £100 gift voucher.

This contribution allowed them to acquire essential supplies that will undoubtedly enrich the children’s experiences and foster a deeper connection with nature.

We are thrilled to have played a part in nurturing a vibrant and engaging environment for the young minds at Ladybirds Day Nursery.

FIVE

Camellia Claire Hannah added to National Trail at Mount Edgcumbe

We take great pride in our exclusive Claire Hannah camellia being added to the National Camellia Trail at Mount Edgcumbe this March.

Originating from our own propagation efforts back in 1996, this stunning camellia is now exclusively cultivated and available for purchase at Otter Garden Centres.

Featuring a captivating coral pink hue and boasting an irregular semi-double bloom with 26 petals, Claire Hannah adds a touch of elegance to any garden.

Its addition to the collection gained attention, even making its way onto BBC Spotlight. Read more about it by clicking here.

SIX

Feniton Primary School

Feniton is a nearby primary school, and we are committed to supporting local schools as much as we can.

Unfortunately, their year 1 wooden bench in the playground had deteriorated beyond repair, posing a safety risk for the children.

We were delighted to step in and provide them with a new, sturdy bench featuring a wood effect design. Not only is it visually appealing and practical, but it is also fully recyclable at the end of its lifespan.

SEVEN

60th Anniversary Celebrations with Terry & Diane

We were thrilled to receive an email from Terry & Diane enquiring about the month of Otter’s 60th Anniversary and letting us know their 60th Wedding Anniversary is in March.

Being long-standing customers, first at Ottery St Mary and then at our Lymington Garden Centre, we couldn’t pass up the chance to join in the celebration with this lovely couple.

It was our pleasure to extend an invitation to Terry & Diane for a celebratory lunch at our Lymington Garden Centre, along with a few additional surprises. As a token of our appreciation, our team presented them with a potted rose fittingly named the Anniversary Rose.

EIGHT

Memory Cafe for Ottery Help Scheme

We’re pleased to have supported our local Memory Cafe for Ottery Help Scheme by providing a lovely collection of plants and seeds.

Jill, the lead for the event, shared: “The attendees had lots of fun, a few spillages, and dirty hands, which all led to discussions about their gardening experiences!”

“As they departed, they clutched their pots, hopefully bringing happiness and some colour to their gardens, windowsills, or wherever they choose to place them!”