A government document has confirmed that garden centres in England will remain open during the third national lockdown, as long as strict social distancing measures are put in place.
In their latest guidance, the government said: "Other businesses and venues are permitted to stay open, following COVID-19 secure guidelines. Businesses providing essential goods and services can stay open. Essential retail such as food shops, supermarkets, pharmacies, garden centres, building merchants and suppliers of building products and off-licences [can remain open]."
This news comes after the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, announced a third national lockdown to help curb the spread of COVID-19. From Tuesday 5th January at midnight, non-essential shops, pubs and restaurants will once again close. The measures will be reviewed during the week commencing 15th February.
The horticultural industry has been deeply affected by the lockdown restrictions. In fact, last year, the Horticultural Trade Association (HTA) announced that the virus outbreak could cost the UK gardening industry £200 million.
English gardener and broadcaster Alan Titchmarsh commented on the importance of keeping garden centres open. He said: "I urge the government to put in place a rescue package which will enable British horticulture to survive. Without it, our gardens and open spaces — a vital source of solace and nutrition to those at home — will suffer irreparable damage."
Tracey Crouch, Former Minister for Loneliness, previously told the BBC that keeping garden centres open would be beneficial to many. She said: "Gardening and wider horticulture is often used as a means of improving physical and mental wellbeing so it's unsurprising that, with the right measures in place and good hygiene controls, many would like to see nurseries re-open soon.
"It provides a small window of relief from all the bad news, which in itself is good for mental well-being."
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17 of the best eco-friendly Christmas trees to buy now
This fresh real potted Christmas tree is sure to get everyone feeling festive. Plant it in an outdoor pot and leave in the garden to grow bigger in time for next year.
Even though this table top twig tree from Dunelm will work perfectly for the festive season, it's also subdued enough that it can work all year round as an ornament. It looks especially effective over the winter months.
Picea Glauca Conica Pot Grown Christmas Tree
Looking for a small potted Christmas tree? Keep an eye out for dwarf varities. This evergreen tree, commonly known as the White Spruce, is available from as small as 1-2 feet all the way through to 5-6 feet upon delivery. Simply complete the look with your favourite decorations.
This natural wooden Christmas tree is ideal for painting, decorating and adding your own touch. Great for the kids to get creative this festive season.
A great gift idea, as it can be delivered through the letterbox along with a card, this mini Christmas tree comes with lights and a pop-up gold star pot.
This oak Christmas tree, with a simple star on the top, is a lovely alternative to traditional Christmas decor. It's also available in two different sizes, depending on your space.
Pair of Premium Quality Festive Holly Trees Covered in Berries
Want to brighten up your desk? These mini holly table top trees have lovely dark green foliage, red berries and come in a white plant pot.
Looking for a unique metal tree you can reuse every year? Well, this style is perfect for those who are short on space or who want a minimal Christmas without compromising on style. Simply hang your favourite decorations on the horizontal metal bars.
While it may be an investment, this is a tree that you'll look forward to bringing out year after year – or even decade after decade. Made from birch plywood, it features some charming cut-out stars.
Nordic Forest Wall Hanging Christmas Tree Ladder
This beautiful rustic hanging tree has been created using rows of natural wooden branches hung together with strong jute string. Adorned with festive favourites such as pine cones, forest leaves and berries, it's perfect to reuse every year.
Going for a more minimal or Scandi-inspired decor style this festive season? This rattan-style design is one of our favourites this year. It's also available in white and will work well in a host of different rooms in your home.
Ideal for using as a table decoration, we love this compact variety - which comes in a lovely hessian-wrapped pot complete with a bow, making it a fantastic gift idea too.
Are you on the hunt for a planet-friendly Christmas tree that you can reuse every year? Well, this alternative oak tree ticks all the right boxes. Handmade in Kent, it's perfect to pass down through the generations.
With a silver finish, this mini Christmas tree is great if you don't have space for a larger option in your home.
This extravagant brass wire tree from Nkuku offers a gorgeous base upon which you can add some of your most elegant baubles and decorations. Coming in three sizes, there is an option for every space.
Coming complete with an assortment of baubles, twinkly lights and a red velvet star tree topper, this mini Nordic Christmas tree is also currently on sale.
Available in an array of beautiful colours, from this forest green to a warm white, navy blue or berry hue, this unique paper Christmas tree will wow anyone who pays your home a visit over the festive season. It's also available in a range of sizes, depending on where you'd like to display it.
Lisa Joyner is the Deputy Daily Editor at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she's busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.
