Hello from all of us here at Hilltop Garden Centre! We can hardly believe it’s May already – and what a busy and exciting time it’s been in the run-up. Home-grown plant production is in full swing, our plants are thriving, and the whole garden centre is bursting with colour and life. If you’re looking for a garden centre in Clacton that’s full of heart, expertise, and home-grown goodness, you’re definitely in the right place. Here’s a peek at what’s new in-store this month!
Home-grown basket and container plants
One of the things we’re really proud of at Hilltop is that we grow a huge amount of our own basket and container plants right here on-site. From the very first tiny plug plants to the full, blooming beauties you see in our displays, we nurture them ourselves – and you can really tell the difference.
Growing our own means we can carefully control every step: from choosing the best varieties, to using top-quality composts, right through to regular watering, feeding and hardening off. When you buy your plants from us, you know you’re getting strong, healthy specimens that have been loved from day one. Plus, by supporting your local garden centre Clacton-on-Sea community, you’re helping to keep traditional growing skills alive. Thank you!
Hanging Baskets bursting with colour
We’ve been busy behind the scenes making up a stunning selection of hanging baskets – and they’re looking absolutely fantastic.
Our expert team has been lovingly creating them over the past few weeks, carefully choosing colourful combinations that not only look stunning, but will flourish throughout the summer.
Whether you want a pop of bright pinks, a cool cascade of purples and whites, or a classic cottage garden mix, we’ve got a basket to suit your style.
Buying a ready-made hanging basket from Hilltop saves you time and effort – and because we’ve been growing them on in our greenhouses, they’re strong, established, and raring to go. Just pop them up and enjoy! If you’re searching for a garden centre with cafe where you can browse beautiful baskets and relax with a coffee afterwards, Hilltop really is the perfect spot.
Locally-sourced bedding plants – supporting Essex growers
This year, we’re working with wonderful local growers to bring you a fantastic selection of bedding plants.
Sourcing bedding plants locally is better for the environment, supports fellow small businesses in our area, and means we get plants that are fresher, hardier, and better adapted to our local climate.
Our bedding plants haven’t had to travel hundreds of miles to get here – they’re Essex-grown and proud, just like us!
When you plant Hilltop’s bedding plants in your baskets, borders or containers, you can be confident they’ll thrive. We’re proud to be an Essex garden centre that truly champions local growers.
New in - Rocket Gro tomato and vegetable planters!
We’re thrilled to now stock the brand new Rocket Gro Tomato and Vegetable Planters – and we think you’ll love them as much as we do.
Here’s why they’re a must-have for your growing this season:
🌱 100% chemical-free and peat-free
🌱 100% Organic approved
🌱 Slow-release feed for 3 months
🌱 Packed with bio-active microbes to help roots thrive
🌱 Extra-large 60 litres deep fill (plenty of room for big, healthy roots)
🌱 Size: 1030 x 320 x 100 mm – perfect for patios, balconies, and gardens
🌱 Price: Just £7.99 each!
They’re brilliant for growing not only tomatoes, but also peppers, cucumbers, courgettes and salad crops.
If you’re keen to grow your own but short on space, these planters make it simple and rewarding. Pop by your favourite garden centre in Essex to pick one up – while stocks last!
And don’t forget, we also have a brilliant stock of young vegetable plants, including tomatoes, chillies, peppers, cucumbers, lettuces, and more arriving all through May. Plus, our trusty Tomorite feed (now with 20% extra free) is ideal not only for tomatoes, but for anything you want to encourage to flower or fruit.
New in - Alstroemeria: brilliant blooms that last and last
New in this month at Hilltop, our compact Alstroemeria plants are bursting with colour and beauty! Known for their vibrant, exotic-looking flowers, these little beauties flower for months on end and are a real favourite for summer bouquets and flower arranging. Alstroemeria like a sunny or lightly shaded spot and well-drained soil – we recommend planting them in containers or borders using Rocket Gro Peat-Free Compost to give them the best start. Keep them well-watered during dry spells and feed with a high potash feed (like Tomorite) every couple of weeks during flowering. The more you pick, the more they bloom – so don’t be shy about snipping a few for the vase!
Salvia ‘Lips’ series – perfect for patios
You’ll love the cheerful pops of colour from the Salvia 'Lips' range – they’re brand new in this May and looking fabulous! With masses of striking bi-colour flowers and aromatic foliage, these are ideal for pots, patio containers or sunny garden beds. Salvia thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, so we suggest planting with Rocket Gro Container Compost for great root development. They’re drought-tolerant once established and require minimal fuss – just deadhead regularly to encourage fresh blooms and trim back lightly after flowering to keep them looking neat. Bees and butterflies adore them too, so they’re a lovely pollinator-friendly choice.
Astilbe – bold, beautiful and loves shade
Astilbes are a gardener’s dream for those tricky shady, damp spots – and we’re delighted to have them in stock this month at Hilltop. These graceful plants send up feathery plumes of flowers in pinks, reds and whites that look stunning in beds, borders or even large pots. They love moisture-retentive, humus-rich soil, so Rocket Gro Tree & Shrub Compost or Border Boost is ideal when planting. Choose a partially shaded or full shade location and water regularly to keep the soil moist, especially during dry spells. They’ll reward you with long-lasting colour and will happily return year after year. Plus, pollinators – especially butterflies – can’t resist their airy blooms.
Relax, shop and refuel at Hilltop
Of course, after all that browsing and plant choosing, you deserve a treat!
Our on-site café, Floral Days, is a welcoming spot to relax with a coffee, cake, or even a hearty lunch. If you’re looking for a garden centre with restaurant that serves up fresh, local, and lovingly prepared food, look no further than Hilltop.
Enjoy the lovely spring weather on our outdoor seating area too, complete with comfy garden furniture, parasols, and beautiful views over the surrounding countryside. It’s a real slice of heaven here in Weeley!
