ENGLAND were plunged into a third national lockdown on Tuesday, January 5 in a bid to limit the spread of coronavirus once again.
But this has left garden centre lovers wondering if they can eye up their favourite plants ahead of spring.
Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates
Are garden centres staying open in lockdown?
Garden centres will be allowed to remain open during the third national coronavirus lockdown.
After being forced to close during the first lockdown in March 2020, they have been open since May, including during the second shutdown in November.
Garden centres are among the essential shops allowed to remain open for business, but indoor botanical gardens have been told to close.
Why are they staying open?
Garden centres will be allowed to stay open this week after the Government deemed them as an “essential retail”.
The Government says this is because centres will provide essential goods and services.
A statement on the Gov.uk website says “essential retail such as food shops, supermarkets, pharmacies, garden centres, building merchants and suppliers of building products and off-licences” can remain open during this latest lockdown.
How will social distancing work?
Garden centres, like many other facilities will have to adopt social distancing measures.
As a result of their big open air spaces, people are expected to be able to maintain distancing rules, including staying two metres apart from those not in your household.
Perspex screens around tills and face masks will also be expected to be worn at all times, by staff and customers, when on premises.
Can I still buy plants and garden materials online?
Online retailers have continued to sell plants and garden materials throughout the coronavirus pandemic.
Places including B&Q remain open during the third lockdown where you can order online before either getting home delivery or using their click and collect service.
Customers who purchase products online for delivery may face delays in their items reaching them.
