A trip to the garden centre usually signals the start of spring, but there are plenty of nurseries to choose from across Southampton and the New Forest.

The Echo has rounded up five of the best choices based on its ranking and score on Google's review system.

All garden centres mentioned below have at least a 4-star rating on the review platform.

Paddock Plants

The garden centre on Upper Toothill Road in Rownhams is a family-run nursery that offers a range of perennials, grasses, ferns and shrubs.

The centre prides itself on being specialist growers of 50 varieties of plants, growing them all peat-free with slow-release fertiliser.

Paddock Plants also likes to introduce "unusual varieties or plants new to the UK market", according to its website.

One reviewer said: "I can't recommend Paddock Plants more.

"I had such a friendly call to arrange delivery and my husband had a lovely chat with Rob when the plants were dropped off.

"The plants were well packaged and are doing well so far. Great experience end to end, we'll be ordering again in future!"

Pickwell Farm Shop

While known for its farm produce, this shop on Grange Road in Bursledon also offers a wide range of plants and flowers.

One reviewer said: "Friendly staff and a charming setting make for a pleasant shopping experience."

Pickwell Farm Shop is also known for its self-service milk vending machine outside, pouring full-fat flavoured milk on demand.

Allington Nursery and Garden Centre

The family run business on Allington Lane started trading in Fair Oak in 1922 and has used its current five-acre site since 1986.

The nursery simultaneously grows over 250,000 plants and holds pre-orders for a number of rare flowers.

Allington Nursery's "meganolia" is one example this year, as the garden centre has managed to grow magnolias that flower as big as dinner plates when mature.

Shergolds

This garden centre on Burnetts Lane boasts a strong selection of plants and trees but also sells fresh fruit and vegetables as a farm shop.

The centre's wide selection of high quality dog food for sale is also regularly praised in reviews.

One reviewer said: "Amazing store with very friendly and helpful staff. Great quality plants/compost at competitive prices.

"Haven't found anywhere else cheaper and thoroughly recommend Shergolds."

Fairweather's Garden Centre

Patrick Fairweather, far right, pictured at the garden centre's 60th anniversary party.Patrick Fairweather, far right, pictured at the garden centre's 60th anniversary party. Positioned on Beaulieu High Street, Fairweather's is a family run, independent garden centre that also runs its own fruit and vegetable patch.

The garden centre opened as an evening and weekend project in 1961 and continues to trade strong in 2025.

One reviewer said: "A nice garden centre. One of just a handful of shops in the area.

"Friendly staff and plenty of garden bits, from outdoors to indoors.

"All very reasonable prices, so good sale bits as well. Certainly worth a visit if your in the area."