The Garden Depot celebrates one year in Strabane

From hosting special events to celebrate the magic of the holidays, to selling the finest flowers, opening up a special in-house café for hungry shoppers and giving customers a wealth of choice for all their outdoor needs, ‘The Garden Depot’ has certainly enjoyed a memorable one year of business in the heart of Strabane.

While there wasn’t a cascade of balloons or a frantic, bustling party to mark the special occasion – the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic can be thanked for that – shop owner and shareholder, John McGuinness is, instead, planning to host an exciting family fun day in the future as a humble ‘thank you’ gift to the garden store’s loyal and friendly customers.

Officially opening its doors with vibrancy and fervour on June 1 last year, The Garden Depot has quickly blossomed into everything that John imagined: A store which stirred with life and variety, while helping each individual customer achieve their dream outdoors.

Aside from selling everything from bright, cheerful blooms, plants and furniture to create an attractive looking garden all year long, The Garden Depot also offers customers garden decorations; sheds; outdoor play toys for children; concrete building blocks; timber; and more.

The in-house florist also expertly caters for small, local weddings, while its in-house café (due to be reopened later this month) offers customers the chance to take the weight off their feet with a good cup of hot tea or coffee, and a deliciously tray bake.

Perhaps the garden store’s most stand-out feature, however, is its ‘decking depot’, distributed by Acheson and Glover Ltd, which provides local folk from Strabane and much further afield, with a full range of paving displays; composite decking; and decorative stones – including sand and granite. For a fuss free shop, a fitting service is also available.

Furthermore, a professional landscaping and design service at inspiring prices is also offered, while the centre’s ‘play depot’ gives parents and guardians an opportunity to purchase custom-built play frames and climbing frames for their energetic, adventurous children.

Speaking to the Chronicle, John – who is the father of Farra and Aria – said the time has simply ‘flown by’ as he reflected upon his first year of business.
“The year has been fantastic,” he described. “We opened our doors for the first time on June 1 last year, and it was a really tough time for local businesses. However, we have seen a massive growth in ourselves, and this is really due to public demand, and the loyalty and support of our customers.

“There have been many stand-out moments during this time,” John, who was formerly a lighting designer, who travelled with musical stars such as Rihanna, added. “We’ll never forget the special events that we were able to host for customers at Christmastime, when we transformed the store into a magical winter wonderland,
and also at Halloween, when we became a haunted haven, and stirred the imaginations of children.

“We are definitely hosting a Halloween event similar to that one this year, as it was such a success.

“I genuinely look forward to coming to work every day,” John continued.

“We are welcoming customers from Strabane, Tyrone and people from across the border, who have got wind of our services. There’s always a joyous atmosphere in store, with children running around and our friendly staff on-hand to help anyone out if they need it.”

John concluded by expressing ‘a huge thanks’ to everyone who has helped make The Garden Depot’s first year in business so successful. “We are so grateful for all of the support,” he said. “Let’s hope we are here for another good while yet!”

• The Garden Depot is located at 49 to 51 Dock Street, Strabane. Its opening times are: Mondays to Saturdays from 9am to 5.30pm.
For more information about products and services, please phone The Garden Depot on 07711798787.