THE new owner of a Hampshire garden centre has big plans for its future.

Silversprings Garden Centre in Titchfield was sold to Mike Jarvis, the owner of Abbey Garden Buildings and Borderland Fencing, earlier this year.

He already had a close relationship with the business as Abbey Garden Buildings had shared the Fontley Road site for more than 20 years and was purchased by Mr Jarvis in 2012.

When Mike was approached to buy the business, he was delighted as he could see the potential to expand his landscaping offering and has plans to develop the six acre site and has retained all 20 staff

Mike said: “Although the purchase took place earlier this year we wanted to focus on keeping everything the same for customers and staff until we could get to grips with the business and how it operates.

“We are now at the point to begin renovations to the centre and begin to make the changes we have planned to develop the site to become the home for all your gardening and landscaping needs along with a relaxed shopping experience for gifts, plants and products for the home and garden in one location.

“We will be making changes, however, I am very conscious that these changes must be done sympathetically to minimise disruption for our customers and our staff. Changes will be made over time and encompass the feedback from our customers on what they would like to see available at the centre."

However, Mike said he and his partner, in business and life, Rachel Blake were concentrating on the countdown to Christmas.

"We have a bigger selection of Christmas trees, baubles, lights and decorations than have been available in the past to encourage people to come and visit and ask about our plans for 2019,” said Mike.