Business Details
45 Years
experience
Your Trusted Garden Centre & Cafe in Cambridge
Oakington Garden Centre has been a family-run business since 1981, founded by Philip and Melanie Sadler on a field in Oakington. Our journey began as a plant nursery and evolved into a comprehensive garden centre with a dedicated plant nursery, shop, and Olive Tree Cafe. Over four decades, we have maintained our horticultural roots while adapting to changing customer needs, introducing sustainable practices such as rainwater harvesting and growing our own plants to reduce our carbon footprint. Our team of expert gardeners and chefs provides tailored advice, locally sourced produce, and a curated selection of plants, from traditional shrubs to rare perennials.We prioritise sustainability, offering pollinator-friendly plants and wildflowers to support biodiversity, while hosting family-friendly events to inspire nature-friendly gardening. Our commitment to quality and community has made us a trusted destination for gardeners in Cambridge and beyond. In 2020, we revived our plant-growing operations, enabling cost-effective, eco-conscious solutions for landscaping projects. With three generations of the Sadler family involved, we continue to blend tradition with innovation, ensuring every customer receives expert guidance and a memorable experience.
Services
Plant nursery
Garden supplies
Cafe
Pollinator plants
Local delivery
Details
- Year established: 1981
Highlights and features
- We have been family-run since 1981 with generations of horticultural expertise.
- Our sustainable practices include rainwater harvesting and locally grown plants.
- Expert staff provide tailored gardening advice for all skill levels.
- Olive Tree Cafe offers homemade meals using locally sourced ingredients.
- We host educational events promoting pollinator-friendly and sustainable gardening.
Services
Plant nursery
Our on-site nursery grows a diverse range of plants, including rare perennials and traditional shrubs. We prioritise sustainability through rainwater irrigation and reduced transportation emissions. Customers benefit from expert advice on plant selection for pollinator-friendly and climate-resilient gardens.
Garden supplies
We offer premium gardening products, from tools to soil, alongside curated houseplants and gifts. Our inventory adapts seasonally to meet gardening needs, supporting both small-space and large-scale landscaping projects with competitively priced, UK-grown options.
Olive Tree Cafe
The Olive Tree Cafe serves breakfast, brunch, and lunch with locally sourced ingredients. Menus feature homemade scones, seasonal dishes, and specialty teas. Outdoor seating around a central olive tree creates a relaxed environment for visitors to enjoy meals in a garden setting.
Pollinator plants
Our pollinator-friendly plant range supports bees, butterflies, and other species. Expert staff guide customers in selecting flowering perennials and wildflowers to create biodiverse gardens. This initiative aligns with our commitment to conservation and sustainable horticulture practices.
Local delivery
We provide local delivery for large plant orders and gardening supplies. This service ensures convenient access to our products for customers with landscaping projects or limited transport options, enhancing accessibility to our sustainable gardening solutions.
People
Philip Sadler
Founder
Philip co-founded Oakington Garden Centre in 1981, transforming a field into a thriving horticultural business. He remains actively involved in sharing gardening expertise and overseeing operations.
Melanie Sadler
Co-founder
Melanie co-founded the business with Philip, pioneering wildlife-friendly spaces and leading the RHS Chelsea exhibit. She continues to shape the garden centre's sustainability initiatives and community engagement.
Patricia Sadler
Horticultural Manager
Patricia transitioned from teaching to manage horticultural operations in 2023. She coordinates RHS Chelsea exhibits and ensures the business maintains its horticultural heritage while embracing modern sustainability practices.
Ali Chappell-Bates
Nursery Manager
Ali oversees plant selection and growth for exhibits and retail. With expertise in wildlife-friendly horticulture, she curates plant ranges that support pollinators and educate customers on sustainable gardening methods.
Questions
What services does Oakington Garden Centre offer?
We provide plants, gardening supplies, a cafe, local delivery, and seasonal events. Our nursery grows sustainable plants, and the cafe serves locally sourced meals.
When did the business start?
Oakington Garden Centre began as a plant nursery in 1981, founded by Philip and Melanie Sadler.
How does the garden centre support sustainability?
We harvest rainwater, grow our own plants to reduce emissions, and offer pollinator-friendly species. Our cafe uses local suppliers to minimise environmental impact.
Is the Olive Tree Cafe open daily?
The cafe operates daily except Mondays for staff training, with seasonal variations for private events.
What community events do you host?
We run family-friendly events like pollination festivals and collaborate on RHS Chelsea exhibits to promote sustainable gardening practices.
