The British Garden Centres Timeline

A brief timeline of events in the story of British Garden Centres

Beginning

Charles’ Grandmother Catherine Vere establishes the family business CV Stubbs & Sons.

After World War II, CV Stubbs & Sons begins acquiring farm land throughout Lincolnshire.

Roland & Janet Stubbs continue to build a successful farming business in Woodthorpe.

1963

The family move into Woodthorpe Hall.

Woodthorpe Hall
1965 – 1969

Charles, Robert and Barry Stubbs are born.

1977

Roland and Janet Stubbs launch Woodthorpe Leisure Park.

1979

Charles starts his first business selling Leylandii from outside Woodthorpe Hall.

1990

Charles and Robert open the first garden centre next door to the farm at Woodthorpe.

Charles designs and plants the Leylandii maze at Woodthorpe.

1991 & 1993

Charles and Robert feature on ITV’s Calendar, as local entrepreneurs.

2000

Frosts Garden Centre is purchased and named Brigg Garden Centre.

2004

Huge garden centre development at Brigg is completed in 2004.

2005

Brigg is established as one of the UK’s largest garden centres and wins Garden Centre of the Year 2004

2010

Now with 5 Garden Centres, British Garden Centres becomes the umbrella name for the group.

2013

Woodthorpe Leisure Park becomes part of the British Garden Centres family

2018 – 2019

2018 – 19 Group expands from 10 to 58 centres

2021

The Family Card Launches with thousands registering to receive exclusive offers.

2022

British Garden Centres launches a company rebrand and adopts the Butterfly symbol

2022

Woodborough Green, Lytham St Annes and Mirfield Garden Centres join the group making 62 garden centres in total.

2023

British Garden Centres launches brand new online store and website.

2024

British Garden Centres launch their own outdoor living range called Fern Living.

2024

British Garden Centres became a group of 65 Garden Centres with Langlands, Leeds and Sheffield Garden Centre joining the group.