A discount garden and home retailer near Stowmarket has expanded in response to high demand.

Ipswich-based market traders Luke and Sophie Hughes launched their gardening retail operation at Stonham Barns Park at Debenham, near Stowmarket, a year ago.

Now they have extended it, changed the name and added a new range of homewares.

The business specialises in specimen plants and flowering shrubs to create Mediterranean-style gardens at low prices.

David Nevard, also from Ipswich, has managed the garden business for the past six years. The business started out at weekly markets throughout Suffolk but the owners decided to launch a shop last year.

It sells outdoor trees, shrubs and plants including olive trees, palm trees, cordyline trees, bird of paradise and bougainvillea plants and topiary.

"We are very much a family run business which is what makes it all work so well," said Luke

"As market traders we are used to working exceptionally hard and we have built up the new garden centre within the last 12-month period going from strength to strength and this has included us expanding our product range.’

"What makes us really special is that we offer outstandingly healthy plants and trees at market style prices - and in the cost-of-living crisis that we are in - it has kept our prices affordable.

"It’s the value that comes from us bringing market prices to a garden centre that makes the business model work."

The business now offers garden décor, garden furniture, homewares, gifts and jewellery.

"Our aim is to always have something exciting and new for our new customers and always make it an irresistible bargain," said Luke.

"It’s so important in the current climate to support small businesses and local makers and so, in addition, we have in-store local guest sellers with their handmade products.

"Our customers love our weekly discount deals and we often have comments on how colourful and beautiful the stock is looking particularly now we are reaching the peak of the season.’

The Garden Centre at Stonham Barns Park changed hands in 2023 following the previous owner’s retirement from the operation.

However, the Tuscan Terracotta Pot business - specialising in large pots and other product lines - remains.