From great cafés to house plant and homeware sections, garden centres have become more than just seeds and shrubbery in recent years.

As we enter spring, many of us will be thinking about our gardens and what to plant in them.

If you need some recommendations on where to go here are some of the highest-rated garden centres in and around the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area.

5 of the best garden centres in and around the BCP area

Compton Acres

Address: 164 Canford Cliffs Rd, Poole BH13 7ES

Rating: 4.6/5 (from 1,027 Google Reviews)

The Plant Centre at Compton Acres Gardens offers a "wide range of perennials, shrubs and seasonal bedding plants".

Its website adds: "We strive to source a number of our plants from local suppliers, many from the New Forest which is right on our doorstep.

"Also available in our Garden Shop is a range of pots and sculptures, as well as bird care, indoor plants, garden tools, solar lighting, and a variety of seeds and bulbs."

Stewarts Christchurch Garden Centre

Address: Lyndhurst Road, Christchurch BH23 4SA

Rating: 4.4/5 (from 3,337 Google Reviews)

The Christchurch branch of Stewarts Garden Centre has earned praise for its selection of plants, homeware and wildlife-related products.

Additionally, it's one that many shoppers have commended for its effort in its Christmas festivities at that time of the year.

One reviewer wrote: "Such a choice of great quality products, both in plants and homeware. I love to go just for a browse, see all the different plants and of course (though it's only October) there's the delights of the Christmas displays."

Chestnut Nursery

Bournemouth Echo: Chestnut Nursery has received positive reviews from customersChestnut Nursery has received positive reviews from customers (Image: Google Streetview)

Address: 75 Kingland Road, Poole BH15 1TN

Rating: 4.8/5 (from 39 Google Reviews)

Chestnut Nursery is a mental health charity and retail plant nursery that has been commended for its quality plants.

Its website says: "We are open to the public seven days a week selling a wide variety of perennials, exotics, shrubs, trees, fruit bushes, bedding, compost, pots and garden tools."

One reviewer said: "Chesnut is unmatched locally for its variety of plants and expert advice. Great help with soil types and what to get for tricky areas of the garden as well as specialist houseplant care. The quality of the plants are superb. If you buy it from Chesnut you'll only have to buy it once."

Canford Magna Garden Centre

Bournemouth Echo: Canford Magna Garden Centre offers a wide range of garden furniture and outdoor gardening suppliesCanford Magna Garden Centre offers a wide range of garden furniture and outdoor gardening supplies (Image: Google Streetview)

Address: 170 Magna Road, Bournemouth, Wimborne BH21 3AP

Rating: 4.1/5 (from 747 Google Reviews)

Canford Magna Garden Centre offers "a wide range of quality garden furniture and outdoor gardening supplies" according to its website.

It adds: "We stock everything you need for a perfect garden, including plants, pots, fertilisers, furniture, stoneware, fencing, barbecues and gazebos."

One reviewer said: "Bought some good pots and decorative paving stones here. The prices are cheaper than anywhere local. Very helpful too."

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Haskins Garden Centre (Ferndown)

Bournemouth Echo: Haskins offers a wide range of gardening products Haskins offers a wide range of gardening products (Image: Google Streetview)

Address: Longham, Ferndown BH22 9DG

Rating: 4.3/5 (from 3,684 Google Reviews)

Around a 20-minute drive away from Bournemouth is the Haskins Garden Centre in Ferndown

It is a large store that offers a wide range of gardening products that will cover almost anything you need, as well as a restaurant.

One reviewer said: "Great selection of gardening tools, indoor/outdoor decorations (incl. water features), garden furniture, plants and pots. Prices vary from low to high so can accommodate all budgets.

"Definitely a great place to go for inspiration. The feature sets outside at the very end give you an excellent idea as to how everything could fit together."