On Thursday 12th March, braving the weather, 30 hardy souls embarked on a behind the scenes tour of Burston and got a lot more than they bargained for.

We were first given a fascinating history of Burstons which is still a family owned business and began almost by accident.

On our ‘behind the scenes’ tour we saw many of the 14 mammoth glasshouses where they grow vast quantities of bedding plants which they sell all over the UK as well as in the centre. 

We also saw the clever machines that sow seeds and pot on plants with the able assistance of their loyal Eastern European workforce. They have even made their own machine that trims plants at a fraction of the cost of a commercial one.

But the piece de resistance was the afternoon tea. We knew we were getting fed but this was delicious and excellent value. Lovely sandwiches, then warm scones with oodles of cream and jam, all followed by a surfeit of mouth watering cakes - no one left hungry.

And as if that wasn’t enough they have had a hard season with their primroses and we were gifted as many as we wanted to take home.

All the staff as Burston did us proud and very welcome so a big, big thank you to them for a wonderful afternoon. We are hoping to repeat the visit next spring, please!