When Décor Gardenworld opened on a bare Bethlehem site in 1967, Laurie and Lois Clark offered plants for the garden. Today, the store offers so much than plants!

“Back then Bethlehem was way out in the sticks; there was nothing like it anywhere in Tauranga,” says Ginny Clark, who runs Décor with husband Dave, taking over from his parents two decades ago.

Laurie, with a horticulture background, and friend Bob Banyard began with hire plants but soon grafted to a garden centre. Dave grew up among plants. Ginny, with a landscaping background, got involved after they met.

“The house used to be where our carpark is now.” In 1993 the house made way for a café. “Bar one, our purpose-built café in a garden centre was the first one in NZ,” says Ginny.

Today, Décor Gardenworld is part of The Garden Independent Network of privately-owned garden centres.

“With this we’ve developed products you’ll only find in the Bay of Plenty at Decor Gardenworld. We also develop and sell new release plants – like Summer Magic magnolias, ornamental pears, Slim Jim etc...”

With Décor’s comprehensive range of products, plants and equipment, Ginny regularly sees things go in and out fashion.

 “House plants popular 30-40 years ago have become extremely trendy again.”

There’s always plants that sell well in BOP.

“We’re known for our Japanese maples, which are coming to leaf shortly. Camellias have always been popular. Fruit trees have been hugely popular in the last five years. We have a large range of fruit trees for the home gardener – dwarf peaches, apples, citrus trees, blueberries and more!”

Vegetables never go out of fashion – seasons dictate popularity. Nearly tomato season, Décor has grafted varieties “which are generally stronger-growing and have much better yield”.

Ginny says Décor customers now span multiple family generations.

“I had a lady in yesterday, aged 90, who has come here right from the start!”

And so Decor has grown from a garden centre to a destination. It’s a nice place to wander – even if you’re not greenfingered.

“We’ve got wood pigeons flying around, a kids’ play area, the café, garden centre, and the shop with an extensive gift range. Many first-time customers don’t realise how big the centre is, and what we offer until they enter!”

Dave and Ginny are onsite most days – supported by their staff.

“Our team is passionate about what they do and enjoy helping customers – especially new gardeners!”

Do Dave and Ginny still love what they do? “Yes, especially on a beautiful day!”

“I think gardening is something everyone can do – whether it be pots with annuals, lettuces in a trough, an orchard, a gorgeous park-like garden, or a veggie patch.

“You don’t even need to own land or an outdoors area these days. It’s good for the soul, I think.”

To celebrate its 56th birthday, Décor Gardenworld is running a promotion for 56 days! Spend $56 in-store anytime from September 15-November 9 and enter a draw to win prizes including a Ziegler & Brown barbecue and mobile cart worth $1300, a one-off Morris & Jane pot, a barrow-load of garden goodies or Bloom Café vouchers.

Every week there’s chances to win $56 Décor dollars, so get in-store today!