Summerhill Garden Centre will present its Christmas decorations

Despite warnings of a heatwave for next week, Summerhill Garden Centre on the A127 has been busy decorating the centre with trees, bright lights, glittery tinsel and all manner of festive things.

Exciting – Christmas preparations are underway (Image: Summerhill)

On the holiday weekend, the bosses of the garden centres will open the doors to their winter wonderland – and claim that they have been receiving enquiries from customers since June.

One customer even told them that he would travel from Scotland to get Christmas decorations.

This move divided opinions on Facebook. Some criticize the early start of the Christmas season, but many customers have already declared that they will go to the garden center on August 24th to get a taste of the festive season.
Sparkly – Lots of tinsel for the Christmas tree (Image: Summerhill)

A spokesman for Summerhill Garden Centre said: “We open our Christmas department every August Bank Holiday and have been doing so for many years now.

“We receive many enquiries from customers as early as June asking when the department will be open and this year was no exception.” “One customer has contacted us and will be visiting us from Scotland.”

Festive – Customers travel miles for early Christmas decorations (Image: Summerhill)

“The enormous size of the department and the exhibitions requires that we begin preparations early.

“As stock arrives over the coming weeks, we will continue to expand the displays. The peak will be in October.” The product range is so popular that some ranges come and go long before December.

Happy – Some of the Christmas trees lined up (Image: Summerhill)

“Demand is high at Christmas and many customers say they find it helpful to be able to spread the costs over the months.
Advertisement – Preparations underway (Image: Summerhill)

“The team works with local, national and international suppliers to produce new and unique collections with inspirational themes each year. It's a labour of love and we are incredibly proud of what we achieve each year.”

Summerhill Garden Centre is always the first place in Essex to hold festive displays and sell decorations.

Gavin Callaghan, leader of Basildon Council, added: “I know not everyone loves Christmas but I truly believe Summerhill is a jewel in the crown of our borough. I have to go there ten times a year to look at the decorations.”