The Garden Centre Association (GCA) has found garden centres were up 38.5% in April and 20% in the year to date in its barometer of trade -- returned by 28 companies so far.

The figures, thought to be the best ever, include outdoor plants sales, which were up 65.5%, and foodhall/farmshop sales, which were up 48.5%.

BBQ/furniture sales rose 24% and hard landscaping 31%, showing garden centres can sell big ticket items too. Sundries were up 45%.

GCA chief executive Gillie Westwood said: "This is very encouraging news. It's exciting everyone is up in April. It goes to show garden centres do well in a recession."

Smaller (under £2m) centres did best at 33% up, with £2m-£4m centres up 25% and those over £4m up 19%.

Source: Horticulture Week (UK)