According to the Garden Centre Association's Barometer of Trade results sales of furniture and barbecues were up 51% compared to April 2013.
Good weather and a late Easter were the reasons for this leap in sales, while other good performers for the month included outdoor plants 24% up, hard landscaping 22% up, garden sundries 17% up and food hall/farm shops 14% up.

Chairman of the GCA, Will Armitage said: "April was a particularly good month for our member garden centres, with the majority of areas performing well.

"The late Easter and fine weather towards the end of the month certainly saw more people headed for their gardens and helped to boost sales."

Managing director of Garden Wise Plant and Garden Centre in Dumfries, Alistair Bertram agreed that April was a tremendous month for them.

He added: "It all came together with advertising, Easter and the weather just right. After such a wet winter customers were able to get into their gardens and do something."

The GCA BoT reports are compiled using actual sales figures and provide an up-to-date trading position statement for member garden centres.