Burston Rose & Garden Centre has been presented with a top award for excellence from the Garden Industry Manufacturers Association.
The St Albans business emerged triumphant in the Garden Centre Association's inspection of key garden sections in the 2012 audits.

These appraisals are undertaken annually by all members in the UK, and are carried out by a panel of experienced, independent auditors who arrive unannounced.

"This way standards are under continual improvement, ensuring gardeners in the UK are getting the very best products, from the best retail environments, serviced by the best staff," said a GCA spokesperson.

Product categories covered encompass: garden tools and propagation; irrigation and garden essentials, from string and plant labels to gloves; chemicals, fertilisers and organic products; composts and lawn care; pots, planters and garden features such as statuary; and landscape products, including fencing, walling, paving and aggregates.

The award recognises the GCA retailer that achieves the highest audit score across all the criteria.