I ordered, and paid for, a posy of pink and white roses and freesias, on behalf of someone else, to be collected on Easter Saturday. I was horrified when I went to collect. I assume the bunch of 3 roses, 4 tulips, some lisianthus and greenery had been assembled by a trainee not under supervision. Apparently the original florist had not recorded the flowers which we'd agreed on - so I was told. My complaint was treated with dithering incompetance by one assistant and curt indifference by another. I had to hurry into the town centre where a long established florist produced an excellent posy without any problem whatsoever. I wrote to the Manager of Elm Ridge with a photo of thier posy taken the following day, by which time the tulips had grown by 2 cms. making the bunch even less attractive. The manager agreed that the flowers were unacceptable and bleated apologies - and that was all. Elm Ridge need to be reminded of the Sale of Goods Act to which they are subject. I have been advised that the bunch I received were "not of satisfactory quality" and "not as described" in my original order. I ought to have received a refund, I did not. This wa san expensive mistake and one I will never repeat. Darlington has a number of excellent florists, we do not need third rate goods and service. read more

I last visited this centre 10yrs ago when i was living in Darlington and the young man who always searved me think his name was Andrew( who had been there for years ), he was so knowledgable had excellent customer service and even when i moved to the other side of town would travel for his advice,the place always looked spotless , i always got very good advice and it was never to much trouble. I have just returned to Darlington WHAT has happened to this garden centre , saying its gone down the drain is a under statement, dead plants ,poor stock levels fish that are on last legs and no customer service, the manager !! only comment here change him quick , and to make things worse i am told Andrew has left , what a shame. I have joined a large gardening club and someone else brought this up in one of our meetings , Andrew it seems was very highly respected even with his young age he is and would be a asset to any buisness . Please listen Owner of Elmridge get him back if you can, or does someone know were he is working now i would travel. read more

now closed down due to retirement