During lockdown, gardening is one thing that many of us have turned to - to help us relax in these uncertain times.
It's also a good way to get out in the sunshine and to get the children involved in growing their own vegetables (they may even eat them afterwards).
There's lots of excellent garden centres across Leicestershire, but due to the coronavirus pandemic, they have been closed to walk-in customers for the past few weeks.
A number of places have been offering click and collect and delivery services, but now, some county garden centres have reopened their doors to customers - albeit with social distancing measures in place.
This is not an exhaustive list of every garden centre in the county, but you can let us know about any we've missed off at the bottom of this article.
Here's the Leicestershire garden centres that have reopened, or are about to:
Palmers Garden Centre, Ullesthorpe
Palmers has now reopened its Ullesthorpe garden centre, with strict social distancing measures in place.
The online shop remains open for click and collect orders from Palmers Enderby as well as free home delivery on selected garden furniture and barbecues.
Click here to visit the website.
Brooklea Nursery, Rothley
Brooklea Nursery is now open to walk-in customers, with strict social distancing measures in place.
The nursery is open every day except Wednesday.
Click here to visit the Facebook page.
Sapcote Garden Centre, Sapcote
Sapcote Garden Centre is open to walk-in customers, with strict social distancing measures in place.
The car park has been spaced out (with 50 car parking spaces) to control the numbers of customers, so if there's a parking space, you can go in. If not, customers simply queue in their cars.
A maximum of two people per car is requested.
There will be a one-way system in operation around the shop, Perspex screens have been put up by tills and payment is by card only.
Opening hours are 9am-6pm Monday to Saturday, 10.30-4.30 Sunday.
Click here to visit the website.
The Idle Mole, The Engine Yard at Belvoir Castle
The Idle Mole has reopened its doors - but only for pre-booked appointments.
Each appointment is 15 minutes and you can browse alone or with someone from your household only.
They are available Monday to Saturday.
Priority is still being given to local home delivery and click and collect services.
To book a 15-minute slot, you need to text Trudy on 07967 029816.
Click here to view the website.
Kibworth Garden Centre, Kibworth
Kibworth Garden Centre is now open, with strict social distancing in place - including a restriction on the number of customers.
It is open 9.30am to 5pm Wednesday to Monday, closed Tuesday.
Click here to visit the Facebook page.
Dobbies Garden Centres, Rothley and Stapleton
Dobbies has announced that its 54 English garden centres will open on Wednesday, May 13.
This includes two Leicestershire garden centres at Rothley and Stapleton.
Social distancing measures have been implemented to allow the stores to operate safely.
There will be a limited number of customers permitted in the stores at one time. A queuing system will be in operation outside the stores, with two-metre markers in place to help maintain social distancing. Hand sanitising and trolley cleaning stations will be available at store entrances.
Protective screens have been installed at tills and customers will be asked to pay with card or contactless where possible.
Click here to visit the website.
Cherry Lane Glebe Garden Centre, Countesthorpe
Along with all other Cherry Lane outlets, this Countesthorpe garden centre will reopen on Wednesday, May 13.
There will be a designated queuing area outside with markers placed at two-metre intervals as well as two-metre floor markers inside, protective plastic screens at all checkouts and cleaning stations for trolleys.
Customers are encouraged to use contactless or card payments and to visit the shop alone if at all possible.
The in-store café will not be open at this stage.
Click here to visit the website.
Thornton Nurseries, Thornton
The team at Thornton Nurseries is planning to open to customers on Wednesday, May 13.
Social distancing measures will be in place, and people are asked not to visit as couples or families.
It will be open seven days-a-week from 9am to 5pm in the week and 10am to 4pm at weekends.
Click here to visit the Facebook page.
Thurlaston Garden Centre, Thurlaston
Thurlaston Garden Centre is reopening on Wednesday, May 13.
Social distancing measures are in place, and there is a one-way system for customers to walk around the garden centre.
It is open 9am - 5pm Monday to Saturday, 10am - 4pm Sunday.
The Gardener's Rest tea room is closed to dine-in customers, although it is set to open for takeaway food and drink on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Click here to visit the website.
Staunton Harold Nurseries and Garden Centre, Staunton Harold, near Ashby de la Zouch
This garden centre is reopening on Friday, May 15.
There will be a one-way system operating through the garden centre and there will be various safety measures to protect both customers and staff.
Customers are asked to respect the 2m social distancing rules at all times and are encouraged to pay by card if possible, although cash will be accepted.
Normal opening hours will apply, i.e Monday to Saturday 8.30am to 5.00pm, Sunday 10.30am to 4.30pm. The Peach House restaurant will remain closed.
A delivery service will still be available but normal pre-lockdown delivery charges will now apply. Call the garden centre on 01332 862769 for information on this.
Click here to visit the website.
Ken Bailey at Wistow Garden Centre
Situated in Wistow Rural Centre, Ken Bailey is set to reopen at 10am on Saturday, May 16.
There will be new guidelines for customers in place.
The garden centre will still offer a contactless delivery service to customers who are isolating, and will be keeping its listings up-to-date and launching a new webshop.
Click here to visit the Facebook page.
Sunnyside Garden Centre, Ibstock
This Ibstock garden centre will reopen on Saturday, May 16.
There will be a limit on the number of customers in the store at any given time, so customers are being advised that they should be prepared to queue.
There will be a strict one-way system throughout the garden centre to enable the team to monitor safety and social distancing.
Click here to visit the website.
Have we missed any centres off the list? Let us know if your garden centre is reopening by emailing becky.jones@trinitymirror.com or christopher.harper@reachplc.com
