From great cafés to house plant and homeware sections, garden centres have become more than just seeds and shrubbery in recent years.

As we enter spring, many of us will be thinking about our gardens and what to plant in them.

If you need some recommendations on where to go here are some of the highest-rated garden centres in and around the Brighton area.

5 of the best garden centres in and around the Brighton area

Between Two Thorns

The Argus: Between Two Thorns has two branches in BrightonBetween Two Thorns has two branches in Brighton (Image: Google Streetview)

Address: 67 Upper North Street, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 3FL and 97 Church Street, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 1UJ

Rating: 5/5 (from 76 Google Reviews) for Upper North Street and 5/5 (from 20 Google Reviews) for Church Street

Between Two Thorns has two branches in Brighton that have both been well-received by customers.

Its website description states: "Between Two Thorns is an indoor plant shop specialising in plant-based workshops and unique, hand-selected houseplants in Brighton and Hove."

One reviewer said: "WOW just wow, fantastic help for a complete newbie and his daughter looking at 2 terrariums, purchased everything we need for a very good price, plus came away with some very useful tips."

Mayberry Garden Centre

The Argus: Mayberry Garden Centre has been well-received on Google ReviewsMayberry Garden Centre has been well-received on Google Reviews (Image: Google Streetview)

Address: 7-17 Old Shoreham Road, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN41 1SP

Rating: 4.3/5 (from 1,331 Google Reviews)

Mayberry Garden Centre describes itself as offering a range of "popular gardening and plant products, alongside unique gift and lifestyle ranges", according to its website.

Alongside that it also has a restaurant that has received plenty of praise from customers.

One reviewer said: "The range of plants and the prices - absolutely outstanding. My new favourite place to visit. Far better than Dobbies or B&Q.! The cafe is absolutely great too, delicious freshly prepared food, at humble prices."

Rooted and Co.

Address: The Open Market, 4 Marshalls Row, Brighton BN1 4JU

Rating: 4.7/5 (from 43 Google Reviews)

Rooted and Co. describes itself as having a "passion for horticulture" on its website and is based in The Open Market.

It aims to have a "warming, relaxed atmosphere" while you shop for a "vast array of interesting plants".

One reviewer said: "This is an absolute treasure trove of a plant shop! By far and away the best shop for houseplants in Brighton.

"They have a complete smorgasbord of a collection of different and highly unusual plants, I always feel that I want to leave with a shopping trolley full!"

Rushfields Plant Centre

The Argus: Rushfields has been well-received by customersRushfields has been well-received by customers (Image: Google Streetview)

Address: Henfield Road, Brighton BN45 7AY

Rating: 4.5/5 (from 788 Google Reviews)

Rushfields is a mixture of a plant centre, farm shop and cafe that has been a winning combination for many customers.

It is around a 30-minute drive away from Brighton centre, but has proved to have been worth the travel for many.

One reviewer said: "I often pop into Rushfields, it is set in beautiful rural surroundings. The variety of plants and herbs, this year, are outstanding. I love the farm shop. The vegetables are beautifully arranged and inside, It has a great cheese and meat counters."

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Lewes Garden Centre

Address: Newhaven Road, North, Lewes BN7 3NE

Rating: 4.2/5 (from 437 Google Reviews)

Around a half an hour drive away from Brighton you can find the Lewes Garden Centre, which has been highly praised for its range of products on offer and its restaurant.

One reviewer wrote: "Fabulous plants and shrubs at reasonable prices, it is just an amazing place! Lovely friendly and knowledgeable staff too!

"Haven’t tried the restaurant… so cannot comment, Highly recommend the garden centre, though."