What are your top five garden centres in Weymouth?

People in Weymouth are lucky because there's a lot of gardening centres to choose from, whether you are after a new shed, some hardcore power tools to help with a bit of landscaping or just some pretty plants to brighten up your borders.

As September draws to a close, it's a good time to think about what tough evergreens and frost hardy flowers you can put in hanging baskets to add a splash of cheer outside your home over the winter months. 

The Island Garden Nursery in Upwey has been a paradise for plant lovers ever since 1983. The Island Garden Nursery is renowned for its expertise in helping people plant hanging baskets - and even runs courses for budding gardeners who want to learn more.

If you want to visit somewhere closer to Preston or Littlemoor then your best bet is Goulds Garden Centre on Littlemoor Road. Come the festive season, it always has a fantastic Christmas display for children (and grown-ups!) to enjoy and is one of the best places to shop for Yuletide decorations for house and home, as well as garden.

Value House Stores - the old Normans superstore up in Wyke - has a fantastic gardening section. It's got a greenhouse stuffed with tools as well as an outdoor section that has a great reputation for value for money.

The Palm House in Swannery car park, very close to the town centre, is probably Weymouth's most elegant garden centre, albeit quite small compared to the out of town outlets. This is an old Edwardian glasshouse that mixes a bohemian cafe with large gift shop and arts and crafts section. Thanks to the warm temperatures inside, there is an impressive old lemon tree. For a real gift with a difference - or just to make a statement in your conservatory - you can even buy large palms in enormous terracotta pots for around £80. 

One of Weymouth's most popular wedding venues is Bennetts Water Gardens in Chickerell. Nestling in eight acres of grounds is the National Collection of Water Lilies, a Monet-style Japanese bridge, woodland walks and tropical house. Bennetts Water Gardens sell aquatic plants by mail order as well as direct to visitors to their plant nursery and shop here in Weymouth. If you hurry you might still be able to buy some stunning water lilies - they're available from April to September.