How do you define a garden centre?

I have been reading a forum thread on Hort Week - What is a garden centre - Andrew Stalham asks the question and then quotes: "Encarta Dictionary English UK - Garden Centrea retail establishment that sells plants and gardening equipment"

There is something earthy and natural about plant nurseries - somehow the term gives a hint that someone cares and a lifelong vocation.

Garden Centre doesn't seem to have the same ring to it and conjures up a feeling of mass business with a hint of Woolworths - I am sure that one day we will even be able to book our holidays at one.

I guess garden centres are a good thing for retail but they seem to have been hijacked by businessmen who care little about plants and the gardener gets a raw deal.

I remember when I was a kid, our local Springfield Nursery cottoned on quite early that Christmas trees would be a popular item to boost festive sales, apart from that it was probably only Cyclamen or Poinsettia one could buy.

Nowadays, it's not just the tree you can buy but the LED Christmas lights, tinsel and stand as well as the presents that go underneath.

Mind you, judging by the amount of naff Christmas tree light displays in British gardens, the Christmas tree light is probably a popular seller?

Probably been the liveliest debate on Hort Week to date.