From Humble Beginnings to 35 Years of Flourishing Success
We are thrilled to share that the Old Railway Line Garden Centre is celebrating its 35th anniversary this January. It’s incredible to look back at how far we’ve come since Mark and Christina Cleary established the business in 1990. What began as a modest 8x6ft greenhouse has grown into one of the UK’s premier destination garden centres. This milestone is the perfect opportunity to reflect on our journey and look forward to what’s next.
A Journey Through Time
Our story began on the historic site of the old Brecon to Hereford Branch of the Midland Railway. After the railway closed in 1964, Christina’s father ran a small piggery on the land. Then, in 1990, Mark and Christina decided to start selling homegrown bedding plants from a small greenhouse. As Christina often says, “We started with just a tiny greenhouse and a passion for plants. Over the years, our love for gardening and the support of loyal customers allowed the business to expand and evolve."
From those early days, the garden centre grew steadily. By 2000, we had developed a dedicated plant area, and the following year we opened our first coffee shop. Some of you may remember the launch of the Platform 1 retail space in 2009 or the grand opening of our state-of-the-art retail building and restaurant in 2012, which was inaugurated by celebrity gardener David Domoney. We’re excited to share that David will return this spring to open another exciting new development.
The Next Chapter
As we celebrate 35 years, we’re also embarking on a new chapter. Construction is set to begin in January 2025 on a modernised entrance, lobby, and covered plant area to replace our current temporary marquee retail space. These improvements are designed to enhance your shopping experience, creating an inviting and weatherproof environment for all visitors.
Liam Cleary, our Garden Retail Director, shares, “We’re committed to providing the best possible experience for our customers. The new entrance and plant area will ensure the Old Railway Line Garden Centre continues to be a place where people connect, shop, and create memories for years to come.”
A Family Legacy
One of the things we’re most proud of is that we remain an independent, family-run business. It’s been incredibly rewarding to see the next generation step up to run the business and bring fresh ideas to the table. As Mark often says, “It’s incredibly rewarding to see our three children, alongside Huw and Joe, carrying forward our vision. Their enthusiasm and dedication promise a bright future for the business.”
Looking Back, Moving Forward
Throughout our history, we’ve stayed true to our core values of quality, community, and customer care. Being recognised as the ‘Best Garden Centre in Wales & West’ for 10 consecutive years and ‘Best Garden Centre in the UK’ twice by the Garden Centre Association has been such an honour. But what means the most to us is the joy we’ve brought to gardening enthusiasts and families who visit us.
Thank you for being part of our journey. Here’s to 35 years of growth, community, and gardening dreams come true—and to many more years ahead!
To follow regular updates as the new development unfolds visit our 2025 Development page here.