Stamford Botanics to open in St Paul's Street

A new business is set to open in Stamford town centre to fill a gap in the market.

Stamford Botanics will be opening after lockdown measures are eased in April for non-essential shops.

The shop in St Paul’s Street will stock a range of house plants and equipment.

Leonie Baldwin, owner, said: “I thought Stamford needs a plant shop as it’s predominantly outdoor plants you can buy around here.

“I started teaching horticulture and realised how important it is to look after plants and decided to make the plunge as soon as the shop became available. I hope to turn it into a nice oasis.”

She added: “Not everyone has a garden or outdoor space .

“House plants give you the opportunity to still have the experience of watching something grow.

“It’s nice for everyone to have their own project.”

Leonie formerly worked as a personal assistant but decided on a change of career and completed a qualification with the Royal Horticultural Society.

Since then, she has held classes teaching adults and children as well as working with community groups.

While it is the first time she has owned a business, setting it up in a pandemic hasn’t phased her.

The 40-year-old said:”We can’t stay in lockdown forever and hopefully we will be able to go back to some type of normality.

“If anything the pressure is kind of off as I don’t have to open straight away.

“I’m taking the time and process getting it sorted exactly how I wanted.”

She added: “There’s a lot more to consider than I first thought .

“It’s more than just fixtures and fittings. My list is getting very long with packaging, marketing, signage and getting our name out there.”

For updates on the business, visit @stamfordbotanics on Instagram.