“Desperately sad” garden centre bosses revealed they have been forced to shut after 35 years prompting visitors to voice their sorrow.

Customers were heartbroken after Merriments Gardens in Hawkhurst Road, Hurst Green, unexpectedly shared the news this week.

The site is located at the Kent border with East Sussex and sells a range of home-grown plants, tools, composts and fertilisers.

Not only does it have a nursery, but also a four-acre Royal Horticultural Society partner garden open to the public, as well as a restaurant and gift shop.

However the businesses this week announced its closure prompting a deluge of well-wishers to come forward.

“It is with huge sorrow that we have to announce that Merriments Gardens is closing,” said in a public statement.

“The team and I were desperately sad to be told last week that the business will close its doors for the final time on Thursday, November 21.

“The freehold has been sold and the new owner does not want to continue with the business.”

For the next two weeks, there will be a clearance sale with 50% off all items.

The Facebook post went on to say that they wanted to thank everyone involved, including the “amazing team” who had only found out the news within the last 10 days.

“As you will know from recent posts we had no idea this was coming as we were making plans for next year,” it explained.

“The love and care the team have shown for each other, supporting their colleagues, and wiping away each other's tears, has been humbling to witness.

“You have been there for us during thick and thin supporting us during the good times and the bad.”

“We would also like to thank you, our wonderful customers, many of whom have been there since the beginning 35 years ago.

“You have been there for us during thick and thin supporting us during the good times and the bad.”

After announcing the closure, bosses revealed the centre became inundated with encouraging messages and customers so numerous people were queueing for an hour.

A subsequent post said: “We would ask that you spread your visits out over the coming days as it was rather too busy today with queues of over an hour to pay.

“We are open for another two weeks and have plenty of stock and need time to restock the shelves to avoid disappointment.

“Please don't park on the road outside as it isn't safe and the police will ticket you.

“If any of our shopping baskets went home with you today, please can you drop them back in for other customers, as over 30 disappeared today leaving us with just three instore.”

Customers shared their disappointment, with one saying they were “devastated” to see it go.

Another added: “I will miss this remarkable place and the kind and knowledgeable staff. Sending my thoughts to you all on this very sad occasion.”

“We are overseas fans from Holland,” a person commented. “Each time, when we are staying in Goudhurst we visit your gardens and restaurant.

“We were there last October and cannot imagine that it was the last time at your place.”

“It is unfortunate that the nursery is closing, especially for the current staff and at this time of year, but we will be creating more jobs for the local area in the future.”

It has been revealed that the site will be taken over by Caravan Tech, a family-run business that has been in Hurst Green for more than 28 years.

The company posted a statement, addressing some of the concerns raised.

“There will be a short period of closure at the Merriments site whilst we get organised, but we plan to reopen in the late spring,” it said.

“We will still operate as normal at our current site for the time being.

“It is unfortunate that the nursery is closing, especially for the current staff and at this time of year, but we will be creating more jobs for the local area in the future.”

They also confirmed the gardens would not be destroyed but maintained and the restaurant will reopen sometime in the future.