Cowell’s Garden Centre in Woolsington, Newcastle upon Tyne, is celebrating 40 years of service from plant manager Dylan Cairns, who first joined the business as a teenage trainee.

Dylan started at Cowell’s in 1986 through the Youth Training Scheme (YTS). Over four decades, he has become the centre’s go-to expert for plants, sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm with customers and colleagues.

Cowell’s is a regular winner of the Garden Centre Association’s Ruxley Rose Award, which recognises the best plant areas nationally. Its most recent win was presented in January 2026.

Dylan Cairns said: “Forty years have flown by. My interest in horticulture began when I helped my dad on his allotment. It led to college and a placement at Cowell’s, where I fell in love with retail horticulture.

“I’ve kept expanding my knowledge and following new trends ever since, always aiming to help Cowell’s lead the way in plant retail. It’s been a pleasure to see the business grow, and I owe so much to Alan Cowell’s work ethic, belief in me and expert advice.

“It’s always been a team effort, and I’ve worked with some wonderful people.”

Martin Cowell, owner of Cowell’s Garden Centre, said:

“Dylan has been such an important part of Cowell’s for 40 years, and we’re incredibly lucky to have him. He started with us as a teenager through the YTS scheme and has gone on to become our Plant Manager and the person we turn to for all things plants.

“His knowledge is something we value enormously, but so too is the dedication he has shown to Cowell’s over the years. Forty years with one business is a remarkable milestone, and we couldn’t let it pass without saying a very big thank you.

“On behalf of everyone at Cowell’s, thank you, Dylan, for everything you have contributed over the past four decades.”