The History of Goonhavern Garden Centre and Chacewater Garden Centre

From One Garden Centre To Where we Are Today

The Story of Chris and Liz Finney

Every independent garden centre has a story, but few begin with military service, a medal for bravery and a vision to make gardening welcoming for everyone.

Today, Chris and Liz Finney own and operate Goonhavern Garden Centre and Chacewater Garden Centre, bringing together two thriving destinations under the Cornwall Garden Shop brand. Together, the businesses have become known not only for quality plants and trusted gardening advice, but also for creating spaces where gardeners of every experience level feel at home.

This is the journey that brought them here.

2011: The Beginning at Goonhavern

The story begins in January 2011, when Chris and Liz purchased Goonhavern Garden Centre.

Their ambition was simple. Gardening should be enjoyable and accessible, not intimidating. They wanted to move away from the traditional perception that garden centres were only for experienced horticulturalists and instead create somewhere everyone could ask questions, browse comfortably and discover a love of gardening.

That philosophy continues to shape both centres today.

A Different Kind of Background

Before entering horticulture, Chris and Liz served in the Armed Forces.

Chris served as a Corporal in the British Army and was awarded the George Cross for extraordinary bravery during operations in Iraq. Liz served as a military nurse before the couple began their journey into the garden centre industry.

Although very different careers, both brought valuable qualities into the business. Commitment, resilience, teamwork and community remain at the heart of everything they do.

2015: National Recognition

In June 2015, the Finneys found themselves in front of a national television audience when renowned gardener Alan Titchmarsh transformed their own garden for an ITV programme.

During filming, Alan also visited Goonhavern Garden Centre, meeting customers and showcasing the business to viewers across the country.

For a family run independent business, it was a proud moment that introduced many more people to the welcoming atmosphere our owners Chris and Liz had worked hard to create.

2017: Investing in the Future

As the business continued to grow, investment followed.

In 2017, Goonhavern Garden Centre installed a large 19 metre twin span all weather canopy, dramatically expanding the covered retail space.

The new structure allowed customers to browse comfortably throughout the year while providing improved protection for thousands of shrubs, perennials and seasonal plants.

It represented more than a building project. It demonstrated a long term commitment to continually improving the customer experience.

2018: Supporting Local Businesses

Growth has never been solely about expanding retail space.

In 2018, Chris and Liz transformed part of Goonhavern Garden Centre into a community focused destination by welcoming independent local businesses onto the site.

The Bay Tree Restaurant, landscape specialists and other local enterprises created a true garden village, giving visitors even more reasons to return while supporting fellow Cornish businesses.

2019: A New Chapter Begins

By 2019, another opportunity presented itself.

Located just seven miles away, Chacewater Garden Centre became available. Chris and Liz completed the purchase in September 2019, expanding the business to a second location.

The acquisition included a thriving three acre garden centre, an established café, extensive plant nursery and barbecue showroom, while also welcoming five existing members of staff into the growing Cornwall Garden Shop family.

For customers, this meant even greater choice while maintaining the same independent values that had built Goonhavern's reputation.

Building the Cornwall Garden Shop

As both garden centres grew, so did the need for a unified online presence.

In 2020, cornwallgardenshop.com launched, bringing both garden centres together under one digital home.

Initially providing local delivery and click and collect services during the uncertainty of the pandemic, the website quickly became an essential part of the business.

Today it offers thousands of gardening products alongside premium outdoor brands including Weber and YETI, helping customers, across Cornwall and beyond, shop whenever it suits them.

Investing in Chacewater

The café at Chacewater quickly became an important part of the customer experience.

At the end of 2025, the decision was made to temporarily close the restaurant in the new year to allow for a major refurbishment and extension.

Following just 2 months of work (and many months of planning) the newly named Cloverleaf Café officially opened in March 2026, offering seating for around 120 guests, a bright modern interior and a dedicated dog friendly seating area.

The redevelopment reflected the same philosophy that has guided every investment made by Chris and Liz since 2011; continue improving while keeping customers at the heart of every decision.

Looking Forward

From one independent garden centre in 2011 to two successful destinations serving gardeners across Cornwall, Chris and Liz Finney have remained committed to the same founding principles.

Offer quality products.

Provide honest advice.

Support local businesses.

Create welcoming spaces where everyone feels comfortable, whether they have been gardening for forty years or are planting their very first flower.

Those values continue to shape Goonhavern Garden Centre, Chacewater Garden Centre, Cloverleaf Café and Cornwall Garden Shop today.

As the business continues to grow, one thing remains unchanged. It is still an independent family business built on community, passion and a genuine love of helping people enjoy their gardens.