Family garden business returns to Knutsford Market Hall

Radchester’s Garden Ornaments offer a wide selection of bespoke items, each one designed and handcrafted with skill and expertise.

Opening the stall has been a journey back in time for Ester Bradbury.

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“My family used to sell bedding plants and hanging baskets on the old outdoor market, when stripey canvas hoods covered the stalls,” said Ester.

Ester Bradbury has created a huge variety of birds, animals and figures for gardens (Image: Radchester's Garden Ornaments)

“We had a garden nursery in Plumley.

“Having grown up in Knutsford, I am familiar with the town.

“This is like coming back.

“It would be great to see some local support for the market which was a much-enjoyed trip on a Saturday morning for me as a child.”

Paddington Bear and Mickey Mouse are among the many garden ornaments created by Ester Bradbury and her family (Image: Radchester's Garden Ornaments)

Esther runs the stall with mum Jill, brother Dennis and daughter Lakeisha, 25, a former Knutsford May Queen.

“We formed the business during lockdown,” said the mum-of-two, who also has a 13-year-old son Morgan.

“Everyone was spending more time outside so we decided to make stone garden ornaments.”

All sorts of animals and TV, film and cartoon characters have been created.

Paddington Bear, Snoopy, The Simpsons, Darth Vader and Spider-Man sit beside lions, tigers, snakes, guinea pigs, rabbits and mice.

A selection of mugs and small quirky items are also available (Image: Radchester's Garden Ornaments)

A big selection of dogs have also been designed ranging from Spaniels and Cockapoos to Staffordshire Bull Terriers and Labradors.

“We also offer unique memorials,” said Ester. “We can encase ashes of a loved pet within an ornament of the animal with a plaque.”

Ester’s Labrador, Millie, accompanies her to work she also had a Cockapoo called Beanie.

Customers are welcome to come pop into the stall and say ‘hello’ to Millie, “ said Ester.

“I think the community spirit in Knutsford is very endearing.

“It is still a little thriving market town and does have a lot of different shops, trying to keep tradition alive.

“There are a lot of new builds so I want to make newcomers aware that we have a vibrant market here on your doorstep.

“We are a bit tucked away but it is a lovely family environment.

“We have lots of variety, fruit and veg, meat, vinyl records, a baby boutique, clothing and a café with fresh produce and bakes.

“It is important to support local businesses.

“We have lots of items, starting from £2, plenty of fun and affordable things that would make quirky Christmas gifts.”

Ester has exciting plans to expand next year.

“We’re hoping to supply garden centres,” said Ester. “I have a unit at Marton where er make the ornaments and keep bigger stock.

“I’m also hoping to make my online presence bigger.”

The Market Hall is open from 8am to 4pm on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.