The nursery is a small independently owned business specializing in herbaceous perennials. All the plants are grown on the site and the vast majority are also propagated on site.
The business started in December 2004 on the site of a previous nursery business in east Carlton, near Yeadon in West Yorkshire. The site consisted of about two acres of land with two polytunnels and a shade tunnel.When the site was acquired was rather overgrown and in need of quite a bit of work. Initially a limited amount of site clearance occurred in order to grow and sell something. In 2005 I concentrated on summer bedding plants and hanging baskets only.
Further development and site clearance continued and we developed a range of interesting hardy and tender perennials, ornamental grasses and herbs. We then started attending local agricultural shows and occasional markets.
In 2008 and 2009 we exhibited in the Plant Plaza at Tatton Park flower show.
In early 2009 we identified a property for sale which would give us the opportunity to move house and nursery to the same place. Finally by October 2009 we had managed to move house and nursery to our new base. The new site, on the outskirts of the pretty village of Fishlake in South Yorkshire, has four acres and no garden! There is lots of work to do but lots of potential too. It is a much more sheltered site and there is an ideal space to develop a lovely garden. There was also a Certified location Caravan site already in existence.
Until March 2010 the nursery was only run on a part time basis as I had an almost full time job in the NHS. This has now changed and I can spend all my time on the nursery.
In 2006 I attained my National Certificate in Horticulture at Askham Bryan College and in April 2008 I passed a NCFE Garden Design course. I hope to do further qualifications in the future when time allows.
We are continuing to improve and develop the site and the facilities available for campers. So far in 2011 this has included installing a free WIFI system for visitors. In 2012 we should be able to offer fresh fruit and vegetables for sale as we have now cleared the overgrown growing areas.
Liz Webster