Our History
It all started in 1929 with just an open field growing vegetables and plants for the Manor House (Woodbank) next door followed by growing cut flowers for the markets, its main purchaser was Woolworths.
it contributed to the war effort growing vegetables and keeping chickens for egg production.
bought the original nursery on the present site from its original owner. The business started as a wholesale nursery employing a member of staff and originally concentrated on growing cut flowers and alpines these where growing on the fields we now use as the car park.
From the late 90s Britain made little commitment to horticulture, but the family business grew and began to expand.
It is a treasure trove of discovery, offering everything practical and beautiful for your garden and home.
We are a family-run business with good old-fashioned service; warm and welcoming, and delivered with smiling, helpful efficiency. Our staff are fully experienced and are always happy to help.
In recent years, the company has invested in world-leading automation technology to complement its traditional horticultural facilities. We grow over 2 million plants across an extensive range every year. Our outdoor plant range includes: alpines, conifers, ferns, bedding plants, perennials, roses, shrubs and trees, grow-your-own fruit trees, herbs, vegetables, and much more.
Our motto says it all: See It Growing Buy It Nursery Fresh.
The nursery covers a 10-acre site, with 4 acres under cover, attracting approximately 7,500 visitors each week.
We grow plants for every season and occasion. A place to take the whole family for a day out; a leisurely walk amongst the beautiful flower displays, followed by homemade, delicious food in the Potting Shed Restaurant, which is not just another place to eat, it is also a fantastic exhibition of museum-quality artefacts, although these have now spread to the whole garden centre roof. You will not see a restaurant quite like this one anywhere!
We aim to provide a first-class service to all our customers through attentiveness, advice, and assistance from our staff. As you would expect, all of the staff at Woodbank Nurseries have been recruited for their expertise and knowledge across a huge range of gardening disciplines. Many of our staff have been with us for 20+ years, and our customers have come to rely on them for their consistency of advice and gardening tips, all year round. Woodbank Nurseries currently employ in excess of 50 staff.
Each area of Woodbank Nurseries; houseplants, outdoor plants, garden accessories, gifts & home ware, garden furniture, outdoor features, floristry, aquatics and pets; is managed by experts in their fields. When you visit us don’t forget to ask and we can help you with anything specific you may need.