A historic blue plaque has been unveiled at the home of Roger Crompton Notcutt, who founded Notcutts Garden Centres 120 years ago.
The plaque was unveiled on Saturday February 11, in Woodbridge, Suffolk, by Roger Crompton Notcutt’s great-granddaughter and Notcutts vice chairman Caroline Notcutt, alongside the Mayor of Woodbridge, Councillor Stephen Attwell.
The blue plaque recognises the achievements of Roger Crompton Notcutt as a horticultural pioneer, and in celebration of 120 years since Notcutts Garden Centres was established in the town. The plaque can be seen at the front of The Old House – Roger’s Georgian home of almost 30 years, which is now Notcutts’ offices.
Notcutts Garden Centre vice chairman Caroline Notcutt said: “It has been a pleasure to recognise the achievements of my great-grandfather, Roger Crompton Notcutt, today with such a special commemorative plaque. It is wonderful to see that his passion for gardening is still in the local community and will continue to be recognised for generations to come.”
Roger Crompton Notcutt founded Notcutts Garden Centres in 1897 after doctors advised him to pursue an outdoor life due to ill health. Roger’s keen interest in nature and gardening inspired him to open his first nursery and shop in Woodbridge town centre – on the same site as the current Notcutts Garden Centre in Woodbridge. Roger was a member of the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Flower Show Committee for 30 years and was a member of the Woodbridge Urban District Council for 33 years, including a period as elected chairman. In 1934, Roger presented the National Trust with four acres of woodland at Kyson Hill in Woodbridge, overlooking the river Deben, which are to be preserved for all time in its natural state.
120 years after it launched, Notcutts has remained family-run and Roger’s great-granddaughter Caroline Notcutt is vice chairman today. The business has grown from strength-to-strength and has become a leading name in horticulture and home gardening, with 18 garden centres across the UK.
Notcutts Garden Centres chief executive Nick Burrows said: “We are thrilled to be celebrating our 120th anniversary milestone this year. We have exciting plans throughout the year where we’ll be honouring our family heritage, as well as celebrating our passion for gardening and looking forward to the years ahead.”
