ONE OF the UK’s leading commercial nurseries in Hereford has this month (November, 2015) collected more than a tonne of acorns from some renowned mature oak trees in the area so they can be planted for future generations to enjoy.
Wyevale Nurseries has collected the nuts from Dymock, where mature oaks planted more than 100 years ago are much sought after as a seed source, and will be growing them on in the spring for people to re-plant.
Adam Dunnett, Sales and Marketing Director at Wyevale Nurseries in Hereford, said: “So far we have collected more than a tonne of acorns ready for storage overwinter and then spring sowing. The young trees will be ready for planting from autumn 2016 onwards.
“By collecting our own seeds, we are able to register their provenance, which is vitally important to the conservation of British varieties. Provenance certification is often requested on landscaping schemes for sound ecological reasons – sourcing native plants to fit in with native flora.
“Not only are we preserving traditional British trees but also providing landscapers and garden designers with local provenance trees which have not travelled hundreds of miles, will digest CO2 as well as roosting hundreds of mini bugs. These trees will enhance tomorrow’s world.”
Wyevale Nurseries has a significant product range and is regularly introducing new plants. It offers a large variety of trees, shrubs, hedging, herbaceous and specimen plants to garden centres, landscape contractors, local authorities, foresters and landowners.
Adam added: “We also had an excellent harvest of native seeds including Quercus, which are now tucked away in the cold store for stratification. When we get them out in the spring they should be primed ready for rapid germination.”
Wyevale Nurseries is one of the largest family-run wholesale nurseries in the UK. It was established in 1930 by Harry Williamson, a horticulturist and entrepreneur. It became the company it is today under the leadership of his son, Peter, who sadly passed away in 2011.
The Williamsons’ saw the opportunity to sell their product to an undeveloped retail market, creating one of the first garden centres, followed by a chain. In 1987, the retail side needed to expand and the 19 garden centres were sold as a PLC.
The family then turned its focus to Wyevale Nurseries Ltd. It continues to be a family-run business with ownership and joint chairmanship currently being held by the third generation, Heather and Simeon Williamson, with plans for the fourth generation to takeover in the future.
For further details about Wyevale Nurseries, which is based in Hereford, please call 01432 845 200, visit www.wyevalenurseries.co.uk, follow the company on Twitter at www.twitter.com/WyevaleNurs or log on to www.facebook.com/WyevaleNurs.
