ONE OF the UK’s leading commercial nurseries is this month (July, 2015) onwards looking for partners to develop new plants and formats with.
Wyevale Nurseries in Hereford says it’s ‘door is always open’ to plant producers who have found something special.
Adam Dunnett, Sales and Marketing Director at Wyevale Nurseries, said: “We have specialist growers and now a dedicated plant development programme headed up by Ben Gregory, our Product Development Coordinator.
“Our plant development programme will nurture, grow on and assess new plants for their commercial viability. One of our recent innovations in product development was a range of pleached trees. These are being individually produced from our own field grown stock, potted and then trained on a frame to form instant screening at a desired height. Ideal for use in commercial or private landscape schemes and domestic gardens.
“We would like to work with our customers to develop the range and format of plants required for modern retailing. In February and March this year we conducted a plant survey online and at trade shows to canvas opinion of how important different genus’ are perceived by our customers and their customers. The findings have been incredibly useful in production planning and forecasting.”
Within his new role 23-year-old Ben will investigate methods of adding value by the evaluation of new stock to the nursery and different ways of presenting current lines and ranges to customers in the amenity and retail sectors.
Adam added: “Ben’s role is a new and really exciting role within the company and will be critical in our drive to stay as market leaders in product development and innovation.”
Wyevale Nurseries recently launched its new 2016 Promotional Catalogue.
Adam continued: “This year we have included feature genus’ and we truly believe we produce the best in the market. These include the likes of Ferns, Geum and Hydrangea, our pick of varieties form individual promotions for 2016.
“There are also 25 new promotions in the new catalogue, including Hebe ‘Super Red’ discovered on our own nursery. The catalogue includes quirky ‘Did you know?’ fun facts and several ‘Why Wyevale?’ pointers letting customers know our point of difference from other suppliers.”
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.
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.
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 https://www.facebook.com/WyevaleNurs.
