Description
About the Venue:
Howard Nurseries is one of the country’s largest wholesale perennial specialists. Established fifty years ago from humble origins our business, like our plants, has grown steadily in the beautiful Suffolk/Norfolk countryside. The Nursery was founded as a partnership in 1969. Having steadily grown, it now covers over 100 acres making it one of the foremost perennial producers in Great Britain. Annual production includes field-grown plants/bare root perennials as well as 9cm and 2L with a few 5L.
Not all the land is used for herbaceous perennial production. A proportion is either fallow or agricultural crops as part of a rotation programme. The plant range is constantly expanding and now stands at over 1600 varieties.
About the Tutor:
Christine Howard is the Managing Director of Howard Nurseries and joined the company in 2006. Her father David Howard obtained the nursery in April 1999, and since April 2000 has traded as Howard Nurseries Ltd. The foundation of the company is built upon David’s passion for service, quality, and plant range.
About the Tour:
This is a special, private, behind the scenes tour for Working for Gardeners members of Howard Nurseries, one of the largest perennial nurseries in the UK. Attendees will receive an introduction to the Nurseries and the perennial production process from Christine Howard, the daughter of the original owner who started the Nurseries in 1969. Howard Nurseries produce over 1,600 perennial plants for the UK’s many nurseries’ chains, including the RHS.
Attendees will be able to purchase plants directly from the Nurseries if they’re currently a working gardener/designer at much lower prices than most plant providers. This is a fascinating opportunity to find out more about how high-quality plants are grown and build connections with Howard Nurseries.
The morning will commence with an introduction to the Nurseries followed by a behind scenes personalised guided tour around the production areas to gain a clear understanding of perennial production: from propagation, bare root production and finally the container areas. This tour as mentioned, is unique to Working for Gardeners members and something you wouldn’t see or have access to on their normal open days. After the tour you are welcome to stay and use the meeting room for networking where refreshments will be available (please bring a packed lunch if required).
Timings:
10.00am – 12.30pm
Refreshments:
Tea, coffee, cake and biscuits will be provided – please bring a packed lunch if required.
Special Instructions:
Please wear suitable and weather appropriate clothing (including waterproofs if necessary) and footwear for walking around a nursery’s production areas.
Please bring a packed lunch if required.
Costs:
£50 Members | £70 Non-members
Event Cancellation Terms:
Please read our Standard Terms and Conditions for information relating to booking cancellations.
