St Bridget Nurseries opened the gates to their nursery today in an exclusive charity event. 53 lucky individuals had purchased tickets to go on the special nursery tours where all money went to the charity Perennial (The Gardeners' Royal Benevolent Society). Two tours took place, one at 10.30am and one at 2pm and each lasted 2.5 hours.
The tours were conducted by the family owners (Mrs Janet Flinn Managing Director and Miss Tammy Flinn Marketing Manager) along with the Nursery Manager, Murray Richards.
First stop was the propagating unit were Gary, the propagation supervisor, showed the misting houses, young liner plants and grafting. The groups then visited the micro-propagation laboratory where thousands of micro sized plants are grown in sterilised conditions. Next stop was the herbaceous department where Phil the supervisor explained growing perennials from seeds, cuttings and dividing techniques, plus what compost mixes are used on the nursery.
A return stop to the greenhouses explained bedding plant production and David demonstrated how to plant a hanging basket. Preparation has also started for growing Christmas Poinsettias so this growing process was also explained.
Moving up the nursery into the container department, each tour group saw how St. Bridget Nurseries' compost is mixed aswell as the impressive potting operation. Many commented on the scale of the nursery which in total covers 100 acres or so but not all land is used for growing (some is set aside as grassland etc). Finally the tours continued to see the trees in the field before everyone headed off to the Plantsmans Cafe for a cup of tea!
To add to the enjoyment, each visitor also received a free goodie bag and the chance to buy some end of season cheap plants directly from the nursery.
Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the tours - the main question being will they be held again?!
This event raised £135.50 for Perennial.