Newent Plant Centre is celebrating 15 years in business… and they are still growing!
Set up by Mark Moir in February 2009 the plant centre expanded and relocated to its current site on the outskirts of Ledbury in 2015. It is renowned for its large selection of mostly locally grown plants.
“I’m astounded at how fast the time has gone”, explained owner Mark Moir. “It’s incredible to realise 15 years have passed and how much we have grown and achieved. We grow a huge range of plants here on our own nursery and source other plants from specialist local growers. Our business has always been and will always be about plants.”
From the early days of trading at local fairs and shows, to receiving a plethora of industry and business awards including three RHS Gold Medals, their displays of shrubs, herbaceous perennials and huge range of heucheras at Malvern Shows were always stunning.
“It’s amazing to look back and see the dramatic changes that have occurred at our plant centre and in our industry in this time – we changed to peat-free compost in all our home-grown stock three years ago now, although it has had its challenges, we have persevered and learnt how to adapt to a new way of growing our plants.”
“Trends have also changed – a few years ago everyone wanted drought tolerant plants after two hot summers, then last year everyone asked for really hardy plants after the harsh winter. But the biggest surge in interest has been for ‘Grow Your Own’ produce such as herbs, vegetables and fruit.”
“Having a passion for plants has certainly been the major growing point of our business and sharing hints, tips and stories with all our wonderful customers makes it all worthwhile.”
Newent Plant Centre is at The Nest, Hereford Road, Ledbury HR8 2PZ
Open seven days a week. Tel 01531 670121 www.newentplantcentre.co.uk
