Our Story
Blenheim Garden Centre has evolved greatly over the years; from a small nursery to an award-winning centre renowned for it’s customer service. We have been growing and selling plants for over 35 years and we have a wide understanding of the requirements of individual plants, so we can always help with any advice on all aspects of gardening. As well as this we have gained a reputation for the excellent quality of our plants, many of which are grown on site.
John building the greenhouse
Ellen & Oli working in the plant area
Peggy with one of our nursery cats
The original team (from left to right): Oli, Ellen, Peggy and John
John started the business in 1989 when he purchased a two acre field, and was mainly growing plants for the trade, serving local garden centres and further afield. One of his best customers in the early days was Jack, a market trader at Crisp Street Market in East London. In the busy season plants had to be delivered by 6am, meaning John had to load up and leave by 4:30am, then get back in time to open the nursery at 9am.
Early on John had a great amount of help and support from his dear mum Peggy. She served in the shop and did lots of the day to day nursery work – with a particular love of doing all the pricking out, potting up and having a good old chat with the customers. Sadly, Peggy passed away in early 2018.
Ellen was with us since day one and was John’s first full time employee, unfortunately due to COVID she decided to retire and sadly passed away in 2023. Ellen has been so helpful and reliable over the years, we cannot thank her enough.
The greenhouse that is now our shop
Our biggest project to date - the multispan
The front sales area today
In 2006 Trevor started his work experience here at Blenheim, after that he started as our Saturday boy and in 2008 he started his apprenticeship in Horticulture with Otley College, Suffolk. When Trevor completed his apprenticeship he then started full time and has been here ever since.
Many of our regular customers will recognise Wendy, Debbie, Jude, Lucy and Daz who are also a part of our wonderful team, which now feels more like family. Everyone is really passionate about the business and love to see the garden centre evolve.
We are very proud to have won the Gazette’s ‘Your Favourite’ Awards five times as ‘Garden Centre Of The Year’ in 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023 & 2024. We would like to say a huge thanks to our customers who have supported us over the years, it wouldn’t be possible without you all!
Our current team (from left to right): Trevor, Debbie, Daz, John, Wendy, Jude and Lucy
2019
2021
2022
