Holly Farm Nurseries and Plant Centre was established by Tim and Helen Noble, who originally bought a smallholding which had been used as part of a mixed farm including a small herd of dairy cows. After converting the dairy into a potting shed, the shipon into a shop and erecting three polythene tunnels, they first opened the nursery in May 1979 to sell the bedding plants and vegetables which they had sown and nurtured during the previous winter and spring. Initially, the Farm Shop was very central to the enterprise, Tim and Helen growing vegetables both for their own shop and for the wholesale market but this later gave way to a greater concentration on ornamental plants for the garden and this has been the main focus of the nursery in recent years. The legacy of the Farm Shop remains in the growing of broad beans, runner beans and soft fruit in season, products which have remained popular with customers in a fluctuating ‘pick your own’ market.
The nursery has grown slowly but steadily founded as it is on sound business practices which have seen it through difficult times. Inevitably, over the years, in order to extend the range of plants available to our customers we have increasingly bought plants in from other, carefully selected growers. At the same time, we have increased our stock of sundries and other garden supplies, in order to compete in a commercial world and to offer our customers a one-stop-shop for their garden needs. A high standard of customer care together with quality produce, some of which is still grown on the nursery has created a loyal customer base in the face of considerable competition. Our friendly, helpful and well informed staff has contributed greatly to making Holly Farm Nurseries and Plant Centre an enjoyable place to visit and a place which retains the attractive qualities of a ‘real’ nursery, where plant care is understood.