Garden Centre Plants is a large nursery which is owned by The Barton Grange Group of companies. It is strictly a wholesale nursery, specializing in supply of plants to retail garden centers. There is no propagation done at this site and their main focus is on production of two litre pots of shrubs and perennials. The whole system is computerized so that every plant that is sold is documented. The company employs about 25 year round employees, but will bring on 20 more in the busy season.
Production begins with automated pot filling and planting. The machine puts an exact mount of soil and fertilizer into each new pot. This saves time and money for the company and produces an equal amount of mix per plant. One innovation pioneered by the company is the use of pots with cultural advice printed directly on the pot itself.
They have many greenhouses that shelter some of their more sensitive plants. The houses are quite modern, and they keep constant temperature, moisture, and provide a good wind break. They are kept very clean and all plants are in a perfect straight line to help with categorization when pulling plants for orders.
Their outdoor groupings are also very organized according to species and their cultivars. These plants are a little more tolerant of the winds and temperature changes. There is still a wind break between all major areas which helps because the nursery is on high ground and exposed to winds from the Irish Sea. The watering is still monitored, but the rain is relied upon to help reduce labor and cost.
Plants are brought to the dispatch area in order to put together consignments for garden centres, nationwide. The nursery provides labels with cultural information and pricing, ready for immediate retail display. The catalogue offers 800 kinds of plants from Abelia to Yucca and the nursery is sending out about three quarters of a million plants a year.
| Home | Study Abroad | Postcards |