We were absolutely thrilled to welcome members of the Prosper plant buyers’ group to Johnsons Nurseries on February 24, 2025, for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at what we do best—growing top-quality plants!
Our event started with a relaxed evening at La Vecchia Scuola, where guests enjoyed delicious food and great conversation, all with the stunning York Minster as a backdrop. It was the perfect setting to catch up, share insights, and chat about the latest trends in the industry before the main event.
The next morning, our Garden Centre Sales Division greeted buyers with a warm Yorkshire welcome and a goody bag filled with local treats. We kicked things off with a productive plant buyers’ meeting at our head office in Kirk Hammerton before heading out for the main highlight—a tour of our nursery, led by our Production Director, Robert Richardson.
During the tour, we showcased our peat-free trials, innovative growing techniques, and an incredible variety of sample stock across all product ranges. We also set up a special display of standout selections to help buyers plan their future plant offerings. Seeing our plants up close in the nursery gave everyone a real sense of the quality and scale of what we do.
Martin Cowell, Director of Cowells Garden Centre, summed up the visit perfectly:
“It was fantastic to visit Johnsons once again and see the nursery in full operation. The scale of production, the quality of stock, and the innovative work they are doing—especially with peat-free growing—are truly impressive. Johnsons has been a valued supplier to Cowell’s for over 35 years, and it’s clear to see why. Their commitment to quality and service is second to none. Huge thanks to the team for their hospitality and for putting together such an insightful and well-organised event.”
Our team has seen a big transition recently with the retirement of Paul Lamb in December after an incredible 41 years with us. Paul has been such a huge part of our journey, and while we’ll miss him, we know his legacy is in safe hands with:
Reflecting on the visit, Mark Reynard shared:
“It was a pleasure to welcome the Prosper group to our nursery, and we’re so pleased with how the day went. These visits are invaluable, giving buyers the chance to see first-hand the quality, scale, and innovation of what we do at Johnsons. We’ve been supplying Cowell’s Garden Centre for over 35 years, and I still remember selling plants to Martin’s father, Alan Cowell. It’s fantastic to see that relationship continue today, and we hope this visit is just the start of many more collaborations with the Prosper group.”
We love showing garden centre buyers around our nursery, and if you’d like to see our operation in action, we’d be more than happy to host you! Get in touch, and we’ll give you a proper Yorkshire welcome and a tour of everything we have to offer.
Interested? Contact us today—we’d love to hear from you!
Posted 3rd Mar 9:31am
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