We are proud to have provided all planting stock for the dementia-friendly garden at Coronation Park in Cramlington, a flagship project delivered by Brambledown Landscape Services Ltd. As part of Northumberland County Council’s Cramlington Regeneration Programme — backed by a £3.5 million investment, including support from the UK Government’s Community Ownership Fund — the garden was officially opened on 19 May 2025 by Her Grace the Duchess of Northumberland, alongside local dignitaries.
Johnsons supplied the full planting stock for the project, delivering over 2,000 carefully selected plants and trees. Working closely with Brambledown, the planting palette included over 150 geraniums, 80 astrantias, 70 salvias, 80 Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’, 75 Viburnum tinus, along with Daphne ‘Eternal Fragrance’, lavender, hellebores, Hydrangeas, Skimmias and cornus. These species were chosen to stimulate the senses and provide visual and tactile interest across all seasons.
Brambledown installed the planting as part of the wider landscaping scope, which also featured dementia-aware resin-bound pathways, a PEFC oak-framed gazebo, raised planters with integrated seating, and insect hotels to support biodiversity. Mark Harvey, Deputy Town Clerk for Services at CTC, emphasised that level paths, comfortable seating, and sensory variety were key to making the garden a safe, engaging place for users.
The Coronation Park Dementia Garden has become a well-used, therapeutic public space, praised for its inclusive design and community benefit. The official opening on 19 May 2025 drew local dignitaries and residents, and is recognised as a valuable first phase in the site’s ongoing redevelopment—future plans include community allotments, an orchard, and ecological areas.
Johnsons Nurseries is proud to have played a vital role in this collaborative project, delivering quality planting stock that supports both the aesthetic and therapeutic aspirations of Brambledown’s scheme.
Posted 30th Jun 9:26am
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On Wednesday, 14th May, we hosted a special after-hours event at our Newlands site to encourage networking among our valued customers. Over the years, we’ve seen many well-established customers retire, taking with them a wealth of knowledge and experience. This initiative aimed to bridge that gap by connecting newer businesses with seasoned professionals.
We invited a group of 22 customers for a guided tour of the Newlands site, followed by a detailed explanation of how the cash and carry operates. The event was held after hours to avoid disrupting our day-to-day operations and to better accommodate our customers’ busy daytime schedules.
The group included an even split of landscapers and garden designers—what we fondly referred to as “the diggers and the drawers.” Everyone wore name badges, and we provided a printed directory with all attendees’ contact details to encourage follow-up communication. Interestingly, the directory proved almost unnecessary as the group quickly took the initiative to set up a WhatsApp group themselves.
It was fantastic to witness the organic interactions between attendees—many of whom had only previously known each other through Instagram. Several discovered they lived nearby, and conversations quickly turned to potential collaborations, shared challenges, and exchange of ideas.
Overall, the event was a great success.
On Tuesday, 24th June, we were proud to host 16 customers from Whitings and BCA Architects for a nursery tour and lunch. The day was a great success, with guests offering enthusiastic feedback and praise for both the facilities and the warm hospitality.
The visit began with arrivals and a welcome of pastries and hot drinks, followed by a split schedule. Group 1 toured the Newlands site, including informative sessions with the Incoming Goods and Dispatch teams, while Group 2 visited the Cattal site to learn about pest and disease control, beneficial insects, and peat-free growing media. Both groups then came together at Cattal for a propagation demonstration and the chance to view stock highlights and ask questions. Lunch was provided by Johnsons, after which the groups swapped locations to experience the other half of the tour. The day concluded with an optional cash & carry walkthrough before departures at 3:30 PM.
A big thank you to everyone involved in planning and setting up the event—your efforts made it a smooth and enjoyable day for all.
Are you one of our customers? Are you interested in visiting us, and having a tour of our nursery and operations? Get in touch with us today.
Posted 30th Jun 9:33am
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We are proud to announce the successful completion of our fourth in-house Plant Identification Training Program since launching the initiative in 2023. The latest session—held throughout spring and concluding on June 19th, 2025—underscores the company’s commitment to continuous learning and horticultural excellence.
As one of the UK’s leading commercial nursery growers, Johnsons has cultivated quality plants for over a century. With five sites across the Vale of York, the company produces 5 to 6 million plants annually, supplying projects nationwide.
This seasonal training has now become a cornerstone of Johnsons’ annual staff development calendar, complementing previous autumn, winter, and summer sessions. The program forms part of a wider, year-round educational framework designed to grow specialist plant knowledge across departments.
The Spring/Early Summer 2025 cohort saw 21 employees from diverse roles take part in the 9-week course, which focused on expanding understanding of seasonal plant varieties. At the program’s closing ceremony, Production Director Robert Richardson presented certificates to the successful participants.
Molly Buckle, Florence Marsden, Louise Roberts, Aaron Ferraioli, Henry Greaves, Jack Woodworth, Harry Helman, Tom Laws, Matt Falokun, Kayleigh Shaw, Jordan Riley, Levi Riley, Ben Gannon, Josh O’Brien, Mark Swallow, Simon Maddison, Moshtaq Miri, Kobe Williams, Chris Pitwood, Shelley Pawson, and Joel Constanza.
Special recognition goes to Florence Marsden, Louise Roberts, and Ben Gannon, who each earned a perfect 10/10 score in every session they attended—an outstanding achievement reflecting their dedication and consistency.
Commenting on the program’s continued success, Graham Richardson, Johnsons Group Managing Director, said:“With four successful plant ID programs completed since 2023, we’ve built a strong foundation for continuous learning at Johnsons. We’re proud of the progress our team has made and excited to continue this momentum. Our 2025 plans include further development of these training sessions, along with expanded Plant Health and bespoke horticulture training later in the year.”
As the company looks ahead, Johnsons remains firmly rooted in the belief that nurturing people is just as important as growing plants.
Posted 30th Jun 9:23am
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Insect Week 2025 runs from 23rd to 29th June, offering a perfect opportunity to appreciate the vital roles insects play in our ecosystems. While bees often take the spotlight, many other insects—like hoverflies, ladybirds, butterflies, and beetles—are essential for pollination, pest control, and maintaining biodiversity.
Insects are crucial for:
Pollination: Bees, butterflies, and hoverflies help fertilize plants, leading to fruit and seed production.
Pest Control: Ladybirds and lacewings feed on aphids and other harmful pests.
Decomposition: Beetles and other detritivores break down organic matter, enriching the soil.
Food Source: Insects serve as a primary food source for birds, bats, and other wildlife.
1. Plant a Diverse Range of Flowers
Incorporate a variety of native plants that bloom at different times to provide continuous nectar and pollen sources. Consider plants like:
Buddleia (butterfly bush)
Lavandula (lavender)
Achillea millefolium (yarrow)
Foeniculum vulgare (fennel)
Allium schoenoprasum (chives)
Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary)
These plants attract a range of pollinators and beneficial insects.
2. Provide Water Sources
Place shallow dishes filled with water and add pebbles or corks for insects to land on safely. This is especially important during dry periods.
3. Create Shelters and Habitats
Not all insects live in hives or colonies. Some, like solitary bees and beetles, need places to nest and overwinter. You can:
Build insect hotels using bamboo canes, drilled wood blocks, or bundles of twigs.
Leave areas of your garden undisturbed with piles of logs, stones, or leaf litter.
Allow a section of your lawn to grow wild, providing habitat for various insects
4. Avoid Chemical Pesticides
Chemical pesticides can harm beneficial insects. Opt for natural pest control methods, such as:
Introducing predatory insects like ladybirds to control aphids.
Using neem oil or garlic sprays as deterrents.
Practicing companion planting to repel pests.
5. Compost and Mulch
Composting not only recycles garden waste but also creates a habitat for decomposer insects. Mulching with organic materials can provide shelter and food for ground-dwelling insects.
6. Install a Small Pond
Even a small water feature can attract aquatic insects like dragonflies and provide a water source for others. Ensure there’s a shallow area or sloped sides for easy access.
Hoverflies: Excellent pollinators; their larvae consume aphids.
Ladybirds: Feed on aphids and other soft-bodied pests.
Lacewings: Their larvae are voracious predators of aphids and mites.
Ground Beetles: Consume slugs, snails, and other garden pests.
Parasitic Wasps: Lay eggs in or on pest insects, controlling their populations.
By making your garden a haven for insects, you’re contributing to biodiversity and the health of our planet. Let’s celebrate Insect Week 2025 by giving these essential creatures the support they deserve.
Posted 3rd Jun 4:26pm
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Creating and maintaining a garden can be physically demanding, but the rewards go far beyond just a beautiful space. Gardening is a therapeutic activity that not only reduces stress but also supports emotional and mental well-being.
Spending even a small amount of time in green spaces helps us reconnect with nature, which has a powerful impact on our emotions. A simple walk through a garden can benefit both body and mind. As we move, we breathe in fresh air and absorb natural sunlight, a key source of vitamin D. These small moments contribute to positive emotions like calmness, joy, and a sense of peace.
Our senses become more aware when surrounded by greenery—we notice the different shades of green, the textures of tree bark, the sound of birdsong. Gardens can be places of quiet reflection, or social spaces where we connect with friends in a relaxed, natural setting.
Reducing cortisol levels, the stress hormone, is crucial for mental health. Just 30 minutes a day spent watering plants or doing a bit of weeding can help calm the mind. Being around plants also stimulates the release of endorphins—our body’s natural “feel-good” chemicals—which help combat anxiety and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
Research shows that gardening can reduce stress levels by 4.2% compared to non-gardeners. Remarkably, three hours spent in the garden can burn as many calories as an hour at the gym—without the sweat or the Lycra! People who garden regularly have about a 20% lower risk of coronary heart disease than those who don’t.
If you’re gardening for others, don’t view it as a chore. Recognize the sense of purpose and accomplishment it brings. You’re helping create a sanctuary—a peaceful retreat where others can relax, reconnect, and enjoy the healing benefits of nature.
Whether you’re planting seeds, pulling weeds, or simply enjoying the view, gardening is more than a hobby—it’s a path to wellness.
Posted 3rd Jun 4:08pm
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