On Friday, 26th July, cash & carry employees Matt and Claire had the privilege of visiting the Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) Support Unit at Nostell, near Wakefield. They were invited as a thank-you for our contribution to a garden showcased at the Harrogate Spring Flower Show, created by our customer Kate Smithson. The garden was designed as a peaceful retreat for people connected to the YAA—whether they were airlifted, saved, or part of the crew who face traumatic situations daily. Soon, it will be relocated to Roundhay Park in Leeds to make it more accessible.
Their visit included a tour of the YAA facility, where we gained a real insight into their daily operations. One fascinating aspect was how they monitor all local 999 calls to prepare for potential emergencies. We also got to see their immersive training room, which can simulate real-life medical situations with screens on every wall, ambient sounds, and temperature control. The level of realism is astounding, with incredibly life-like manikins that can even bleed and have controlled heart rates.
The helicopter itself was a real highlight. They were surprised by how compact it was, given that it could fit up to five crew members, a patient, and possibly a parent or observer. The technology onboard allows for both day and night flights, though crew members have strict working hour limits. They even learned that if a crew runs out of hours far from base, they may have to leave the helicopter behind and get a taxi home, with the next shift retrieving it!
While they were there, the YAA was called out on an emergency. They watched from a safe distance as the crew mobilized swiftly, taking off in just minutes. It was a powerful moment that highlighted the crucial work they do. What really struck me was the cost involved—each helicopter flight costs £4,000, and while NHS funds cover the medical staff, the wages of the pilot, navigator, and ground crew rely entirely on public donations.
Seeing the YAA in action left a lasting impression on Claire and Matt. The dedication, skill, and resources involved in every mission are extraordinary, and it’s made them appreciate even more the incredible work they do whenever they see a helicopter in the sky.
Posted 16th Sep 3:04pm
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We are pleased to have completed a significant project in collaboration with Edinburgh-based P1 Contractors to landscape a new pedestrian and cyclist footbridge across the M8 as part of a £250 million regeneration north of Glasgow.
The contract, worth £190,000, saw Johnsons provide over 30,000 plants, trees and shrubs for the 58-metre-long footbridge, which will form an active travel route between the area of Sighthill and the city centre.
The landscaping work marks the completion of a 30-month build to install the bridge and represents another milestone in the delivery of the £250 million Sighthill Regeneration.
It is the biggest project of its kind in the UK outside of London and will offer affordable housing within walking distance of Strathclyde University, Queen Street Station and Glasgow’s most popular shopping locations, encouraging active travel and providing the commercial infrastructure to support and attract businesses to Glasgow and the surrounding areas.
The state-of-the-art footbridge will not only serve as a vital transportation link but also as a sustainable green space, contributing to the overall aesthetic appeal of the project.
Working closely with P1 Contractors, we have provided a diverse variety of trees, shrubs, and ornamental grasses.
Species included Alnus Glutinosa, Pinus Sylvestris, Hebe ‘Caledonia’, Rosmarinus Officinalis ‘Miss Jessop’s Upright’, Stipa Tenuissima and Carex Morrowii ‘Ice Dance’ to complement the architectural design of the footbridge and add natural charm and greenery to the surrounding environment.
Johnsons Nurseries Ltd marketing manager, Eleanor Richardson said: “We are known for our expertise in supplying top-grade plants and trees to major construction and landscaping projects, and are proud to be part of this groundbreaking initiative.
“Our extensive range of trees and plants, carefully selected for their beauty, durability, and sustainability, will not only enhance the visual appeal of the footbridge but also contribute to creating a welcoming and environmentally friendly urban space for the residents and visitors of Glasgow.”
Richard McMonagle from P1 Contractors, one of Scotland’s leading providers for the development and implementation of soft landscaping works, added: “Johnsons Nurseries has truly proven themselves as an invaluable partner on this high-profile project. Their commitment to supplying top-quality plants under tight time constraints has been instrumental in ensuring P1 Contractors delivered this project on time and to the required standard for our valued client”.
To learn more about the M8 Footbridge project, visit www.glasgow.gov.uk/article/26211/M8-Pedestrian-Bridge-Development-Footage
Posted 15th Mar 9:13am
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Spring is in full swing with longer days, the arrival of many flowering varieties and milder weather. There’s plenty to do in the garden this month to reap the rewards in summer. Check out our full April hints and tips below.
Finish cutting back the past years’ growth of Cornus and Salix, which are being grown for colourful young stems this coming summer.
Continue to divide herbaceous perennials as required. Pull them apart or use a knife on thick fleshy roots such as paeonies or two garden forks back to back to pull apart really tough roots. Replant the best of the pieces from the outside of the root, as these are the most viable.
Dead-head spent daffodil flower heads and their seed pods to ensure the energy of the bulb goes into the bulb itself and not into developing and ripening seed.
Apply a high Nitrogen lawn fertilizer and also a lawn weedkiller to established lawns if appropriate. Water in the fertilizer if conditions are very dry.
A reversion may occur in variegated coloured leaf trees and shrubs, resultant green shoots grow strongly. Cut out affected shoots just into the variegated/coloured foliage.
Lightly trim Lavenders (but not into the older wood) to stop them from getting leggy .
Plant potatoes from the middle of the month, planting under black polythene sheeting if there is a risk of frost, alternatively chit the tubers to encourage sprouting before planting by placing them in a tray in a light position, perhaps by a window, where there is no risk of frost.
Plant new Strawberries or bring on existing Strawberries early by covering them with cloches or clear polythene tunnels. Ensure that there is adequate ventilation between cloches, and lift the polythene for a couple of inches on the leeward side of low polytunnels.
Still a good time to plant an evergreen hedge, such as hollies, laurels and escallonias. Ensure that plants are firm in the ground, and remember to water them in dry weather.
Now is a good time to make a new lawn from purchased turf or direct sowing.
To improve old or worn-out lawns, now is the time to aerate, apply spring fertilizer, scarify, and if necessary overseed with an appropriate mixture of 15gm of grass seed.
Hoe between herbaceous plants to keep down weeds whilst they are still small. Even if soil has been recently dug, a fresh crop of annual weeds will soon germinate and hoeing the crop will also benefit the soil aeration.
Protect fruit trees trained on walls by covering the early flowering blossoms with fleece to ensure a satisfactory crop, even after frosty conditions.
Posted 6th Apr 3:20pm
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September is generally noticeably cooler than August, and the nights are now drawing in, but there’s plenty to be doing in the garden this month, including planting bulbs, scarifying and aerating lawns and taking cuttings from evergreen shrubs. Check out our full list of hints and tips below put together by our chairman and horticulturist John Richardson.
Keep dead-heading the best flowering plants to encourage new flowers and stop them from setting seed.
Crocosmias form large mounds of roots and corms over a few years; try separating them with a fork, pulling them apart, or removing the soil and untangling them with the help of a hosepipe jet.
The lawn will benefit from being scarified and aerated; remove moss. Add sharp sand or compost and re-seed worn patches. Apply autumn fertilizer at 2 oz. per sq. yd and apply a weed control.
During rainy weather, transplant Rhododendrons and Azaleas, which need moving and plant new bushes. Heel in plants newly arrived if the ground is not yet fully prepared but ensure that root balls are kept moist.
By the end of the month, slightly reduce the watering and feeding of house plants, and ensure they have plenty of light. Reduce the amount of water given to cacti.
Take cuttings of evergreen shrubs, geraniums and hydrangeas. Check that electrical installations are in good order and insulation is undamaged.
Prune weeping standard roses, which are summer flowering climbers and ramblers grown on standard rose briar stems, by removing the stems which have flowered during the year, and leave the new main stems to flower next year.
Purchase sweet pea seeds for sowing next month. Include a few of the old-fashioned varieties as these will provide fragrance.
Prepare sites for any new hedges to be planted over the winter months. Dig the hedge strip 45cm wide on either side of the centre line of the hedge. Skim off any turf or weed growth, burying it upside-down in the bottom of the trench. Remove any perennial weeds. Plant evergreen hedges until mid-October.
Prepare pots and bowls of bulbs to flower from Christmas to Easter. Use bulb fibre in containers with drainage holes and stand the container on a suitable saucer. Containers without a drainage hole can be used but extreme care must be taken not to over-water the pot.
Sow annuals such as clarkia, nemesia, antirrhinums, calendulas, and cornflowers in a cool greenhouse for a colourful display in spring and early summer. Sow in John Innes seed compost and prick out in pots of JI No 1 potting compost as soon as large enough to handle.
Keep dead-heading the best flowering plants to encourage new flowers and stop them from setting seed.
Cut off and burn any Iris leaves which have developed brown leaf spot disease since flowering.
Posted 30th Aug 9:34am
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We recently welcomed a number of new starters to our Cattal site, so we thought it would be nice to find out more about them; see what they have to say below:
1) Tell us one thing that has made your JOW experience so far enjoyable:
The friendliness of everyone at Cattal.
2) What does a typical working day look like for you?
I start at 7 am to help prepare the tractors for the day and get them checked over. Then generally, I’m on the potting machine, which I enjoy and have been learning more lately about the machine works.
3) Any memorable moments from your time at JOW so far?
Fish and chip Friday
4) What would we find in your packed lunch box?
A chicken salad wrap, a bag of crisps, an apple, a banana and a kit kat (the best)
5) Are you a morning or a night person?
An early morning beats a late finish.
6) Tell us one item you couldn’t live without:
My record player
7) Who is your celebrity hero?
David Bowie saw him three times live – amazing!
8) Have any hobbies?
Nothing specific, but I like walking and oriental cooking.
1. Where did you work prior to JOW?
I previously worked at the Railway Museum in York as part of their front-of-house team.
2. What does your role involve?
It involves various tasks in the potting shed, cultural teams and lifting orders for customers.
3. What do you like most about your role?
I like the variety my role offers me each day is different, and I am learning new skills all the time.
4. What is an interesting fact about you that nobody at work knows: I have met three members of The Royal Family.
5. If you could travel anywhere for a holiday, where would it be and why?
I would travel to New Zealand on holiday when the British & Irish Lions were on tour – I am a massive rugby fan, and it is a part of the world I’ve always wanted to visit.
6. What is your favourite type of cuisine? Mexican!!!
7. What was your favourite band growing up?
My Chemical Romance
8. What hobbies do you have outside of work?
I like being outdoors, walking my dog, going camping and walking up mountains! I also like going out with friends and going to music festivals.
9. What is your biggest pet peeve?
People who don’t indicate!!!
1) What is your favourite thing about your job?
I enjoy seeing the plants and have personally done work earlier in the year on specific varieties and have then seen the plants grow into nice-looking plants. It gives me a sense of accomplishment.
2) What has the biggest challenge been since joining JOW?
I found driving the tractors quite intimidating before I learned, but now it’s one of my favourite things to do at work!
3) What was your dream profession growing up?
As a kid, I wanted to be an astronaut but was disappointed to learn that I was too tall.
4) When you’re not at work, what are your passions?
I like to be outdoors, for example, hiking or caving in the Yorkshire Dales.
5) What are you most grateful for in life?
Having time to enjoy my hobbies and spend time with friends.
6) What is your favourite thing to do locally?
Visiting historical sites in York
7) What’s your favourite plant?
Hard to choose, but I’d say Lupins.
8)If you had to eat one meal every day for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
Christmas Dinner because at least there are lots of sides for a variety.
1. How have you found your first few months at JOW, and what have you enjoyed most?
I have enjoyed cultural and lifting – 5-star experience!
2. Tell us two things you have learned since starting at JOW:
Trellising and driving tractors.
3. Favourite plant variety since starting: Lupinus
4. Tell us a random fact about yourself: I’ve memorised the majority of bird song in the UK!
5. What is one thing on the very top of your bucket list? Visit Yosemite National Park.
6.Are you a morning person or a night person?
I’m an afternoon person.
7. What’s the greatest TV show ever made?
Limmy’s Show.
8. If you could live in any other country, where would you live? Italy
9. What is your idea of fun? Camping and Bowls.
Posted 9th Aug 3:36pm
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A big thanks to Mark Weatherill our Cattal Manager who has achieved 35 years service with us, Mark has worked within various different departments at the company and is now in charge of our Cattal site, he does a great job and is responsible for over 20 staff and the production of all our 5 and 10Lt pots. See what he had to say about his time at Johnsons below:
1) What have you enjoyed most about 35 years at Johnsons?
I have enjoyed working outside with plants and trees; it has also been good to work with friendly people who have the same goals of producing quality plants and giving a quality service for our customers.
2) Did you work anywhere else prior to Johnsons?
I worked as a swimming pool lifeguard, as a milkman and on a pick your own strawberry farm. The owners turned the farm into a nursery so I stayed to help them. This is how I got into horticulture.
3) What was your first position at Johnsons?
My first position was as a potting supervisor, we had a small potting machine that produced 2L and 3L plants, anything bigger was potted into a plastic bag.
4) What has your greatest achievement been?
My greatest achievement has to be the setting up of the Cattal site from being a barren field into a working nursery.
5) Most memorable day at Johnsons?
There are a few memorable days but one that sticks in my mind is when we used to get a helicopter to spray the nursery. Three of us were working near the tunnels in the main site so we sheltered in the tunnels when the helicopter arrived, not realising the tunnel sides were up so we got covered in spray.
6) Looking back, if you didn’t work at Johnsons, what career path would you have chosen?
I think I would have followed my dad into P.E teaching or something that involved sport.
7) What has made you stay at Johnsons for all these years?
The answer to question 1 is the reason I have stayed for 35 years. Also, every year seems to bring up new and complex challenges in the nursery, which keeps the job interesting.
Posted 16th Dec 1:53pm
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We are thrilled that the plants we donated helped clinch a gold award at this year’s Harrogate Flower Show.
The display ‘Escape Your Mind’ was created by Lisa Norton from Harrogate Garden Design, as a tribute to the role nature plays in our mental wellbeing.
The design celebrates the role that nature has played in helping people of all ages cope with the challenges created by the pandemic. The past year has been an immensely difficult time for children, parents, grandparents, business owners and entire communities. It has touched us all on a global scale.
However, one thing that has remained consistent is nature and the benefits it can bring to our mental and physical wellbeing.
Harrogate Garden Design, working with Lowes Landscapes, set out to create ‘little bits of heaven on earth’. The garden was designed to calm the mind, using elements such as well-connected space, healthy plant life, freshwater, natural materials and patterns to create a place for contemplation.
The garden was created using biophilic design principles, that use natural landscape features to create a healthy built environment for people, satisfying our need for contact with the natural world.
Lisa Norton said “It was wonderful to be part the show after such a long time in lockdown. Visitors were delighted to be out enjoying nature together again, such a delight to see so many smiling faces”
After the show, the plants worth £300, were given to Harrogate and District Hospital. They included the colourful Magnolia Acuminata ‘Blue Opal’, Dahlia ‘Orange Sunshine’, Phlox ‘Clouds of Perfume’,Cortaderia ‘Pink Feather’ and Salix ‘Golden Sunshine’.
Cheerful Nemesia Sundae ‘Vanilla Ice’ and stunning Stipa Tenuissima ‘Pony Tails’ were also donated, along with varieties of fern Polypodium vulgare, Dryopteris Filix-Mas and Blechnum spicant.
The display was completed by several Euphorbia amygdd. Robbiae, Pittosporum ten. ‘Tom Thumb’, Carex Pendula and Morrowii ‘Irish Green’. Chamomile plants Chamaemelum nobile ‘Treneague’ and box trees Buxus Sempervirens completed the display.
Interested in other projects we’ve been involved with? Click here to view our case studies
Posted 28th Jun 1:23pm
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A warm welcome to Rob Forrester who joins the team as Procurement Manager, find out what he had to say about his new role below:
1) What are you looking forward to most about your new role? Getting out around the UK & Europe to meet our suppliers (when travel permits) and solidifying our strong relationships.
2)Anything you’ve learnt in the last couple of weeks that you didn’t know before? A lot! I’ve come from a non-horticulture background, so I’m learning lots of new things every single day!
3)What do you think the challenges of this role will be? Dealing with new legislation/regulations in the aftermath of Brexit/Covid.
What would we find you doing on a weekend? Playing football for Poppleton United or spending time with my wife, daughter and dog.
Favourite food? Got to be curry- specifically Lamb Madras!
Favourite band? I like my rock music- if I had to pick a favourite I’d probably go with Muse.
Summer or winter? Summer
Tell us an interesting fact about yourself: I once had a drawing of mine on display at York Art Gallery, despite being absolutely terrible at art.
Posted 17th Jun 10:17am
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The worlds changing climate has many of us questioning what we could do to make our life more environmentally friendly, whether that’s in our day to day life, the house or garden, below we have some great tips on how you can create an environmentally friendly garden.
Limit your use of water
Limiting the use of clean water is important for the environment, so why not recycle natural sources that can be used to water plants in any garden by installing a water butt.
To preserve your water, we recommend directing the supply to the roots of plants without wasting it on the leaves or flowers. Removing weeds will ensure the water is going towards your plants and is not being wasted further.
There have been several hosepipe bans in place across the country during the warmest periods of the year. You can help conserve your water usage by using a watering can in its place, and considering the time of day, watering during the warmest part of the day would mean the water is more likely to evaporate in the heat and be ineffective. Prioritise young plants and seedlings over more established plants as these will survive long periods without water.
View our guide to watering in dry weather here
Use drought-tolerant plants
Opting to use drought-tolerant plants, that require less watering, will be better for the environment in helping to save water.
There are plenty of options for any garden. If you’re looking for plants that do well in full sun, we’d recommend shrub varieties like lavender, rosemary and buddleia, or herbaceous varieties like Iris, Kniphofia and salvia. Alternatively, there are drought resistant plants that do well for shaded areas, such as Sarcococca, Hypericum, Euphorbia and Digitalis.
Plant a tree
When it comes to purifying the air, and helping to reduce air pollution in built-up areas, we recommend planting a tree to decrease carbon dioxide levels. Choose varieties with larger leaves and wide crowns to maximise photosynthesis. Trees can also provide additional benefits such as providing a home for local wildlife and reducing noise pollution.
Include native plants
Fill your garden projects with as many native plants as possible to attract wildlife into your garden. Click here to view a list of native trees and shrubs by the RHS.
Introduce pollinators
One-third of our crop supply in the UK relies on bees pollinating our plants. By introducing stock that bees are highly attracted to helps encourage them, and other pollinators, into your garden.
Click here to view the growers choice of pollinator-friendly plants.
Protect wildlife habitats
Looking after our environment doesn’t just mean caring for space itself, but also giving nature a helping hand. The colder months of the year can be a struggle for local wildlife, but by building birdhouses with feeders, log piles for hedgehogs or even insect hotels, we can provide a safe space for them all year round.
Make organic compost
Having an environmentally friendly garden means having space where you are largely self-sufficient. Make your own compost by using recycled elements from your garden or home, including leaves, grass cuttings, branches, natural debris, leftover fruit peels, eggshells and old newspapers.
Grow your own fruit and vegetables
Growing your own food is not only cost-effective but rewarding. The fresh fruit and vegetables taste great while helping to reduce the environmental impact the shipping and plastic waste has from produce sold in supermarkets. Start with something easy to grow. such as carrots, potatoes, apples or berries, before tackling more challenging produce.
Make your garden accessible
Make your garden accessible to decline species such as hedgehogs, modern gardens with walls and fences make it difficult for them and other ground-dwelling creatures.
Posted 4th Jun 9:16am
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Centenary Charity Giveaway – 12 plant donations up for grabs throughout 2021
We are marking our centenary with a competition where 12 lucky Yorkshire charities will have the chance to win a plant donation worth over £150 each.
At the end of each month in 2021, Johnsons will be giving away £150 worth of seasonal plants to a Yorkshire-based charity.
To nominate a Yorkshire charity or enter your Yorkshire charity comment on this post or email marketing@nurserymen.co.uk quoting ‘Centenary Giveaway’ commenting on where this donation would be planted and why you deserve to win.
Please read the full terms and conditions listed below before applying:
April terms and conditions
Posted 28th Apr 5:21pm
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Our plants have beautified a purpose-built ‘Yorkshire Dales’ in the town centre of Harrogate.
The mini-Yorkshire Dales was created at the front of The Yorkshire Hotel, overlooking the town’s Stray, with tonnes of soil, shrubs, and grass laid along with dry stone walling to create a beer garden in time for the ease of lockdown restrictions on April 12.
The beer garden was named ‘Ales in the Dales’ and is now open for alfresco dining and drinks. It will remain open for five weeks until the hotel can reopen its doors for indoor dining as part of stage three on May 17.
The ambitious project required: 120 tonnes of topsoil, 100 tonnes of Yorkshire Stone, 350 plants, shrubs and trees and 300 sq metres of grass.
Our plants will be loaned to the hotel for the duration of the project and include varieties such as Viburnum tinus, Betula nigra, Prunus rotundifolia, Ligustrum, Fagus sylvatica, Sesleria nitida, Anemanthele lessoniana, Ilex aquifolium and Cornus ‘Winter Beauty’.
Other local businesses who have supported the project include Charity Horticap, Nicholas Edward Gardens, Living Stone, The Hacs Group, Welcome to Yorkshire, Akula Living, David Griffin Artist and Lindum Turf.
Managing Director of the hotel group, Simon Cotton, said: “I can’t thank Ellie and the team at Johnson’s of Whixley enough for their kind and generous support of this outdoor hospitality project as part of the roadmap out of the pandemic.
The Ales In The Dales landscape has very much been a community effort and has importantly brought a lot of happiness to people passing as much as it has to those stopping by for a drink or bite to eat. ”
Marketing Manager at Johnsons, Eleanor Richardson said: “We are excited to be involved with the prestigious Yorkshire Hotel’s ‘Ale in The Dales’ as it marks the end of another lockdown.
The garden will see over 260 of our plants used to beautify the area; the plants will be loaned to the hotel for the duration of the project. We look forward to seeing the metamorphosis of the hotels outside space and have no doubt that it will entice people back to the pub and hotel after a difficult 13 months for the hospitality industry. “
To book your table at The Yorkshire Hotel’s ‘Ales in the Dales’ visit www.thepickledsprout.co.uk
Posted 14th Apr 3:30pm
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Box plants (Buxus) are incredibly versatile and attractive plants in any garden or landscape. They provide high impact evergreen structures, and their slow growth is ideal for hedges and topiary.
Unfortunately, box plants in the UK are under attack from two serious problems; the box blight fungus and the box tree caterpillar. The good news is that with a small amount of care and attention, these problems can be managed.
Managing box blight
In the same way that rose growers can expect to encounter rose blackspot, box growers will inevitably encounter box blight at some point. The fungus (Cylindrocladium buxicola) is particularly problematic in mild wet weather.
Here are some simple steps you can take to reduce the impact of box blight:
Managing the box tree caterpillar
Here are some simple steps you can take to reduce the impact of the box tree moth:
Box alternatives
If you would prefer not to think about box blight or box tree moth, many plants can be used as an alternative.
Traditional green replacements:
Or something a bit different:
Please note that all professional chemicals should be applied by a licenced user and applied according to the label instructions. Chemicals should be tested initially on a small area of the plant to rule out adverse reactions. Alternating between two or more different fungicides can reduce the likelihood of the fungus becoming resistant.
For further ‘solutions’ for your next order click here
Posted 6th Apr 2:22pm
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Spring is officially here, and there’s plenty to be doing in the garden this month, from removing the old leaves of Hellebores to building raised beds for vegetables, and what better time to do this than over the extended Easter bank holiday?
1) Prune early flowering shrubs such as Forsythia after flowering is over.
2) Check that all the old leaves have been removed from flowering Hellebores.
3) Divide primroses that are in good-sized clumps after they have finished flowering.
4) Mow the lawn at frequent intervals as the grass begins to grow strongly. Apply a spring fertilizer dressing as the weather warms up.
5) Ventilate greenhouses and cold frames as the days get warmer.
6) If you are buying Growbags or bags of compost, check that they have this year’s date; out of date bags are renowned for providing poor results.
7) Cut off dead hydrangea flowers down to the top 2 strongest growth buds.
8) Apply weed and moss killer to established lawns.
9) Complete the final pruning trim of roses, add fertilizer and a mulch to the base.
10) Rake lawns to level worm casts, twigs and old grass before the first mowing.
11) Make an early start looking out for dandelions, bindweed, etc., and dig them out. Check over the lawn for established perennial weeds before the grass hides them.
12) Towards the end of the month, collect woody twigs to support perennials before they get too long and straggly.
13) Trim lavenders and Santolinas to shape but do not cut back into the older wood.
14) Propagate perennials such as Rudbeckias, Michaelmas daisies and Heleniums by division, save the younger, more active areas of the clump and throw away the old bits.
15) Check stakes and ties of trees planted in the last two years. Stakes should still be sound, and the tree ties not strangling the tree. Ease the tie if necessary.
16) Continue to dead-head spent daffodils and other winter flowering plants.
17) Plant new raspberry canes in a weed-free area; it will be some years before lifting them.
18) Build raised beds for easier vegetable production throughout the year.
19) Lavateras need to be cut back hard to ensure a good flower display later in the season.
20) Apply grass seed to areas of the lawn that appear rather thin; cover the seed with fleece for a few days to prevent the birds from stealing the seed.
Posted 1st Apr 10:35am
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The February forecast predicts lots of on and off snow showers for the start of the month, so here are our top tips on what to do on snow days and beyond.
1) Remove original stakes from trees which are now well established. It may well be worth sawing them off at ground level rather than disturbing the root zone by trying to wriggle them loose.
2)Check that all establish cotoneaster, poplar, willow, standard roses etc., and other plants with tree ties are not too tight, and showing signs of strangulation!
3) Take hardwood cuttings of Forsythia, Deutzia, Honeysuckle, Jasmine, Virginia creeper, Holly, Privet, Cotoneaster, Poplar, Willow, Gooseberries, Blackcurrants etc.
4) On days when snow and frost make work in the garden difficult, build a bird table with a flat base and a roof over it. Try preventing squirrels from reaching the table by fixing a biscuit tin inverted immediately under the table. A rim around the table will help contain seed but leave a gap for sweeping out.
5) Pot up or transplant last year’s hardwood cuttings.
6) Cut bushy Eucalyptus back to within 2-3” of the main stem to stimulate a flush of bushy growth.
7) Divide and replant Snowdrops ‘in the green’ as the flowers go over.
8) Plant a selection of dogwoods and willows with bright stem colours in an area that looks dismal and uninteresting in winter.
9) Now is a good time to do a soil test to identify the acidity or otherwise of your garden, this will help not only in your choice of plants to grow, but also any fertilizers you may wish to use.
10) Finish winter pruning of woody plants this month, first principles are to remove dead and diseased stems, then crossing branches, followed by a reduction in the height of the main stems in the case of roses.
11) Plant container-grown perennials towards the end of the month for an early start to the spring. If large plants, consider carefully dividing them before planting, we all enjoy getting a bit extra at no cost !!
12) Clean out and sterilize with boiling water all existing bird nesting boxes and erect new ones. Continue to feed the birds!
13) If the weather warms up, take the opportunity to prepare compost and boxes for sowing half-hardy annuals by the end of the month. You should have a heat source available for cold nights and early sowings.
14) Cut back Clematis Jackmanii and C. Viticella groups to about 30cm. Pyracanthas should be pruned to within 2 buds of the main frame except for required extensions, if not already done last autumn.
15) Prune shrub roses towards the end of this month to encourage growth from the base. Remove some old shoots but do not reduce the height too much as they tend to flower on older wood.
16) As Hamamelis species finish flowering, prune out branches that are crossing, in order to stimulate new growth.
17) Complete the cutting back of overgrown hedges this month. Also, make sure that the bottoms of existing hedges are cleaned out before the new growth commences.
18) Divide ferns and repot for rapid establishment. Start dahlias into growth for the production of early cuttings. Place the tubers in a peat type compost, and keep them moist in a temp. of around 13-18 deg. C
Posted 5th Feb 10:46am
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We have teamed up with four other businesses as part of a £40m transformation project where a former council depot has been converted into an award-winning mixed-use development.
The King’s Stables Road site which is situated in a historic quarter of Edinburgh includes a seven-storey private apartment block. This mixed-use development consists of 166 premium student accommodation, private roof terraces, a four-star apart-hotel, and a series of ground-floor commercial spaces, complete with stunning private and public courtyards.
Construction firm Bowmer & Kirkland delivered the scheme designed by award-winning architecture & landscape architects Fletcher Joseph Associates and Harrison Stevens. With P1 Contractors enlisting Johnsons to supply the plants to complete their soft landscaping elements.
The historic location presented several challenges. An extensive archaeological survey was carried out to determine the maximum depth of excavation to avoid disturbing medieval ground contents, and to preserve the historic boundary wall. Construction work had to be phased across several months to minimise the impact on surrounding roads, businesses and residents.
We supplied a number of tree and plant varieties to compliment P1’s landscaping works. Trees included the multi-stemmed Amelanchier ‘Robin Hill’ in substantial 100-litre pots, Platanus orientalis ‘Minaret’, Amelanchier lamarckii and Quercus palustris.
Other plant species included shrubs, herbaceous and grass varieties such as Heuchera ‘Autumn Leaves’, Persicaria ‘Darjeeling Red’, Crocosmia ‘George Davidson’, Stipa gigantea, Cornus stolonifera ‘Flaviramea’ and Deschampsia cespitosa.
The improved public realm allows occupants and the wider public to weave their way through reopened historic closes and well-lit courtyards.
The student accommodation building is orientated to enjoy stunning views of the nearby castle and across the city from individual terraces or via a large private terrace on the fifth floor, which features carefully curated planting. Other shared facilities include an integrated cinema, laundry, social lounge with a co-work area, gym and seminar room adding to the value of this accommodation.
Portions of the scheme have already scooped several awards, including Private Halls of Residence of the Year at the recent Student Accommodation of the Year ceremony.
Richard McMonagle, Director of p1 Contractors Ltd, said: “We are delighted to have teamed up with Johnsons of Whixley again on this project. Although not the largest project we have worked together on, the demand here was for quality given the nature and location of the project, knowing we would get this from Johnsons made it an easy choice. As always, Johnsons made life easy for us accommodating last-minute changes and deliveries into a tight city-centre location.”
Posted 19th May 1:31pm
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Want to add colour to your ‘May’ gardening projects? here’s a few of our favourite May flowering shrubs and perennials.
A vigorous, clump-forming perennial, with deep lavender – blue flowers,prefers a sunny location,and well drained soil.
???? Flowers: May – August
???? Position: Full sun or partial shade
A great multi-coloured ground cover perennial with dense upright deep blue flowers and evergreen foliage with splashes of red and cream.
???? Flowers: April – May
???? Position: Full sun – partial shade
Compact silver grey foliage covered in pink, blue and white flowers from early May. A great addition to a rockery, border, or container pot.
???? Flowers: May – June
???? Position: Full sun or partial shade
A small tree with garnet-coloured foliage that turn to scarlet red during autumn. A great focal point for a small garden, in a container pot on the edge of a patio.
???? Position: Partial shade – full sun ( in a sheltered spot)
Lime-green flowers above glossy green foliage, happiest in partial shade this plant makes a great addition to a woodland garden or partial shaded border.
???? Flowers: April – June
☀️ Position: Partial shade
A low-growing evergreen shrub that is smothered in masses of pale blue flowers come late April. Perfect for the front of a sunny border or trained against a wall.
???? Flowers: April – June
☀️ Position: Sun
7. Azalea ‘Golden Eagle’
Trumpet shaped, large orange-yellow flowers appear between May and June against pale, lime-green foliage which take on brilliant shades of bronze and purple during autumn.
???? Flowers: May – June
☀️ Position: Full sun – Partial shade
A perfect addition to a shaded border in your garden known for their fantastic dark green foliage with central dark blotches and tiny delicate star-shaped white flowers come May time.
???? Flowers: May – July
☀️ Position: Partial – deep shade
Posted 11th May 2:35pm
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By PhD student María de Carmen Redondo Bermúdez
Department of Landscape Architecture at The University of Sheffield | Grantham Scholar
The Department of Landscape Architecture at The University of Sheffield and Johnsons of Whixley are leading organisations in the landscape scene in the Yorkshire region and beyond. Johnsons have supported the Department in a number of ways: hosting student visits, and providing high-quality plants to staff to use in their landscape projects.
Being able to visit Johnsons and speak to staff behind the scenes at their facilities is hugely valuable for Landscape students, as it enables them to understand the ways in which plants of all types are grown and supplied to the profession, and provides insights into how to select and source plant material to meet the parameters of a particular project, which is a vitally important element of students’ learning and future practice. Moreover, plant specialists in the Department of Landscape Architecture have chosen Johnsons to supply many different types of plants for numerous projects.
A recent example is BREATHE, a PhD research project funded by the Grantham Centre for Sustainable Futures that entails the construction and evaluation of a green barrier around the playground of Hunter’s Bar Infant School in Sheffield, to improve the quality of the air that children breathe by mitigating airborne pollutants from road traffic. Johnsons of Whixley have supported the school in its #GoGoGreen Campaign, donating plants and discounting prices, helping the school to acquire the plants that will totally transform the children’s play environment. The nursery has helped other community initiatives in the past, showing strong corporate social responsibility that aligns with the vision of The University of Sheffield to improve the Sheffield City Region, one of the reasons why the Department of Landscape Architecture have invited them to collaborate in this amazing grassroots project.
PhD student María de Carmen Redondo Bermúdez with planting volunteers at Hunter’s Bar Infant School #GoGoGreen planting party
Other important factors influencing staff choice of Johnsons of Whixley as a primary supplier include the high quality of their plants, their initiatives for the recycling of plastic containers and their strict ISO standards (9001 for Quality Management and 14001 for Environmental Management).
Additionally, during the process of ordering plants for BREATHE we experienced the Johnsons of Whixley team as friendly, efficient and ethical, which really makes a positive difference when working with suppliers because it makes you feel supported and instils confidence and trust that they will deliver what has been agreed to a high standard. For example, the nursery team advised us on species selection, e.g. to ensure that the plant selection was child-friendly and to minimise the risk of any plant diseases developing. Their suggestions were always constructive and they were open to discussion to help us achieve the goals of the planting scheme. Also, as the #GoGoGreen Campaign intends to create environmental awareness of air pollution and related issues such as climate change, having Johnsons of Whixley so close to Sheffield helps reduce the carbon emissions and pollution that the Campaign tries to beat, especially because their vehicles conform to low emission standards.
Department of Landscape Architecture at The University of Sheffield webpage:
https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/landscape
PhD student María de Carmen Redondo Bermúdez profile:
http://grantham.sheffield.ac.uk/scholars/breathe-green-barriers-air-pollution/
#GoGoGreen Campaign:
http://bit.ly/HBIGoGoGreen
Posted 5th Nov 3:09pm
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Landscaping Project Introduction
Our Wholesale Commercial department has recently made the scenic journey from Whixley to the Scottish Highlands, to supply our latest project, The Torridon, a luxurious five-star hotel.
The plant supply, worth more than £5,000, formed part of the new ‘Arturcus’ Gin Garden at the award-winning luxury hotel where guests can relax and unwind while enjoying the Torridon’s own gin, ‘Artucus’. We supplied 460 Buxus Sempervirens (Box), that have been used for partitioning around the star-shaped pool and pergola, 1,500 herbaceous plants including Achillea, Alstroemeria, Crocosmia and Rudbeckia, and four Sorbus Aucuparia (Rowan) trees.
The Perfect Location
The hotel has a history of prestigious award wins including the Cateys Independent Hotel of the Year 2018, and has received five stars from both the AA and Visit Scotland.
The Torridon was built in 1860 as a hunting lodge for William King-Noel, the first Earl of Lovelace, all materials for the building – including the soil for the two-acre Kitchen Garden – were shipped in specially from Ireland.
Refurbs and Results
A century later, the lodge became a luxury hotel and today also includes the traditional Torridon Inn, as well as the Boat House, a self-cartering option. Current owners are Dan and Rohaise Rose-Bristow who have completed a full refurbishment including a revival of the Kitchen Garden, used by head chef Ross Stovold to create fresh and unique tastes for diners that can be complimented by the hotel’s very own ‘Arturcus’ gin.
“It’s wonderful to know our plants are making a difference in this stunning part of the world. Our drivers are already looking forward to the next scenic drive to the Torridon and we are really happy with the finished result. The gardens look beautiful and really compliment the stunning scenery of the Scottish Highlands. It’s the perfect place to unwind and enjoy a gin and tonic!”
This isn’t the first luxury hotel we have supplied, we recently worked with Grantley Hall on their restoration project, as well as supplying the new Dakota hotel in Manchester.
Posted 23rd Aug 1:28pm
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Our Wholesale Xpress trade cash and carry division is celebrating its best year yet, following a 32% rise in revenue.
The unit is run by a third-generation family member, Luke Richardson, and is a one-stop-shop for horticultural professionals in Yorkshire and the surrounding areas.
The cash and carry have seen revenue rise by 32% compared to the previous year and experienced a significant increase in customers. To further support the impressive business growth, Johnson’s have employed an additional two members of staff to fulfil the surge in demand.
With only one year in the role as cash and carry manager, Luke Richardson said: “Revenue saw its biggest incline through spring, following small incremental improvements made to our quoting system, tills and the general appearance of the store. We also increased our product offering by 29% which resulted in the sale of a further 134,311 plants.
“With our sights already set on next year, our focus is firmly on consolidation, given the uncertainty of Brexit and its potential knock-on effect to our industry”
The trade cash & carry is located 2.5 miles from the A1, Junction 47 and offers a one-stop trade shop to landscape contractors and gardeners, garden designers, tree surgeons, estates, hotels, wedding venues, caravan parks and universities in Yorkshire and beyond.
Supported by the wider nursery business and with strong links to UK & European suppliers, the trade cash and carry unit boasts a wide range of products including shrubs, herbaceous, trees, hedges, climbers and seasonal lines to suit all.
A recent plant supply by the cash and carry included an impressive order of plants to restore the grounds of the new 5-star Grantley Hall Hotel. Varieties included a number of large topiary, including Fagus (Beech) domes and Buxus (Box) balls, as well as thousands of herbaceous, shrubs and grasses used for decorative borders, large hedging elements were also supplied to create partitions in the Hall’s gardens.
You can read more about the Grantley Hall supply here
Posted 7th Aug 2:38pm
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Earlier this month we joined Helen Taylor Garden Design for her annual Garden Visits Day to see recently completed gardens in the Ilkley area. As a supplier to Helen, it was a great opportunity to see many of our plant supplies in their final destination and to see how they have been used.
Sales Administrator of our Wholesale Xpress department, Alice Knowles, and Marketing Co-ordinator, Eleanor Richardson, attended the garden visits alongside other suppliers of Helen Taylor Garden Design with prospective & current clients.
The day of garden visits started in Burley in Wharfedale, with a south-facing garden remodelled to create a space focused on growing produce. The design included raised hardwood beds filled with vegetable plants, and trained fruit trees growing against a fence. The garden also featured a Rhino greenhouse, carrots growing in bins and hostas surrounding a pond.
The second garden on Moor Lane had a large, front sunny bed edging the large driveway. The planting combinations by Helen Taylor Garden Design were just stunning, making use of some lovely combinations, with mass planting of Lavandula ‘Alba’ and Rosa Kent at the entrance to the drive, and the main border consisting of a soft mix of whites, purple and blue coloured perennials including Nepetas, Salvia Caradonna, Alliums, Agapanthus and Delphiniums, with the silvery Stachy lanata Silver Carpet as an edging punctuated by Buxus balls. It was great to see such a beautiful design incorporating so many plants from our nursery.
The final garden of the morning was a terraced country garden on the edge of the moor. This private space included dry stone walling and newly planted cottage style perennials, including Erigeron which softened the dry-stone walls beautifully, Knautias, Astrantias, Lavenders, Astilbes and Erysimums.
As the tour progressed, we visited a small town garden Ilkley with a contemporary style in the use of materials and plants. The garden was designed to include a lower terrace with a raised lawn surrounded with a hot colour pallet of plants. It had a fantastic impact on arrival, and a wonderful combination of plants including red Achilleas, Salvia Caradonna, Miscanthus Morning Light, Heuchera, Nepeta and Alliums.
Our next visit was at the opposite end of the colour spectrum using a mix of tonal greens, whites and purples. The flagged courtyard included dry stone raised beds and grey painted trellis to complement the soft planting. The photos show the Brunnera Jack Frost and Astrantias, underplanting a purple Acer in a shaded area of the garden.
As the morning was drawing to an end, so was our time in Ilkley. The sixth garden we visited was also a personal favourite of ours due to the stunning design and use of space, paired with the plant varieties used throughout. Over lunch, we admired the views this large, formal, back garden that had its own tea house and grotto, as well as featuring a box parterre, a rose border and a woodland front garden with ornamental borders.
Other plant varieties included David Austin Roses, lavenders, ½ std variegated ilex, a large number of herbaceous plants, ferns, and various specimen shrubs.
At the next two gardens, we saw a contrasting pair of new cottage style townhouses in Addingham. These smaller gardens had roughly the same square footage, but it was great to see how Helen Taylor Garden Design had taken two very different approaches.
The first had a symmetrical vegetable parterre with gravel paths and repeat planting that included varieties such as lavender, salvia and Buxus. At the end of the garden were large pleached hornbeams to provide screening and privacy from the houses behind.
The second garden included a small lawn space, unlike the previous, and featured tidy borders, a rosemary hedge and a fantastic trellis screen and rose arch. Some of the plant varieties used included nepeta, climbing roses and lupins, with the bottom section of the garden through the arch leading to a shady summer house retreat.
The final garden visit of the day was also in Addingham. This time we visited a well-established, back cottage garden. Enclosed by an old stone barn, it included a summer house, wildlife pond and a vegetable and fruit garden, along with Delphiniums, Astrantia, heucheras and penstemon plants.
We had a truly lovely time being able to see first-hand the work done by Helen Taylor Garden Design, not only as finished gardens but seeing how the plants picked from our nursery have been used.
Posted 26th Jul 12:12pm
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Between 8-14 July is Bees’ Needs Week, and to celebrate our buzzing little friends we are giving away six bee-friendly plants. To enter simply like our Facebook page and comment on our giveaway post with a bee emoji ????
Posted 5th Jul 11:28am
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National Gardening Week Competition
Posted 23rd Apr 8:00am
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Our Wholesale Commercial team do like to be beside the seaside – especially when supplying plants for an award-winning holiday development close to the beach at Bude, Cornwall.
Over a period of six months, the team supplied plants worth more than £75,000 for Darwin Escapes’ Sandymouth Holiday Resort including 9,000 shrubs, 8,000 hedging transplants and hundreds of herbaceous plants.
Sandymouth Holiday Resort recently underwent a substantial modernisation process, resulting in facilities being extensively updated alongside the introduction of a Go Active programme offering family friendly activities.
The complex has won the Family Fun Cornwall category in the Hoseasons Annual Awards. It includes a choice of luxury holiday lodges and static caravans, an on-site restaurant, swimming pool and an outdoor gym.
We are proud to be associated with Darwin Escapes, a company which is noted for its luxurious surroundings and high standards.
https://www.darwinescapes.co.uk/parks/sandymouth-holiday-resort/
Posted 25th Mar 1:00pm
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When Global Recycling Day comes around every March, we are reminded about the importance of saving the planet – and why it is essential that businesses in our industry join the battle against waste by putting in place a recycling scheme.
The horticulture sector faces huge challenges when it comes to recycling, particularly in relation to the amount of plastic it uses.
Our chairman, John Richardson, recently commented: “Despite being a ‘green’ industry, the demands of the trade, including the correct storage of plants, means that an incredible amount of plastic is used and then discarded. Making a positive contribution to the environment is at the heart of everything we do as a company and this is reflected in our recycling strategy.”
The plastic crisis has been one of most high-profile items in the news throughout the past year, with figures showing that more than 90% – or 6,300 million tonnes – of plastic waste has never been recycled[1].
As retailers of plastic packaging, we are required by law to pay the full cost of collecting and recycling, with an obligation to present a certain number of Packaging Return Notes (PRNs) to the officials at the end of the year.
In 2018, our company reported a total recovery obligation of 348 tonnes, broken down into four tonnes of paper, 116 tonnes of plastic and 92 tonnes of wood, and costing them in excess of £18,000 in recycling costs.
As part of our commitment to the environment, we are currently undertaking a year-long trial of recyclable plant pots. Made from 98% recycled plastic, the pots can be detected by domestic waste separation systems, unlike standard pots that are often used in the industry, which contain a carbon pigment that compromises recognition, resulting in a huge amount of pots ending up in landfill each year.
Providing the pots have no impact on plant growth and quality, the project will be rolled out to all of our garden centre customers from 2020.
In the meantime, our team makes every effort to recycle their own plastic pots, returning used or damaged items or pots to our supplier Aeroplas Ltd, who recycle them through their own production process.
We have also invested thousands of pounds into additional recycling processes, including funding the separate collection of cardboard, paper, plastic, pesticides, computers and batteries. Waste food from the canteen is collected weekly by Harrogate Borough Council.
We take our commitment to protecting the plant very seriously through implementing environmentally-friendly processes in the horticultural industry, and we are very proud of our ISO Standard 14001, setting the standard for Environmental Management Systems.
Posted 18th Mar 12:47pm
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We caught up with Alice, Laura and Terry to see how they’ve settled into their new roles here at Johnsons of Whixley, one year on from when they started.
Let’s start by introducing you all:
Alice Knowles (AK): I’m Alice, I joined the Cash & Carry team as plant centre reception and sales administrator after working previously at RHS Harlow Carr plant centre as a team leader.
Laura Holmes (LH): Hi, I’m Laura. I joined last year as sales administrator in the sales team. Before starting here, I worked in a HR admin role at the City of York Council.
Terry Cooper (TC) I’ve been at Johnsons of Whixley for 4years, but a year ago I moved to work alongside our IT manager as a system support assistant.
How has your first year in your new role been?
TC: It’s been great, really enjoyed it. Honestly can’t believe it’s been almost a year, it has gone by so quick! Is that a sign I’m getting old?
AK: My first year at Johnsons has flown by and it really feels like I’ve been here much longer. It’s been very interesting, and great to learn about the business as a whole, especially how the Cash & Carry works alongside the nursery. I’ve also enjoyed working with landscapers and designers to achieve their designs, that has been very rewarding and great to see the results.
LH: My first year at Johnsons has flown by too – it has been very educational. I’ve learnt so many new things, such as, memorising all the different types of trees and plants you can get. I wasn’t from a horticulture background, so all this was very new to me.
What have you enjoyed the most about the last year at Johnsons of Whixley?
TC: Learning fresh things each day and getting the chance to help people.
LH: The thing I’ve enjoyed the most about my last 12 months would be obviously learning so many new things, but the people here are all so friendly and welcoming, it makes you want to come to work every day! Not forgetting the food days and Christmas party too!
AK: I’ve enjoyed many different things since joining last year. Meeting new people who have helped me gain valuable knowledge has been great. Being able to work alongside the nursery has taught me more about plants and how they are produced in large numbers. The main thing I’ve enjoyed was contributing towards a great year for the Cash & Carry and implementing ideas which will hopefully see the continued success of the business.
Have you experienced any challenges along the way?
AK: Having never worked with bare root and root ball plants, the season from November has been challenging in learning new products during a busy period. Also, even though I have worked with larger suppliers before, having such a wide range available has been challenging to try and get the best products from the correct supplier.
TC: We had a lot of fun when the new Cash & Carry Till software went full werewolf and tried to devour a sizable chunk of the database! We eventually managed to pry the data from its ravenous maw, sustaining a few scars in the process.
Anything interesting you have learnt that you didn’t know before?
LH: Everything to do with plants! From all of the names being in Latin, to the different sizes and varieties you can get.
AK: Just how many plants Johnsons grow. It has been amazing to see one variety of plant in a batch of several thousand growing on the nursery. Also, the trends that appear in designs which are influenced by a client’s social media interaction.
TC: Johnsons spelt backwards is snosnhoj, which sounds like a piece of Ikea furniture.
How has the team at Johnsons of Whixley supported you?
TC: Everyone has provided me with encouragement – it’s an environment supportive of progress and excellent mentoring.
LH: Johnsons of Whixley has supported me in all sorts of ways. If I’m ever stuck on something someone is always willing to help and point me in the right direction. Whether it’s in the office or the yard, they always seem to know an answer and want to help.
What does the future hold for you at Johnsons?
AK: I am really enjoying my time in the cash and carry and look forward to helping its continued growth over a long period.
LH: I hope to expand my knowledge further and customer base.
TC: We have quite a few projects that will improve the efficiency, traceability, resilience, accuracy, usability and productivity of our customer-facing internal and back-end systems. Many of these we are hoping to see implemented in the next 12 months.
Posted 28th Mar 12:46pm
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Not sure what to do in the garden this month? here are some jobs to do in the garden this March.
1) Prune strong growing Buddleias down to about 18” for a good show by summer. Prune to 30-40” for a denser but weaker overall growth.
2) Prune decorative Cornus and Salix to within 5cm of the old shoots to encourage next year’s coloured winter stems. Don’t prune ‘Midwinter Fire’ types too hard.
3) Feed roses with a general fertilizer and remember to do it again in summer.
4) Arrange to plant summer flowering bulbs when planting condition are good.
5) Finish pruning perennial which have not yet been cut back, don’t remove new green shoots. It is still time to lift and divide large herbaceous clumps. Re-plant or give away outer sections of the clump and destroy the centre of the plant.
6) When daffodils have flowered, remove dead heads to conserve energy.
7) Hellebores are now very popular, lift seedlings around parent plant and pot up.
8) As the weather improves, weed growth will begin in earnest, hoe off seedling weeds with a really sharp hoe and treat perennial weeds with Roundup.
9) Use fleece to cover delicate leaves when frost is imminent. Seedlings can be protected in the same way, hold fleece down with stones or tie to the pots.
10) New shrubs and herbaceous plants can be planted when soil conditions are good.
11) Finish pruning soft fruit bushes by mid-month and give a high nitrogen feed.
12) Lay fleece or polythene on bare soil to warm it before planting or sowing seeds or vegetables. Remember to apply slug pellets.
13) Consider mowing the lawn towards the end of the month, brush off worm casts if necessary as these blunt the mower. Apply a balanced fertilizer or combined feed and weed-killer.
14) After heavy snowfalls knock snow from upright conifers before branches get bent over. Most plants are better under snow in hard frost as they are well insulated.
15) In bad weather finalise plans for garden improvements and order the plants and sundries to enable you to start work as gardening conditions improve.
Posted 1st Mar 11:40am
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Here are our Gardening Reminders for the month of March
1) Prune strong growing Buddleias down to about 18” for a good show by summer. Prune to 30-40” for a denser but weaker overall growth.
2) Prune decorative Cornus and Salix to within 5cm of the old shoots to encourage next year’s coloured winter stems. Don’t prune ‘Midwinter Fire’ types too hard.
3) Feed roses with a general fertilizer and remember to do it again in summer.
4) Arrange to plant summer flowering bulbs when planting condition are good.
5) Finish pruning perennial which have not yet been cut back, don’t remove new green shoots. It is still time to lift and divide large herbaceous clumps. Re-plant or give away outer sections of the clump and destroy the centre of the plant.
6) When daffodils have flowered, remove dead heads to conserve energy.
7) Hellebores are now very popular, lift seedlings around parent plant and pot up.
8) As the weather improves, weed growth will begin in earnest, hoe off seedling weeds with a really sharp hoe and treat perennial weeds with Roundup.
9) Use fleece to cover delicate leaves when frost is imminent. Seedlings can be protected in the same way, hold fleece down with stones or tie to the pots.
10) New shrubs and herbaceous plants can be planted when soil conditions are good.
11) Finish pruning soft fruit bushes by mid-month and give a high nitrogen feed.
12) Lay fleece or polythene on bare soil to warm it before planting or sowing seeds or vegetables. Remember to apply slug pellets.
13) Consider mowing the lawn towards the end of the month, brush off worm casts if necessary as these blunt the mower. Apply a balanced fertilizer or combined feed and weed-killer.
14) After heavy snowfalls knock snow from upright conifers before branches get bent over. Most plants are better under snow in hard frost as they are well insulated.
15) In bad weather finalise plans for garden improvements and order the plants and sundries to enable you to start work as gardening conditions improve.
Posted 1st Mar 11:02am
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Happy 80th birthday to our Chairman John Richardson! John has been at the head of our business for more than 50 years and says he has no plans to retire.
John first took ownership of Johnsons of Whixley in 1964. Under his leadership, the business has grown to become one of the largest commercial nursery businesses in Europe, and a trusted supplier of plants and trees to commercial projects throughout the UK.
These days John’s role mainly revolves around the management of the company’s administrative tasks, including health and safety, quality and environmental requirements.
But he has no plans to put his feet up, following a lifetime of working in agriculture.
“Retiring is something you do when you go to bed!” he said.
“I love my association with my work, the staff, our customers – and the plants! – too much to consider stopping.”
John began life in the industry at an early age, working on a farm owned by his mother’s family, before going on to study for a diploma at Essex College.
“During my time with the business, climate change and the impact of foreign holidays has revolutionized the range of plants now used in private gardens,” he reflected.
“50 years ago, there were no plastic pots, no poly tunnels and no polythene bags, and there were fewer summer sales because nothing was in pots.
“And as the industry has evolved it’s been extremely satisfying to see the business grow with the help of different generations of the family,” he added.
“My advice to anybody starting their own business, either within horticulture or outside of it, would be to attack the project with fire and enthusiasm and gain as much knowledge as possible.
“You will have one or two set-backs but skill, enthusiasm, personality and quick thinking will carry you through. No job will be as rewarding as working for yourself.”
Posted 5th Oct 1:51pm
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Harry Gration helps unveil ‘The spirit of the nurseryman’ statue
BBC Look North’s Harry Gration this week helped unveil a statue commemorating Chairman John Richardson’s more than 60 years’ service to the industry.
The statue, named ‘The Spirit of the Nurseryman’, has been created by wire sculptor Derek Kinzett, and is sited inside the entrance to the business’s main building.
Having recently celebrated his 80th birthday, and after last year receiving a lifetime achievement award for his commitment to Rural Excellence in Yorkshire, the receipt of a statue in his honour came as a surprise.
He said: “I vaguely remember something being said at the time of my 80th birthday, along the lines of something special arriving in due course, but I had no idea beyond that. It’s a tremendous honour.
“I think the statue looks very realistic in dress, attitude and stance and it will look good in front of the office. It’s very well made and realistic and you can appreciate the craftsmanship that’s gone into it.
“It might take some getting used to, but I don’t think I’ll have a problem walking past it each day. I will appreciate my sons’ thoughts every time I see it, and I like the notion that I remind them of a working man.
“However, along with every other person around the place, he looks far younger than me!”
Harry Gration said: “It was a privilege to be involved in such a moving presentation.
“It was clear to me just how much it meant to him, but, typical of the man, he said it was a tribute to the whole company.
“That is what makes Johnsons so special.”
Posted 25th Apr 5:16pm
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