A member of the Hillier gardening dynasty helped unveil a new canopy area at a Somerset garden centre last Saturday (March 15, 2014).
George Hillier from Hillier Nurseries and Garden Centres declared Monkton Elm Garden & Pet Centre’s new canopy area officially open with a ribbon cutting.
Andrew Pitman, Plant Manager of the independent, family-run garden centre at Monkton Heathfield near Taunton, explained: “It was an honour to have George lend a helping hand for the occasion.
“Hillier Nurseries and Garden Centres is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year and Monkton Elm has worked closely with it for many years so we couldn’t think of anyone else we’d rather have unveil our new canopy.
“The new all-weather canopy houses a large undercover sales area for our hardy outdoor plants, enabling our customers to shop in all weather conditions. Although undercover it is still open and airy so it’s perfect for keeping the plants looking good whatever the weather.”
During the launch event there were special offers on a selection of outdoor hardy plants.
George Hillier, a representative from Hillier Nurseries and Garden Centres, said: “I was thrilled to officially declare Monkton Elm Garden & Pet Centre’s new canopy area open.
“We are very proud of our relationship with the garden centre and have worked closely with it to bring its customers the very best plants to make their gardens beautiful. It’s great to see the garden centre thriving and expanding.”
George has worked in the family business since 1996. He began working in the garden centres as a general assistant for 12 years and worked his way up through the ranks before moving around the country working at several different stores.
He was the Manager of Hillier Nurseries and Garden Centres, Chichester, for five years before joining the wholesale team as the Sales Account Manager for the South West.
Victorian entrepreneur Edwin Hillier founded the business in 1864 after he purchased a two acre nursery with a companion florist’s shop in Winchester.
Hillier has been responsible for numerous plant introductions, many of which have become essentials in British gardens. It now supplies garden centres across the UK with trees, shrubs and hardy plants.
