One of Britain's leading wholesale nurseries celebrated the people at the heart of its family-run business when it welcomed Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Gloucester to its Hereford site last week (July 13, 2026).
From long-serving team members and apprentices to propagation specialists and production teams, the visit highlighted the knowledge and commitment of those behind Wyevale Nurseries.
Heather Williamson, Chairman of Wyevale Nurseries, which was started by her grandfather Harry Williamson and celebrates its 96th anniversary in business this year, explained: “It was a great pleasure to welcome HRH The Duchess of Gloucester and to share an insight into the work that takes place here daily and the people who do it.
“The day was all about our incredible team, which made it so special. We were incredibly proud to introduce The Duchess to colleagues from every part of the nursery and to showcase the enthusiasm, expertise and commitment they bring to our business and to British horticulture every day.
“Her Royal Highness saw firsthand how passionate the people who work here are. As a family business with deep roots in British horticulture, this was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our heritage, our people and our vision for the future.”
During the tour, The Duchess of Gloucester saw key areas of the site, learning all about Wyevale Nurseries’ growing operations, in-house propagation and environmental initiatives and spent time meeting team members from across the nursery.
Harry Downes, Quality Assistant Manager, who guided Her Royal Highness through the nursery’s propagation facilities, said: “It was a real honour to be chosen to show The Duchess around our in-house propagation unit and explain how we produce so much of our stock ourselves. She was lovely to speak with, showed an interest in both the plants and the people who grow them, and asked thoughtful questions throughout her time with us.”
The Duchess also enjoyed getting hands-on during a session in The Potting Shed with Potting Assistant Manager, Sam Lloyd.
Sam, who demonstrated operations, explained: “Her Royal Highness was incredibly engaged and enthusiastic. Everyone she met was as equally excited to speak with her as I was and it was a truly memorable experience for everybody.”
To mark the occasion, The Duchess joined Heather and Managing Director, Andy Johnson in the planting of a commemorative tree, a Pyrus chanticleer, at the nursery. A Sorbus torminalis, Wild Service Tree, grown at Wyevale Nurseries in Herefordshire was gifted to Her Royal Highness to be sent on in cooler weather, creating lasting symbols of the occasion and the company’s commitment to tree planting and growing for future generations.
Andy added: “Our people are our greatest strength. This visit gave them the opportunity to demonstrate not only their knowledge and professionalism but also the innovation and sustainable growing practices that continue to shape the future of British horticulture.
“Her Royal Highness’ visit was a valuable chance to shine a spotlight on the contribution horticulture makes to the environment, communities and the wider economy. More importantly, it allowed us to celebrate the experienced and dedicated people who make our business successful and well respected in our industry.
“Everyone involved in the day was immensely proud to represent Wyevale Nurseries and it was rewarding to see their professionalism and enthusiasm recognised in such a meaningful way.”
Wyevale Nurseries, based at Kings Acre in Hereford, is one of the UK’s leading wholesale horticultural businesses. Managing 800 acres of production across multiple sites, it supplies trees, shrubs, hedging and herbaceous plants to landscape contractors, local authorities, housebuilders, estates and garden centres nationwide.
It is one of Britain’s longest-established commercial nurseries, among the few remaining large commercial nurseries with its own propagation unit that grows most of its stock in-house, providing customers with high-quality, traceable British-grown plants.
These plants support landscaping, infrastructure and environmental projects across the UK, helping to create greener spaces, enhance biodiversity and build climate resilience.
Wyevale Nurseries is also recognised for its onsite environmental credentials, including ISO 14001 accreditation and initiatives to reduce carbon emissions, water use and production waste.
For further details about Wyevale Nurseries, please call 01432 845 200 or visit www.wyevalenurseries.co.uk.
