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IGCA 2019 - 250 delegates from across the world visit UK garden centres
Lets get Floral on Thursday at Glee for Greenfingers
spoga+gafa 2019 - GTN Xtra photo tour
Jardinopia launches new Cane Companions brand at Glee 2019
Simpsons, Drums of Main and Donaghadee scoop GCA awards
It’s Showtime…
Dobbies link-up with Downton Abbey movie looks like an industry first
Kelkay to launch compostable packaging
Council cleared of 'unprofessional conduct' over Hare Hatch Sheeplands garden centre
Woodlodge to unveil new-look water features range
Pennells plan to double size of Sleaford centre angers villagers
New agents to widen Bloomin' Amazing distribution push
Who made it on to shortlist for Glee 2019 Buyers Power List?
Kent nursery couple hand over reins after 53 years of growing
Morrisons seeks retro OK for garden sales unit at Hereford store
Glee debut for Henry Bell pet and bird care brands
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Wyevale group shuts down e-commerce
HTA Market Update shows strong July garden centre performance
Boskoop plant fair reflects positive mood in Europe
HTA promotes practical workshops programme
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GTN Bestsellers analysis: The trouble with TV programmes
Industry hits back after ITV "not green enough" taunts
Celebrating forty years of service at Gordale Garden and Home Centre
Sustainability and performance in growing media - vital for horticulture, say Westland
The Wyevale "Sale of the Century" - where are we now - UPDATED
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Garden Centre Photo Tour - RHS Wisley New Plant Centre
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E. P. Barrus garden team gets North-west and Midlands sales manager
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Kent nursery couple hand over reins after 53 years of growing

Paul Kennett and his wife Vicky are to retire from Meadow Grange Nursery at Blean near Canterbury, the business Paul first worked for when he was 14 and then went on to run for 53 years.

 

The Kennetts grow around one million bedding plants a year for their local authority and gardening customers.

 

Now, aged 73 and 72, they are handing over the 10-acre site to Christine Buchan and her two sons, Wayne and Ross, a local farming family. Christine has worked as the nursery’s plant production manager for the past 11 years. The new owners may build the coffee shop for which Paul and Vicky got planning permission but never got around to.

 

 

“We know we are handing it on to a safe pair of hands and someone who is passionate about it, and that’s important for us and our customers,” said Jacky, who looked after the nursery’s accounting. “We are also still helping out during the handover, briefing them on the retail side of the operation.”

 

Paul says that while he’s not really ready to give it up, the business needs an injection of new energy to drive it forward.

 

 “I know I will miss the place and the customers and the banter,” he said. “As our house next door comes as part of the package, we are now looking for a new home.

 

“My perfect place would be somewhere where I could create a nature reserve,” he told Kent Online.

 

 

The Kennetts grow around one million bedding plants a year for their local authority and gardening customers.

 

Now, aged 73 and 72, they are handing over the 10-acre site to Christine Buchan and her two sons, Wayne and Ross, a local farming family. Christine has worked as the nursery’s plant production manager for the past 11 years. The new owners may build the coffee shop for which Paul and Vicky got planning permission but never got around to.

 

“We know we are handing it on to a safe pair of hands and someone who is passionate about it, and that’s important for us and our customers,” said Jacky, who looked after the nursery’s accounting. “We are also still helping out during the handover, briefing them on the retail side of the operation.”

 

Paul says that while he’s not really ready to give it up, the business needs an injection of new energy to drive it forward.

 

 “I know I will miss the place and the customers and the banter,” he said. “As our house next door comes as part of the package, we are now looking for a new home.

 

“My perfect place would be somewhere where I could create a nature reserve,” he told Kent Online.

 

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Mark Curtis
Lovely couple, happy retirement Tony Eglinton