Plants

Duncan Taylor, Arden Lea Nurseries

In 1949 John Taylor stepped off the HMS Fleetwood after serving in the Second World War, and returned to Hesketh Bank in Lancashire, where he dug a driveway with his wife Ruth Taylor. Well, that’s the story anyway! ‘We suspect he might have had a cup of tea before’ says his grandson, Stuart. John and Ruth then started to grow and supply produce for Rawtenstall Market from the area that has been described as the ‘Salad Bowl of the North’. His Son, Duncan Taylor and his wife, Jean Taylor, continued the business with various crops in a small scale. A series of events transpired to evolve the business from a salad producing nursery to a grower of Ornamental Crops, focusing on Bedding Plants, Pot Bedding, Hanging Baskets, and Patio Pots, to name just a few. Don’t forget the Poinsettias of course!

Since that time, the company has grown much bigger, and Duncan and Jean’s Sons Nick and Stuart, with Emma and Rebecca, now run the business. Not only this, Nick’s Son Sam, the third generation of Taylor family, has recently joined the horticultural journey! Jamie Johnson has bravely and admirably come alongside the Taylor family as Duncan has taken a step back. And a huge shout-out to the rest of the team. It’s true, teamwork does make the dream work.

Wind the clock back a bit, there was a Booths buyer called Mick Morrison who needed some help. He needed a supplier of bulbs for Christmas. ‘Give us a chance Mick and I won’t let you down’ Duncan said to him. This was the moment when Arden Lea Nurseries became proud Suppliers of Booths Supermarket of all kinds of outdoor and indoor plant related products. ‘And very proud we are’, says all the team.

We’ve had the delight of working with Arden Lea Nurseries, based in Hesketh Bank, for 35 years and counting. And now, with so many gorgeous varieties of new roses available including the popular ‘Chandos Beauty’, which suits its name with big beautiful flowers and gorgeous shades of light amber gold and cream with seasonal pink flushes – the Chandos Beauty is perfect for those who love the smell of sweet roses. The charming climbing rose ‘Wonderful World’ will produce a sea of orange red which will brighten up any garden. There’s a rose for everyone in this stunning new collection.

We’re proud to present the Ava Grace Rose, a deeply meaningful rose named in honour of Ava Grace, a little girl from Hesketh Bank who tragically lost her life to sepsis at just two years old. This rose is a heartfelt collaboration with Arden Lea Nurseries, warmly supported by Ava’s family. Together, let’s celebrate Ava’s memory and make a difference, one beautiful bloom at a time.