A few weeks ago I was lucky enough to spend some time with Tom who runs the gorgeous 'Halecat Nursery' and 'Grange Plant Centre' with Abi and a small team of dedicated staff and volunteers.
Abi and Tom's Garden Plants was founded in the Spring of 2011 on the site of the original plant nursery at Halecat in the South Lakes close to Kendal and Grange over Sands. It took a major overhaul to rein it back from years of neglect and degradation, and they have worked tirelessly to improve how they grow their plants, adding to, and developing the garden areas and structural planting as it matures with each year.
In 2020 they bought the Grange Plant Centre and what a treat it is! Full of beautifully grown plants and lovely gifts for all of the family.
"Both sites are a fusion of traditional nursery values, with modern approaches to the display, growing, use and experiment of the plant material". https://www.abiandtom.co.uk/
As you can imagine, running two sites takes some doing.....as well as lots of energy! So I asked Tom how he relaxes at home; was it scanning through plant catalogues or was he able to completely switch off and read something very different? As much as he loves plants and gardening, I am pleased to say that Tom loves reading historical fiction. He's currently reading one of Hilary Mantels Wolf Hall Trilogy. However, it takes him some time to finish one as he, like many of us, reads before going to sleep..and you've guessed it..they help him fall asleep! Thats not the fault of the book Tom reassured me..it's because he is rather tired at the end of the day.
I must confess that I too read in bed and it sometimes only takes a couple of pages before I am 'zzzzzzzz' - and I am not even expending the same levels of energy that Tom is!
At Abi and Tom's you will get great advice about which plants will grow well in our area and when they will be at their best. And by choosing the right flowers, shrubs and fruit trees you will also be helping local wildlife too!
You can also get tips and learn more about gardening from the lovely selection of books we have here in Daisyroots Book Shop. A particular favourite of mine is..
www.abiandtom.co.uk