Whitegates Nursery History
Over 40 years of history!
Whitegates
Nursery was built in West Rounton over 40 years ago. The Nursery
site with around two acres of greenhouses was set up and run by
Albert Grainge, son Bryan and son in law Colin Chapman. The
Nursery back then operated as a market garden producing mainly
soft fruits, salads and plants.
During the 1970’s the Nursery focused more on large scale tomato
and lettuce production. Produce was sold all around Yorkshire
and the North East. As returns dwindled the Nursery started to
move into cut flower production. Throughout the 1980’s flowers
and plants became the main focus of the Nursery. Thousands of
bunches of flowers (mainly chrysanthemums) were delivered, often
through the night for maximum freshness.
As
the number of imports of flowers from countries with more
favourable climates grew, again a major change was made. As the
third generation of Grainges- Jonathan, came into the business
from University the business ceased growing flowers and moved
solely into plants.
In the following years many of the original greenhouses were
replaced with modern polytunnels. Automation and efficiency led
to an annual output of over one million plants. The nursery
remained predominantly wholesale supplying outlets including
garden centres, shops, market traders etc throughout the North
East.
More recently the retail side of the business has seen huge
changes and improvements. In March 2006 a brand new sales area
was opened providing a new fantastic range of goods for
customers. With more and more customers visiting the Nursery
considerable improvements continue. In 2007 a large outdoor tree
sales area and a picnic & play area were developed.
A great garden style area now offers an even greater range of
plants and garden-ware. Also our huge ½ acre greenhouse is
currently undergoing a major refurbishment with completion due
for early next year. The layout of the Nursery continues to
improve and the range of plants continues to grow!