Garden Inspiration In The Spectacular Ribble Valley
Meena McDonald talks to Pete and Chris Bristol of Newlands Nursery, about their passion for horticulture which stems back over 20 years when both were studying at Myerscough College. Photography: Kirsten Platt
Pete and Chris have gained extensive experience and knowledge in horticulture and growing whilst working at a variety of nurseries across the country, including Ashlea Cottage Nursery, which was across from Myerscough College at Billsborrow. Then in March 2020 they opened Newlands Nursery.
The timing unfortunately wasn’t ideal as the country went into lockdown just four days after the nursery opened. Newlands Nursery was even featured on the BBC News for having to close within a few days of launching their business.
That didn’t deter Pete and Chris and during this period they kept their business alive by offering alternative solutions to keen customers.
Once the business reopened it started to really establish itself focussing on providing customers with home grown quality plants at competitive prices.
Pete and Chris grow a wide range of plants and customers can purchase everything from alpines, perennials, bedding plants, hanging baskets and planted containers to shrubs, hedging, and fruit and vegetable plants from the nursery.
Customers can also take advantage of the in-depth horticultural knowledge of the team.
Pete comments: “We have a broad range of customers, with some who truly love gardening and have been nurturing and caring for their gardens for many years. They tend to know exactly what they want and understand the conditions and positions specific plants should be kept in. On the other hand, we also have many customers who have just bought a new home and are starting with a blank canvas. Following initial discussions about what they are considering for their garden, we advise them on what they could potentially have, guiding them through the most appropriate timings, how best to care for their plants, the specific weather conditions certain plants require, the positions they will thrive in and what types of plants best suit their environment.”
Some just want a pretty garden which is low maintenance whilst others are keen to invest time in their garden and nurture and care for it. Whatever their customers require both Pete and Chris are delighted to advise and support them.
The nursery has gained such an outstanding reputation that customers travel across the region for their plants, with some coming from Skipton, Settle, Barnoldswick and Colne as well as Preston and the Fylde coast.
Pete continues: “Most customers visit us after seeing us on social media or through word of mouth recommendations and we’re fast building a loyal base of customers who come back to us again and again. The Ribble Valley is a great place to visit with stunning scenic walks and some fantastic unique shops in nearby Clitheroe, not to mention the amount of award winning pubs, restaurants and cafes, as well as a traditional ice cream shop and butchers we have right here in Chatburn. We find people use the visit to the nursery as an enjoyable day out, taking a picturesque stroll around our village, as well as visiting the remarkable Ribble Valley’s spectacular beauty.”
The nursery is easily accessible with a large car park and is well laid out for wheelchair access. It opens seasonally from mid-February until the end of November each year.
So, if you’re looking for high quality home grown plants at competitive prices you must visit Newlands Nursery. With its superb range of products and breathtaking location, you won’t be disappointed.
Newlands Nursery
Sawley Road, Chatburn
Clitheroe BB7 4LD
07701 056951
