Top tips and considerations for successful horticulture

Embarking on a horticultural journey, whether as a professional landscaper or a gardening enthusiast requires careful planning, attention to detail, and a deep understanding of the nature. From selecting the right plants for your climate to maintaining healthy soil and managing pests, there's a lot to consider when it comes to cultivating thriving gardens and landscapes. In this blog, we'll explore some top tips and considerations to help you achieve success in horticulture.

1. Know your climate and soil

Understanding your local climate and soil conditions
is essential for selecting plants that will thrive in your
environment. Research the hardiness zones and soil
types in your area and choose plants that are well
suited to these conditions. Consider factors like sun
exposure, drainage, and pH levels when planning
your garden or landscaping projects.

2. Plan for year-round interest

A well-designed garden or landscape should
provide visual interest and beauty throughout
the year. Incorporate a variety of plants with
different bloom times, foliage colours and textures
to create a dynamic and ever-changing
landscape. Think beyond just flowers and include
shrubs, trees

and ornamental grasses for year-
round appeal.

3. Practice proper planting techniques

Proper planting techniques are essential for the health and longevity of your plants. When planting trees and shrubs, dig a hole that is two to three times wider than the root ball but no deeper. Loosen the soil in the planting hole and backfill with a mixture of native soil and compost to provide nutrients and improve drainage. Ensure you water newly planted specimens thoroughly and regularly until they become established.

4. Mulch for moisture and weed control

Mulching is a simple yet effective way to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and improve soil health in your garden. Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as wood chips, shredded bark, or straw around the base of plants to help retain moisture in the soil and prevent weed growth. Mulching also helps regulate soil temperature and adds organic matter to the soil as it breaks down.

5. Embrace sustainable
practices

Horticulture is deeply interconnected with the natural world, and practicing sustainability is essential for preserving the health of our planet. Choose native plants that require less water and maintenance, incorporate composting and rainwater harvesting into your landscaping routine and avoid the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers whenever possible. By working in harmony with nature, you can create beautiful and sustainable landscapes that benefit both people and the environment.

6. Stay vigilant against pests and diseases

Pests and diseases can wreak havoc on your plants if left unchecked, so it's important to stay vigilant and take proactive measures to prevent infestations and outbreaks. Monitor your landscapes regularly for signs of pests or disease, such as yellowing leaves, chewed foliage, or unusual spots or lesions. Consider using integrated pest management techniques, such as companion planting, natural predators, and organic treatments, to control pests and diseases while minimising harm to beneficial insects and wildlife.

By incorporating these top tips and considerations into your horticultural practices, you can create vibrant, sustainable landscapes that thrive all year round and bring joy to both you and your community. Whether you're a seasoned landscaping professional or a novice gardener, cultivating a deeper connection with the natural world through horticulture is a rewarding and fulfilling endeavour.

Horticultural Hub Sales Manager

Are you an experienced Sales Manager with a passion for the landscaping and horticultural sector? Do you thrive in a dynamic environment where innovation and growth are key priorities? If so, Palmer Nurseries has an exciting opportunity for you!

A bit about us

Palmer Nurseries is a thriving 12-acre nursery production site based in the picturesque North Leeds village of Farsley. Our recently launched Horticultural Hub aims to simplify the lives of people in the construction industry by providing a one-stop solution for sourcing, storing, and recycling materials.

The Horticultural Hub offers: Yorkshire’s first click and collect concrete, mortar and screed station - Green waste recycling - Rental spaces for small businesses - Horticultural Trade Supplies including turf, sand, topsoil, grass seed, gravel, tools and more

We are committed to developing our three income streams within the Horticultural Hub, which are all intrinsically linked to serve our target customer groups effectively.

The Role

We’re seeking a talented individual to lead and develop our new telesales team to achieve our ambitious 5-year business plan. As the Sales Manager, you will be responsible for devising sales strategies, identifying new business opportunities, and nurturing relationships with clients, suppliers, and partners.

The ideal candidate has a wealth of experience through the entire sales process, excelling at lead generation, relationship building, and closing deals. This is a standalone role with support from our directors and you will be working hand in hand with operational managers on site to form a tight, ambitious operating team.

One account, 3 solutions

Palmer Nurseries

Develop a range of plants and trees for the landscape market

Progress Palmer Nurseries’ Horticultural Trade Supplies into West Yorkshire as the premier one stop shop

Palmer Recycling

Expand the income stream and sale of products produced onsite

Palmer Concrete

Develop Fibo sales across all potential markets for Concrete, Mortar and Screed

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic sales plans to achieve company objectives and revenue targets.

• Lead, mentor, and motivate the new telesales team to maximise performance and productivity.

• Set and monitor individual and team sales targets.

• Identify and pursue new business opportunities through market research, prospecting, and networking.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key clients, partners, and stakeholders.

• Collaborate with marketing to align sales efforts with company objectives and product offerings.

• Analyse sales data and market trends to identify growth opportunities.

• Prepare and present sales reports, forecasts, and budgets to senior management.

• Ensure effective communication and coordination between sales, marketing, and other departments.

• Stay abreast of industry trends, competitor activities, and best practices in sales management.

• Handle escalated customer enquiries and resolve issues in a timely and professional manner.

• Maintain a high level of integrity, professionalism, and ethical conduct in all sales activities.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a sales manager or similar role, with a track record of achieving sales targets and driving business growth.

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire and motivate a sales team.

• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.

• Knowledge of sales techniques, strategies, and best practices.

• Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret sales data and make informed decisions.

• Proficient in CRM software and other sales management tools.

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and adapt to changing priorities.

• Results-oriented mindset with a focus on delivering exceptional customer service and value.

• Flexibility to travel as needed for client meetings, conferences, and industry events.

Benefits

• Competitive Salary

• Supportive and collaborative work environment

• Opportunities for professional growth and development

If you are ready to take on this exciting challenge and become part of our innovative team, please submit your CV and covering letter, including your current salary to info@palmernurseries.co.uk.

Join us at Palmer Nurseries and be part of a company that is shaping the future of the horticultural industry!

Meet our investors…

Palmer Nurseries recently secured investment from Richard and Rachel Kay, ex founders of Green-tech, a leading landscaping and forestry supplier and Rabbit Holdings, a property development firm to form a horticultural hub throughout Yorkshire. We sat down with them both to ask why they chose to invest in Palmer Nurseries and what their big plans are for our customers and the community. Here’s what they had to say…

What made you want to invest in Palmer Nurseries?  

There were many factors which influenced our decision to invest in Palmer Nurseries… We have known the Palmer Family for 30 years. Kelly, Sam, Ben & Adam were really up for the challenge and recognised that external skill sets were required to bring the various income streams together to create a long term sustainable income from the site.

The business has many attributes; its great location, they’ve been trading for 25 years so have bags of experience, and the multiple income streams which are all intrinsically linked - rental spaces for landscapers, a recycling centre, a Fibo click and collect concrete plant as well as a horticultural trade supplies counter.

We could see that with a motivated team, the right systems in place and a great sales and marketing plan we could modernise and really move the business forward offering a unique service to the landscape and construction sectors throughout West Yorkshire.

What qualities from our company and our team influenced your decision to invest? 

The team are a young team with vision to create a legacy business for themselves and the next generation. They are a breath of fresh air who all have different skill sets which makes the whole team dynamic. At the same time they are not afraid to ask for help or share their vulnerabilities.

What makes Palmer Nurseries better than others in our industry? 

Nurseries is really quite unique in terms of the site and what they offer now; plants, concrete, recycling, but in many respects, I view it as a sleeping giant.  The opportunities to expand the offerings on the site are huge and one which I am enjoying getting to explore.

What areas of the business do you plan to grow?

We intend to grow all areas of the existing business, including plant sales, recycling, and the click and collect concrete plant as well as add on ancillary businesses such as turf sales, bagged and bulk composts, barks and aggregates. It’s an exciting development!

What goals do you hope that we achieve?

We have big ambitions to achieve £1m turnover in year one, with a goal to get to £5m in 5 years. Our vision is for the site to become the go-to destination for all tradesmen and horticulturists for key component items. We call it the horticultural hub.

How do you think this investment will make things better for us, our employees, our customers, and the community?

We want to create a real community feel to the hub, for customers, suppliers, employees or first-time visitors. We’d love increased involvement in things that matter to local people, employing and developing local people and educating local people about what is available on the site for them. We hope to continue what the Palmer family started and be a valuable asset to the Yorkshire region at large.

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We’re excited to have Richard and Rachel as part of the team and hope you’ll join us on our exciting journey.

Commercial Landscaping Trends for 2024

As 2024 unfolds, the realm of commercial landscaping continues to evolve, driven by sustainability, technological advancements, and the need for community engagement. Let's explore the emerging trends shaping the commercial landscaping sector in the year ahead.

Sustainable landscaping

The need for sustainable landscaping practices is prevalent this year, with eco-friendly initiatives including water conservation, the use of rain gardens, locally sourced or sustainable materials and native plants, and adopting environmentally friendly maintenance techniques. Businesses will prioritise eco-friendly solutions to reduce their environmental impact and satisfy their eco-conscious consumers.

Biophilic design

One of the most significant trends in 2024 is the increasing inclusion of biophilic design elements in commercial landscapes, which integrates nature into built environments. Incorporating elements such as water features, natural materials, and diverse vegetation can enhance productivity, creativity, and overall satisfaction among employees and visitors.

Low maintenance landscaping

As businesses seek to minimise upkeep and labour costs, without compromising on the visual appeal, low-maintenance landscaping designs will gain popularity. This may involve selecting drought-tolerant and hardy plants, using mulch to suppress weeds, and incorporating hardscape elements to reduce the need for mowing and pruning.

Green roofs and living walls

The popularity of green roofs and living walls is expected to grow as businesses seek to improve air quality, reduce energy costs, and enhance aesthetics. These features also provide insulation and can mitigate urban heat island effects.

Lighting enhancements

Outdoor lighting will be used not only for safety and security but also for aesthetic purposes. Intelligent LED lighting with programmable features will be increasingly used to create ambiance and highlight architectural or landscape features during evening hours.

Smart irrigation systems

Utilising smart irrigation systems equipped with sensors and weather forecasting technology will become more common. These systems optimise water usage by adjusting irrigation schedules based on real-time weather conditions and soil moisture levels.

Photo by Alistair MacRobert on Unsplash

Outdoor workspaces

With an increasing focus on employee wellbeing and flexibility, businesses are looking to incorporate outdoor workspaces into their commercial landscapes. These areas provide employees with a refreshing environment to work, collaborate, and take breaks.

Community engagement spaces

Commercial landscapes may incorporate features such as amphitheatres, gathering areas, and event spaces to foster community engagement and interaction. These spaces can be used for hosting events, performances, or informal gatherings, enhancing the overall appeal of the business or commercial area.

Wellness gardens

With a growing awareness of the benefits of spending time in nature for mental and physical wellbeing, businesses may incorporate wellness gardens designed to promote relaxation, meditation, and stress relief. These spaces may include elements such as soothing water features, seating areas, and aromatic plants.

Edible landscaping

Growing interest in sustainability and locally-sourced food may lead to a rise in edible landscaping in commercial settings. Businesses may add fruit trees, vegetable gardens, and herbs into their landscapes, providing fresh produce for employees and customers.

Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash

Overall, commercial landscaping trends in 2024 are likely to prioritise sustainability, functionality, and aesthetics to create outdoor environments that contribute to the health, wellbeing and productivity of employees, customers, and communities alike.

Palmer Nurseries create Horticultural hub

Palmer Nurseries have secured investment from Richard and Rachel Kay, ex founders of Green-tech, a leading landscaping and forestry supplier and Rabbit Holdings, a property development firm to form a horticultural hub throughout Yorkshire.

After 30 years working together in their respective businesses, Rachel and Richard Kay and the Palmer family of Palmer Plants, Palmer Landscapes and Palmer Nurseries have come together to create an interconnected services business serving the landscape and construction sectors in the Leeds area.

The newly formed venture, Palmer Nurseries will serve as a horticulture hub throughout Yorkshire with the first click and collect concrete plant in the North of England, a recycling site for garden waste, timber, wood and rubble, a Cash & Carry plant and the opportunity for property letting. The hub will appeal to local landscapers, builders, fencers, farmers and more looking to save time by collecting concrete and plants and recycling garden waste without the need to travel to multiple locations or wait for deliveries. 

Rachel and Richard said, “Our commitment to supporting our friends in their entrepreneurial endeavours not only reflects our belief in their vision and capabilities but also underscores our dedication to nurturing this business and fostering a culture of mutual growth and success." 

Steve and Philip Palmer said, “The completion of the investment by Rachel and Richard underpins the trust and friendship we have built up over the last 30 years. As this new chapter unfolds, it presents opportunities for collaboration and growth with the third generation of the Palmer family; Kelly, Sam, Adam and Ben to deliver our shared goals and ambitions.  Both Philip and I are proud and excited to see our family flourish.” 

“It’s great to see such well-known family businesses collaborate and create a highly successful venture. It was a pleasure to work with Richard, Rachel and the team on the deal and I wish them all the very best for the future.” Mike Cantwell, Partner, Schofield Sweeney.