The committee behind the Woking Show has announced that after 33 very successful years, this year's show was the last.
At its annual general meeting during discussion on the role of the Woking Show, there was an overwhelming recognition of the changes that have taken place within the industry since the show's inception in 1979. During that time buying practices have also evolved, making the traditional role of trade shows less important to today's buyers.
The show was conceived by a group of Woking growers as a means of promoting their businesses. Current committee chairman Colin Edwards said: "Over the years the show has helped establish many of the businesses in and around the Woking area. It grew significantly in stature to the benefit of the horticultural industry as whole. It also provided a template for other shows.
At its annual general meeting during discussion on the role of the Woking Show, there was an overwhelming recognition of the changes that have taken place within the industry since the show's inception in 1979. During that time buying practices have also evolved, making the traditional role of trade shows less important to today's buyers.
The show was conceived by a group of Woking growers as a means of promoting their businesses. Current committee chairman Colin Edwards said: "Over the years the show has helped establish many of the businesses in and around the Woking area. It grew significantly in stature to the benefit of the horticultural industry as whole. It also provided a template for other shows.
Claimed to be the most famous clematis of all, C. Jackmanii was bred by Woking nurseryman George Jackman in 1858. It is still the most widely grown clematis in Europe and North America.
150 years of growing tradition
Since before the Crimean War the Woking area of Surrey has been world renowned for the plants produced. The sandy soil of Bagshot Heath proved to be particularly well suited to growing rhododendrons and azaleas and, from the early nineteenth century, renowned names, such as Jackman, Waterer. Slocock, Hilling and Fromow, grew up around the West End, Windlesham and Bagshot areas.
Today the area still has the biggest concentration of hardy plant nurseries in the UK. They range from small family businesses to branches of national names, but they are all characterised by their independence.
In 1978 a group of growers in the area got together to launch the Woking Nursery Exhibition and today there are 18 nurseries plus Merrist Wood Campus, the Exhibition hosts, in the group. Between them they offer an ever-increasing selection of top-quality plant material covering everything from acers to zinnias, for the nursery, retail landscaping and amenity sectors.
As each nursery has its own specialities, the Woking district can offer a choice of plants unrivalled in Britain, all within a 15-mile radius of the Chobham cannon.
The selection of plants is backed by fast efficient service, with most nurseries offering the extras you have come to expect, such as promotional material and pre-pricing. Many offer a Cash and Carry Service, as well as delivering direct to your door.
Why not spend a day or two in the area and see the plants for yourself, and discuss your needs with nurserymen who care - some of whom are third or fourth generation growers.
Today the area still has the biggest concentration of hardy plant nurseries in the UK. They range from small family businesses to branches of national names, but they are all characterised by their independence.
In 1978 a group of growers in the area got together to launch the Woking Nursery Exhibition and today there are 18 nurseries plus Merrist Wood Campus, the Exhibition hosts, in the group. Between them they offer an ever-increasing selection of top-quality plant material covering everything from acers to zinnias, for the nursery, retail landscaping and amenity sectors.
As each nursery has its own specialities, the Woking district can offer a choice of plants unrivalled in Britain, all within a 15-mile radius of the Chobham cannon.
The selection of plants is backed by fast efficient service, with most nurseries offering the extras you have come to expect, such as promotional material and pre-pricing. Many offer a Cash and Carry Service, as well as delivering direct to your door.
Why not spend a day or two in the area and see the plants for yourself, and discuss your needs with nurserymen who care - some of whom are third or fourth generation growers.
On the following 19 pages are contact details of the nurseries within the Woking area along with a list of their key products. They are waiting to hear from you.
Picture courtesy of Floramedia
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