£10,000 of plants and gardening equipment available!

January 01, 2025

We’d like to hear from local schools, charities, and community groups who need help getting projects underway – to unlock the mental and physical benefits of gardening.

To celebrate 70 years of trading we’re ready to help 70 projects bloom into life.

How to Apply:

Submit your application form today for a chance to be part of this exciting campaign. Application closes on 9 February, 2025.

How it all began

Back in 1955 Alan Bourne’s parents, Mary and Les, bought 4 acres of land. Perry’s Wood is next door and lent its name to the business.

They started out growing potatoes and pick-your-own strawberries. Alan started growing ornamental plants after working at Colchester Parks Department.

1955

Mary and Les Bourne buy a four-acre smallholding with a bungalow, a goat and a shed. They grow field crops and rear a few animals. They call their business Perrywood Nurseries because it’s next to Perry’s Wood.

1970

Son Alan and daughter Marion help them grow cyclamen, cineraria and veg plants in newly built greenhouses.

1975

Perrywood Nurseries is now well known for tasty pick-your-own strawberries and great bedding plants.

1984

Alan and Karin Bourne buy Perrywood Nurseries and move there with three children – Hannah, Simon and Tristan.

1987

The hurricane smashes up much of the glass from greenhouses. Plants are lost due to salt damage, with salt blown in from the Blackwater Estuary.

1990

A new shop is built to accommodate more products. More land is bought including Perry’s Wood – 22 acres in total.

2000

Scones, cakes and hot lunches are now on the menu, in a brand new 100 seat Coffee Shop. In 2010 investment is made into new buildings providing much more retail space.

2014