We celebrate people and passion during a visit by The Duchess of Gloucester
We celebrated the people at the heart of our family-run business when we recently welcomed Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Gloucester to our Hereford site (July 13, 2026).
From long-serving team members and apprentices to propagation specialists and production teams, the visit highlighted the knowledge and commitment of those behind Wyevale Nurseries.
Heather Williamson, our Chairman, whose grandfather Harry Williamson started the company, which celebrates its 96th anniversary in business this year, explained:
“It was a great pleasure to welcome HRH The Duchess of Gloucester and to share an insight into the work that takes place here daily and the people who do it.
Enthusiasm, expertise & commitment
“The day was all about our incredible team, which made it so special. We were incredibly proud to introduce The Duchess to colleagues from every part of the nursery and to showcase the enthusiasm, expertise and commitment they bring to our business and to British horticulture every day.
“Her Royal Highness saw firsthand how passionate the people who work here are. As a family business with deep roots in British horticulture, this was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our heritage, our people and our vision for the future.”
During the tour, The Duchess of Gloucester saw key areas of our site, learning all about our growing operations, in-house propagation and environmental initiatives and spent time meeting team members from across the nursery.
Getting hands-on
Harry Downes, our Quality Assistant Manager, who guided Her Royal Highness through the nursery’s propagation facilities, said:
“It was a real honour to be chosen to show The Duchess around our in-house propagation unit and explain how we produce so much of our stock ourselves. She was lovely to speak with, showed an interest in both the plants and the people who grow them, and asked thoughtful questions throughout her time with us.”
The Duchess also enjoyed getting hands-on during a session in The Potting Shed with our Potting Assistant Manager, Sam Lloyd.
Sam, who demonstrated operations, explained:
“Her Royal Highness was incredibly engaged and enthusiastic. Everyone she met was as equally excited to speak with her as I was and it was a truly memorable experience for everybody.”
Commemorative tree
To mark the occasion, The Duchess joined Heather and our Managing Director, Andy Johnson in the planting of a commemorative tree, a Pyrus chanticleer, at the nursery. A Sorbus torminalis, Wild Service Tree, grown here in Herefordshire was gifted by us to Her Royal Highness to be sent on in cooler weather, creating lasting symbols of the occasion and our commitment to tree planting and growing for future generations.
Andy added:
“Our people are our greatest strength. This visit gave them the opportunity to demonstrate not only their knowledge and professionalism but also the innovation and sustainable growing practices that continue to shape the future of British horticulture.
Environment, communities & economy
“Her Royal Highness’ visit was a valuable chance to shine a spotlight on the contribution horticulture makes to the environment, communities and the wider economy. More importantly, it allowed us to celebrate the experienced and dedicated people who make our business successful and well respected in our industry.
“Everyone involved in the day was immensely proud to represent Wyevale Nurseries and it was rewarding to see their professionalism and enthusiasm recognised in such a meaningful way.”
Images with thanks to Wild Edric Media.