Last Updated on: 14th January 2025, 04:13 pm
Jacksons Nurseries, a well-loved garden centre in Bagnall, North Staffordshire, has embraced a new generation of family leadership. Luke Jackson, formerly a corporate finance professional with Barclays, has returned to take over the family business, allowing his parents, Roger and Ruth Jackson, to step into retirement. Luke’s transition coincides with a new chapter in his personal life, as he and his wife Priya celebrate the arrival of their son, Edward.
Founded over 65 years ago, Jacksons Nurseries has become a staple of the Staffordshire Moorlands. With its serene countryside location, the garden centre is celebrated for its quality plants, welcoming tea room offering home-cooked meals, and a well-stocked farm shop featuring gifts and local products.
Luke Jackson spoke about the transition: “It’s a big change to swap Canary Wharf for the village of Bagnall and exciting to take on the challenge of running the business full time. We’re fortunate to have a fantastic, friendly and hard-working team who are committed to protecting our heritage and family-run ethos while driving the business forward into the future. I enjoyed taking cuttings when I was growing up and helped build Jacksons’ first ecommerce website, so transitioning into the business now is a natural next step.”
Jacksons Nurseries began in the 1960s when Peter Jackson, a school teacher with a passion for roses, transformed his backyard into a thriving market garden. Today, the business produces over 300,000 plants annually from its 10-acre site. These are sold at the garden centre and through the online shop, which delivers nationwide.
Recently, the nursery launched a personalised shopping service with plant consultants to help customers with tailored garden advice. Ben Mills, a satisfied customer, said: “The advice from Jacksons plant expert Peter Lea was second to none. He was very knowledgeable and gave us lots of ideas and inspiration. We are looking forward to putting the planting plan that Peter produced for us into action.”
Expanding the plant range is another priority for Jacksons. Production manager Hayden explained: “We’re currently in the process of growing 160 new varieties of perennials, ready for the coming gardening season. This includes smaller plants we will offer in 9cm pots at a lower price point, as well as our existing larger two-litre pot size. We’ll be announcing the new varieties in spring, so watch this space.”
Community involvement continues to be a cornerstone of Jacksons’ values. The team recently provided 16 root-balled Christmas trees for Pontypool council and regularly supports Bagnall’s St Chad’s Church. Local resident Esther Buckle said: “Jacksons have historically supported St Chad’s at Christmas time. This year they kindly provided the lovely tree which looked particularly festive in the entrance to the church. We are always very appreciative of Jacksons help.”
Situated on Thorney Edge Road in Bagnall, Jacksons Nurseries is committed to maintaining its reputation for quality and community spirit. For further information, visit www.jacksonsnurseries.co.uk.
