Perrywood Garden Centre and Nurseries Ltd

Perry Wood is next to the site and lent its name to the business back in the 70s when Alan Bourne’s parents, Mary and Les, bought the land and called it Perrywood Nurseries. They started out growing seed potatoes and pick-your-own strawberries. After working for Colchester parks department, and seeing the supermarkets begin to take over the strawberry market, son Alan Bourne started to grow plants to sell from the front of the property and took over the business with his wife Karin in 1983. Over 25 years they gradually grew the site into a garden centre which now attracts customers from all over Essex.

and then

Our modern production unit on site produces over three quarters of a million plants every year including bedding and basket plants, Christmas cyclamen and colourful spring primulas. And not forgetting our ‘grow your own’ vegetables, including ten different varieties of chillies!

The Coffee Shop

Our home-cooked food is a firm favourite with many of our regulars, including the cycling club who pop in half way round their route for tea cakes. Groups of friends and families return again and again for the Homity pie, cream teas and views from the conservatory. In spring time you can even watch nesting blue tits via the nest box camera.

We employ around 70 staff from the local area, and they are always on hand to assist you with your purchases. They`ll answer your questions, share advice on the best product or plant for your needs and carry any heavy purchases to the car!