People

Our history

Founded in 1968, Palmstead Nurseries has grown to be a leading UK horticultural supplier, serving landscapers, garden designers, and local authorities.
The business is established by John Langman and his family
The Palmstead story began with founder John Langman initially focusing on growing hardy ornamental plants.
1968

Humble beginnings

The family-run business started in a relatively small way, with just 3 acres of land near Stelling Minnis, before later adding a further 8 acres and becoming one of the first UK nurseries to adopt container growing methods, building a reputation for quality plants and excellent customer service.

The business is established by John Langman and his family
With growing success we needed to expand operations and after 20 years moved to a 123-acre former hop farm on the outskirts of Wye.
1988

New horizons

John remembers ‘It seemed absurd at the time, but we had no choice – it was either 123-acres or we couldn’t have it – it has repaid us handsomely by doing it.’ Over the decades the business has grown significantly, evolving into one of the UK's leading suppliers of plants to the professional landscape and amenity sectors.

The business is established by John Langman and his family
The new site was a success! With production heading towards one million container grown plants and 200,000 field-grown trees
1997

Sustainable growth

Palmstead maintained a reputation for reinvesting sustainably by re-purposing a former B&Q warehouse to become a despatch building and offices, enabling streamlined operations.

The business is established by John Langman and his family
Palmstead launched the first of a series of annual Soft Landscape Workshops at the Ashford International Hotel’s Conference Centre.
2006

Launch of soft landscape workshops

The series ran for fourteen years and as well as hundreds of attendees from across the horticultural sector attracted leading industry figures giving presentations on a wide variety of subjects.

The business is established by John Langman and his family
Palmstead were commissioned to contract grow more than 120 different species of plants for the London Olympic Games.
2012

A role in the London Olympics

35 species would be grown commercially in the UK for the first time, following an extensive global sourcing exercise. Despite a challenging deadline the 70,000 plants were delivered on time and in accordance with the specification.

The business is established by John Langman and his family
Half a century from John’s backbreaking beginnings, Palmstead celebrated its 50th anniversary with a party for staff, customers and suppliers.
2018

Celebrating 50 years of excellence

A huge marquee was set up in the field near our Young Plants Unit and following speeches and congratulations the attendees danced into the night accompanied by a live band.

The business is established by John Langman and his family
Sustainability and the reduction of our carbon footprint is at the heart of everything we do at Palmstead. in 2022 our efforts were officially recognised.
2022

Recognition for sustainability and innovation

We were the recipients of the inaugural HTA Grower of The Year Award for Inspirational Business in recognition of the advances and innovations made towards biodiversity, ecology and sustainability.

The business is established by John Langman and his family
With the launch of our new website and a commitment to propagate more stock in-house.
2025

Embracing the future with innovation

Palmstead continues to re-invest in the business to improve staff welfare, streamline operations and update infrastructure including the construction of a purpose-built contract growing area.