One of the UK's early garden centres is celebrating 70 years as a family business, which saw the owner fall in love with and marry his first employee. "Roger used to pick me up and take me to market every day; we gradually got fond of each other," recalled Hazel Aylett, now 84. Horticulture student Roger Aylett founded Aylett Nurseries in St Albans, Hertfordshire, in April 1955, when "there was nothing here except a green field". "There wasn't a garden centre, they weren't invented then. We used to sell our bunches of dahlias and people said 'why can't you sell us anything else?' And that's how it all started," said Ms Aylett. Mr Aylett died in 2010 but his daughter and son-in-law Julie and Adam Wigglesworth continue to manage the business. They now employ 150 staff, but Ms Aylett said the early days were very different. "I was Roger's first student when I was 18 years old, and he paid me £1 a week," she said. "Roger couldn't afford any staff – why was I sent here (from college) if it wasn't in the stars that I was going to fall in love with this man? "We used to grow sweet peas and delphiniums for the cut flower trade, but we spent the first 15 years losing money. The bank manager begged my mother in law to get rid of the nursery as it was such a drain." Ms Wigglesworth said a turning point came in the late 1960s when another horticulturalist "came up with the idea of putting plants into pots". "Before, you could only do it as bare root stock - it was very seasonal. "Once this idea of containerisation took off, plants could be purchased and it really took off," she explained. Mr Aylett, who Mr Wigglesworth described as "an absolute character", also drove the company forward with his passion and personality. "He loved growing a good plant, and a good crop. He built the business on customer service, Roger was always on the shop floor," he said. Mr Wigglesworth said the centre, which has recently added hundreds of solar panels to power 30% of its operations, had often forged ahead with new technologies. "We were the first garden centre in the country to have bar codes," he said. "In the 70s we had an environmental system to manage the greenhouse - now you get that on your phone, but Roger did it decades ago." Nursery manager Tony Day recently celebrated 50 years at Aylett, after starting his first job there aged 16. "I came here as a nursery worker on a team of about 15 people, learning anything and everything," he said. "My philosophy is to make sure I grow something well and make sure it's better next season. "I don't think I would have been here if I didn't appreciate the Ayletts as a family as well. It helps to be appreciated in your job." Mr Day has seen gardening trends come and go. "When I first started, there were a lot of the 'old boy gardeners', who loved dahlias, chrysanthemums, the old fashioned plants," he said. "The gardens were bigger then. Now you get more patios and small gardens. "The trends have changed from large lawns with decorative borders to smaller patio gardens. People love containers, smaller flowering plants round by their barbeques." Ms Wigglesworth admitted that garden centres today faced "enormous challenges". "We've got climate change, plant health, issues of peat and as the world gets smaller - who know what diseases," she said. Mr Wigglesworth said on the positive side, "people are as interested in nature as they've ever been". "Garden centres have a rosy future. We've got an absolute wealth of experience," he added. Ms Aylett, who lives on the site, said the memory of her husband still continued. "We miss Roger every single day, he was the guiding light behind it all," she said. "As a family business it's important to carry on, but what the future holds I don't know." Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news onBBC Sounds,Facebook,InstagramandX.
How family's garden centre blossomed over 70 years
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Aylett Nurseries Celebrates 70 Years as a Family Business in St Albans"
Bbc News
7.3
TruthLens AI Summary
Aylett Nurseries, one of the UK's earliest garden centres, is celebrating its 70th anniversary as a family-run business, which began in April 1955 when Roger Aylett founded the nursery in St Albans, Hertfordshire. At that time, the area was merely a green field with no garden centres in sight. The concept of a garden centre was not yet established, leading to early struggles in the business. Initially, the nursery focused on selling cut flowers like dahlias, but faced financial difficulties for the first 15 years. Hazel Aylett, Roger's first employee and later his wife, fondly recalls the early days when they both fell in love while working together. Despite hardships and the bank manager's advice to close the nursery, the turning point came in the late 1960s with the introduction of containerised plants, which revolutionized the business and significantly increased sales.
Under the management of Roger's daughter, Julie Wigglesworth, and her husband, Adam, Aylett Nurseries has expanded to employ 150 staff and has embraced modern technologies, including solar panels for sustainability and barcoding systems for sales. The nursery has adapted to changing gardening trends, shifting from traditional large gardens to smaller patio spaces that accommodate contemporary lifestyles. Nursery manager Tony Day, who has been with the company for 50 years, reflects on the evolution of gardening preferences over the decades. While the nursery faces challenges such as climate change and plant health issues, both Julie and Tony express optimism about the future, highlighting the enduring interest in gardening and nature among the public. Hazel Aylett continues to cherish her late husband's memory and emphasizes the importance of family in carrying on the legacy of Aylett Nurseries.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article highlights the remarkable journey of a family-run garden centre in the UK, celebrating its 70 years of operation. It provides a nostalgic look into the origins of Aylett Nurseries, founded by Roger Aylett, who not only established the business but also formed a personal bond with his first employee, Hazel. Their story intertwines personal and professional growth, showcasing the evolution of the garden centre over several decades.
Purpose of the Publication
This article likely aims to celebrate the resilience and success of a family business, emphasizing values such as dedication, love, and innovation in horticulture. By sharing the personal anecdotes of Hazel Aylett and the transformation of the business, the piece seeks to inspire readers and highlight the importance of legacy in family enterprises.
Public Perception
The narrative fosters a sense of nostalgia and community pride. It paints a picture of perseverance against adversity, particularly during the early years when the business struggled financially. The mention of innovative practices, like containerization, showcases how the business adapted to changing market demands, promoting a positive image of growth and adaptability.
Potential Concealments
While the article focuses on the successes and personal stories, it might overlook the broader challenges faced by family-owned businesses, such as competition from larger retailers and economic downturns. The emphasis on positive milestones may lead to a lack of discussion about these ongoing struggles.
Trustworthiness of the Article
The article appears authentic and is likely based on firsthand accounts, which contributes to its credibility. However, it selectively presents a heartwarming narrative, potentially masking the more complex realities of running a business over several decades.
Community Impact
This story resonates particularly with communities that value local businesses and familial ties. It is likely to appeal to those who support sustainable practices and local economy initiatives, thereby reinforcing community bonds.
Economic Implications
While the article may not directly influence stock markets, it could inspire local investments in similar small businesses or gardening initiatives. It might encourage consumers to support local enterprises, impacting the local economy positively.
Relevance to Global Dynamics
The article touches on themes of sustainability, especially with the mention of solar panels, which aligns with current global discussions on climate change and eco-friendly practices. Although it is primarily a local story, it reflects broader societal trends that resonate worldwide.
Use of Artificial Intelligence
There is no clear indication that AI was used in the writing of this article. If AI had been employed, it might have influenced the tone or structure to be more engaging or concise, but the personal storytelling aspect suggests a human touch in its creation.
In summary, the article effectively conveys a celebratory narrative about a family business, balancing personal history with a broader commentary on perseverance and innovation. Its trustworthiness is upheld by the personal accounts shared, yet it may gloss over some complexities of the business world.