Established in 1911, Palmers Garden Centres are among the Midlands’ oldest plant providers. Today, we remain proudly family-owned and family-run.
The Palmers Story
Humble beginnings
Palmers was started by George, originally a Master Painter and Decorator, and his wife Julia. As keen amateur gardeners, they grew enough fruit, vegetables and plants on their smallholding to give up decorating and open a shop on Aylestone Road in Leicester, serving the local community.
In 1917, during World War I, a piece of land went up for auction. George and his close friend Tommy joined forces and used their life savings to buy it, tossing a coin to decide who would take the right side and who would take the left. They planted a hedge down the middle to divide their lots. George’s three acres became a small nursery, with greenhouses built by hand whenever funds allowed, and this is now Palmers at Enderby.
The War Effort
George and Julia’s son Harold took over next. Under his leadership, the land and greenhouses were put to good use during WWII for food production, a contribution we remain very proud of. At the same time, Harold also served as an Auxiliary Firefighter.
Palmers Garden Centres (Est. 1911)
Changing times
Harold and Ida’s only son, Brian, completed his National Service in the mid-1950s and soon began transitioning the business from a nursery to a garden centre, initially with his father’s support. While trading several days a week at Leicester Fruit and Veg Market, he also opened the fledgling garden centre to the public. The centre started with six days a week and later even traded on Sundays until 1pm, when Brian was more than ready for his roast lunch. His love of good food is still reflected today in Cafe 1911, where diners can enjoy “Brian’s Big Breakfast.”
Continuing to grow in all ways
Palmers is now led by Caroline and Rob, great-grandchildren of founders George and Julia. Joining them in the business is George, the fifth generation, helping to carry forward the family tradition. Our Centenary in 2011 was also the year we expanded, adding our Ullesthorpe site.
Across both Leicestershire centres, our knowledgeable team brings years of experience, some from specialist horticultural training and others from hands-on, practical know-how. Both centres are open seven days a week with free parking, and Cafe 1911 serves breakfasts, snacks, lunches and delicious afternoon teas for visitors to enjoy.
We have built and maintained a strong reputation for quality in the Leicestershire area, winning several awards over the years that we are very proud of. Most recently, in 2020, Palmers was named Family Business of the Year for the Midlands.
Our aim is to provide first-class service to every customer, through attentive staff, helpful advice, and expert support. Visitors rely on us for in-depth knowledge and friendly guidance for all things gardening.
Palmers currently operates two centres in Leicestershire: Enderby, near Leicester and Fosse Park, and Ullesthorpe, near Lutterworth and Magna Park.
We hope you will visit one or both of our centres soon, and we look forward to welcoming you.