The business was started by George (originally a Master Painter and Decorator) and Julia Palmer who, as very keen amateur gardeners, were able to produce enough fruit, veg & plants from their smallholding to give up decorating and open a shop on the Aylestone Road in Leicester, providing for the local community.
In 1917, during WW1, a piece of land came up for Auction. George and his great friend Tommy, joined forces, and using their life savings, purchased it together, tossing a coin to see who got the right ride and who got the left. They then planted a hedge down the middle to divide up their lots! Georges’ 3 acres became a small nursery with greenhouses built by hand as and when funds were available and that is now Palmers at Enderby.