James Kelway ? Happy 200th Birthday
James Kelway, the founder of Kelways Nurseries, was born on 2nd November 1815 in Pilton, Somerset.
His father William was Head Gardener on the Westholme estate, which was owned by Major Thomas Clerk, a senior figure in the East India Company. James was probably born in the gardener’s cottage, which is still there.
He was the third of four children. His older brother John became Mayor of Wells, and his sisters Sarah and Mary both married and settled down with local men. He was the only one to follow in his father’s footsteps.
After leaving school at the age of 13 he worked alongside his father for the next 5 years, learning his trade and getting to know the competitive world of flower shows. Then, at the tender age of 18, he was taken on by John Lee Lee, who had just inherited the Dillington estate, and had ambitious plans for redesigning the gardens. James became Head Gardener there and built up his experience over the next 17 years.
In January 1851 he bought a small nursery in Langport, and in May he left Dillington and moved to Langport to set up on his own. The rest is history!
What's New at Kelways
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Chelsea 2021 Update October 21st
At the time of writing there is still nothing confirmed about the nature of the 2021 Chelsea Flower Show, other than the RHS saying that it will go...
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Chelsea 2021 Update October 15th
Chelsea Flower Show 2021 Update So far, the Chelsea Flower Show is very much going ahead for 2021, and in due course we will find out more details...
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RHS Chelsea 2020 | Bicester Village Shopping Garden - Inspired
The Bicester Village Shopping Collection The Inspired Garden Designer - Nikki Tibbles This contemporary take on an English country garden is...
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RHS Chelsea 2020 | The Facebook Garden : Growing the Future
''Growing the Future'' Sponsored by Facebook UK Designed by Joe Perkins This garden is designed to highlight the benefits...
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RHS Chelsea 2020 | Trailfinders' 50th Anniversary Garden
The Trailfinders’ 50th Anniversary Garden, designed by Jonathan Snow, celebrates how far the company has come since selling their first overland...
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Jim Vigar | Kelways Gardening Expert
We would like to briefly introduce you to Kelways Gardening Expert Jim Vigar. Jim comes form a strong local farming background and has over 21 years...
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Peony Orders Delivery Update
For those of you who have ordered Bare Root Herbaceous or Intersectional Peonies from us, we will be shipping orders beginning Monday 7th October....
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James Kelway ? Happy 200th Birthday
James Kelway, the founder of Kelways Nurseries, was born on 2nd November 1815 in Pilton, Somerset. His father William...
Read more