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2012!!!

2012-01-06T03:50:00.000-08:00

Hello 2012,

So the New Year is here and Lime Cross Nursery and Café will have been open with the new building for a year in April. It’s been a tough, but rewarding year and thanks to all our new and existing staff things have run as smoothly as can be expected. Our customers have also been brilliant; so supportive and caring about how we move the business forward.

So what can be expected from Lime Cross for 2012?

For the first year ever we now are stocking Dahlias, Onion Sets, Gladioli and Seed Potatoes all now in.

Bulbs and tubers have been a learning curve for all of us at Lime Cross, i.e. selecting what our customers want, but we hope that our interesting selections floats boats……

For the rest of the year?

Lots more plants!!!!

Events

After the success of our Christmas Fair and the ‘Sculpture in the Garden’ event we are hoping to do more spring events, and Sue in the kitchen will be doing cooking courses. There has been talk of a summer event all top secret…….

Looking forward to seeing you all in the New Year

Vicky

Lime Cross Cafe Produce

2011-12-07T10:11:00.000-08:00

Dear All,

Just to let you know that our Christmas Fair and Tasting this weekend was a great success and the Lime Cross Cafe produce went down a storm.

Sue in the Cafe will have our mini mince pies available again this weekend and is taking orders, but get in quick as orders are flooding in quick and fast! Also Sue is still taking orders for her Cranberry, Sour Cherry and Fruit Christmas Cake, however only until the end of this week as it needs time to mature.

Well if we don't see you all before Christmas have a very happy one and we wish you a very happy New Year.

Best Wishes for Christmas

From All at Lime Cross Nursery and Cafe

A "Taste of Christmas"....lets just call it a Christmas Fayre! 4th December, 10 am - 4pm

2011-11-23T03:10:00.000-08:00

So its the season to be merry, eat lots of Mince pies, drink lots of mulled wine and eat lots of Chocolate; lets do a Christmas Fayre!

Eat, drink and be Merry with us, enjoy tastings from Huckleberrys Produce, Ginger Wine from Gransteads and the marvelous Sue (our superb Chef) is going to be knocking out Christmas Cakes, Mince Pies, Mulled wine and whatever you heart desires.

Also to add to our own gift range we have Anna Wilson-Patterson bringing along some of her fantastic artwork to sell, Liz Padgham-Major with her vintage fabric lavender bags, her comfy cushions and lots more unique crafts, The Seasonal Barn with quirky crafts to adorn your house with and much much more.

Anyone who knows Lime Cross will know this is our first year trading with our shop, so therefore the first year that we have done any events to talk of so come and support local produce and artists on the 4th Dec and let us know what you think about our new shop!

From Christmas trees to gifts and cards, Lime Cross does Christmas for the first time ever, but the plants will always steal the show!

2011-11-01T07:55:00.000-07:00

This Year we have pulled all the stops out and are doing Christmas. In previous years Christmas has never been attempted due to our extremely leaky Greenhouse, staff and customers alike would agree you needed an umbrella in there to keep dry!

Our new Christmas shop offers you a delightful selection of unusual and homemade seasonal gifts and decorations to adorn your Christmas tree. Choose from our container-grown Blue Spruce or premium British-grown freshly cut from us in early December when you can also pick up your holly, mistletoe and wreaths.

Free Scone and Jam Tasting at Lime Cross Cafe TODAY

2011-09-25T02:54:00.000-07:00

Come and join us for a scone and jam tasting day at the Cafe. We have joined forces with Huckleberry's produce to create some tasty combinations.

See you there!!!!

Jam and Chutney making in the Cafe TONIGHT

2011-09-22T08:53:00.000-07:00

Get your pinny on and come join us at the Cafe and learn the delights of cooking Jam and chutney.

From 7pm tonight.................

Thank you to all who came to Modern Day Plant Hunters

2011-09-22T07:53:00.000-07:00

We would like to say a big thank you to all who came to out talk on modern day plant hunters talk, and a bigger thank you to Chris Reynolds and Dan Luscombe from Bedgebury Pinetum; our speakers.

I think everyone would agree they did a brilliant talk and slide show on their big adventures around the world collecting seed and preserving endangered species.

Thanks again Chris and Dan!

Modern day plant hunters

2011-08-05T02:20:00.000-07:00

Lime Cross Nursery would like to introduce a talk with Chris Reynolds and Dan Luscombe, the Modern Day Plant Hunters from Bedgebury Pinetum.

15th September - 7pm at the Nursery
Have you ever wondered where your plants come from? Meet the Modern day plant hunters and discover the lengths they have to go in order to find and protect these rare and wonderful species. See a selection of their slides and listen to their funny and fascinating stories.
Tickets £6.00 with light refreshments.

Please call Tel: 01323 833229 and book with the shop.
Book early to avoid disappointment, as places are limited.

Chris in Vietnam

Coelogyne Fimbriata

China

China Team,7 Caves

Rice and Tofu for lunch!

Sculpture in the Garden

2011-07-20T07:09:00.000-07:00

Blooming Sculpture in Herstmonceux

Sculpture in the Garden runs for one month.
As the places are limited, please book by phoning Vicky Tate on 01323 833229.
Opening on Sunday 10th July- August 10th, our unrivalled two acre Conifer Garden will be backdrop to an exquisite selection of sculpture.
Seven local artists have been invited to display their work to celebrate the recent dramatic transformation of the Lime Cross Nursery.
Sculptures are by Christian Funnell, Karen Holbrook, Pat McNamara, Sarah Rickard, Si Unwins, Tom Palmer and Will Spankie.

Vicky and work by Karen Holbrook

Sculptures on the lawn,overlooking the pinetum

Bev and Tamsin

Sculptures in the main Pinetum

Visiting expert Chris Reynolds

2011-06-24T04:17:00.000-07:00

This week it has been our pleasure to work with the highly esteemed Curator of The Botanical Collection at Forestry Commission; Bedgebury Pinetum- Chris Reynolds.

Chris at work!

Chris is an expert in the conifer world and is a co-founder of the British Conifer Society- along with Jon Tate (owner of Lime Cross Nursery), as well as other conifer experts and enthusiasts.
Chris has been perfecting our pinetum using his pruning skills, and has really transformed it, he has been merciless and pruned back severely but as he is a professional his judgment is key and his green fingers will create more balanced growth and control vigour.

Thank you Chris we are honoured to have you on board this week.

Visit Bedgebury at; http://www.bedgeburypinetum.org.uk/

The longest days of the year

2011-06-23T10:28:00.000-07:00

The first days of summer have arrived despite the current climate suggesting otherwise, this symbolic period evokes many responses within us; for the scientist within you this will mean that the earth’s semi axis in our hemisphere is tilted in the closest position possible towards the sun. The druid lurking within you might consider stroking Stonehenge sporting some thai dye or maybe just your mac in a pac. But what about the botanist within you ? Well, the warm March and April meant that the strawberries ripened earlier and were therefore exceptionally tasty due to the decrease in acid and increase in sugars, but what has mid-June brought us? Unfortunately rain and not much sun. So you might have noticed that some fruit and veg seem under developed, but do not fear because the sun is apparently scheduled for a reappearance next week. This means that the ground - newly replenished with liquid precipitation - will be perfect for planting, so inject some colour into your garden using Dalia’s, awaken your senses by planting herbs and lavender and enjoy your garden to the max throughout these long summer days.

Hello and shop progression

2011-03-23T13:13:00.000-07:00

So, spring is upon us.. daffodils, pink blossom, fluffy lambs and the arrival of our new shop and cafe. We need your thoughts and suggestions for our opening event that is happening at the beginning of May. We plant to host a varied day full of fun, entertainment, guest speakers and live music. So if you have any requests then please let us know.

Keep checking this page for updates and in-season products

Thank you to our team....

2011-03-09T08:06:00.000-08:00

We want to thank everyone who has worked on the new building over the past few months... Everyone in the team has worked so so hard, we appreciate your efforts immensely. We had a little party on Friday to mark the dawning completion of the building, but mainly to express our gratitude to everyone that has made it possible. It's really a pretty massive project seemed light years from being finished back in the beginning, given the amount of stages that needed to be completed. However, through hard work and determination on everyone's part, the building is now close to completion and we are proud to say that it is a huge success and we are extremely happy with the outcome. As you can gather from the pictures there is still quite a lot to be done, but we will be open by the spring. We have so many exciting events planned, one of which is of course the grand opening... so please keep checking our blog and Facebook page to find out more details.

Jobs at Lime Cross Nursery

2011-02-15T02:39:00.000-08:00

Wanted: Catering Manager with a passion for Home Baking/Baker-Manager

Location: East Sussex, BN27 4RS

Hours:

Salary:

CompanyEstablished Plant Centre wants you for our new exciting venture.

We are after an enthusiastic person with a passion for homemade cakes and the ability to develop exciting seasonal menus from fresh local ingredients.

We always look for personality, enthusiasm and a genuine desire to ensure every customer has a fantastic experience every time.

Duties and responsibilities

Ensuring customer satisfaction
Management of team
To ensure kitchen is self funding
To be responsible for budget control
To ensure all personal hygiene and environmental health regulations are adhered to
To undertake Health and safety checks
To undertake fire risk assessments
To order catering supplies

Apply to: Att: Vicky Tate, Lime Cross Nursery, Herstmonceux, East Sussex, BN27 4RS. Or email to: vickytate@limecross.co.uk.

Windows

2011-01-20T09:15:00.001-08:00

We have windows

2011-01-11T04:25:00.000-08:00

Progression on the building front

Finally the weather has changed and the floor has been laid in our new building. The timber cladding is going up and the electrics and internal walls are making progress.

Christmas opening times

2010-12-20T06:52:00.000-08:00

Christmas Opening times

Open up to Christmas Eve and closed till the 4th Jan 2011

We would like to apologise to anyone who has ventured out during the weekend and has found us closed. Due to the bad weather we have taken steps to close over some weekends. Also, on a few occasions we have closed early to allow our staff to get home safely. If in doubt please just give us a call.

Home grown Blue spruce and building work!

2010-12-11T01:07:00.000-08:00

So the snow came and the builders went! however they are back and cracking on. Yesterday we saw the roof finished and half of the insulation cladding on. Although the whole project is behind due to the bad weather we will endeavor to open for our March deadline as yet I do not want to put a fixed, date and time on it, but we will do our best.

On another note......Are you after a Christmas tree with a difference? something that you can plant out when its finished its Christmas duty. Look no further, really really blue, Blue Spruce with a difference, yes they really are blue and very blue they are. Grown on our lovely nursery and grafted by Jon and Dave's fair hands. These plants have been grown for 5 years to make a Christmas tree for you. OK they are not your normal Christmas tree but hey we wants normal. Come and have a look and see what you think.

Building Work

2010-11-06T07:06:00.000-07:00

After long and careful planning and many many months, the construction of the new shop and cafe is underway. The foundations are laid and at the beginning of this week the steel arrived. Progress has been quick and for first time the true dimensions of the building can be realised.

The exterior of the building will be clad with wooden tongue and groove slats. Inside there will be a large open shop area as you enter with a cafe to the rear of the building with an outside sitting area leading down to the wisteria walk way

Due to be open in early Spring of 2011 we hope that you will come and enjoy a coffee and some cake or light snack before browsing our large selection of trees, plants, shrubs and climbers. We are also hoping to get a license for the cafe so that you can enjoy a glass or two of wine under the wisteria canopy.

Future possible plans include various gardening work shops led by our knowledgeable and enthusiastic staff and tutored alfresco wine tastings.

There will be a guided tour video to follow shortly so please come back soon and we hope to see you for the grand opening in March

2010-10-01T05:08:00.000-07:00

National Conifer Week from the 2nd to the 10th October.... 20% off our conifer range for these dates only.
Come and peruse our garden for inspiration and see how versatile our range of conifers are. From dwarf to large specimens, so much to choose from.
Receive expert advice from our helpful staff and speak direct to the growers.

Building Work has started

2010-09-26T04:22:00.000-07:00

Finally the building work has started and the greenhouse has gone. We are now trading out of a portable cabin situated to the left of the site of the old greenhouse. Trading hours will remain the same.
This Autumn, as usual we have a large selection of ornamental trees, fruit, conifers, rhododendrons, azaleas and much much more for Autumn planting. This year we have a larger selection of specimen conifers and Shrubs including some large hedging plants all grown on site, for more information please just give us a call.

Greenhouse pictures continued...

2010-08-12T07:25:00.001-07:00

Greenhouse

2010-08-12T07:00:00.001-07:00

Farewell greenhouse…adieu adieu!!!

Our beloved and iconic greenhouse that was built in the 60’s will sadly be demolished very soon. This decision is imperative as the structure of the greenhouse is too weak to sustain a conversion.

We must therefore make way for the new building that will house the café and shop, this explains the cluttered atmosphere.

Some images of the greenhouse taken on a crisp and cloudy August afternoon.

In season products 2

2010-07-22T05:03:00.001-07:00

Canna 'Queen Charlotte'

Fushsia 'Lady Thumb'

Passiflora caerulea 'White Lightning'

Coloured Arum Lilly- 'Crystal Blush'

In season products 1

2010-07-22T04:40:00.000-07:00

Clematis 'Blue Eyes'

Campanula 'Chamissonis superba'

Clematis 'Daniel Deronda'

Astilbe Red

Buddlea Davidii 'Black Knight'

Summer News

2010-07-16T04:31:00.000-07:00

As some of you may have noticed we have begun to rearrange the retail area in order to create space to build our café and shop, which we plan to have ready by March 2011.

This has meant relocating the trees, shrubs and conifers planted in front of the greenhouse, we will also have to knock the greenhouse down, as the structure of the building is too weak to be converted. This will be a sad day for us, the greenhouse was built by Alan Tate in the 60’s, now his grand daughter Victoria is set to become the new leader of the company. The building work will not disrupt our usual opening hours so please don’t be deterred by the apparent upheaval.

We have many exciting ideas to make visiting Lime Cross Nursery an even more inspirational and enjoyable experience, so keep checking this page.

Picture above left: 15 year old Trachycarpus fortunei that has been re planted to make space for the building work.

Picture above right: 25 year old cloud pruned Pinus Sylvestris that has been dug out of its original spot in front of the greenhouse, and is waiting to be re planted in a new location.