A warmer welcome

With festival season underway there's one destination that is sure to put you in a good mood. We head to Olive Grove Nurseries near Oundle

There’s nothing better than a British summer – ice creams, the Great Outdoors and, of course, all those festivals to visit. But while our enthusiasm is certainly there, the weather often refuses to play ball. If you’re looking to escape to balmier climes but don’t fancy the plane trip, there’s one local destination that’s sure to warm your spirit with its warm welcome and fabulous offerings: Olive Grove Nurseries.

Olive Grove Nurseries, near Oundle, is a six-acre slice of the Mediterranean dropped into the heart of the English countryside. The nursery specialises in large, specimen plants that will create a real feature in any garden.

Specialising in olive trees, palms and hardy Mediterranean plants, the nursery is believed to have the largest collection of olives in Britain.

Based on a high-end Tuscan or Valencian nursery, where relaxed style and a warm welcome go hand in hand, the nursery has developed to become a must-visit highlight of the Peterborough area.

Husband and wife-team Tim and Jackie Thackeray set up the nursery just four years ago to provide a valuable resource for local gardeners looking for something inspirational. The couple have searched nurseries across Spain and Italy to bring a hand-selected range of plants that will thrive in our climate.

Contrary to popular perceptions most Mediterranean plants are perfectly tough enough to grow here in Britain, with some surviving down to minus 14°C – hardy enough to cope with the worst that a Peterborough winter can bring!

Italian flair

At the heart of Olive Grove Nurseries is the Italian-style plaza, where the cream of the nursery’s stock is on display – think specimen palm trees and shrubs, with olives ranging in age from one year to an incredible 450! Plants include the likes of fleshy leaved aloe, exotic dwarf blue fan palm and the glorious white and blue globes of agapanthus. This is most definitely the place to come for ideas and quality plants. In fact, adventurous gardeners will find the largest selection of Mediterranean plants for sale anywhere in Britain.

Pick up a few plants and you’ll soon recreate the rich textures and vibrant colours of southern Europe. If you’re unsure what to plant, Tim and Jackie are always on hand to advise and guide you in your selection. Having travelled through much of Europe to source the very best plants, they can explain what would work best for your setting, sharing their knowledge and enthusiasm for these sunloving
performers.

It’s not just Mediterranean plants on offer at Olive Grove – you’ll also find a truly stunning selection of pots to show your plants off in style. And when the weather turns it’s good to know there’s an on-site jungle area. This large undercover display area offers a wide plant choice with a range of animals hidden among palms, ferns, grasses and other exotics. The animals are made from recycled steel drums by Kenyan artisans – think leggy cranes, curious warthogs and life-size gorillas – each adding to the sense of escape that this area offers; just let your mind be taken on a journey to a faraway place.