Our Family Story · Since 1984
A family story, grown over generations.
From a small garden centre with big ambitions to two much-loved plant destinations, discover the family, passion and people behind Premier Plants.
- Three generations of growing know-how
- Family owned & independent
- Ledsham & Heswall, Cheshire
The roots of Premier Plants
Every great garden starts somewhere.
Ours began with a father, a son, and a belief that great plants deserve great care.
In 1984, Frank Francis took a chance on a disused petrol station, turning it into Sycamore Garden Centre alongside his son Mike. Their very first day brought in just £17 — a humble beginning to a story that is still growing today.
More than four decades on, Premier Plants is still an independent family business. With our own growing nursery, two garden centres and generations of horticultural experience, we have never lost sight of the things that started it all: quality plants, good advice and a genuine love of growing.
Growing together, since 1984.
A passion passed down
Different generations. The same love of plants.
How our story grew
Four decades. One family.
What began as one small idea became a family business built around growing beautiful plants and helping customers enjoy their gardens.
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1984
Where it all began
Frank Francis and his son Mike transformed a former petrol station into Sycamore Garden Centre. The first day’s takings were £17, but the ambition to grow was already there.
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1989
Our nursery takes root
Frank and Mike purchased Sutton’s Nurseries, opening a new chapter in plant growing. Celery and cut flowers were among the first crops, before the nursery expanded into supplying plants to garden centres.
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2003
Opening our gates
Sutton’s Nurseries welcomed the public for the first time. With plants sold from the back of an old wagon and a little retail area in three polytunnels, the beginnings of Premier Plants of Ledsham took shape.
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2010s
Making room to flourish
With more visitors and an ever-growing range of plants, the Ledsham site evolved. Retail areas expanded, the café offering developed and new growing and display spaces were introduced.
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Today
Still growing, together
Now spanning Ledsham and Heswall, Premier Plants brings together a family-run garden centre business, its own Sutton’s growing nursery and a team dedicated to helping gardens flourish.
And our story is still growing…
What has never changed
Rooted in what matters.
We may have grown over the years, but the values at the heart of Premier Plants remain the same.
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Growing with care
From choosing young plants to nurturing them at Sutton’s Nurseries, quality is at the heart of the way we grow and sell.
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Family at our heart
Three generations of horticultural knowledge, shared with the team and with every customer who comes through our gates.
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Here to help you grow
Whether you’re planting your first border or planning a larger landscape, friendly advice and practical experience come as standard.
Sutton’s Nurseries
Growing is in our nature.
Just across from our Ledsham garden centre is the place where so much of the magic happens. Sutton’s Nurseries is our family’s growing nursery, producing plants for our own centres and garden centres around the country.
By being involved from the earliest stages, we know our plants, understand their needs and can help you find the right ones for your outdoor space.
Discover our nurseryPlants and people have always been at the heart of our family business — and they always will be.
Come and see us
Two centres. One warm welcome.
Our story is best experienced in person. Come explore, get inspired and meet the people who love plants just as much as you do.
From our family to your garden