Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Nursery & Gardening Experts in Bolton-by-Bowland
Established in 1927, Holden Clough Nursery has grown from a modest alpine nursery to a renowned horticultural destination in the Ribble Valley. Owned and operated by John and Kate Foley since 2009, our century-old heritage is rooted in traditional growing methods that ensure plant hardiness and quality. As recipients of multiple RHS Gold Medals and featured experts on BBC Gardeners World, we combine decades of practical experience with innovative approaches to gardening. Our team of 30 specialists supports a diverse range of services, from plant sales and landscaping to bespoke garden design through our Wonder Garden initiative.We pride ourselves on making horticultural expertise accessible to both seasoned gardeners and beginners, offering tailored consultations, educational workshops, and curated plant collections. Our commitment to excellence is evidenced by our expansion in 2021 with new facilities like The Glass House and Croft Pod, alongside our 2023 recognition as RHS Tatton Park Master Grower. Backed by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development, we continue to evolve while maintaining our core philosophy of connecting people with nature through plants.
Services
Plant Sales
Garden Design
Nursery Services
Workshops
Croft Pods
Details
- Year established: 1927
Highlights and features
- We offer over 95 years of traditional horticultural expertise with RHS Gold Medal recognition
- Our plants are grown outdoors year-round to ensure hardiness and adaptability
- We provide expert-led garden consultations with BBC-featured horticulturalist John Foley
- Our Wonder Garden service delivers bespoke planting schemes nationwide
- Family-run business with proven track record of sustainable growth since 1927
Associations and certifications
- Royal Horticultural Society (RHS)
What people say
Exceptional plant quality
Expert horticultural knowledge
Beautiful displays
Excellent workshops
Family-friendly atmosphere
Services
The Wonder Garden
Our bespoke garden design service connects clients with expert horticulturalist John Foley for tailored planting schemes. After an initial consultation and site assessment, we create custom designs using plants from our nursery. The service includes delivery, plant placement, and comprehensive aftercare guidance to ensure long-term success.
Nursery Plants
We offer a wide selection of hardy plants grown outdoors year-round at our Lancashire nursery. Our collection includes alpines, cottage garden favourites, and exotic species cultivated since 1927. Plants are grouped by growing conditions to help customers make informed choices for their specific garden environments.
Garden Workshops
Our seasonal workshops provide hands-on gardening education for all skill levels. Topics range from basic planting techniques to advanced horticultural practices. Participants gain practical knowledge from our experienced team while exploring our historic growing beds and newly developed educational spaces.
Croft Pods
These bespoke garden structures provide versatile outdoor living spaces designed to withstand all weather conditions. Customisable for various uses including home offices, relaxation areas, or exercise spaces, they complement our horticultural offerings with functional garden enhancements.
The Reading Room
Our on-site caf offers seasonal food and drink options in a garden setting. Serving breakfast, lunch, and afternoon tea, it provides a relaxing environment for visitors to enjoy while surrounded by plants and greenery.
People
John Foley
Nursery Owner & Horticulturalist
BBC Young Gardener of the Year 2012, John has dedicated his career to traditional horticulture. Leading Holden Clough since 2009, he combines generational knowledge with innovative garden design approaches.
Kate Foley
Co-Owner
Partnering with John since 2009, Kate has been instrumental in expanding the nursery's offerings. Her vision helped develop new facilities like The Glass House and Croft Pod, enhancing visitor experience.
Questions
What makes Holden Clough's plants different?
Our plants are grown outdoors year-round in natural conditions, developing greater hardiness compared to greenhouse-grown alternatives.
Do you offer nationwide delivery?
Yes, we deliver our Wonder Garden planting schemes and nursery plants throughout the United Kingdom.
What garden styles do you specialise in?
We offer six distinct styles including Cottage Garden, White Garden, Meadow Garden, English Garden, and Japanese Garden designs.
Can I visit the nursery?
Our Bolton-by-Bowland nursery is open Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm and Sunday 10:30am-4:30pm with free parking available.
What facilities are available on-site?
We have The Frame Yard for plants, The Potting Shed for tools, The Glass House for gifts, and The Reading Room café.
How do I book a garden consultation?
Contact us via phone, email, or in-person at the nursery to schedule a consultation with John Foley for your garden project.
Reviews (3)
Berni Pullen
Nov 23, 2017
Report
Just had Christmas Afternoon tea. Beautiful. Savouries especially. Two vegetarian benches and two meat eaters. Wonderful presentation. Thoroughly enjoyed by all. Xx
Karen Howcroft
Sep 17, 2017
Report
In a lovely setting. Went for lunch which was delicious. Cakes to die for and my daughter had afternoon tea here which looked amazing and she said was so nice. Little shop too and plants to buy outside. Lovely staff, definitel y will return.
Maggie Conway
Oct 28, 2016
Report
My husband found this while browsing so we booked it was a lovely afternoon drive out and the food was lovely didn't look loads but we were both full afterwards and there was plenty. The staff were very helpful and couldn't have done enough for us so all in all a very nice day out and will definatly go again
