Parker's Garden Company since 1946
A Family Run Business Since 1946
Where it all began...
Parker’s was born just after the war in 1946 when the Frinton Road Nurseries’ site, where we are located today, was purchased by the late Geoffrey Parker.
Geoffrey wanted to create an interesting and rewarding means of supporting his wife and sons Roger and John. Initially trading as a market garden a retailer licence was obtained from the Ministry of Food and all produce grown went daily to the London Markets.
Parker's Garden Company since1946
Purpose built building
In 1967 a new building, one of the first, purpose built Garden Centres in the country, was built. Yet even this quickly proved to be too small and numerous further additions appeared, almost every year.
As the plant and flower business continued to flourish, the retail trade also began to expand and the management was handed to eldest son Roger Parker.
Coffee Shop & Restaurant
In 1990 the much anticipated Coffee Shop arrived, a friendly and welcoming meeting place that opened with just one lady, a kettle and a delicious range of cakes.
In 1995, with huge pressures on space and no adjacent land available, alternatives had to be explored. The cultivation side of the business was transferred to Thorpe and ‘Parker’s Nurseries’, managed by son Geoffrey Parker, was launched.
Retaining its popular, warm and friendly charm, the Coffee Shop and Restaurant was extensively refurbished in 2018 and can now comfortably welcomes 165 guests, increasing to over 180 in the Summer with the beautiful sun-trap terrace.
The Team - Past & Present
Today the Garden Centre remains a personal, family business – now managed by the third generation of the Parker family and continues to expand its wide range of products and events.
