Potterton’s Nursery, by Robert Potterton
May 27 2026, Monthly Speaker.
Robert Potterton admitted that his talk to our society during May was something of an unusual occurrence. He is right in the middle of his most busy time of the year with plant fairs all over the country every weekend.
So we were pleased he was there to tell the story of the development of his family business based in Nettleton, Lincolnshire. His talk was entitled: A Labour of Love: 55 years at Potterton’s nursery.
His nursery, one of the leading alpine nurseries in the country, specialises in alpines, dwarf bulbs, woodland and shade-loving plants and he showed us photos of many of the wonderful specimens he has grown over the years.
He and his team have won seven Chelsea Flower Show gold medals.
It was Robert’s father who taught him about gardening. His dad, who worked on Grimsby docks moving fish onto the quay, fell in love with alpines after visiting Compton Acres in Devon.
He and a partner, Mr Martin, launched the business in 1971 and after a lot of hard work over the year Potterton’s is a thriving business with an important online presence and an impressive demonstration garden, complete with a rockery and pond.
Plants such as aubretia, saxifrage, gentians, hepatics, dwarf rhododendrons and trilliums are amongst his most popular plants.
Robert’s dad even used fish boards for the initial growing areas. In 1978, they moved to their present seven-acre site and they bought more land. Robert and his family lived in a caravan while they saved money to build a house.
Brexit had a big effect on the business with 25% of sales lost at a stroke. Today, 95% of all orders are through the website.
He recommends well-drained soil to grow alpines and a windy spot is favourable to move the moisture out from around the plant. He uses John Innes No 2 compost.
Robert had travelled 90 minutes to be with us so we are extra grateful for his attendance. His nursery is open Monday to Friday 10am to 3pm from March to October and he welcomed us all to visit.