The Nursery
In the Beginning
Old Court Nurseries was founded in 1906 by Ernest Ballard as a commercial nursery for his Michaelmas daisy breeding programme. All the plants were field grown, simply row upon row of asters many of which were seedlings. Every year some would be selected to be named and some to go back into the breeding programme. Over the years he concentrated on developing good strong colours and double flowered forms.
The Picton Family
In 1947 Percy Picton joined the business as nursery manager. Initially helping Ernest Ballard to rejuvenate the breeding programme and business after World War 2. After the death of Ernest Ballard Percy bought the business and was soon joined by his son Paul. They continued working with the asters raising many fine varieties. When the Michaelmas daisies become unfashionable in the 1970s the nursery turned to more trees, shrubs, unusual perennials and alpines. With Percy Picton making many television appearances over the years and been awarded the RHS Associate of Honour. A reputation for excellent plantsmanship was forged and stays with the nursery today.
In the 1980s Paul and his wife Meriel took on the nursery and began to regather the Michaelmas daisies resulting in the collection found in The Picton Garden today of more than 430 varieties. The early 80’s also saw Paul starting to layout the garden, which was named in honour Percy Picton, as a place to display the collection. Over the years Paul and Meriel safeguarded many unusual varieties and have reintroduced them to commercial propagation as well as raising some fine varieties such as Symphyotrichum ‘Prairie Purple’.
The Next Generation
Paul and Meriel’s daughter, Helen, took over running the nursery and garden with her husband Ross Barbour in 2014. With Ross’s experience as a head gardener for large estates and Helen’s botanical background they are taking the nursery and garden forward again.
Not only safeguarding the future of the autumn aster collection but also adding new collections and extending the range of plants available. Galanthus, Heritage Narcissus, Ferns and tender Succulents being of particular interest.
The annual exhibit at the RHS show Malvern Autumn showcases the combination of succulents and asters in an explosion of colour.
The Nursery Now
The nursery now offers a wide range of specialist plants. More than 90% of which are propagated on site from material grown in the garden and all are grown peat free.
Many of the mail order plants are grown to order which may mean waiting a little longer but you will get that special plant you’ve been searching for.
Explore the Garden
Find out more and view our Garden gallery
Plan Your Visit
Information about directions, opening times and prices
Our Collections
Find out about our two Plant Heritage National Collections