[gdlr_stunning_text background_color=”#f3f3f3″ title=”ABOUT BLACKWOOD NURSERY” title_color=”#94d64f” caption_color=”#a0a0a0″][/gdlr_stunning_text]
Blackwood Nursery was established in July 2007 by the Howells Family in Richmond, KwaZulu-Natal as a grower of quality flower and vegetable seedlings for the local Retail Trade. At the time, the owners were heavily involved in the growing, packing and exporting of citrus products. Given the tough market and labour conditions, a decision was made to bring some diversity to the farming operations, and a flower production nursery was the result. The resources available at the time made perfect sense. There was sufficient suitable land available and an ample water supply. Market researched showed signs of opportunity.
Blackwood Nursery fast established itself as a leading grower of flower and vegetable seedlings, supplying the local garden centres of KwaZulu-Natal. In 2009, Blackwood Nursery took a bold step into the retail market by opening its facility up to the passing public trade, where there were able to retail their own products directly to the public. This proved challenging but very successful. In 2011, an opportunity presented itself to Blackwood Nursery to purchase its first independent retail garden centre – the McDonald’s Garden Centre, which was well positioned in the Pietermaritzburg market. After a year of finding their feet in the business, a decision was made to re-brand their newly purchased store to what is today known as Blackwood’s Home of Gardening.
Blackwood Nursery in Richmond today grows and supplies in excess of 50% of the plant material currently sold at its store in Pietermaritzburg. This could not be possible without the valuable and experienced work of Mr Anthony Schofield. Anthony was brought into the business in 2012 to help establish a range of bagged and potted plant products at Blackwood Nursery. This has proved a major catalyst in making Blackwood Nursery a successful grower of quality garden plants.
[gdlr_stunning_text background_color=”#f3f3f3″ title=”* TO BE MARKET LEADERS” title_color=”#94d64f” caption_color=”#a0a0a0″]To be the leader in every market we serve, to the benefit of our customers and stakeholders, by producing and supplying outstanding products[/gdlr_stunning_text] [gdlr_stunning_text background_color=”#f3f3f3″ title=”* TO OFFER RELIABILITY” title_color=”#94d64f” caption_color=”#a0a0a0″][/gdlr_stunning_text] [gdlr_stunning_text background_color=”#f3f3f3″ title=”* TO PROVIDE SERVICE” title_color=”#94d64f” caption_color=”#a0a0a0″]To provide service through dedication, attention to detail, and excellence.[/gdlr_stunning_text]
[gdlr_stunning_text background_color=”#f3f3f3″ title=”* INNOVATIVE, QUALITY PRODUCTS | LEADING GROWERS & RETAIL” title_color=”#94d64f” caption_color=”#a0a0a0″]It is our vision to bring to the public an innovative and quality driven range of garden products and to merchandise these using modern day merchandising techniques. To be the leading grower and retailer of quality products that bring satisfaction and joy to the gardeners of South Africa.[/gdlr_stunning_text]
Blackwood Nursery boasts a staff compliment of some 45 hard working members of our local community who are dedicated to the day to day planting and caring for our quality products. Our management team comprises of:
Craig Howells – General Manager
Dave Howells – Wholesale Sales to KwaZulu-Natal
Jenny Howells – Production Development & Scheduling
Anthony Schofield – Production Manager & Grower
Sonja Lindsay – Retail Assistant
Aron Nzimande – Human Resources & Sales
