Harts Nursery, Master Grower at RHS Wentworth Woodhouse

Harts Nursery is a third-generation, family-run nursery in Cheshire specialising in lilies and other spring and summer flowering bulbs. As they take up the role of Master Grower at RHS Wentworth Woodhouse, we meet co-owners Loraine and Patrick Hart.

Meet the Master Growers: Harts Nursery

What does being named RHS Master Grower mean to you?

It’s a real privilege, especially at a brand-new event held in such a stunning and historic location. This recognition is a testament to the passion, hard work and care that goes into every single bulb and bloom we produce. It also reflects the legacy of the generations behind Harts Nursery and the exciting future ahead, now guided by our children, who have taken their own place in the business. 

Harts Nursery RHS Master Grower display at RHS Wentworth Woodhouse 2025

Where did it all start for Harts?

Harts Nursery was born in 1992. We’re a close-knit team; a family-run business based in the heart of Cheshire. The nursery is run by father and son duo Patrick and Jonathan Hart, alongside their other halves: me and my daughter-in-law Victoria. We’re also joined by mine and Patrick’s daughter Gemma, making it a truly family affair. We feel incredibly lucky to not only love what we do, but also to do it together.

Gemma Miller watering on the nursery

Which plants best represent the nursery?

While lilies are our passion, we also grow a wide range of spring and summer-flowering bulbs, including Narcissus, tulips, alliums and Eremurus. Our most popular lily is the highly fragrant Roselily, which is superb for cutting, and we adore the dramatic giant tree lilies, which can reach up to 2.1m with multiple blooms filling borders with scent and colour. 

Rows upon rows of lilies on full display

Any top lily-growing advice?

Always use pots with drainage holes – lilies hate sitting in soggy compost, especially in winter. Oriental lilies (scented) like acidic soil, so use ericaceous

Can refer to either home-made garden compost or seed/potting compost: • Garden compost is a soil improver made from decomposed plant waste, usually in a compost bin or heap. It is added to soil to improve its fertility, structure and water-holding capacity. Seed or potting composts are used for growing seedlings or plants in containers - a wide range of commercially produced peat-free composts are available, made from a mix of various ingredients, such as loam, composted bark, coir and sand, although you can mix your own.

Visiting the show?

RHS Master Grower photography display in the Floral Marquee 2025

Don’t miss the RHS Master Grower stand at RHS Wentworth Woodhouse – a must-visit for garden lovers. Packed with top-quality trees, shrubs, and gorgeous perennials, it’s the perfect place to find inspiration. Come explore, chat with passionate growers of Harts Nursery, and take home something special for your garden.