Chestnut Nursery this week cut the ribbon to open a new department that’s dedicated to artisan foody gifts – and supporting local suppliers.
Based in Poole, the ‘little garden centre with a big heart’, run by mental health charity Plants and Minds, branched out into edible gifts in the run-up to Christmas, when customers are searching for stocking fillers that promise a taste sensation.
Up to 75% of the produce in Chestnut’s new foodies’ paradise is sourced from suppliers in Dorset and the South West, providing a stand-out new range for customers who are keen to track down unique, hand-crafted produce.
Unlike many garden centres, Chestnut does not have a café or offer any catering facilities, and all food items are sold for consumption off-site. The nursery supports adults with life-impacting mental health conditions, known as Team Members, enhancing their wellbeing via a year-round programme of horticultural therapy.
The new food gift area is stocked with delicious locally sourced produce, including Dorset Shortbread, Sunshine Chocolates (artisan hand-made treats made in Dorset), Moore’s hand-baked traditional biscuits, warming drinks from Somerset-based Harth Hot Chocolate and non-alcoholic soft drinks from Dorset Ginger. Plus, there’s a rapidly expanding range of nuts, olives, pesto and food seasoning from local niche businesses.
If that isn’t enough to whet your appetite, Chestnut also offers honey that’s sourced from an apiary near Poole Park, as well as traditional jams, curds, chutneys and sauces from Mrs Darlington’s – all created using classic family recipes.
Andy Verreck, Manager at Chestnut Nursery, said: “While plants and gardening remain at the heart of everything we do at Chestnut, we know our customers can’t resist edible treats, especially during the festive season, when so many people visit the nursery to buy our premium, UK-grown Nordmann Fir Christmas trees, which are now in stock.
“Not only will our new artisan food gift area support local suppliers of edible produce, but it will ensure Chestnut continues to thrive during the quieter season in the gardening calendar, when income is essential to maintain our horticultural therapy programme,” Andy added.
Staff, Team Members and volunteer Friends of the Nursery rallied to create the new food gift area in time for Chestnut’s first Black Friday event. Running from 28 November to 1 December, customers will be able to enjoy 10% off everything* at the nursery (*excluding Christmas trees and gift vouchers).
Chestnut has also significantly expanded its range of garden and plant-themed giftware, to cater for shoppers looking for Christmas presents for green-fingered friends and family.
Chestnut Nursery can be found at 75 Kingland Road, Poole BH15 1TN – open seven days a week (9am-4pm Monday to Saturday; 10am to 4pm Sunday) with free customer parking. www.chestnutnursery.org.uk