In the first of what we hope will be many posts to share with you, I thought it only appropriate to explain a little more about what makes our trees, plants and fruits so special. Founder Will Sibley, in his 70th year no less, has been learning about and caring for plants and trees since leaving school. A master grafter and nurseryman, Will rose to the very top of the industry as Chair of the East Malling Trust and Master of the Worshipful Company of Fruiterers. He has travelled the world discovering and learning about his trade and the secrets and flavours it brings. As important as learning the growing trade has been the relationships Will has cultivated. Not only the nurserymen and women, grafters, but also the cooks, chefs, gourmands, sommeliers and mixologists who recognise the flavours and aromas our plants bring.
We have identified, cared for and grown all the plants we sell with flavour and aroma in mind. All the plants are tried and tested and have been cared for by hand for years before they reach you, and have been proven to grow on well in a home environment for years after. We can only offer what is perfectly ready; some of our plants will have been growing in the nursery for 2 years before they are ready for sale, others like the Citrus, are 4 years old before we consider them ready. Typically, each potted tree will have been tended to by hand more than 40 times in the nursery.
Future posts here will feature individual products and recommendations for how to incorporate them in your daily life. Whether it be design tips from leading interior designers, suggestions for cocktails featuring the fruits of your labour (and ours), recipes and ideas developed by us or pointers to how some of our chef friends make the most of your flavours, we hope they will bring some simple pleasures to your home or office.
