Draft:Frank P Matthews

Overview

An aerial view of the Frank P Matthews Nursery

Frank P Matthews is a renowned UK nursery specialising in the production of high-quality fruit and ornamental trees. Established in 1901, the nursery has grown to become one of the leading suppliers in the horticultural industry, known for its innovation, sustainability, and extensive range of plant varieties..

History

The nursery was established by Frank P Matthews founded on £800 borrowed money from an uncle and six acres of rented land, the nursery began in aptly named Cherry Lane in Harlington, Middlesex. Mr Matthews was born in 1878, and left school in 1894. He trained with some of the leading nurserymen of his day.

A period photograph of Frank P Matthews.

During the wars, the nursery land at Harlington was turned into growing vegetables as part of the war effort. There were limited number of fruit trees allowed to be grown to enable stock to be retained for the future. Frank Matthews gained a reputation for good quality fruit trees. His customers were primarily commercial fruit growers but also other nurseries were selling on his trees directly to the public. He also grew roses and had a passion for them throughout his lifetime.

In 1950 Frank P Matthews retired. He passed the nursery to his son-in-law Andrew Dunn who took on the leadership role supported by Frank P Matthew’s daughter.

A scale map of the nursery at Harlington circa 1950s

1956 The business was found to be occupying land needed for the development of a new road network near Heathrow. The present site in Worcestershire on the banks of the River Teme was found.

In the 1960's the range extended to include ornamental trees as well as fruit. A limited range including Malus and Prunus sold as two and three year old bare root trees. The business then expanded into other ornamental trees in the late 1970s which expanded even more when container trees became a larger part of the business. The building of the first cold store for rootstocks was also built this year.

The first mother orchard was planted in 1969, prior to that all propagation material was carefully selected from saleable nursery trees. The importance of the first mother orchard coincided with the first ‘virus free’ fruit tree stock (including rootstocks) created at East Malling and Long Ashton research stations under the EMLA scheme. The field which is now part of the nursery rotation is called Old Emla.

In 1974 Nick Dunn joined the team alongside his father Andrew Dunn. Andrew never really retired, he carried on making a valuable contribution both on the nursery and as a mentor until he died at the age of 91 in November 2007. Thereafter Nick took the reins and has continued to develop the business.

A period photograph of the nursery at Tenbury Wells,1956

In the 1980s Frank P Matthews became a major rootstock producer and exported virus free rootstocks. Apart from Europe the business also exports to Pakistan, Afghanistan, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Japan and Kosovo.

In 1990 the cider industry had the second wave of expansion of bush orchards to supply the major cider companies (the first was during the 1970s). The nursery were producing up to 80,000 trees a year during this time.

In 2001 Frank P Matthews ltd. reaches 100 years of business. It also produced the first publication ‘Tree Guide for Gardens’ and the ‘Trees for Life’ trade mark was registered no 2408797 (EU).

Frank P Matthews employees celebrate 100 years of business

During the early 2000's the business expanded and modernised. The number of trees produced at any one time on the nursery went over 500,000. The Frank P Matthews Tree Shop opened as a fully operational enterprise alongside the wholesale nursery operation, providing a range of trees supplied from the nursery. Nick Dunn’s daughter, Stephanie James joined the business taking it into it’s fourth generation alongside her husband, Charles James.

In 2017 Nick Dunn received the RHS's highest honour award, the Victoria Medal of Honour (VMH). Nick has been awarded this medal for his service to the horticultural industry and over 40 years working for and running Frank P Matthews. Nick’s father, Andrew Dunn also received this award in 2003.

Notable Tree Varieties

Frank P Matthews, has a long history of cultivating award-winning tree varieties celebrated for their beauty, resilience, and fruit quality. Here are some of their most notable varieties:

Prunus ‘Starlight’

Prunus ‘Starlight’

Prunus ‘Starlight’ is a remarkable ornamental cherry tree that brings a touch of elegance and beauty to any garden. Renowned for its stunning display of pure white blossoms, this tree blooms prolifically in the spring, creating a dazzling contrast against its dark, glossy foliage. The upright growth habit of Prunus ‘Starlight’ makes it an excellent choice for smaller gardens or as a standout feature in larger landscapes. Its blossoms not only add visual appeal but also attract pollinators, supporting local biodiversity. Additionally, Prunus ‘Starlight’ is prized for its disease resistance and low maintenance requirements, ensuring it remains a vibrant and healthy addition to your garden with minimal effort. In 2024 Prunus Starlight was awarded RHS Plant of the Year at the Chelsea Flower Show.

Apple ‘Peter’s Gold’

Apple ‘Peter’s Gold’ is an exceptional apple variety, discovered by the esteemed horticulturist Peter Seabrook. This apple is distinguished by its striking yellow-green skin with a golden blush, making it a visually appealing addition to any orchard. Beyond its attractive appearance, ‘Peter’s Gold’ is celebrated for its sweet, juicy, and crisp flesh, offering a delightful eating experience. One of its standout features is its excellent storage capability; the apples retain their quality and flavour well into the winter months, making them a practical choice for long-term use. Hardy and reliable, ‘Peter’s Gold’ thrives in various climates and conditions, ensuring a bountiful harvest of high-quality fruit season after season. This variety not only honors the legacy of its discoverer but also provides a delicious and aesthetically pleasing option for apple enthusiasts. Awarded Platinum at Gardeners World Live 2024.

Malus ‘Aros’

Malus ‘Aros’ is a striking ornamental crabapple tree known for its deep purple foliage and vibrant red fruit, which provide a stunning contrast and add dramatic colour to any garden. This compact tree is perfect for smaller spaces and urban gardens, bringing year-round interest with its evolving seasonal beauty. In spring, Malus ‘Aros’ bursts into life with an array of delicate pink blossoms, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. As the flowers give way to small, glossy red apples, the tree continues to offer visual appeal and serves as a valuable food source for birds and other wildlife into the winter months. Highly resilient and adaptable, Malus ‘Aros’ thrives in a variety of soil types and is resistant to common diseases, making it a low-maintenance yet impactful choice for gardeners looking to enhance their landscape with both ornamental and ecological benefits. Awarded best in show at the 2018 National Plant Show.

Apple ‘Rosette’

Apple ‘Rosette’ is an exceptional apple variety renowned for its unique pink-fleshed fruit, which sets it apart from more common white-fleshed apples. This visually striking fruit features a blend of red and yellow skin, revealing a beautiful pink interior when sliced open. The flesh is crisp, juicy, and offers a balanced sweetness with a hint of tartness, making it perfect for fresh eating and versatile in culinary applications. Hardy and adaptable, Apple ‘Rosette’ thrives in various climates and is relatively resistant to common diseases, making it an excellent choice for home gardeners and commercial growers alike. This variety not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of any orchard but also supports local biodiversity by attracting pollinators with its blossoms.

Laburnum ‘Yellow Rocket’

Laburnum ‘Yellow Rocket’ is a striking ornamental tree renowned for its vibrant, golden-yellow flower clusters that cascade gracefully in long, showy racemes during late spring and early summer. These bright, eye-catching blooms make a stunning visual impact, creating a lively and cheerful atmosphere in any garden. The tree's compact, upright growth habit makes it suitable for smaller gardens or as a standout feature in larger landscapes. Additionally, Laburnum ‘Yellow Rocket’ is hardy and adaptable, thriving in a variety of soil types and conditions, with minimal maintenance requirements. This combination of beauty and resilience makes it a popular choice for gardeners looking to add a burst of colour and elegance to their outdoor spaces. Awarded 'Best in Show' at the 2018 National Plant Show.

Prunus ‘Crystal Falls’

Prunus ‘Crystal Falls’ is a beautiful ornamental cherry tree that adds elegance to any garden. Its weeping branches are covered in stunning white blossoms in early spring, creating a waterfall effect. Throughout the year, it offers lush green foliage in summer and warm golden leaves in autumn. This hardy tree thrives in well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade, making it a versatile choice for many gardens. Easy to care for and visually striking, Prunus ‘Crystal Falls’ is perfect for adding a touch of beauty to your outdoor space. Awarded Gold at the 2024 National Plant Show