Our Story at Clifton Nurseries
Inspiring Gardeners Since 1851
The story of Clifton Nurseries began in 1851 with the construction of the Clifton Villas houses surrounding "an ornamental garden and nursery ground". In 1880 the lease passed from the Brown family to Johannes Adam Krupp who started a thriving nursery business based from greenhouses and the "largest Palm House in London, bar Kew". His son Frederik took over the business in 1937 before deciding to sell up.
The enterprising Sydney Cohen bought the lease in 1944 and successfully built up the business, increasing the product range as seen in the old catalogues from 1947, now in our company archives. Under Mr Cohen’s able direction, Clifton Nurseries went from strength to strength – and in the mid 50s a successful Landscape division was founded. The influence of Clifton spread until the sudden demise of Mr Cohen in 1975 when the business was up for sale again.
In 1979 Lord Jacob Rothschild added Clifton Nurseries to his horticultural portfolio with ambitious plans. In 1986 a beautiful and award-winning shop was designed and built by Jeremy Dixon, followed a few years later by a spectacular new Palm House. The Managing Director, Mr Miller, further improved the name and reputation of Clifton Nurseries with multiple Chelsea Gold medals and by working with the likes of HRH The Prince of Wales, Cartier, Christies and Harpers & Queen. Ted Paulchowski took over as Managing Director in 2003, overseeing the modernisation and development of Clifton, with this role passing to Matthew Wilson in 2011.
A new chapter in the history of Clifton Nurseries began in the 21st century with changes of Managing Director and ownership; firstly to Gavin Jones Ltd in 2016 and then to new independent owners and directors in 2017. The addition of a second garden centre just outside Weybridge in Surrey spread the reach of Clifton Nurseries to Surrey and beyond.
In Spring 2025, the decision was made to close the Surrey site and focus the garden centre side of the business on the historic flagship site in Maida Vale – as well as continuing to focus on garden design, landscaping and maintenance in London, Surrey and the surrounding areas. Watch this space as the Clifton Nurseries story continues with its own unique style!
Clifton Nurseries Garden Centre
London, W9 2PH
0207 432 1867
Mon-Fri 9am - 5.30pm; Sat 9am - 7pm; Sun 10.30am - 4.30pm
Clifton Nurseries Garden Services
London, W9 2PX