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Bearded Botanist gets birthday wish by taking over nurseries in Stratford




HE’S known as The Bearded Botanist – that’s even the name of his company – and he’s now fulfilled his lifelong dream of running his own nursery.

On his 30th birthday on 2nd January this year Jordan Weston got the keys to Paddock Nurseries and Interiors in Luddington Road on the outskirts of Stratford, and he’s as proud as a peacock.

Jordan told the Herald that he has big plans for the six-acre nursery and Christmas tree farm which has been operating for the past 38 years or so.

“I’m thrilled at the opportunity to keep it going, put my stamp on it and continue offering the warm welcome and community feel it has – as well as lots of gorgeous plants of course,” he said.

“This has been a dream of mine for 20 years and I can’t wait to see what my future holds here in Stratford.

Jordan Weston has established Weston's at Paddock Nurseries and Interiors as he prepares the established site on the Luddington Road for spring. Photo: Mark Williamson
Jordan Weston has established Weston's at Paddock Nurseries and Interiors as he prepares the established site on the Luddington Road for spring. Photo: Mark Williamson

“Historically I’ve worked in all aspects of horticulture, most recently starting up The Bearded Botanist Ltd, which consisted of planting design and plant supply, event floristry and styling, workshops, British-grown cut flowers and horticultural consultancy for other nurseries and garden centres.”

Jordan’s proudest achievement – apart from taking on Paddock Nurseries – was winning gold for his show garden at BBC Gardeners World Live 2022 at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in Birmingham.

He currently lives in Brierley Hill but is thinking of moving to Stratford once things settle down a bit.

But how did he become involved with Paddock Nurseries? “I’ve always wanted a nursery and I always worked in nurseries or garden centres,” he said. “Lucy Bravington, the local garden designer, is a friend of mine and her aunt ran it.”

Jordan heard that Lucy’s aunt wanted to retire, so he made a beeline for the business.

“I want to make it like it was when it was first set up and booming, and build up a community spirit so more and more people want to come here,” he said.

“It’s been here for 38 years and lots of work needs to be done. A lot of repair work and clearing needs doing.

“It’s very quaint and unique and has got a personality of its own – rather than like modern ones which are a bit like supermarkets.”

The site – which is rented from a farmer – consists of four acres of Christmas tree fields and two acres of production space for growing plants, shrubs and perennials, including an area set aside for British-grown cut flowers.



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