Faffing with Flowers: The family-owned Yorkshire garden centre inviting people in for a cuppa

Kate O'Toole tends to the flower beds at Beardsworths Nurseries in Cleckheaton, photographed for the Yorkshire Post by Tony Johnson. The nursery is co-hosting the Faffing with Flowers at the Farm event

Published 2nd Sep 2023, 00:00 GMT

His family’s business in and around Cleckheaton has operated for 40 years or more and is currently on a high with its love of all things horticulture seemingly knowing no bounds.

It has now linked up with a Sowerby Bridge-based florist Meryl Clarke to stage an event called Faffing with Flowers.

The next is being held today (Sep 2) where people are invited for a relaxed and gentle morning where they can wander the flower beds, enjoy a cup or coffee or tea and have a natter.

It is held at Yorkshire Flower Farm 819 Halifax Road, Cleckheaton.

Matthew said: “We had a wonderful morning when we had this event last time, surrounded by flowers, foliage and blooms.

“There will be blooms cut and conditioned for you to make your perfect arrangement to take home, Meryl will be on hand to guide you.

"Bring a vase if you wish or gather into your hand for a hand tie, whatever you choose we guarantee a wonderful, informal and carefree flower filled time.”

Beardsworth’s was set up by Matthew’s father Bill who is still actively involved.

“We have diversified a little,” said Matthew. “We began as landscapers and we have broadened out now.”

The business now includes a traditional garden centre, a nursery and a tree and shrub business which supplies the likes of housebuilders and service stations.

“The traditional market is for older people who are the keenest gardeners,” said Matthew.

“But younger people who have just moved house want to get into gardening too.

“And lockdown helped in a way because people were confined to their homes and decided to take it up as a hobby.

“The internet makes a big difference. People come to us having already done the research so they know what they want. It helps in a way.

“People now want an English cottage garden whereas a few years ago they were into Japanese horticulture. Things change in the gardening world but not at a great pace.”

The business has a large wholesale nursery growing hardy trees, shrubs, perennials and hedging.

The garden centre is located near Junction 26 of the M62 near to Leeds, Bradford, Huddersfield and Halifax.

It grows an ever-increasing range of hardy nursery stock and trees to supply the landscape trade, local authorities, golf clubs, voluntary bodies and schools.

There is also a garden centre and wholesale cash and carry situated at its main nursery at Whitehall Road, Cleckheaton.

For more details on Faffing with Flowers, visit the Beardsworth website at https://beardsworths.co.uk/.