Succession troubles 'tragedy' for industry: The closure of alpine plants nursery Ingwersen signals an sector-wide challenge

摘要

A chapter of British gardening history ends next month when alpine plants nursery Ingwersen closes for good in what has been described as a "tragedy" for horticulture. Paul Ingwersen, 77, is retiring after a lifetime at the family firm - founded by his father Walter, in Gravetye, West Sussex, in 1927-and his two daughters do not want to take on the business. It did not sell as a going concern and is likely to be landscaped over, with the 16th-century house at the nursery becoming a weekend retreat for its probable buyer. Ingwersen is just one of many growers who have closed sites in recent years as lack of profitability, too much hard work and the rise of garden centres have made the industry less attractive to young people.