Our History

Bought as an extension to the nursery in 1951 the woodland walks were an old and derelict gravel pit.

All the early plantings were made by Mr Douglas Lowndes, including many rare trees and shrubs, camellias, rhododendrons azaleas, heathers and many more unusual ericaceae.

The nursery itself was bought around 1934 from a lady who grew drought resistant plants and sold them in small pots for one penny each. Her name was Marcia Ashley-Corbett, hence the name MacPennys.

Mr Lowndes continued to grow alpines and herbaceous plants until the War when he changed to growing vegetables and other produce for the War Effort. The area has since increased from 5 to 1 17.5 acres - all currently under production. Many rare and unusual shrubs, woody and herbaceous plants are still grown there and can be purchased from the Sales Office.

MacPennys is also the home of the original MacPenny Long Life Label, which is still made on the premises and sold around the world. Naturally, it is also available from MacPennys.

Since 1977 MacPennys has been owned and run by the late Douglas Lownde's son and his wife, Tim and Vivien.

The great storms of January 1990 caused much damage and many of the large euchryphias and embothreums were destroyed and have since been replanted.