About Us
Founded in 1914, Les Halman Nurseries remains a family business today
Specialising in garden plants to the trade only.
In continuing to expand and grow the business, our aim is to embrace modern technology and growing techniques whilst sticking closely to our family’s historical values of quality, service and value.
Our Services Today
The business was built by Les & Mavis Halman and is now run by Stuart & Gill Halman. We provide Bedding Plants and Christmas Wreaths to Garden Centres, Local Authorities and Landscapers throughout the UK.
Our Heritage
Established in 1914 by Fred and Emma Halman, who grew vegetables and flowers around the year, selling their crops in Manchester Smithfield Market.
Our History
Below is our heritage which has made Les Halman Nurseries successful right to present day.
1887
Stuart’s Great-Great Grandparents began market gardening in the 1880s. They had 9 children, all involved in Horticulture.
1914
Stuart’s Great-Grandparents (Fred & Emma) started the business in Wythenshawe, Manchester. Originally growing a wide range of flowers and general garden crop including Rhubarb, Brussel Sprouts, Cabbage Lettuce, Spring Onions and Beetroot.
-1946
Emma Halman sold all the produce, including a a range of bunched flowers, on Manchester’s Smithfield Market. It was all transported to the City on a horse drawn cart. Fred and Emma were the first market gardeners in the area to own a motor lorry, bought in 1924 at a cost of £140.
1947 to 1971
Following WW2, Stuart’s grandfather took over the business and moved to the present nursery at Lower Peover in 1950; at that time a green field site. After years of struggle he turned poor, heavy soil, into a successful market garden. Produce was still mostly sold on our own stall at Manchester Wholesale Market.
1972
Having gained the N.D.H. (now Master of Horticulture R.H.S.), Les, with his wife Mavis, took over the business. Les & Mavis decided to specialise in garden plants and cut flower chrysanthemums. Eventually the growing of chrysanthemums was dropped and the nursery specialised in garden plant production.
1995
Les and Mavis’s son Stuart completed a B.T.E.C. National Diploma in Glasshouse Production and Management at the Welsh College of Horticulture and came to work full-time on the nursery. At this time investment in transplant machinery was made.
2006
Stuart & Gill were married and Gill then joined the company, taking on a full time role in sales and marketing.
The future
The family run nursery continues to flourish to this day and we continue to expand and develop our range of product and the technologies that sit behind them.
