FAQ
Why is the company named Johnsons when there are no owners of that name?
Mr Johnson started the company in 1921 and sold the Limited Company of that name to the Richardson family in 1964, by whom it is still wholly owned. See company history elsewhere on this web-site.
When does the bare-root season commence and finish?
There is some variation to the start of the season according to species. In general, roses, many shrubs and hedging plants can be moved with confidence from mid October. Rhododendrons/Taxus from late September, and trees from early November. The bare root season finishes when plants are beginning to make significant growth from late March to mid April, subject to species.
You have ISO 9001 and ISO 14001, what does this mean?
ISO 9001 implies that we are externally audited to an international quality standard which will ensure that the customer receives goods to their specification, and ISO 14001 implies that we have been externally audited and achieved an international standard of environmental acceptance. Quality and Environmental Policies are both available on the web site.
Do you carry plants out of season?
With a very wide range of plants in containers and large numbers of field grown plants we can supply most of our range of plants at all times of the year. If in doubt, please ask!
Do you open at weekends and public holidays?
We are an entirely wholesale nursery and close during the weekend and public holidays. The Whixley Plant Centre is open every Saturday from 8am till 12pm.
Do you list plant prices on the web?
No, we do not quote prices due to changes in availability and season. Please enquire at Cash and Carry or with your area sales representative for your specific requirements.
What are your opening hours?
The Wholesale Plant Centre is open from 08:00 until 16.30 and from 08.00 to 12.00 on Saturday. Closed Sunday. The despatch nursery is open from 08.00 to 5.00 but is closed on Saturday and Sunday other than by appointment.
Where is Whixley?
Whixley is a small village just off the A59 between Harrogate and York. The main nursery is not in the village. Please see specific location details elsewhere on the website. If you're planning a visit using sat nav key in postcode YO26 8DS
Do you stock horticultural sundries?
We stock a number of planting aids such as tree stakes and ties, rabbit guards, compost, mulch, and some protective equipment such as boots and gloves.
Who do I ask about delivery or collection dates for my order?
Call Stephen Briggs in Operations (01423 332348) who should have the answer!
How long will it take to collate my order?
Stock is available for immediate collection from the cash and carry outlets. For larger orders with a range of species, we require a minimum of two days in order to collect stock from our different production units.
Will the Wholesale Plant Centre put my order together ready for collection?
Yes, but there will be a handling charge of 10% for this service, and the consignment will be invoiced if not collected within 14 days.
Can I reserve plants?
Yes, you may reserve plants which will then be set aside.
Can I bring my customer to see your stock?
Yes you may, but you must provide an escort. We cannot show your customer our plants on your behalf, nor can we accept instructions from your customer to provide plants and charge them to your account.
How do I place an order?
You can either
a) visit the cash and carry units and place a verbal order or self select;
b) telephone cash and carry and reserve stock for later collection;
c) send a written order to cash and carry
d) for larger orders, write to or telephone your regional sales representative at the Whixley office.
Contact can be by telephone, Fax, e-mail or post.
May I inspect your production nurseries?
Yes, certainly, but it must be by appointment as we have production sites spread over a wide area of North Yorkshire, and there must be a justifiable reason for inspection.
How do I register?
Simply complete the Trade Application Form here on the website and send or bring it to the Johnsons Xpress Wholesale Plant Centre nearest to you, together with proof of trade status, or apply directly through our head office.
Do I qualify as a trade/wholesale customer?
As a wholesale nursery we only deal with companies or individuals who are buying plants as part of their business activity. We do not deal direct with private individuals who require plants for their own private gardens.
Can I use my customer's personal cheque in payment for purchases?
No, cheques will only be accepted in the names of approved trade customers. In this situation we would accept payment by your clients credit card.
Do you require a deposit against an order?
Orders for delivery to a customer who does not have a current credit account must be paid for in full before delivery by either credit card or by cheque, which must have cleared before delivery. Where, at the plant centres, we have to purchase big unusual stock, we will require a payment of 50% of the invoice value prior to us ordering the stock.
What charge will be made for delivery?
Delivery charges will depend on size of order and delivery address. To ask for specific charges talk to your sales contact.
Do you offer discounts for bulk orders?
Volume discounts may be available subject to the overall size of an order, the annual customer spend, and occasional special offers.
How do I open a credit account?
Credit accounts are available to those customers who believe they will purchase in excess of £2000 per year on an ongoing basis. Please download and complete the credit application form from the website if appropriate. Remember, it may take a few days to process.
How do I pay?
We accept payment by cash or credit card for Wholesale Plant Centre purchases. Cheques are accepted in payment of credit accounts.
What kind of transport will I need for collection?
Vans will accommodate the majority of container plants other than large specimens. Small trees will also fit in vans. Weight can be a problem. A rough calculation is that a 3 litre container weighs 3 Kilos etc., but this can vary due to recent rainfall or watering. Trees and big containers will need a pick-up truck or lorry depending on size. It is essential that you have adequate protective sheeting and ropes for open vehicles.
Will your delivery staff unload and place plants where required?
Our driver will not unload. It is the customer's responsibility to have the appropriate unloading equipment to comply with Health and Safety regulations and prevent damage to the plants and the vehicle.
I am a landscaper, are your vehicles fitted with pump trucks and tail lifts?
Not all of the delivery vehicles are so equipped. Some of the vehicles are equipped with this facility. Please ask your sales person if you require this facility. Please be aware that asking for this facility might slightly delay your delivery.
I am a landscaper, how will my order be delivered?
Our delivery vehicles can be up to 18m in length, and will almost certainly be articulated. Please ensure you can accommodate this size of vehicle. A range of smaller vehicles are available with advance notice, please highlight to your sales person that you need a smaller vehicle. If your order contains container plants, they will be delivered in wooded crates, cardboard boxes or metal stillages, please ensure that you have suitable lifting equipment available. If you order trees they will be loose loaded on the vehicle. With the bigger tree sizes it is essential that you have suitable lifting equipment.
I am a garden centre, how will my order be delivered?
Our delivery vehicles can be up to 18m in length, and will almost certainly be articulated. Please ensure you can accommodate this size of vehicle. Smaller vehicles are available with advance notice, please ask your sales person.
Garden Centre deliveries will be on CC trolleys and the delivery vehicle will have a tail lift fitted. The driver will expect to swap the correct number of tagged empty trolleys and shelves.
Can you deliver?
We can, to anywhere in Europe. Please ask your sales contact for delivery terms.
Do you provide a planting service?
No, we are growers of plants and do not offer subsequent services
Do you supply plants in peat-free compost ?
Some plants we do, but the majority of trees and shrubs do not succeed in peat free compost after the first few months, as the compost continues to slowly decay, which in turn increases the density and reduces the aeration of the compost. We continue to be actively involved in trials of peat free and peat reduced compost in an effort to improve the consistency, and we are pleased to say that our standard compost now contains 40% non peat ingredients.
If I need specific horticultural advice who should I contact?
Telephone the number in the above query and ask to speak to a person able to provide horticultural comment. PLEASE NOTE: Johnsons of Whixley Ltd do not employ Landscape Architects and we have neither landscape design nor plant pathology expertise. Any suggestions regarding plants and their suitability for specific sites or purposes are Without Prejudice.
If I need advice on plant availability, who should I contact?
The Wholesale Plant Centre staff at Chobham (01276 488184) and Whixley (01423 332324) will advise on plant availability. For national delivery telephone 01423 330234 and ask to speak to the sales person responsible for your region
If we have an order surplus, may we return plants?
Subject to our agreement, plants can be returned by the customer not more than three days after purchase, providing that they have not been damaged or specifically sourced for that order. A credit note, not cash, will be raised to cover 50% of the value of the returned plants plus collection costs. Our decision will not be negotiable.
May I hire plants for special events?
Certainly. Our wholesale plant centre can organise for you to hire the plants that are on display. Generally we invoice you for the value of goods and then credit a % back to you when the stock is returned.
Do you offer a comprehensive range of ornamental plants?
We are specialist growers of hardy outdoor plants ranging from trees to roses, shrubs, herbaceous, hedging, fruit trees and bushes, in sizes from seedlings to semi-mature trees. We obtain a wide range of additional plant species from specialist producers.
Do you grow your own plants or are they imported?
With over 30 hectares of containers and 100 hectares of field production we are one of the biggest nursery stock growers in the UK. Production is supplemented by purchases from the UK and imports from EU countries.
Can you obtain specific plants for me?
Certainly, but there may need to be an additional charge to cover the search process and the cost of handling individual plants.
Are plants guaranteed?
Unlike garden centres our pricing policy does not allow for free replacements. Individual losses are a hazard of buying a perishable commodity, and a percentage loss is usually allowed for by a wholesale purchaser. Where plants are unduly damaged prior to delivery or incorrectly named we will be pleased to offer replacements or a credit. We see our customers as professional gardeners who can distinguish between healthy and unhealthy plants on selection or delivery. We cannot accept claims for plant losses more than 7 days beyond the date of purchase/delivery.