Originally a slate quarry, the site was used for forest tree production in the late 1960s. It started to sell plants to the public in 1974 and since then has gone on to become one of the largest and most well-respected nurseries in the South West.

The Nursery is part of the Duchy of Cornwall Estate and is situated in the beautiful Fowey River valley a mile from the ancient medieval capital of Cornwall, Lostwithiel. Nearby are the impressive remains of the 13th-century Restormel Castle, once owned by Edward the Black Prince the first Duke of Cornwall, which is within walking distance of the Nursery.

The Duchy of Cornwall is a private estate which funds the public, charitable and private activities of the Prince of Wales and his family. The Duchy consists of around 54,521 hectares of land in 23 counties, mostly in the South West of England.

The current Duke of Cornwall, HRH The Prince of Wales, is actively involved in running the Duchy and his philosophy is to improve the estate and pass it on in a stronger and better condition.