Coolings has been growing for over 100 years, since 1913 to be exact and we are incredibly proud of our wonderful history as the name, synonymous with the gardening world, spans back over three generations and is still growing today!
From humble beginnings over a century ago, Coolings has grown into one of the UK’s most respected names in horticulture, now marking more than 110 years since our roots were first planted in Chislehurst in 1913.
Founded by 17-year-old Arthur Cooling (pictured above, ploughing near Belmont Lane Chislehurst in 1913), who began growing market garden crops as a part-time occupation, alongside his full-time job as a postman, the company has blossomed from a small pocket or rented land in Chislehurst into a four-site operation spread across Kent and Sussex.
After initially renting 3 acres of land in Chislehurst in 1913, to then purchasing a half acre of land, known as ‘Little Farm’ at the back of Chislehurst High Street in 1920 and building the first greenhouses, the business expanded when Arthur’s son, Michael, joined in 1955 to form Coolings Nurseries. That same year, they began selling gardening essentials like fertilisers and compost—ushering in what would become one of the UK’s first Garden Centres.
Innovations followed swiftly. From self-service bedding plant packs to colourful point-of-sale displays and in-house demonstrations, Coolings has long been a pioneer in the garden centre industry.
Though the original Chislehurst site was eventually sold in the late 1980s due to land constraints, Coolings relocated to a larger 14-acre site in Knockholt in 1990. Now known as The Gardener’s Garden Centre, this location remains the beating heart of the Coolings brand.
Expansion didn’t stop there. In 2004, Coolings added Coolings Lifestyle, a destination centre just over a mile from the main site. This eco-conscious retail hub offers everything from garden furniture and houseplants to gifts, artisan foods, and the much-loved Blueberry Café. It’s also home to the 6-acre Willows Birds of Prey and Wildlife Trail—a unique draw for families and nature lovers.
Further growth came in 2017 with the acquisition of The Potted Garden Nursery in Bearsted, Maidstone, a specialist site renowned for its Fern and Hosta collections, as well as a wide variety of herbaceous and climbing plants.
Then in 2019, Coolings welcomed Wych Cross Garden Centre in Ashdown Forest to its portfolio. Steeped in rose-growing history, Wych Cross is once again cultivating roses on-site, alongside an impressive array of top-quality plants. The site features the charming Hybrid Tea Room and the beautifully landscaped Pump Garden, open daily to the public.
Under the stewardship of the late Paul Cooling, grandson of founder Arthur, 75% of the company was sold to the staff in 2022, creating an Employee Ownership Trust. However, the business remains firmly rooted in family values and horticultural excellence.
From half an acre to four thriving destinations, Coolings’ journey reflects not only the evolution of the British garden centre but also a remarkable legacy of passion, innovation, and community.
You can read more about the Coolings history in the new Cuttings Spring & Summer 2025 magazine and on our History page here.
