Daydawn Nurseries was originally started in the 50′s by John Barnett and his father Bill on an allotment as a part-time hobby. After a few years of growing success, John & his wife Muriel purchased a strip of land in Bisley which was known as Daydawn. They kept the name and later moved to a larger site in Clews Lane, Bisley, where in 1962 the company became limited.

With their love for roses and attention to detail, they became one of the largest rose growers in the country, selling roses to the War Graves Commission throughout Europe and as far afield as Canada.

Their two sons Gez and Ray followed into their footsteps.  Gez trained in shrub propagation at Waterers Nursery and also Hillier’s, and Ray, their youngest, went to Waterers Nursery to learn all about trees. In 1975 they moved to the present site at Chobham, where Ray and his wife Jackie continue the family tradition.

Sadly, roses had gone out of fashion during the millennium and even though Daydawn is still supplying some, these are no longer grown on site.

These days, the nursery is specialising in hardy shrubs, all of them grown and overwintered in the UK. Ray says; ‘Our shrubs are mainly grown outside, to ensure that they are hardy.  They are only brought undercover to protect the young growth.  We aim to grow strong, full plants with a healthy root system.’