Britain’s oldest rose farm, Cants of Colchester, will be shutting at the end of this month after being in business for over 250 years.
Established in 1765 and based on the old A134 between Colchester and Great Horkesley, the family-run firm has announced that it will be closing at the end of September.
Sending an email to its customers, the rose growers announced its “regretful closure” due to “quieter” times in the industry.
Roger Pawsey, a manager at the Nayland Road firm which is currently run by three siblings in their 80s, said it was “hard to face reality” as the rose business was making a loss.
He told the BBC that the style of modern houses has deeply affected the demand for roses as many people have “small or no gardens, without space for a rose”.
He added: “People are opting for colourful bedding plants instead.”
However, he added that age was also a factor as the directors’ children did not choose to join the family business, despite Mr Pawsey joining as soon as he left school.
A statement from the firm reads: “It is with regret to inform you that we will be closing our doors for the final time at the end of September.
“It has not been an easy decision to make, but business has become a lot quieter, and the directors are getting too long in the tooth to carry on.
“The rose industry is a difficult industry at the best of times, but where we are situated, with no passing trade and customer’s struggling to find us, these factors have had a big impact.
“Thank you to all of our loyal customers who have stayed with us and supported us over the years.”
The firm has sold a variety of products including flowers, plants, fertilizers and other gardening products.
Now, due to the upcoming closure, it will be holding a special closing down sale.
A spokesman added: “We have a small selection of roses left which can be purchased online or in our nursery.
“These have been in the pots for many months, so will need to be planted out very soon.
“We also have a selection of sundries on offer including Vitax products, sprays, flowerpots and terracotta and grey marble pots.
“If you are interested in any of the pots, please visit our nursery or contact us.”
