The site of Giants Seat has been part of the local community for well over a century. In the early 1900s, the site was home to Margaret Barlow's Tea Room, where canal boat travellers would stop for tea and sandwiches. In 1926, Levi Lansdale transformed the property into a thriving nursery, growing tomatoes and chrysanthemums for Bolton Market, before passing it on to his son, Arthur. One of Authur’s employees was none other than James Kidd, who worked here from the age of 14 up until he bought the business in 1964. From then on, it was known as Giants Seat Nursery & Garden Centre. 

​

As the years went by, the nursery continued to evolve. A move into retail in the early 1980s marked an exciting new chapter, The main plants grown and sold at the beginning were alpines. Receiving stock from a relative’s garden, they cut and propagated them in the newly built glasshouse. They were able to expand by growing and selling alpines in a shorter time than they ever did previously selling for the wholesale market. This shift was pivotal in the evolution that brought us to the Giants Seat Nursery of today. 

​

Following James's passing in 2023, the Kidd family made the difficult decision to entrust the nursery to a new owner, sharing their passion, values and community spirit. Their hope is that Giants Seat Nursery will continue to thrive while staying true to the character. Today, we're proud to build on that wonderful legacy, embracing new ideas while keeping the heart of the nursery exactly where it's always been. As the Kidd family often said, "It's the heart that makes it."