Researched by Heritage Advisory Group
In 1869 a visitor inspected the new nursery in St David’s parish. He wrote: ‘I meandered back to the old city and the Queen Street ward to Mr Veitch’s nursery, which has risen, as if by magic, in these last few years, or rather months, and which is open to all respectable comers… What keen insight into Nature’s secrets, and an enterprising spirit, can do, are abundantly manifested at Mr Veitch’s Nursery.
The approach from Queen Street Road is pretty and imposing. Through an avenue of rhododendrons to the conservatories, the visitor walks. The central house is a compendious Crystal Palace. As one enters it, an exclamation of surprise and delight will be sure to escape the lips of any man who is penetrated by a sense of the beautiful. The roof is covered with two fine creeping plants that hang out their richly-coloured blossoms in great profusion. The little forest of azaleas which the Crystal Palace in question contains has been the most attractive feature during the last few days.
The blossoms glow with a radiance that streams upon the eyes of the beholder like a flood of glory. I am not learned in the names of flowers, which are of a very crack-jaw character, as a rule. I wish they would give simple English names, as well as bastard Latin names (if they must have these) to plants.
I see before me Chelsoni delecta, the Duke of Devonshire, and many other beautiful specimens, which are far too numerous to mention, including a new seedling white azalea, which by good judges is considered to be the best of its class. The Costa Rica coral plant strikes me with wonder, as it stands there proudly exhibiting its banner, and inviting the lover the beautiful to come and admire it.
Look yonder, scrutinising visitor, at the beautiful pitcher plant – Nepenthes Hookeri. It is prodigal of pitchers, having no less than a dozen on it. No doubt they are all filled with nectar; but of this I am not certain. Of the primulas, rhododendrons and cinerarias, of the orchids and the ferns, together with a thousand and one other lovely flowers and plants, I have not the space to write, but I would strongly recommend my fellow citizens and fellow Devonians to lose no time in spending, and even one whole day in visiting this superb nursery, as well as that of Mr Pince.’