Definition of nurseryman

The word "nurseryman" originated in the late 16th century in England, where it was used to refer to someone who raised and sold young plants, shrubs, and trees. These young plants were grown in "nurseries", which were small gardens where nurserymen cultivated their plant stock. The term "nursery" came from the Old French word "nurserie", which meant a place where something was nourished or cared for. Initially, nurserymen sold their plants locally for landscaping and gardening purposes. However, as the trade of plant introduction and exchange flourished, nurserymen began to sell their plants to botanical gardens and other nurseries, both locally and internationally. Some famous nurseries from this period include the Chelsea Physic Garden in London and the Berry Lynton Nursery in Devon, which was renowned for its orchid hybrids. During the 18th and 19th centuries, the role of nurserymen expanded to include the development of new plant varieties through selective breeding, grafting, and propagation. These new varieties were then sold to commercial growers, as well as to amateur gardeners. Today, nurserymen can specialize in different types of plants, such as flowers, vegetables, or landscaping plants, and many also offer garden design, consultancy, and landscaping services. In summary, the word "nurseryman" originated during the late 16th century and referred to someone who raised and sold young plants in nurseries. Over time, the role of nurserymen expanded to include plant propagation, breeding, and the development of new plant varieties, leading to the modern profession of nursery owner and gardening expert.