Robert Bolton Seed Production
Raising new varieties is a long and labour-intensive job. It takes about seven years to produce a new sweet pea and have it ready for introduction. Hand pollination requires a great deal of work. There were 40 to 50 new varieties being perfected at any one time. The goals were set before the initial crosses were made but there was always the chance of something new and unexpected appearing. Quality of the bloom and strength of growth were very important but the fragrance could not be forgotten.
Above Ruth Rawlingson nee Hardy working in one of the glass houses.
Above Robert Bolton and who are the two workers picking seed from autumn sown sweet peas in the fields at Finkle Green?
Above Mr. Malcolm Turton with sacks of harvested seed.
Above Mr. Ronald Coe checking the sweet pea thrasher devised by Mr. Robert Bolton.
Above Mr. Robert Bolton checks a variety being hand packet by Mrs. May Bunting. Packets contained 20 seeds except new introductions which contained 15. Half packets of some varieties were available for small gardens.
The office and packing department at New England.
Above sweet peas growing where the Purple Mango, Indian Restaurant and the empty garden centre stand today.
