History of Orchard Park

During the late 1990’s, Ron & Sheila Clark of Park Farm, Gillingham, had established the Rare Breed Centre, Lagan Farm Shop and the children’s play area known as “The Funny Farm” on Shaftesbury Road Gillingham.  The Funny farm was around from the late 90’s to early 2002/3.  The land it occupied had been allocated as land for commercial and employment purposes, and so the Funny Farm closed down by 2003.

During this time, a joint venture partnership was established between Ron and Sheila Clark of Park Farm, and Sue and Richard Cumming from Milton Garden Plants.  They developed a concept and a plan was formed to build a new Garden Centre and Farm Shop.  Building started in November 2003 and the new business opened in October 2004 as Orchard Park.

Orchard Park has since been running successfully and has become a popular retail outlet serving the local community.  The Garden Centre has several popular ranges including the Farm Shop, Floristry, Outdoor Living and Landscaping, Fresh Food Café, and Plants and Plant Care products plus Gifts and Indoor Lifestyle.

Richard Cumming, Managing Director, has been involved in horticulture throughout most of his working life and with Milton Garden Plants, which he started with Sue Hardy in 1984.