Philip Nieuwoudt is the brains and brilliance behind Devon’s most pioneering tree nursery New Wood Trees, and visitors to Toby’s Garden Festival 2025 will be able to learn the tricks of his trade from the man himself as Philip will be speaking at the Fest in Saturday the 3rd of May. 

Specialising in multi-stem trees and shrubs that, over years, are pruned and shaped into beautifully sculpted specimens, his plants are the preferred choice of Chelsea Flower Show designers and gardeners wanting instant impact. Philip is a huge advocate for choosing trees that will thrive in the surroundings they are planted in. He is on a mission to educate people on how to find varieties that will flourish with minimal effort – working with them and the land they are given rather than fighting to keep trees in good health when they’re simply not suited to their surroundings.

In his talk, Philip will explore the thought process behind choosing the right trees for your garden – focusing on hardy, British grown species. Learn how to select trees suited to our climate and environment, ensuring a beautiful, resilient garden that brings joy through every season. Learn how to stop battling with high-maintenance trees and start planting for success.

We’re also delighted that New Wood Trees are a Festival sponsor as we love what they do. Here’s why…

The nursery is situated in the village of Stoke Gabriel which is just outside the historic town of Totnes, and covers approximately 80 acres. Being in a micro-climate, the area is very favourable to growing trees, with lots of rain and plenty of sunshine, perfect for a field grown tree nursery.

The trees are small to medium in size and are suitable for most urban gardens and larger estates. They focus on varieties which do not become too large at maturity, as most gardens do not have the space for very large trees. Therefore they concentrate on varieties such as Crab Apples (Malus spp.) and June Berry (Amelanchier lamarckii), to name but a few, and the full range can be found on their website www.newwoodtrees.co.uk

New Wood only sell what they grow and do not source trees from places such as southern Europe, as some of these varieties will not thrive in the northern hemisphere. They believe their trees are better suited to the British climate having been grown in the ground in Devon.

They are a peat free nursery with sustainability at the forefront of everything they do.

They encourage customers to visit the nursery to choose their own trees, as photographs cannot beat the nursery experience and seeing the trees growing in the ground.

Contact them to make an appointment to visit the nursery at www.newwoodtrees.co.uk