A family-run garden centre is set to celebrate 100 years of trading in St Albans.

Carpenter's Nursery & Farm Shop - on St Albans Road, near Sandridge - will be hosting a celebration of its centenary this weekend (July 1 and July 2).

The centre was established in 1923 by Fred Carpenter Junior.

Herts Advertiser: One horse was used on the fields.One horse was used on the fields. (Image: Carpenter's Nursery)

Fred began by selling his goods from the side of St Albans Road, and by taking them to St Albans market.

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At the time, one horse was used on the fields, with all of the planting completed by hand.

Herts Advertiser: Planting methods have been passed down through the generations.Planting methods have been passed down through the generations. (Image: Carpenter's Nursery)

Today, the centre is run by Fred's great-grandson, James Carpenter.

Despite Carpenter's Nursery having increased in size considerably since then, plants are still planted by hand, using techniques that have been passed down through the generations.

Herts Advertiser: The nursery's last day at St Albans market.The nursery's last day at St Albans market. (Image: Carpenter's Nursery)

The fruits and vegetables produced on the grounds are sold in the farm shop on site.

Some are even used in the location's café 'The Potting Shed'.

Herts Advertiser: The Carpenter's Nursery van, in 1972.The Carpenter's Nursery van, in 1972. (Image: Carpenter's Nursery)

                                                                                            

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James Carpenter told The Herts Advertiser of his feelings now that the business has reached 100 years of trading: "I'm proud.

Herts Advertiser: The original shed, used by Fred Carpenter Jnr.The original shed, used by Fred Carpenter Jnr. (Image: Pearce Bates)

"I'm very proud that the business survives, continues to prosper and is popular.

"It's always great to find new customers coming to us, and to see returning customers that have been coming to us for decades.

Herts Advertiser: Carpenter's Nursery in Spring 1971.Carpenter's Nursery in Spring 1971. (Image: Carpenter's Nursery)

"We've got some customers that have been coming to us for 50 years!

"They've introduced their children to the business, and now they come with their grandchildren.

Herts Advertiser: Carpenter's Nursery & Farm Shop today.Carpenter's Nursery & Farm Shop today. (Image: Carpenter's Nursery)

"That sort of legacy and continuity is always nice, especially within the community."

James continued, speaking of what his great grandfather would think of the business today: "I think he would be blown away by the progress!

Herts Advertiser: James Carpenter, who now runs the nursery.James Carpenter, who now runs the nursery. (Image: Pearce Bates)

"Even my grandad, he passed away seven or eight years ago.

"It's a shame, I wish he was still around to see what we've achieved.

Herts Advertiser: Carpenter's Nursery and Farm Shop's café 'The Potting Shed'.Carpenter's Nursery and Farm Shop's café 'The Potting Shed'. (Image: Carpenter's Nursery)

"I think he was the one who had the foresight and the ambition to progress it the most in the early days.

"He worked very hard to make it a good business, and I feel like we've really used that as a launchpad to make it a great modern business.

Herts Advertiser: The centre sells its own grown fruit and vegetables.The centre sells its own grown fruit and vegetables. (Image: Carpenter's Nursery)

"He'd be very proud, I think, of what has been achieved by him, my uncle, my dad and myself.

"He'd be very pleased."

Herts Advertiser: Inside the Carpenter's Nursery farm shop.Inside the Carpenter's Nursery farm shop. (Image: Carpenter's Nursery)

A celebration featuring live music, drinks, food and the return of former staff will take place during the centre's opening hours this weekend.