Apples, Pears and Fruit Bushes
In 2022, Selby Garden Centre is a destination for the community to buy a wide range of gardening needs, as well as indulge in a cuppa and food.
From 1921, it was a destination for people to visit and learn about fruit culture.
The land was part of the former Osgodby Estate, and on 2 June 1920 was purchased by East Riding County Council as part of an Estate of 367 acres at a cost of £14,815, or £40 6s 2d per acre.
The four-acre plot, together with house and buildings, was let to the Yorkshire Council for Agricultural Education as a “Demonstrational Fruit Centre” in connection with the University of Leeds. The land was planted in April 1921 with fruit bushes, and apple and pear trees.
By 1928, the plot was occupying 9 acres and fully equipped with the metrological station to monitor the influence of weather on certain crops.
One of the first Managers was Mr Percy Cragg, and from 1931 Mr F Potts. Mr Potts had previously been Assistant Manager.
With funding cuts, the University of Leeds transferred operations to Askham Bryan. In 1942 Jan Maarsen had taken out a tenancy agreement with East Riding County Council for the small holding