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It all
started in 1864 when William McKenzie Ross I
started the business from a hobby when his
twenty year business as a draper failed.
In his home on Park Avenue he grew all kinds
of flowers and shrubs as a hobby.
Shortly after starting the business he
purchased 15 acres of land at what was then
No. 10 County Road, which is the current
site on Charing Cross Road. After his
death in 1890 his two sons, William McKenzie
Ross II and Charles continued to operated
the business. When Charlie got married
the business was split: Charlie
operated the nursery and William II operated
the flower business. In 1912 William
II passed away and the business came into
the hands of his son, William McKenzie Ross
III. Of course the growth of the
automobile's popularity caused the business
to change and grow dramatically during this
period. After his discharge from the
army in 1945, William McKenzie Ross IV
started working with his dad and would
eventually take over the business.
Today the business is run by William
McKenzie Ross V, and his son William
McKenzie Ross VI. |
